The hot spa is the star of Budapest: the Hungarian capital’s thermal baths have made it one of the world’s best places to relax

Each week our holiday hero, Neil Simpson, delves into a great holiday theme and does all the legwork so you don’t have to. This week: thermal baths in Hungary.

City breaks in the middle of winter can be chilly, but it’s easy to warm up on a long weekend in Budapest, as historic thermal baths are among the city’s most popular attractions.

The thermal baths are fed by dozens of springs that flow out from under the city’s streets. Many are over 100 years old and have helped make the Hungarian capital one of the most established wellness centers in the world.

One of Budapest’s most iconic images: locals playing chess on waterproof boards at the Széchenyi Baths

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, and many stay open late, so you can relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Entry includes locker keys, and while some spas offer towel rentals, swimwear and often flip-flops and swim caps are required.

The most striking and memorable of Budapest’s wonderful spas are the Szechenyi Baths in the heart of the city park.

First opened in 1914, Szechenyi’s magnificent, golden Neo-Baroque buildings look like a royal palace or a scene from a fairy tale.

Deep within the complex are more than a dozen pools, saunas, steam rooms and treatment rooms. But the showstoppers are the three large outdoor swimming pools. Steam rises from the water throughout the winter, and fans say it’s especially magical when it’s snowing or raining. Don’t be surprised to see one of Budapest’s most famous images: locals playing chess on waterproof boards while taking a long, hot outdoor bath.

Or try one of the events that bring the spa up to date: spa parties (called SPParties) with DJs, light shows and dance music until the early hours. The next big one is on New Year’s Eve and tickets cost around £60.

Normal day entry is around £16, or you can buy cheaper tickets from 5pm until closing, usually 7-8pm.

Rudas Spa, Budapest’s second most famous thermal spa, recently opened a rooftop pool overlooking the Danube and the city skyline (photo)

Rudas Spa’s indoor pool is located upstairs. Entry from £14

The second of the city’s famous bathing complexes is the riverside Rudas Spa, where a 10 meter wide dome rises above the octagonal main pool.

This historic complex features a Turkish bath modeled after the Ottoman era and recently opened a rooftop pool overlooking the Danube and the city skyline.

While Rudas has always been popular with tourists, it is also a new favorite with more discerning locals. Entry from £14.

The 1918 Gellert Baths feature a mineral-rich indoor pool surrounded by rows of stone pillars (photo).

Art Nouveau Treasure: Entry to the Gellert Baths starts at £25

If you’re visiting Budapest soon, another must-see spa is the Gellert Baths, a green-and-blue Art Nouveau gem that was built in 1918 and will soon be closed for renovations.

Visit the historic complex while it’s still open (closing dates have yet to be confirmed) to relax in features like a mineral-rich indoor pool surrounded by rows of tall, carved stone pillars. Entry from €25.00.

Budapest also has a number of smaller, some more modern, thermal baths, although some are feared to have reduced opening hours this winter due to rising heating costs. Recommended spas are Dandar, Dagaly and Veli Bej Bad.

Getting to Budapest is easier than many expect.

Direct flights with Wizz Air, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways take 90 minutes from UK airports. Fares this winter start at around £66 return.

Packages include Jet2 flights from Birmingham plus three nights at the Continental Hotel with rooftop pool from £216 per person in January (jet2holidays.com).

Or book BA flights from Heathrow plus three nights at Boutique Hotel Budapest – close to the Danube and Gellert Spa – from £208 per person (ba.com).

For more information about Budapest’s spas and other city attractions, visit visithungary.com.