Budapest Day 5

On my last day in Budapest, I decided to dive in (literally) for the total Budapest experience, and went to the Szechenyi Baths, a huge bath complex located in the City Park. I purchased a ticket from my hotel, and took the metro there. When I got there I was given a rubberized wrist band that allowed me entry into the complex and my personal changing cabin. Although it locks, I went there with just the bare essentials, and left no valuables in the cabin. It was the first time I was without my passport the whole trip. I had not brought a bathing suit, so I rented a suit and towel, expecting a 1970's communist-era model, but I got what looked like a new black Speedo-type one piece that fit me perfectly. I was shown to my numbered cabin, changed into my suit, and made my way to the outdoor pools. Inside there are thermal baths, but I chose to use the outdoor heated pools which have some massage jets and chess. There was a group of men playing chess.

I stayed in the water for about an hour and a half. The warm water felt very relaxing after two weeks of travel. Then I got back to my cabin, changed, and returned my suit and towel for my deposit. All in all it went very smoothly. Its a pretty efficient system.

I had salad and goulash soup back at my hotel, and called it a night.