Budapest, the Sports Capital of Europe in 2019: Swimming

The European Capitals of Sport Association has decided: Budapest is going to be the Sports Capital of Europe in 2019. The Brussels-based ACES Europe created this title in 2001 and the first city that got it was Madrid. It is a great honour, but also a big responsibility. Budapest demonstrated its organizing ability and hospitality on several occasions before: The World Aquatics Championship, Handball Champions League Finals, Basketball European Championships or different fighting contests among others. Besides, there are plenty of places where you can do sports if you come to Budapest, so I’ll show you all the main opportunities through multiple articles to come. First off, I’m going to start to favour all the swim lovers.

Palatinus Open-air Bath (Margaret Island)

Margaret Island is an actual island on the Danube River within the territory of Budapest. Apart from hotels, the Margaret Island Water Tower, catering- and sports facilities, there are no other buildings here, as the whole island is practically a giant park, where you can spend your free time. Here, you can find even an open-air bath, called Palatinus, with its eight pools, playgrounds and restaurants, where all the kids, their parents and anyone are free to have fun and relax. Please note, that parking on the Island by car is a subject to payment (1,5 EUR/hour), unless you are staying at one of the hotels.

Admission: 3200 HUF on weekdays, 3500 HUF on weekends

BVSC Sport

Although, the newly refurbished and expanded BVSC Sports Complex primarily focuses on its club members, especially on the signed players of their swimming and water polo departments, for a limited extent of time even hobby-swimmers can use their swimming pool. The changing rooms and showers are comfortable, nay, they also have a sauna. Their electronic clock system is quick and convenient to use.

Admission: 2200 HUF

(Picture above © Credits to Jacob Lund)

MOM Sports Centre

MOM Sports Centre is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day, which is really rare and unique. However, it could be crowded sometimes, since many young swimmers train here. There are two swimming pools, saunas (Finnish and aroma), a steam room and a hydrotherapeutic massage pool.

Admission: 1800 HUF (two-hour swimming ticket)

Tüske Hall

The swimming pool complex is situated by the Tüske Hall, a sports hall, which was handed over in 2016. The swimming facilities can be visited by non-professional athletes too, and the changing rooms are hypermodern and spacious. Although it is not compulsory, it is more practical to take a one-piece swimsuit with you, that you don’t have to keep pulling up between the turns.

Admission: 1000 HUF

Császár-Komjádi Swimming Complex

The Császár-Komjádi Swimming Complex, on the Buda side of the Danube, consists of two separated institutions: the neoclassical Császár bath built in the 19th century, and the connecting building of Komjádi Swimming Pool constructed in 1976. The swimming pool has recently been upgraded, and it can be used by the general public since September 2017, so they now have a renewed changing room, a lobby, saunas and swimming pools.

Admission: 1800 HUF

By being the Sports Capital of Europe in 2019, Budapest is even increasing the number of its sports facilities. If you are a sports addict, especially a swim lover and you plan to come to the Hungarian capital next year, you already have a lot of ideas on where to enjoy the water. Soon, I’ll be back with more tips on what kind of other sports you can do in Budapest.