Gellért Baths in Budapest: A Complete Visitor's Guide
- things to do
- February 23, 2024
Welcome to our complete guide to the Gellért Baths in Budapest, also know in Hungarian as “Gellért Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda”. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful break from the city or want to discover Hungary’s culture, Gellért spa is a must-see attraction, and one of the best thermal baths in Budapest.
We’ll cover everything from their history to tips for making the most of your visit to the Gellért baths, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
Gellért Spa in Budapest: why it's special
The St Gellért Baths are famous for their historic architectural beauty, therapeutic waters and cultural experience, which make it one of the popular attractions in Budapest.
With a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire, these baths offer visitors a glimpse into Hungary’s cultural heritage while providing relief for various ailments through their mineral-rich thermal waters.
Housed within the majestic Gellért Hotel, the baths boast stunning Art Nouveau architecture, featuring intricate mosaic tiles, grand halls, and statues. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, or simply a unique experience, Budapest’s Gellért Spa offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hungarian spa culture.
Géllert Baths - History
Built between 1912 and 1918 in the Secessionist Art Nouveau style, the St Gellért baths quickly became a focal point of Budapest’s thermal spa culture. However, the roots of this iconic landmark trace back even further, with references to healing waters in the area dating as far back as the 13th century.
During the Ottoman Empire’s occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries, communal bathing facilities were established around the springs, laying the foundation for what would later become the Gellért Baths. These baths, called Sárosfürdő, which means “muddy baths,” were known for their mineral-rich waters and therapeutic properties.
In the 19th century, amidst the resurgence of interest in thermal spa culture during the Art Nouveau movement, the Gellért Baths were officially opened to the public in 1918. Designed by architect Artúr Sebestyén, the baths boasted intricate mosaic tiles, grand halls, and ornate detailing, quickly becoming a symbol of Budapest’s architectural and cultural prowess.
Despite suffering damage during World War II, the Gellért Baths were rebuilt and underwent extensive renovations in 2008 to restore them to their original splendor. Today, visitors from around the globe flock to the baths to immerse themselves in the healing waters, relax in the opulent surroundings, and experience the enduring legacy of Budapest’s thermal spa tradition. As a cherished landmark and cultural icon, the Gellért Baths in Budapest continue to inspire awe and rejuvenate all who enter their hallowed halls.
What to expect from Gellért Baths in Budapest
Inside Gellért Baths, you’ll find a beautiful spa, with a total of 13 pools (not that small after all, hum?), indoors and outdoors, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC (78.8ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF). And great massages too, you want to go for something more personalised and relaxing. But let’s see what exactly we can find in it…
Art Noveau beauty
In Budapest Gellért Baths, every corner exudes the timeless elegance of Art Nouveau design. Nestled within the historic Gellért Hotel, they showcase a stunning array of design elements and colors that captivate the senses. In the thermal baths area this is very visible: crafted mosaic tiles, adorned with vibrant hues and intricate patterns, line the walls and floors, creating a visual feast for the eyes.
But you’ll find beautiful Art Noveau elements in the main swimming pool too: graceful arches and ornate detailing adorn the halls, while majestic columns support high ceilings that seem to reach for the sky.
The big swimming pool
The main indoor swimming pool at Gellért Baths in Budapest is, as we just said, a stunning example of architecture and design. This grand pool is the centerpiece of the baths, surrounded by ornate columns, mosaic tiles, and elegant archways, creating a truly majestic atmosphere.
Measuring approximately 25 meters in length, the pool offers ample space for swimming and relaxation in its thermal waters, at 26ºC (78.8ºF), sourced from natural hot springs beneath Budapest.
The pool area also features additional amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and massage services, providing a comprehensive spa experience. No doubt, this is a great spot to feel the luxury of the Gellért Baths.
Gellért's saunas and steam rooms
Whether you prefer the dry heat of the sauna or the humid warmth of the steam room, Gellért Baths got you covered. No matter how you’ll enter the baths, you’ll leave it feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world.
5 Saunas
You’ll find a total of five saunas, each offering different temperatures ranging from 50°C (122ºF) to 80°C (176ºF), allowing visitors to customize their experience based on personal preferences and comfort levels.
2 Steam Rooms
Additionally, there are two steam rooms with a temperature of 43°C (109.4ºF), providing a humid environment perfect for opening up the pores and cleansing the skin. One of the highlights is the cream-tiled steam room in the thermal bath area, known for its intense heat and humidity. As thick steam envelops the room, guests can relax on wooden step seats along the walls..
