Therme Bucharest

Therme Bucharest (Romanian: Therme Bucșurești) is the largest thermal wellness centre in Europe, situated in Balotești, Ilfov County, approximately 20 km north of Bucharest on the DN1 road towards Ploiești. Spread across 250,000 square metres of total area with an interior of 37,000 square metres, the complex opened in 2016 and has since become one of Romania’s most visited attractions. The facility combines thermal water pools, water slides, saunas, a spa centre, restaurants, and the largest botanical collection in Romania with over 800,000 plants, including 1,500 palm trees from six countries.

The complex is divided into three themed zones catering to different visitors: Galaxy for families with children, The Palm for adults seeking relaxation, and Elysium for premium wellness. Indoor temperatures are maintained at 29–30°C year-round, with thermal pool water at 33°C, making Therme Bucharest a popular destination in every season. A cashless RFID bracelet system is used throughout the facility for all purchases and time tracking.

The Three Zones

Each zone is designed for a distinct audience and experience:

• Galaxy — the family entertainment zone with 16 water slides (total length 1.5 km), Romania’s largest wave pool (560 m²), a dedicated children’s area, and shallow leisure pools. The only zone where children aged 3–14 are admitted
• The Palm — an adults-only tropical oasis with thermal mineral pools, hydromassage beds, a retractable-roof outdoor pool, jacuzzis, and the main botanical garden. Includes Galaxy access
• Elysium — the premium wellness level with thematic saunas (including Himalayan salt walls), spa treatment rooms, a rooftop relaxation area, and fine dining. Full access to The Palm and Galaxy included

Tickets for Galaxy can be purchased separately at a lower price; The Palm and Elysium tickets include the zones below them in the hierarchy.

Architecture and Design

The complex was designed under a greenfield concept and certified to LEED Gold sustainability standards — one of the first facilities in Romania to achieve this. The architecture is dominated by large glass domes that allow natural light into the interior tropical gardens throughout the day. The outdoor area includes the largest urban beach in Romania and a dedicated outdoor thermal pool that remains open even in winter temperatures, heated to 33°C.

The interior botanical design houses 1,500 palm trees representing species from six countries, orchid displays, and plant collections maintained by a specialist horticultural team. The tropical atmosphere is sustained by a climate control system that keeps indoor humidity and temperature constant regardless of outdoor conditions.

Records and Curiosities

Therme Bucharest holds several records that illustrate the scale and ambition of the project:

• Largest indoor wellness centre in Europe by interior area — 37,000 m²
• 800,000+ plants including 1,500 palm trees — the largest botanical collection in Romania
• 16 water slides with a combined length of 1.5 kilometres — the most extensive indoor slide network in Romania
• 560 m² wave pool — the largest in Romania
• LEED Gold certified — one of the first facilities of this type in Romania to earn this sustainability rating
• Outdoor thermal pool open year-round, including in sub-zero temperatures in winter
• The complex employs over 2,000 people and hosts more than 3 million visitors annually

These facts position Therme Bucharest not just as a leisure destination but as a genuine landmark of large-scale wellness infrastructure in eastern Europe.

Bucharest Thermal Spa: What to Expect

Upon entry you receive an RFID wristband that tracks your time and enables cashless payment throughout the facility. All food, drinks, locker hire, towel rental, and treatment upgrades are charged to the bracelet and paid at checkout. It is advisable to budget for these additions when planning your visit.

• Bring your own towel and flip-flops — rental is available but adds cost
• Swimwear is mandatory in all pool areas; robes are available for hire in Elysium
• Lockers are included; large bags must be stored before accessing the pools
• The facility is open daily from 08:00 to 23:00
• Evening sessions (after 18:00) are typically quieter and offered at reduced rates

For tickets with transfer from central Bucharest, or to book the Therme Bucharest spa online with free cancellation, visit our tickets page.

Practical Information

Address: DN1, km 16+500, Balotești, Ilfov, Romania — Official website: therme.ro

How to get there from Bucharest:

• By taxi or rideshare: Uber, Bolt, or traditional taxi from central Bucharest — approximately 90–110 RON (€18–22), 30–40 minutes
• From Henri Coandă Airport (OTP): 30–50 RON (€6–10), approximately 20 minutes
• By car: Follow DN1 north towards Ploiești; free parking for 2,000+ vehicles on site including 14 EV charging stations
• Organised transfer: Round-trip transfer with skip-the-line entry from central Bucharest — available on GetYourGuide and Viator

For tickets, prices and the latest availability, see our tickets page.