Thermal baths as a plus size woman

Posted by Sleepy-But-Online@reddit | budapest | View on Reddit | 46 comments

Hey! I hope this post is okay!

I'm going to Budapest in late August on a solo trip, and I've heard a lot about the thermal baths, having them recommended to me several times.

They look really nice and relaxing, but the thing is I'm very insecure about my body, I'm a plus size woman in my mid twenties, and I can't help thinking a lot about what other people think. I also cannot remember the last time I was in a swimsuit, so I would have to buy one before going.

Would this be a problem for me, you think? Would I actually be able to relax, and does people actually care about other people around them in the baths?

Other advice or recommendation about the thermal baths are highly appreciated.

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Jinniblack@reddit

I've never been in a place where people are less interested in each other's bodies. Relax. The water is fine.

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hulyepicsa@reddit

I think in the age of Instagram, it’s actually really nice to go to a bath / pool / beach etc and realise what average and normal bodies look like… 99% does NOT look like what you see everywhere as the ultimate goal and beauty standard

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Vismajor92@reddit

This!

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MrNigerianPrince115@reddit

Just back from Buda for the first time, you have nothing to worry about. Every flavor of person is at the baths, tall short skinny big straight back lordosis back you name it.... everyone is there to relax and have a good time

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ColourfulSmarties@reddit

Hi, I went yesterday and there were people of all shapes and sizes there. Young and old.

Please don’t miss out because of your size. Enjoy life.

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ISRI999@reddit

If it helps, I think Rudas has gendered baths, for the turkish ones at least. So certain days are only for women. I have a plus sized friend who visited me recently and she said this was a nice option for her. Personally I have never been, but all the pool spots in Budapest seem chill and family oriented.

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KrimsonQueen06@reddit

Not in August, sadly.

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AZ424242@reddit

Hungarians are a fat nation, so you will feel home.

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SeriousBuzzKill@reddit

The only one who is really going to care is you, everyone else is just thinking about how they look in their swim suite. Don't worry!

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Notnow_Imtoodrunk@reddit

Think about everyone you see out in the public and how little attention you pay to them. Just go and enjoy yourself, no one cares about how you look - And I mean that in the best way possible :)

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PebblesEatsPlants@reddit

Curvy to plus size (depending on the day/ situation) American here and the only thing I noticed about other people’s bodies at Széchenyi baths last year was that I was wearing FAR more fabric trying to cover/hide myself than any other person of any age, size, or gender in that whole place. I’m lucky enough to be going back to Budapest in two weeks and my goal is to be comfortable with my self and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

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Zealousideal_Yam_203@reddit

noone cares, have fun, love yourself, and if you want to change, you can do sports and get the diet, but if you dont, just be happy in your size, and have a lot of fun in life.

and if there would be someone who judge, they hate themselves more than your body size, so dont care about it.

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plotumpu@reddit

As a fellow plus size woman, no one cares. If they care, they can look the other way!

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Striking_Cow7211@reddit

Just go and enjoy it! In the baths, you’ll see all kinds of people – young, old, slim, curvy… and no one cares what body type you have. Everyone’s focused on their own relaxation (or at most wondering which pool to go to next 😄). So put on your swimsuit, take a dip, and let the thermal water wash away all your worries!

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Im-Seeking-Advice@reddit

Hungarian here most nénis are plus size plus nobody actually cares in Budapest the locals

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sarkanyt@reddit

Go girl, and enjoy

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menacingmoron97@reddit

I think this is rather a r/psychology topic, but my take on this - people will care just as much about how you look as in any other country.

And that is - not a lot. People really don't care about strangers. Everyone has their own lives, own problems, own insecurities to care about more.

Even if someone gives you a look, good on them - you are who you are, and the only thing that matters is you feel comfortable with who you are and how you look. If you don't feel comfortable with yourself, do something about it and your mind will thank you very much for it - but please don't care about any stranger's opinion. It's not worth your time and sanity.

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miaszos@reddit

The only ones who would care are the ones who like plus size girls (me) but they would not stare either. Everyone is keeping to themselves. If you come after august 24 tuesday is a women's only day in rudas bath if that helps.

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Ambitious-Ad-9533@reddit

I went last December and am also plus sized. I never felt like anyone was looking at me, and there were also people of all shapes and sizes there. So excited for you to experience it!

