Why visit: thermal baths, drinking fountain
A Brief History of Lukács Baths
Tourists do not frequent the Lukács Baths (Lukács fürdő) as much as others in Budapest, as it is not as extravagant as the famous Gellért or Széchenyi. Nevertheless, Lukács has a great reputation among locals. Those cured have placed marble tablets in the courtyard to express their gratitude, with the oldest tablet dating back to 1898. When it opened in 1894, Lukács was the biggest and the most popular bath in Budapest. Besides those coming for cures, the Lukács was also a favorite meeting place among writers and artists, and it still remains popular in literary circles.
Facilities at the Lukács include a drinking fountain, with healing water that is helpful for stomach problems, gallbladder and kidney stones. The thermal water has been bottled since the turn of the century and distributed around the world. Look for green bottles labeled Szent Lukács (Saint Lucas).
Services at Lukács Baths
The Lukács has eight pools, five of which are thermal pools. The hot springs feeding the thermal pools are rich in calcium, magnesium, hydrogen-carbonate, sulfate and sodium, with a significant content of fluoride ions. The waters are recommended to cure degenerative illnesses of joints, chronic and semi-acute arthritis, spinal problems and post-injury healing. Trained instructors offer physiotherapy and a series of balneal therapies, like underwater gymnastics and weight bath.
Admission:
A day pass with a locker is HUF 2,800 during the week and HUF 2,900 on the weekends.
A day pass with a cabin is HUF 3,300 during the week and HUF 3,300 on the weekends.
A 30-minute aroma massage is HUF 4,000.
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunay: 6 am to 8 pm
Getting to Lukács Baths: Take Streetcars 4 or 6 to Margaret Bridge in Buda, then take Streetcar 17 to Lukács fürdő
