Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
7. Making a Splash - Pools and Baths
MAKING A SPLASH 55 Római Open-Air Baths [Római strandfürdő] This complex, on the site of ancient Roman baths, hence the name, is situated to the north of the centre right by Budapest’s biggest camp site and hence is not the quietest spot in the summer. Nevertheless it covers a large, flat area (wheelchair access OK) with lots of grass for sunbathing. (2 Rozgonyi Piroska u.; HÉV electric train from Batthyány tér to the “Római fürdő” stop.) The special attraction for children is the pair of huge spiral water slides. There are three pools in all. One is for children only and one for swimming only. Caps are not compulsory, cabins are available and towels, etc. can be hired on the spot. There is a playground, and there are several kiosks for drinks and food. Pünkösdfürdő This open-air baths is even further out, almost on the northern boundary of the city. However it is right by the Danube (Buda side) and a fun way to get there and back is by boat from the centre (see section 3). Allow up to an hour for the journey, since the boat stops at many places on the way. (Alternatively, HÉV to “Római fürdő”, then no. 34 bus which goes right there, though it’s some distance, or HÉV to “Békásmegyer”, then along Pünkösdfürdő u. The 146 bus runs along here almost to the baths, though it’s the 145 in the other direction when returning.) Smaller than Római baths, but there is room for sunbathing on the grass, and it should be quieter. Three pools in all, one for children. Caps not necessary, cabins available, wheelchair access good, swimming gear can be hired, a couple of kiosks for drinks, etc. There are some small swings and a see-saw. The water is on the cold side! The following two indoor pools are not central and are rarely visited by tourists, but are two of the best “ordinary” swimming baths in the city. Kispest Swimming Pool [Kispesti uszoda] One of the nicest indoor swimming pools in Budapest incorporating, in modern design, traditional Hungarian
