One of the most common practical questions travellers ask before visiting Szechenyi Baths in Budapest is about towels and towel rental options. Do you need to bring your own towel, or can you rent one on site? This topic frequently comes up on Budapest travel forums and among first-time visitors planning their Szechenyi Bath thermal experience. Understanding the towel policy in advance can help you pack smartly, avoid unnecessary stress or expenditure, and enjoy your time at the baths more comfortably.
The short answer is, no, unfortunately, you cannot rent a towel at Szechenyi Baths with standard bath entries, or even a bath robe, unless you buy the Palm House exclusive package with Towel & Bath Robe Rental or other premium services.
Can I rent a towel in Szechenyi Baths? Towel rental is currently only available with the exclusive Palm House package. Standard tickets do not include towel rental. Environmentally, we think it is best if you bring your own towel with yourself, e.g. a light weight microfibre towel. Another last minute solution is to buy a towel in the bath shop as a keepsake.
If you are on a tight budget, you can save some money – over €15 currently – on the towel purchase fee, by bringing your own towel (there are excellent lightweight towels made of microfibre, also sold in multiple shops in Budapest). However, if convenience is more important than a few forints, and you don’t want to stuff your handbag or rucksack for the complete walking tour in Budapest, you can hire a towel at Szechenyi Spa Baths as part of the Palm House Package (which is also packed with other add ons, like robe rental, slippers, cap, cocktail, tea etc.)
In addition, you can also bring your own or buy a swimming cap (only needed in the lap pool, which is 1 of the 18 pools) or swim wear (subject to availability)
Please note that a swimming cap is compulsory in the sports swimming pool only: the rest of the thermal pools do not require the use of a cap.
There are no poolside footwear, such as flip flops or clogs to rent though, so if you are staying more hours at the thermal baths and pool, you may wish to carry along your own slippers/foam clogs/flip flops.
RENTAL SERVICES (Towel and Bath Robe) only AVAILABLE with Palm House package – PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL / SWIMWEAR/ SLIPPERS OR PURCHASE A TOWEL ON THE SPOT
Last updated on Jan 3, 2026
Is it possible for me to wear leggings to the baths over my swimming bottoms?
I will be visiting you in 2 weeks and i wanted to ask if if I can bring my own towels as long as flip flops
Dear Panos,
we recommend you bring your own towels and flip flops too.
You can find more details about what to bring on the link below:
https://szechenyibath.com/what-shall-i-take-with-me-to-szechenyi-baths-szechenyi-bath-faq/
This is such a useful and clear article for first-time visitors! The breakdown of what you can rent versus bring is really helpful for planning. Thank you for covering the towel question so thoroughly.
One thing I’m still unsure about, and maybe other readers wonder too: for the lockers you rent, are they typically large enough to comfortably fit a standard-sized backpack along with a change of clothes and shoes, or should we plan to travel very light?
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for contacting us.
Kindly check the following article detailing storage options and sizes for Szechenyi Bath lockers and cabins (changing cubicles).
It gives advice on luggage / suitcase / backpack storage and the maximum capacity so that you can plan your bath visit accordingly.
https://szechenyibath.com/can-you-leave-the-bag-in-the-cabin-in-szechenyi-baths/
Have a great time in Budapest Szechenyi Bath.