A Perfect Day Trip to Bucharest’s Thermal Paradise
If you’re visiting Bucharest and want a break from sightseeing, a day at Therme București is one of the best experiences you can have. Think tropical vibes, warm thermal pools, and an indulgent spa day—all at prices that feel almost unbelievable compared to the UK.
Here's what we would recommend
First Things First: Plan Your Arrival
If you’re even thinking about getting a treatment, get there early—ideally before it opens. Head straight to the Elysium desk as soon as you’re in. The queue builds quickly, and with limited availability, slots disappear fast. Considering a 60-minute massage can cost under £30, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re not planning on booking treatments, you might want to skip Elysium altogether. While it offers more seating and exclusive experiences, the rest of the spa has plenty to enjoy without the extra cost.
The Three Zones: Where to Spend Your Time
Therme is split into three main areas, each with its own vibe:
*The Palm* – This is where most visitors will spend their time, as it’s included in the main admission. It’s lively and social, with swim-up bars, plenty of day beds, and a tropical atmosphere. Expect it to be the busiest zone.
*Elysium* – The premium, quieter area with added luxuries like treatment rooms and more relaxation spaces. Ideal if you want a more serene experience.
*Galaxy* – Perfect for families or anyone feeling playful. With slides, splash zones, and attractions for younger visitors, it’s a great option if you’re not just there to unwind.
Don’t Miss the Experiences
One of the highlights of the day is the variety of saunas and steam rooms. You can come and go as you please, and there are scheduled wellness experiences throughout the day.
Make sure to grab a brochure on your way in—it lists everything happening around the spa. One standout was the salt scrub session in the rainforest steam room, followed by a complimentary face mask. Small touches like this really elevate the experience.
Smart Tips to Save Money (and Hassle)
* Bring your own towel and flip-flops to avoid rental fees.
* You’ll be given a wristband on entry, which you use to pay for everything inside—food, drinks, extras—and settle the bill at the end.
* If you prefer to travel light, robes are available to rent for just under £7 (and honestly worth it).
Food, Drinks & Extras
You won’t go hungry here. The food options are surprisingly varied—everything from sushi and salads to burgers, stir fry, and comfort food classics. The pad Thai is a standout and definitely worth trying.
Drinks (including beers and soft drinks) are around £3, which feels very reasonable for a spa setting.
Even without booking a massage, there are affordable extras worth trying. The water massage beds, for example, are a great alternative—£3 for 15 minutes and incredibly relaxing. I went back twice.
How Much Does It Cost?
You can book time slots of 3, 4.5, or 12 hours, but don’t stress if you lose track of time—it’s only about £2 per extra 30 minutes.
For context, here’s what a full day looked like:
* 2 lunches
* 6 drinks
* robe rental
* 2 water massage sessions
* extra 30 minutes
*Total: around £42 spent on the day (not including 3 area pass for 4.5hrs)*
For what you get, it’s an absolute bargain—and far cheaper than anything comparable in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Therme București is the kind of place you leave feeling completely recharged. Whether you’re floating in a thermal pool, sipping a drink at a swim-up bar, or unwinding in a steam room, it’s an experience that blends relaxation with a touch of fun.
If you can, visit on a weekday and avoid peak times—it makes all the difference.
Highly recommended. You’ll walk out relaxed, refreshed, and probably wondering why we don’t have something like this back home.










