Thermal waters Budapest

Differences between mineral-, thermal- and medicinal waters

by Health Care

Hungary is often known as the “Land of thermal waters”, as the country gives home to several thermal springs and underground mineral water resources. Due to their extremely good quality, high mineral content, and therapeutic effect, they are considered as valuable national treasures. The composition of underground waters may differ from each other which determines their effectiveness and utilization. In this post we have summarized the main features of mineral-, thermal- and medicinal waters.

Mineral waters

Mineral waters derive from the underground reservoirs and unlike regular water, mineral waters are pure and clean, does not have any harmful effect on human health and their mineral content is at least 1000 mg/litre. Waters that have been obtained from drinking water supply system or undergo chemical processes, or their composition have been formed by human intervention, can not be considered as mineral water. Mineral waters are certified by an official authorization, the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition in Hungary. Due to their origin, they do not contain any pollutants, do not require external water treatment, and their free from human intervention. Mineral waters have high mineral content and other natural components, moreover they are free of calories and have good taste. Consumption of natural mineral water is essential to the human organism. All together, 251 mineral waters have been recognized in Hungary. It is important to notice though, that not all mineral waters are medicinal waters.

Thermal waters

Thermal waters are natural hot waters coming from natural underground sources with rich mineral content. The temperature of thermal waters are differed from country to country. In Hungary, the temperature of thermal waters are at least 30°C and approximately 1300 thermal springs are recognised throughout the country. Similar to mineral waters, not all thermal waters are certified as medicinal waters.

Medicinal waters

The certification of medicinal waters are recognized and authorized by the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition in Hungary. Medicinal waters are such natural mineral waters which have a proven therapeutic effect. Proven therapeutic results have been determined by medical tests in accordance with strict regulations. Hungary is proud to be home to 266 medicinal water resources.

Medicinal waters are recommended both for external and internal use. Externally used medicinal waters are beneficial for post-operative treatments, rehabilitation, locomotor disorders, skin problems and gynaecological problems. When using medicinal waters externally (bathing), they must apply to the requirements of mineral waters, their mineral content and chemical nature are constant, moreover, medicinal waters do not contain any substances that are harmful to the human body. Internally used medicinal waters (drinking, inhaling) need to meet the requirements of mineral waters as well. They are drinkable and suitable for inhalation, and has a proven therapeutic effect in such use. Drinking medicinal waters help to treat stomach diseases, stomach ulcers and to prevent dyspeptic disorders. Permanent consumption of medicinal waters are allowed under medical supervision only.

Most medicinal waters are also thermal waters which temperature are higher than 30°C. Medicinal waters meet the requirements of mineral waters as well. Medicinal waters are available in the below certified thermal bath establishments in Budapest: Rudas Thermal Bath, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath and Lukács Thermal Bath.

Read more about Budapest’s thermal baths.

bp eye

Best places with scenic views in Budapest

by Inspiration

A great number of visitors are traveling to Budapest to discover its fascinating landmarks and experience the city’s cultural lifestyle. No Budapest vacation can be missed without observing the architectural masterpieces and stunning views from the highest points of the city. We have collected our favourite places where you can take the greatest photos of Budapest while admiring its timeless allure.

Budapest Eye

Experience an unforgettable ride on Budapest Eye and discover the city’s amazing view as you haven’t seen it before. Budapest Eye is recognised as the largest Ferris Wheel in the Hungarian capital. All famous sights can be seen from the giant wheel. You can observe the Danube river, Buda Castle, and the tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The highest point of the wheel is 65 meters and one ride includes 3 complete rounds. Tickets for Budapest Eye can be purchased on spot. For more information, visit Budapest Eye’s official website.

Budapest Eye

Tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica

Observe a breath taking panoramic view over Budapest from the Panorama Tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica. St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest catholic church in Budapest located in the city centre. By climbing up on the 145 steps of the spiral staircase or by taking the elevator, you will arrive to the highest point of the Basilica from where you can admire the stunning landscape of Budapest. Tickets to the tower can be purchased at the entrance on spot. Click here to read more about the Panorama Tower.

Tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most famous landmarks in Budapest. Located in the medieval Buda Castle Quarter it serves as a specifically unique venue for taking creative and inspiring sightseeing photographs. By placing your camera in front of the arches towards the Danube river, you can capture a stunning view of the Pest side of the city, including the Parliament building and the legendary bridges. Sit down on one of the stone benches of the Bastion and shoot sensational photos with spectacular backdrops. We recommend every visitor to admire this spectacular sight of Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Tower of Matthias Church

Situated in the centred area of Buda Castle Quarter, Matthias Church is a dominant monument in the Castle neighbourhood. Visitors who climb the narrow spiral staircase of the tower can observe the stunning sights of Budapest, all the way from Margaret Island to the Liberty Statue. Take spectacular photographs of the royal cityscape of Buda and the urban landscape of Pest. Watch the river boats gliding down the Danube river while enjoying the panoramic view of the Hungarian capital. Entrance tickets to the Church Tower can be purchased online and on spot as well.

Tower of Matthias Church

Gellért Hill

In case you are in the mood to discover Budapest on foot, then take your direction towards Gellért Hill and walk to the top. However, there are many towers and rooftops in the city where you can admire Budapest’s cityscape, the most world-famous photographs of Budapest are taken from the Citadel. From here you can capture the sparkling nightlights of the Buda Castle, the majestic Parliament building and the towers of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The best time to take photos of Budapest from Gellért Hill is at late afternoon when the glittering sunlight is reflecting off the Danube.

Gellért Hill
how to spend time in budapest

How to spend your time in Budapest?

by with No Comment Inspiration

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary located in the heart of Central Europe. Budapest is a very lovable, affordable and safe city with a remarkable history, religious values and unique gastronomy. Through its cultural diversity, the city offers many possibilities and sightseeing experiences for all ages. Budapest is becoming more popular amongst tourist around the world year after year. Before traveling to a foreign city the first question you might ask is: what to do and see in the city? As a local resident, we would like to answer this question in a different view. In this post we will highlight those outstanding values of Budapest which you should definitely include in your “to-see” and “to-do” list:

1. Learn about Hungarian history

Take time to learn about Hungarian history during your visit. Hungary has been involved in several wars, battles and survived against heavy oppression in the past. Walking the streets of Budapest you will see famous statues, historical monuments and buildings which captures defining moments of history. Gain insight on how Hungarians fought for their freedom and independence over the centuries. Explore the historical sights in Budapest, experience the significant historical periods of Hungary by visiting the Museum of House of Terror, learn about the 1000th-year Hungarian history in the National Museum and take a guided tour in the Parliament building.
Related to history, several religious buildings and churches can be discovered in the city as well. Mostly you will see Turkish, Jewish and Christian churches and memorial sights in Budapest. All of them has a wonderful story. Discover Budapest’s largest Catholic church the St. Stephen’s Basilica, explore the beautiful Matthias Church in Buda Castle and pay your respects and the Dohány street Synagogue.

1. Learn about Hungarian history

2. Don’t leave without trying Hungarian dishes

Get insight into Hungarian cuisine and taste the famous dishes what we call Hungarikum. In the course of history, several ethnic groups had a positive effect on Hungarian gastronomy. The most common ingredients are onion, paprika and pork fat which are the basis of many Hungarian dishes like soups and home-made stew for example. Definitely taste the famous Hungarian Goulash, roasted meats made from duck, pork and beef and do not miss desserts either. Try Hungarian pancake, home-made strudel and cream pastry dessert. During your stay, visit the famous Great Market Hall where you can choose from fresh vegetables, fruits and variable types of paprika. Hungary is also famous for its very delicious meat products such as goose liver pate, csabai and gyulai sausage and Pick salami which you can also find at the Market Hall. Furthermore, make sure to taste palinka, the Hungarian national drink and learn more about the production of this Hungarian speciality.

2. Don’t leave without trying Hungarian dishes

3. Relax in one of Budapest’s thermal baths

Budapest is often called the city of thermal baths. No wonder, since Budapest has the most thermal waters and medical baths of the world’s capitals. Medicinal waters helps the healing process on rheumatoid diseases and skin problems, furthermore inhaling vapour has a good effect on respiratory diseases. Most of the thermal baths were built in the 16th century during the Turkish occupation and still reflects the Turkish architecture. Spend a few hours in Rudas Bath in the Turkish-style department or in the Wellness section where you can see a beautiful view of the city. Relax in Széchenyi Bath, which is the largest bathing complex in Europe or visit a very special Turkish spa in Budapest, the Veli Bej bath where you can find the city’s largest Turkish pool.

