Movies & Thermal Baths in July in Budapest
zita kisgergely
It’s heating up and we’re not just talking about the weather, or even the number of international productions filming in Budapest. It’s been announced that CineSpa is back, an event that combines two of our favourite activities.
Széchenyi Baths. Picture via Wikipedia.
Hungary has a rich thermal bath culture thanks to an abundance of natural hot springs, over 100 just in Budapest alone. As a result, the city (already a well-established hub for filmmakers looking for professional crews, state-of-the-art sound stages and diverse locations) has also become a mecca for spa lovers the world over.
Budapest has seven thermal baths open to the public, three of which were built over 100 years ago: Széchenyi, Gellért and Lukács. Four of the city’s baths hark back several hundred years to the time of the Ottoman occupation: Rudas, Király, Veli bej and Rácz (see our previous blog post to explore these places further).
If you’ve never been to a thermal bath, then it can take some time to wrap your head around the notion. Unlike a public swimming pool, in a thermal bath patrons tend to not move very much. There’s a lot of sitting in one place basically guarding your underwater perch like it’s a piece of prime real estate. But there’s certainly nothing more relaxing when combined with the array of steam, sauna and plunge pools that can be found in every establishment.
In an effort to continuously push the envelope in the realm of relaxation, the organization that operates these baths (Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Co.) recently announced that CineSpa is back for July. This is an event that combines soaking in the neo-baroque vibes (as well as some essential minerals) of the Széchenyi Baths while re-watching classic films.
Movie night, but in a communal bath
Every Tuesday in July, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath will host a movie night, running under the catchy slogan: “CineSpa – Immersed in Films”. You’ll be able to watch a series of open-air movie screenings in the outdoor pool, with this years’ line-up including cult classics as well as crowd-pleasers:
A Star is Born (July 1st)
The Greatest Showman (July 8th)
Pulp Fiction (July 15th)
Snatch (July 29th)
It’s a rare chance to float under the stars while watching big hits of the past. Screenings start at 9 p.m. Budapest locals with a residence card can take advantage of a 50% discount.
Welcome to the concept of the Spa Party
But there will be other opportunities to have a soak after dark this summer. At least one of the thermal baths in the city will remain open until 10 p.m. daily throughout the season. What better way for film crews in Budapest to unwind after a shooting day?
Incidentally, there are party nights held into the wee hours at Széchenyi on Saturday nights (tickets can be purchased through a third-party operator). Strictly for those who want a touch more decadence with their relaxation,
Sources & further information:
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.