Don't be alarmed, but the ground beneath your feet is fairly percolating with superheated water. Countless natural springs and wells lie just below the surface of Budapest. As long as 2000 years ago, the Romans were channelling this water into public and private baths in Budapest, at the settlement of Aquincum (literally 'abundant water'). Centuries later, the occupying Turks built baths; others in Budapest were built around the turn of the century, as new springs were discovered. Heated deep within the earth's crust, the thermal water in the baths often contains mineral water with natural healing powers. Some visitors come to the baths as treatment for ailments of the joints and arthritis (thus the many elderly bathers). But most come for pure soggy, steamy relaxation. Some baths are strictly segregated by sex, where bathers romp around naked (you will be issued a loincloth and a towel - more precisely, a sheet). Expect to feel pleasantly enervated and a bit thirsty after a good long soak. Budapest In Your Pocket accepts no responsibility for wrinkled fingertips. Note: the ticket windows at all baths shut one hour before the actual baths close!