3. Relax in one of Budapest’s thermal baths

4. Get to know more about Hungarian Culture

Theatrical performances, opera, dance, ballet and musical works always played an important role in the sphere of culture in Hungary. The development of cultural buildings were favoured in the 19th century in Budapest therefore cultural events became more and more popular. These buildings are not only famous for their history but their architecture is amazingly impressive as well. Learn about the history of the Hungarian State Opera House, listen to an organ concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica and meet the outstanding background of the famous Hungarian musician, Franz Liszt. Budapest offers several cultural entertainment in the form of theatrical performances, music concerts and festivals throughout the year. Would you like to attend cultural events in Budapest? Let us know what type of performance you are interested in and we will help to plan your itinerary to Budapest.

4. Get to know more about Hungarian Culture

5. Discover Budapest on foot

Discover Budapest on foot and plan self-guided walking tours during your stay. Several monuments and famous places are just in walking distance to each other.  You can reach many attractions within a few kilometres only. Admire the Buda Hills and Liberty Statue by walking on the Pest side of the Danube Promenade. By roaming the streets of Budapest’s city centre you can reach historical buildings in couple of minutes, such as the Parliament, Liberty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and discover Buda Castle’s interesting sights on foot as well. Gellért Hill is also popular in Budapest, not just symbolizing a significant part of Hungarian history but also a great place to spend a few hours in nature while observing the most beautiful view of the city.

5. Discover Budapest on foot

Are you up for more ideas on how to spend your time in Budapest?

We recommend to plan ahead your daily program schedule in order to bring out the most of your visit and to maximize your time in Budapest. It is worthwhile to include different types of activities in your itinerary to get to know better the city. For inspiration, browse from our itineraries or send us your questions to help you customize a unique and personalized sightseeing trip to Budapest.

ITINERARIES SPRING

How we create your Itinerary to Budapest

by with No Comment Interview with us

Planning an itinerary plays an important role for most travelers who would like to explore the most popular sights of this beautiful city. In this post we would like to share some background information of one of our service and let you know what exactly we do to properly create your itinerary to Budapest.

What is Itinerary Planning service?

Most of you would rather discover Budapest on your own way and prefer self-guided sightseeing trips during your visit. By searching on the internet you can find almost every information about Budapest when it comes to traveling to Hungary. Reading about a foreign city is just the first part of planning a sightseeing trip, you also need to piece together all these information and efficiently organize your day in order to bring out the most of your visit. Basically, the purpose of itinerary planning service is to help our clients prepare their day-by-day agenda, by recommending the best venues, places, and also provide suggestions for private sightseeing programmes. We help you with the organizing from start to finish and create your daily program schedule according to your preferences in order to maximize your time in Budapest.

How we create well-prepared itineraries to Budapest?

In order to provide well-created itineraries and reliable service, it is very important for us to know the city and collect as many experience in Budapest as possible. We plan our sightseeing schedule ahead and on a weekly basis we discover famous sights and exclusive places in the city. We visit museums, exhibitions, and create various walking routes to explore Budapest on foot as well. During our trip we make lots of photographs and take notes of our experiences. In addition, we use literatures and read books about Budapest’s history, culture and gastronomy to keep ourself updated to provide interesting facts about the city and places we have visited. 

What can you expect from our service?

We always place first our clients requests and needs when creating itineraries. During the planning all discussion happen via e-mail and we even provide personal support during your stay in Budapest in case of any questions. We are dedicated to deliver a valuable service and make sure you have a great time in Budapest. Read more about our service.

How to get in touch

Are you planning your trip to Budapest and need some advice or ideas? Browse our itineraries for inspiration, or in case you already have something in mind, contact us and we will gladly answer your questions.

gül baba

Who was Gül Baba?

by with No Comment Inspiration

Gül Baba was known as a helpful and wise Bektashi Dervish by Muslims of Ottoman Empire. As you might already know, Buda was under Ottoman rule from 1541 for almost 150 years. In 1541 Sultan Suleiman captured Buda, the capital city. This historical event was a beginning of a very determining period for Hungary. According…

palinka

What you need to know about Palinka

by Inspiration

Palinka, as a typical Hungarian drink and Hungarikum, is a remarkable speciality in Hungarian gastronomy and traditions. First of all, let’s clarify the meaning and composition of this beverage. What can we call palinka?Palinka is nothing else, but fruit or marc distillate which is produced from fruits or grape marc, specifically grown and produced in…