Treat Yourself At The World’s Most Beautiful Bath Houses

Flickr/Ibolya

We get it, travel days are exhausting. So hop off the plane and head straight to one of the most beautiful bath houses in the world. You’ll get an unforgettable cultural experience and the chance to refresh after a long flight. These nine spots offer the perfect mix of sightseeing and pampering.

1. Szechenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Flickr/Karaian

The popular Szenchenyi baths in Budapest are located on a natural hot spring, making the baths a year-round destination. Located in the middle of the city’s biggest park, the 19th-century palace makes for a perfect stop on the sightseeing tour for some R&R.

2. Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, Istanbul, Turkey

Right between the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofya Museum, the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam takes you through the traditional three stages of Turkish baths for ultimate pampering: the hot room to relax and prep, the warm room for a body scrub and the cool room to sip tea or eat sorbet.

3. Odaiba Tokyo Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, Tokyo, Japan

Flickr/Ronny Seigel

Odaiba Tokyo Oedo-Onsen Monogatari is Tokyo’s biggest artificial hot spring. It’s an enormous property with plenty to explore, all decorated with string lights, paper lanterns and parasols.

4. Cağaloğlu Hamam, Istanbul, Turkey

Cağaloğlu Hamam offers a more authentic bath experience than the more touristy Ayasofya. You’ll strip down among locals for a sauna, scrub and soak in the 18th-century stone spa.

5. Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland

Unsplash/Jonathon Percy

This enormous hot spring in Iceland is a bucket list destination on its own. The Blue Lagoon gets its photogenic bright blue hue naturally and stays around 98 to 104 degrees Farenheit.

6. Sanduny Banya, Moscow, Russia

The oldest baths in Russia’s capital date back to the time of the Tsars. Sanduny baths are ornate, with old-school Russian steam rooms, swimming pools and modern jacuzzis.

7. Leukerbad Therme, Leukerbad, Switzerland

Flickr/Jessica Gardner

Relax in natural hot springs against a Swiss alpine backdrop at Leukerbad Therme. Spa-goers soak in the water year-round, whether the mountains are green or there’s snow on the nearby peaks.

8. Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, United Kingdom

Britain’s only hot springs are located in aptly named Bath. Use of the thermal waters dates back to Roman times, but nowadays, the place to be is the rooftop pool.

9. Gellért Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Flickr/Nan Palmero

Gellért Baths are quieter than the more popular Szenchenyi (located on the other side of Budapest), making it a better spot for a serene soak. There is an outdoor area, but we prefer the pool under the Art Deco columns and skylight.