Welcome, travelers! In this post, I’m going to share my experience at Therme Bucharest, a must-visit destination in Bucharest, Romania!
One of my top priorities during my trip to Bucharest was to indulge in the Therme Bucharest spa experience. It’s Europe’s largest wellness center and spa, known for its stunning design. The complex is divided into three main zones: Galaxy, The Palm, and Elysium. You can buy tickets for these zones separately, but if you get a ticket for Elysium, you’ll also have access to The Palm and Galaxy.
- Galaxy: Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, featuring water slides and pools.
- The Palm: A serene area filled with lush palm trees and mineral pools, offering a relaxing tropical vibe.
- Elysium: The ultimate luxurious experience, with access to premium saunas, massage beds, and more.
Personally, I recommend opting for Elysium, as it grants access to all areas. I loved exploring every zone, and having the freedom to move between them made my visit truly enjoyable.
Getting to Therme Bucharest
Therme Bucharest is located about 40 minutes away from the city center by car. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt for a safer experience. The taxi ride will cost approximately 150-200 lei. Alternatively, you can take public transportation, which is much cheaper (around 16 lei for two buses). The R442 bus from Piaţa Presei Libere station drops you off right in front of Therme Bucharest, making it a convenient option.
I chose public transportation, and while it took about 1.5 hours, it was easy and budget-friendly. If you’re planning to visit on a busy day, such as the weekend, I’d recommend making a reservation in advance. You can book tickets directly on the official website.
Choosing the Right Zone in Therme Bucharest
As mentioned earlier, Therme Bucharest has three zones: Galaxy, The Palm, and Elysium. While Galaxy is fun for families and kids, I’d strongly recommend booking Elysium if you’re looking for the complete experience. Buying access to all zones initially is more cost-effective than upgrading once you’re inside. Because inside if you decide to enter a zone you did not have access to, you will pay again and this will cost more than initally buying the full entrance.
If you can, plan your visit during a weekday to avoid crowds. I booked a 4-hour pass, which cost 180 lei (around $40). For me, 4 hours was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the facilities, but you can also book a full-day pass if you’d like to take your time.
Another important thing I would like to emphasize is to bring your swimming clothes, flip flops and a towel with you. They ask you if you have flip flops and swimming clothes when you are buying the tickets. If you do not have flip flops you will need to buy it in Therme, but the cost it not worth it.
My Experience
Let’s talk about the highlights of my visit!
- The Palm Area:
This was where I spent most of my time. The mineral pools, like the lithium pool, were incredibly relaxing. The main pool is large and features a jacuzzi area, plus there’s a bar inside the pool for drinks. You can also swim outside to the open-air pools, which was a unique and refreshing experience. Even though the weather was pretty cold outside, the temprature of the outside pools were perfect and kept me warm. I was even worried I might catch a cold after this but nothing happened. - Massage Beds:
These are highly popular and may have queues, but on weekdays, the wait time is usually about 10 minutes. The massage beds are not included in the ticket price, but they’re 100% worth it. You can choose a 10- or 15-minute massage and customize it to target specific areas of your body. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had—definitely in my top three! - Elysium Saunas:
Elysium also offers themed saunas and wellness treatments, like mud baths and sauna rituals. These activities are scheduled throughout the day, and you can check the timetable to join in. - Galaxy Area:
I didn’t spend much time here, as I’m not a fan of water slides, but it’s a great area for families and kids. If you enjoy slides, this zone will be a lot of fun! - Food Court:
Located in the Galaxy area, the food court surprised me with its reasonable prices. I had a delicious meal that didn’t break the bank, which added to the overall experience.
One note: phones are not allowed in the pools in The Palm area, though I noticed many people still took photos and videos and even though they were warned by the securit staff, some people still used their phones inside the pool. If you plan to bring your phone, I recommend using a waterproof case. You are allowed to use phones outside of the pools.
Final Thoughts
I was really happy with the 4 hours I spent at Therme Bucharest, and I’d absolutely go again. It’s an experience I highly recommend for anyone visiting Bucharest.
Dear travelers, let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Therme Bucharest or are planning to go! I’d love to hear your thoughts.