Hungary is the richest country in thermal and mineral water in Europe. Because of its climate, the country's warm water lakes can only be used as baths seasonally. On the contrary, baths established at warm water thermal springs can be used and visited all year. Although more and more thermal baths are being established and operated throughout the country (i.e. Bükfürdő, Eger, Gyula, Hajdúszoboszló, Harkány, Héviz, Komárom, Miskolctapolca, Sárvár) most warm water springs and baths can be found in the capital. Therefore, Budapest is known as a bath capital in the international tourism.

The Széchenyi Bath is one of the biggest bath complexes of Europe, the very first medical bath of Pest side of the city, built in Neobaroque style. In the beginning of 20th century Vilmos Zsigmondy was working to find thermal water here, as in 1881 already was existing an Artesian Bath, but the quality of that bath was not acceptable.

For 1913 the main building complex of the bath was built and opened its doors for the public of Budapest.

For 1927 there was built new part with separated pools for women and men.

In 1960 the bath had some reconstructions and the thermal pools became common pools for both women and men in bathing dress.

The main reconstruction of the pools happened in 1999, when the water ventilation system was also modernized completely. In the funpool were built some whirlpool and water massage services.