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deborah-bean@reddit

Just go! They are fantastic and friendly.

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AnonymousNeedzHelp@reddit

Do you mean fat?

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Temulo@reddit

Obese please

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oONoobieOO@reddit

Are you plus size or morbidly obese? Because I guarantee you people will look at you in the latter…

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Kobakocka@reddit

Other people does not care. Also a lot of people are also plus size. So it really depends on your own mind.

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spartaqmv@reddit

I've seen men straight up wearing underwear at Széchenyi. No worries.

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Enough_Choice_4816@reddit

No one cares, just go enjoy yourself!

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Cat-licking@reddit

In hungary 50% of population is plus size so you don't have to feel ashamed. If you want a place with fewer tourists skip Széchenyi and go to Lukács or Rudas. Rudas on Tuesdays is women's only

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FalconTheory@reddit

I tell you just as I told the guy who posted that he has the same insecurities as you but he's ripped and works out 7 days a week.

And I tell you this with 0 intentions to hurt you, but while people may have opinions about you or your looks (negative or so), no adult with a life of their own gives a fuck about how other people specially strangers look / act / behave. Also Hungary is like in the top 10 for overweight people. You can enjoy yourself in the bats nobody will pay attention to you.

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ManufacturerLost7686@reddit

I can assure you, we don't give a shit.

In fact, by late august most locals had enough of the damn tourists and will most likely pretend you don't even exist.

I'm local, but i run a business in two different countries and i drive a foreign plated car. I recognize both sides of this.

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M1ssN_ny4Bus1n3ss@reddit

Just go and enjoy it!

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Samybubu@reddit

I'm also overweight and have absolutely zero issue going to the thermal baths. Nobody cares, seriously! I usually wear a two piece because I need the support of a structured bikini top, and it's still not a problem. I never even felt like anyone looked at me twice. Just go, relax and enjoy the experience!

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DuuhEazy@reddit

Yes, everyone will know you are fat when they look at you. Will you be able to relax? Depends solely on you

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Raen138@reddit

Here's my take and experience:

I've been to the baths a lot (Budapest 5 times so far, and each trip at least 3 or 4 visits to the baths).

I go by myself cause my partner isn't keen.

I'm plus-sized (size 16/18).

Absolutely no one will bat an eyelid. Those who go are there for the same reason, and that is to relax and chill out.

Yes, there will be groups and couples but everyone will keep to themselves. If you need a hand with anything, ask and anyone will help happliy (as I've found).

I'm also self conscious. I wear a bathing suit and swim shorts so I'm a bit more covered. I found some nice girly ones online but men's trunks are great as well. Buy some cheap flip flops and takeaway bobble for your hair. Take a towel.

Go, and enjoy yourself. They are fantastic and honestly a highlight of my visits to Budapest.

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Lumpy_Cranberry_9210@reddit

Hungary is the most unhealthy, morbidly obese country in the EU, an undisputed leader in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevalence, so you'll fit in just fine with the locals.

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BroHungary@reddit

Nobody care about ur size:) welcome in Hungary, enjoy ur state :P

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anotherboringdj@reddit

Good news: awerage hungarians are plus sized, nothing to worry.

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Great_Excitement7943@reddit

This is when you know someone from a "civilized" country (might I add how civilized is a place where you have to worry about your body whatever) ll is not ready for Balkan style "who gives a fuck especially at a thermal bath" type situation

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Bubbly_Clerk7178@reddit

if you would feel more comfortable if there are less people, i would go on a weekday or would go to a smaller place like veli bej, lukacs, or dandar, but honestly i think there is no need to worry, people bother their own business in the bath. enjoy!

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Away_Reserve_8623@reddit

Just go and enjoy the baths. People come in different sizes, nobody cares if you are plus size or not. Have fun!

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Equivalent_Visit_754@reddit

We are a very obese nation so it's nothing unusual really, no worries

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Mysterious_Piglet833@reddit

Came to say this. Many Hungarian people are overweight, I don't think anybody would be judgmental.

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QuietHarbour32@reddit

Women even wear bikinis and men wear speedos regardless of size or age. While younger Hungarian women are often more thin, most older people are quite rotund (male.or female). Add to that, most visitors will be tourists and you have nothing to worry about.

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