I have to admit… I discovered the Therme Bucuresti by accident. Actually I didn’t even know this place before going to Bucharest. I’ve been to Budapest before, and I spent an afternoon enjoying the Szechenyi baths there. They’re quite popular and I knew about the place. But I didn’t know we could also find thermal baths in Bucharest. Seeing an appealing ad in the street, is basically what made me want to go there. I was like “Let’s give it a try!” Time to relax after visiting the palace of the Parliament!

The entrance

Getting to Therme Bucuresti

So yeah, a simple ad I saw on a billboard in the street, convinced me to check out the place. On Google Maps, it says Therme Bucuresti is right in the city center, subway station “Piata Romana”. Once I got there, I didn’t see the place. I asked people around me, but Therme Bucuresti didn’t ring a bell with them. I finally saw a bus stop slighty different from all the other ones. All right I finally got it… Google maps pointed me to the shuttle going to therme Bucuresti, but not the place itself.

Because Therme Bucuresti is located 20 kilometers away (12 miles) from Bucharest, in the north, close to the airport. And so there’s a shuttle on Piata Romana going there. It’s 12:45pm. Let me check the bus schedule… Oh wow the next one leaves at 2:35pm, in almost two hours! The one before left ten minutes ago, at 12:35pm… I just killed the time walking around the city, and caught the next shuttle almost two hours later… The ride lasts about 35 minutes, and the shuttle is free, cool! You can check the schedule on their website (there’s one every two hours). Otherwise you can take a taxi if you are not alone but I don’t have the prices.

Therme Bucuresti

Once I got there, one of the vendors bombarded me with questions “Are you alone? How long are you staying here? A few hours? Half a day? The whole day? Do you have a towel?” So I just calmly responded to her questions “Yes I’m alone, I have my towel, I think I’m gonna spend a few hours here…“. And she said “All right, that’ll be 84 lei (around 17 euros). You can stay up to three hours here.” So I don’t have the exact prices but apparently it’s around 15-20 euros, depending on how long you want to stay, the number of people, if you have a towel… Thus I paid, and she gave me an electronic bracelet (to put your clothes in a locker, and also to have access to the differents parts of the complex). Time to have fun!

Therme Bucuresti is divided in three main parts, Elysium, The Palm and Galaxy. Elysium is on the second floor. This is where you’re going to find the saunas. There’s also a pool, three massage studios and also an outdoor restaurant. You can take a dip in the small pool, and relax there.

Outdoor restaurant in Elysium

Nap time…

The Palm is where you will find the main pool (the one you see on the main picture of the article). The water is hot (33°C/91°F), the pool is surrounded by palm trees, and there’s a minibar just next to the pool. Therefore it’s possible to order something to drink without getting out of the water. No need to bring your money with you (complicated in the water…), the waiters just beep your electronic bracelet, and you’ll pay just before leaving the place. I was there exactly during the 15-minutes aquagym class, which is honestly not complicated (I think they know the customers here are not all sporty). There are also hydromassage beds, and deckchairs all around the pool.

Main pool from “The Palm”

Hydromassage beds

Galaxy is mostly for families. This is where you’ll find a swarm of little kids running around and having fun. Hey it’s normal! They have a huge indoor waterslide, a wave pool, palm trees here and there, and a snack bar!

The pool from Galaxy

The famous waterslide

We can’t forget the outdoor part of Therme Bucuresti, where you’ll mostly find adults. Deckchairs, music, beers, snacks, sunbathing… I guess this is what you came for!

If you have the choice, avoid going there during the weekend, and opt for a weekday. I was there on a Friday and it was perfect. But I was told that Saturdays and Sundays, it’s packed! I completely understand why when you see the beauty of this place! And for this ludicrously low price, do not hesitate! A shuttle (still free!) takes you back to the center of Bucharest. No more excuses!

Info to enjoy Therme Bucuresti

• Are you going to Bucharest? Do not leave home without a travel insurance!
• The travel resources page can help you out, if you’re planning a trip in Romania.
• Don’t forget your swimming suit!
• I guess you’re gonna spend some time in Bucharest? Make the most of your stay there, and enjoy the activities in the city!
• Traveling in Eastern Europe? Why not go to Moldova and do a wine tasting in Cricova?

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