Review: Rudas Baths

While visiting Széchenyi Gyogyfürdo, Europe’s largest thermal bathing facility, is on many Budapest visitors’ lists, and a worthy detour, we can’t help but be drawn to another of the artsy Eastern European city’s thermal baths. Rudas Baths’ 21 hot springs are the prominent feature behind the 16th-century facility, which welcomes guests 14 and older. Traditional water massage treatments incorporate Swedish techniques, and handmade soap made with macadamia oil for ultra silky skin, is used to cleanse and soften the body. The domed space (built during the time of Ottoman rule) delivers self-care in an atmosphere that’s both calming and thought-provoking.