A complete outdoors area
In the outdoors area, you’ll also find a lot to try. If you try it in the winter, that might make your experience even more special. You can even both relaxation and fun.
Wave Pool
The highlight of this area is the wave pool, a large blue-tiled pool open during summer. This pool features artificial rolling waves, creating a beach-like experience. With a water temperature of 26°C (78.8ºF) and depths ranging from 0.40 to 2.75 meters, the wave pool is perfect for cooling off and having fun. It’s closed between October and May each year.
Thermal Pool
Adjacent to the Wave Pool is the outdoor thermal pool, offering a soothing experience with a water temperature of 36°C (96.8ºF). This small outdoor pool typically remains open during the winter months, provided the temperature stays above 0°C (32ºF), making it an inviting option for guests looking to relax and unwind in the crisp winter air.
Finnish Sauna
For those seeking a more intense heat experience, there’s an outdoor Finnish sauna. Housed in a wooden hut with glass windows overlooking the wave pool, this sauna features temperatures ranging from 80°C (176ºF) to 90°C (194ºF), providing a rejuvenating sweat session. And to cool off after the sauna, if you feel brave enough, you can take a dip in the cold plunge pool located opposite the sauna.
Gellért Spa Budapest Prices
Prices to just enter the Budapest Gellért baths will depend mostly on which day you choose to go. But there’s a multitude of other things that you can get. Let’s have a look at all prices in Gellért thermal baths:
Gellért baths prices
Entry fee
Daily ticket (with locker):
• Mon-Thu: HUF 10,500
• Fri-Sun: HUF 12,000
• Holidays: HUF 13,000
Private bathing for 2 (90 min.)
Mon-Sun (including holidays): 20,000 HUF
Massages
Classic massage for 1 person (aroma or refreshing)
• 20 min: HUF 10,800
• 45 min: HUF 18,000
Premium massages (60 min; refreshing or aroma)
• 1 person: HUF 26,000
• 2 people: HUF 48,000
Pedicure (30 min)
• HUF 6,500
Other prices
• Safe: HUF 1,100
• Cabin ticket: HUF 1,000
• Lost proxy watch/key fee: HUF 3,000
• Towel: HUF 6,000
• Bathing suit: HUF 6,000
• Bathrobe: HUF 12,000
• Slippers: HUF 4,000
• Swim cap: HUF 2,000
Gellért baths opening hours
The Gellért Thermal Baths are open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM, including weekends. Saunas and steam chambers are available from 10 AM to 6 PM.
*do note that cash desks close one hour before closing time, and the pool area closes at 6:40 PM.
Can you just turn up to Gellért baths?
You can just turn up Gellért baths and buy your ticket there as long as the ticket office is open. However, it’s recommended to buy it online in order to avoid lines.
Gellért baths - visiting tips and sauna etiquette
If you’re unsure about what to wear at the baths, which Gellért tickets to purchase, or if you’re unfamiliar with their sauna etiquette, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips for visiting the Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest:
1. Keep your clothes on, nudity is not allowed.
Clothing is required in all public areas, including the various pools and baths, so keep them on. The only exceptions to this are the showers, and gender-specific massage rooms, where going topless is permissible.
2. Keep your wristband with you at all times.
Make sure you don’t lose it, as it’s your key to access different areas – and, most importantly, to your locker. Nonetheless, it’s not the end of the world if you lose it – you’ll have to pay HUF 3,000 for a new one.
3. Take a thorough shower before pools and saunas.
If you’re going to the sauna, also dry yourself completely, to make sure you remove cosmetics and impurities.
4. Bring your own towel...and some other things.
Try to bring your own towel, slippers, swimming cap, bathing suit, and shower essentials. If you don’t, you can still buy most of them on spot…but in case it’s money that you save: a towel is HUF 6,000, bathing suits are also HUF 6,000, slippers are HUF 4,000 and swimming caps cost HUF 2,000.
5. Try to keep your voice down, especially in saunas and steam rooms.
Conversation or laughter may disrupt others’ relaxation and tranquility, especially in saunas and steam rooms. Try closing your eyes and concentrating on your breath to enhance your experience.
6. Always wear the swimming cap in the main pool.
Unlike in the other pools, in the main pool it is mandatory to cover your hair.
7. Remove your jewelry when going to the sauna.
Metal objects heat up and may cause burns, so don’t take them to the sauna. Slippers and other objects should also stay outside.
