When spending time at any of the historic thermal baths in Budapest, it’s important to come prepared with appropriate footwear. For hygiene and safety reasons, wearing proper bath shoes is required in all indoor communal areas and along the corridors. This rule applies across all major spas, including Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas, and Lukács Baths.
What Counts as Proper Bath Footwear?
Accepted footwear includes waterproof slippers, flip flops, rubber sandals, or clogs that are easy to clean and provide solid sole protection. These types of shoes are ideal for walking through wet areas and around pools, while helping reduce the spread of bacteria or slipping hazards.
Beach shoes or aqua shoes are also generally accepted, but only in the non-pool areas. Visitors are asked to remove them before stepping into any of the pools.
What to Avoid:
Footwear that is considered unsuitable includes:
- Sports sandals with straps (such as Teva-style)
- Fabric, suede, or leather shoes that can absorb water or degrade with use
- Street shoes or any kind of outdoor footwear
Shoes that may look like slippers but are made for walking outdoors can damage surfaces and carry in dirt. These are not allowed, even if they resemble poolside sandals.
Don’t Have the Right Footwear?
Some thermal baths sell basic slippers at the entrance, although availability may vary, and only limited sizes and designs are usually stocked. Bringing your own is the safest option—ideally a pair that’s only used at the bath for maximum cleanliness.
Recommended Footwear:
Waterproof slip-ons (open or closed toe)
EVA or rubber clogs (Crocs-style)
Pool-safe flip flops or slides
Quick Tips:
- Avoid fabric shoes that may absorb water and break down
- Keep a clean pair reserved for spa use only
- Remove all footwear before entering pools
Following the footwear policy helps ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone using the facilities. Whether visiting a grand historical bath or a smaller local spa, bringing the right shoes makes for a smoother, more enjoyable experience in Budapest’s world-famous thermal waters.
