Veli bej Spa

Irgalmasok Veli bej Fürdője (the Veli bej Bath of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God) is a historic Ottoman-era Turkish bath at Árpád fejedelem útja 7 in Budapest, operated by the Betegápoló Irgalmasrend (Order of Saint John of God). The order presents it as the largest and most beautiful Turkish bath in the city, combining thermal bathing with a range of spa services in a restored 16th-century setting.

History and architecture

According to the bath, it was built in 1574 during the rule of Sokollu Mustafa. It stands between the Császárfürdő — built by József Hild in 1844 — and the buildings of the Hospitaller order. The interior is notably wide and covered by five domes, with a particularly graceful cupola arching over the main pool, and the site describes the Ottoman bath as beautifully restored.

Pools and thermal water

The bath has five thermal-water pools: a main pool beneath the dome and four further pools. A separate, non-heated pool 12 metres long is opened on Sunday and holiday mornings, and there are no outdoor pools. The water is described as therapeutic thermal water. Bathing is coeducational at all times and swimwear is required; visitors under 14 are not admitted.

Services and treatments

Admission covers a three-hour session and includes locker use, towel rental and showers, with a wristband tracking the locker and the remaining time. Massage is offered as a customised relaxation treatment using natural olive oil, optionally enriched with essential oils. It carries a separate, cash-only fee, requires a shower beforehand and cannot be reserved in advance, being booked at the cashier on the day of the visit.

Opening hours

The bath opens Monday from 15:00 to 21:00 and Tuesday to Sunday from 06:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 21:00, closing daily between noon and 15:00 for a water change; guests must leave 20 minutes before closing and the cashier shuts at 11:00 and 20:00. The pool used for hydrotherapy is available on weekday afternoons and throughout weekend opening hours, and the bath is closed on most public and religious holidays.