8. Save 3-4 hours for a full experience at Gellért baths.
If you’re unsure about how long to spend in Gellért thermal baths, we suggest allocating 3 to 4 hours. This will allow you to relax in the baths, try all the pools and saunas, appreciate the Art Nouveau architecture, and complete your visit with a shower and dressing up.
What's the best time to visit Gellért thermal baths?
Typically, early mornings offer a quieter, more serene atmosphere with shorter wait times, particularly on weekday mornings. If you enjoy the social ambiance and don’t mind crowds, visiting in the afternoon or evening can be equally enjoyable. Weekends are usually the busiest.
As for the best time of year to visit, the Gellért Baths are a year-round destination. In summer, the expansive outdoor wave pool is a highlight, while in the winter the warming indoor thermal baths are the main highlight.
In terms of price, if you’re planning to buy the daily ticket, weekdays are cheaper. Fridays and weekend have a price increase , and holidays are even a bit pricier.
⇒ In sum, weekends are busier and more expensive, while on weekdays the ticket is cheaper and you should see less crowds.
How do you get to the thermal spa in Budapest?
The exact address of the Gellért Thermal Baths is Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest, Hungary, next to the Liberty Bridge, on Buda side. Getting there is relatively easy, as they are located in a central area of Budapest, and well served by the public transportation system. You can reach the baths by:
• Metro
You can take the metro to the Szent Gellért tér station. It’s the M4 line.
• Tram
You can also hop on a tram to the Szent Gellért tér stop – you have lines 19 and 47. From there, it’s a short walk to the baths.
• Bus
There are many buses that serve the vicinity of the baths, with bus lines 7, 7B, and 8 being the most common options.
• Walking
Depending on where you’re staying in Budapest, you may be able to walk to the Gellért Baths. They are located near popular tourist attractions such as Gellért Hill and the Liberty Bridge, so if you’re in the vicinity, a leisurely stroll to the baths could be a pleasant option.
• Bicycle
Budapest has a bike system called MOL Bubi, so if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a bike and pedal your way to the baths. There are docking stations on both sides of Liberty bridge.
Gellért baths location
The Gellért Thermal Baths are located on Buda side, just across the Liberty Bridge. You might want to take a car to get there, or, if you feel like walking, it’s easy to do so – the city is mostly quite flat, at least until you decide climbing the Buda hill.
To give a better idea, here’s how far it is from some other landmarks in the city:
1. From the Hungarian Parliament: 10-15 minutes by car, 40-45 minute walk along the Danube River.
2. From St. Stephen’s Basilica: 10-15 minutes by car, 30-35 minute walk through the city center.
3. From the Fisherman’s Bastion: 10-15 minutes by car, or a scenic 35-40 minute walk across the Chain Bridge and up Castle Hill.
4. From the Great Market Hall: About 5-10 minutes by car, or a pleasant 10-15 minute walk over the Danube, crossing the Liberty Bridge
6. From Heroes Square: Around 20-25 minutes by car, or a 60-70 minute walk through the city center and along Andrássy Avenue.
Gellért Baths reviews
On Feb 20, 2024, Gellért Baths on TripAdvisor has a 3.5 rating, from a total of 11,130 reviews. The majority of them (around 63%) are excellent or very good, but there are also some less positive reviews.
Is it worth visiting the Gellért thermal baths in Budapest?
The Gellért Spa baths are definitely worth visiting, despite being somewhat smaller compared to the more popular Széchenyi Baths. They have their own special beauty with the Art Nouveau style, offering a unique experience that we highly recommend during your time in Budapest.
Gellért or Széchenyi baths?
When comparing the Gellért and Széchenyi baths, it’s essential to consider several factors. Széchenyi Baths, being the largest thermal bath complex in Budapest, offer a wide array of pools, including 15 indoor and outdoor options, as well as 10 saunas, steam rooms, and various massage services. Its popularity often means it can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
On the other hand, the Gellért Baths, while smaller in size, exude a sense of historical charm and elegance with their Art Nouveau architecture. The baths feature beautifully designed indoor pools, including 7 thermal pools, adorned with intricate mosaic tiles and surrounded by grand halls, creating a more intimate and serene atmosphere. Additionally, Gellért offers 4 saunas, providing a traditional spa experience.
In terms of atmosphere, Széchenyi tends to be lively and bustling, perfect for those seeking a vibrant social experience. Gellért, on the other hand, offers a quieter and more refined ambiance, ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
