There aren’t many experiences throughout the world like Sparty Budapest. While thermal baths and the culture of large bathing areas aren’t new in Budapest, the idea of mixing it with a party crowd and electronic dance music is.
Sparty is open every Saturday from February to December, from 10:30 PM to 3:00 AM. However, depending on the crowd, they can close as early as 2:00 AM, so many people recommend going right as they open to get the most out of your experience.
If you want an even more unique experience, twice a year in August and December, you have the chance to join the Sparty Special and party at the Szechenyi Bath. There are fireworks, music, and even more fun than normal.
When is the Place the Most Crowded?
Usually, the summer months are the most crowded as that is also the tourist season. Therefore, if you are planning a trip in the summer, it is a good idea to plan your trip well in advance to make sure you get tickets.
Additionally, most people say that you want to actually get there early. While no one wants to be the first one at a party, most of the time, the lines are already very long, and the baths are packed by 11:30 PM. So getting there around 10 or 11 is best.
If you are worried about the lines, then you can spend a little extra to purchase express tickets. These allow you to skip the line and get in much sooner.
Things You Need to Try at Sparty Budapest
There isn’t much to try at the Sparty in Budapest. You will only bring what you need to swim, including a bathing suit, flip-flops, and even fun pool items. Unfortunately, you cannot bring your own drinks, but they have alcohol on the premises.
The drinks are expensive, but if you book the VIP option, you get two free drinks, a towel, and a bag.
The only thing you need to try is to be relaxed and enjoy yourself as you party and swim the night away.
Is there a Time of the Year When it’s Closed?
Sparty is open from February to the end of December. That means they are only closed for one month out of the year, January. This means that, for the most part, no matter when you visit Budapest, you can stop in and try Sparty.
It is worth mentioning that Sparty is only open on Saturdays, so if you want to try out the experience, make sure you plan around that and the fact that you won’t want to get up early the next day.
When is the Best Time to Go?
If you want a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, the best time to go would be in August or December when they are open for their large parties, known as Sparty Specials. These are their largest and loudest parties of the year, where they try to have all the baths open.
Additionally, it is worth going early if you really want to enjoy the experience. While most people try to wait a few hours before joining the party, so they aren’t part of the first few people, that isn’t what you want to do here.
Lines get very long around 11:30 PM and midnight, so if you don’t want to pay for the express entrance but want to get in quickly, plan to get there within 30 minutes after they open.
Things You Need to Avoid Doing
Generally, Sparty recommends avoiding wearing contacts. This is because you will be almost entirely in water, bouncing around.
Using glasses instead prevents the chance of losing your contacts. Also, even though the water is fairly clean, it reduces the chance of infections.
While the bath is open during the day, it isn’t the same as Sparty. To get in during the day and at night are two different fees and two different wristbands, so don’t try and sneak in.
While cigarettes are allowed at the party, and they provide alcohol, drugs are forbidden in Hungary, so they ask that you don’t bring any to the party and preferably don’t take any before arriving.
Final Thoughts on What Time does Sparty Start
If you like unique party experiences, Sparty in Budapest is a place you will want to visit. It provides you with loud electronic dance music to enjoy while spending time in a heated bath.
The bathhouses at night and during the day are very different environments. At night, it is a party, first and foremost. Therefore, parts of the bath open during the day, like spas, are not open.
If you enjoy partying and want to get a full feel of the nightlife in Budapest, this should be your first stop of the night. Most other clubs are open well past when Sparty closes, allowing you to treat the bath as a first act before partying the night and early morning away.