Bucket-list Budapest is known for its spectacular historical buildings and prominent location straddling the Danube, but do you know the city’s side hustle? Attracting 100,000 visitors annually, Hungary’s capital also operates as a first-rate medical tourism destination.
Join Zoe Macfarlane as she tests Budapest’s medical tourism claims following a mid-trip broken ankle.
Budablessed
Budapest is one of the most stunning capital cities in the world, a place where no camera can do the skyline justice.
It’s not just the magnificent structures of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre that impress visitors, the wellness benefits of the capital’s 125 thermal springs also allure.
Margarit Island Sanctuary
Margarit Island, Budapest.
While other medical centres are available across Europe, they demand a lot of extra travel. Budapest has it all: high medical standards, low-cost treatments, budget airfares, and fantastic sightseeing. The city’s inexpensive wellness costs meant the 4-star Danubius Health Spa Resort Margaritsziget was within budget – score!
As one of the country’s leading medical spa hotel chains, the Danubius attracts guests from around the world with their on-site thermal pools and world-class treatment packages. This is complemented by the sanctuary-esque location on the 238-acre park of Margarit Island. The property offers respite from the capital’s bustle.
All-in-one Healing
Danubius Margaritsziget Thermal Pools Ranging from 33-37c.
Utilising the restorative properties of the island’s underground spring, the Danubius has a whopping 50+ wellness and medical treatments. I opted for a 7-night, 10-treatment package to heal my busted ankle. This included an assessment by the onsite doctor. The standard of care and friendliness throughout the hotel during my first week prompted me to book a second. If I didn’t have a flight booked out after that, I’d probably still be there now. The delicious gluten-free meals on request didn’t hurt either.
I hobbled into the Danubius with an air cast and crutches and walked out two weeks later without so much as a limp. And it wasn’t just me, during my stay; I met guests with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, hip replacements, digestive issues and more, all on an accelerated path to recovery.
Nip, Tuck?
The convenience and price of treatments in Budapest made it hard to resist extra check-ups too. I popped to the cardiologist for a stress test, and also had my teeth cleaned; all for a fraction of the cost back home. I passed on laser eye surgery and cosmetic surgery this time… Maybe the reason I return in 10 years?
Getting Around
Budapest on crutches.
Even on crutches, it’s important to ensure you get some Budapest-lovin’ in. The hop-on-hop-off bus with boat cruise is fun, or a trip up the aerial tram to the Castle provides panoramic vistas. The Shoes on the Danube is an important Holocaust monument to include in your touring. If you feel like checking out the more ornate baths, consider Art nouveau Gellért Baths or the extravagant Széchenyi Baths.
The city centre is accessible by bus from outside the Danubius. From the airport, a yellow taxi is your best option.
Getting There
Getting to Budapest is a breeze with affordable flights from across Europe. Wizz Air has one-way pricing as low as €20! Connecting from Australia is straightforward, particularly with Qantas, Etihad or Emirates.
