The Gellert Baths are one of the most impressive thermal spas to visit in Budapest! People travel far and wide to experience the hot waters and natural springs of the Hungarian capital. So what makes the Gellert thermal bath so amazing? Here’s some tips for visiting Gellert Bath, what to expect, and all about our own experience.
What Are the Gellert Baths in Budapest?
The first thing you should know about Gellert Bath is how historic it truly is. Gellert is a famous thermal spa which first opened back over 100 years ago in 1918.
It’s medicinal water from the deep underground springs have been used for treatment since the Knights of St John left their mark in the 12th century. The Ottomans would later add Turkish baths around the city starting in the 15th century to further popularize the movement.
Today, the indoor thermal pools and Gellert Spa are the perfect place to relax. It draws in both tourists and locals for its ambiance, luxury treatments, healing facilities, and beautiful architecture.
If you hadn’t heard already, Budapest is known as the City of Spas! So make sure to visit at least one while you are in town. Another of our favorite Budapest thermal spas is called Szechenyi Baths which you can read more about here.
Where is Gellert Bath Located?
Gellert Spa can be found on the Buda side of the Danube River just beneath Gellert Hill. This makes it a fun attraction to go along with the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and other historic buildings.
We recommend planning to spend a few hours at the Gellert Baths before continuing on to see more of the city’s sites. The least busy times are in the morning on a weekday. It can easily be reached by walking over the Liberty Bridge, taking public transport, or a Bolt taxi.
→ 11 Fun Facts About Fisherman’s Bastion to Know Before You Go
Do You Need to Book Gellert Baths in Advance?
While there are walk-ins available at the ticket office, it’s a great idea to buy your Gellert Bath tickets in advance. This especially applies if you’re visiting during the afternoon or popular peak times on the weekend.
Any messages you wish to get should also be booked at least 24 hours beforehand. It’s open from 9am to 7pm every day and even on holidays.
We booked our visit to Gellert Thermal Bath two days prior when we figured out our plans. The tickets cost 9,400 Hungarian Forint ($28 USD) each which gave us 4 hours admittance.
It also included a locker to store our stuff while we enjoyed the waters. There are several changing rooms and showers to use before and after your day at Gellert Budapest.
How Many Baths Are in Gellert?
There are a total of 12 Gellert Baths all with their own different temperatures and appearance. Three of the numerous pools are located in the outdoor section while the rest are indoor pools. The large outdoor pool holds the coolest temperature making it a fun change-up in the summer months.
The stunning centerpiece of Gellert is inside and likely the picture you saw that brought you here in the first place! The long pool is flanked by tall columns which really amplifies its Art Nouveau style.
You will need to wear a swim cap in just this pool specifically, but not anywhere else at Gellert Spa complex. If you don’t have one expect to be quickly whistled at by a staff member!
Our favorite part of the Gellert Baths were the indoor thermals to the left and right of this main pool. They are slightly hidden past the mens and women’s massage rooms so make sure not to miss them!
Both have hot thermal springs with the water temperature of one bath even reaching 40 degrees celsius. There are also steam rooms and cold plunge pools available in this section.
What Should You Bring to the Gellert Baths?
We mentioned the swim caps already, and they can be bought for 6 euros inside the facility if you don’t have one. You could also order a cheap one prior to your trip if you plan to visit multiple thermal spas in Budapest.
We recommend bringing your own towels, but these can also be rented at the Gellert thermal bath. Flip flops are required to be worn throughout the outdoor and indoor swimming pool areas.
One of our top tips is that you can actually bring your own snacks and water to the Gellert Baths in Budapest. We didn’t realize initially that you were allowed to bring your own food and were pretty hungry by the time we left.
Swing by a local bakery or sandwich shop on the way to the baths. Gellert Cafe near the main large swimming pool also has beer, coffee, or lunch after 12pm.
Our Visit to Gellert Thermal Bath
We arrived at Gellert Baths bright and early for the 9am opening time. There were several other people with the same idea as us so it wasn’t exactly empty. However, when we left just after noon Gellert Spa was definitely getting crowded!
After checking in with our online tickets we were given two wristbands. These are used to get access to your locker before experiencing the naturally warm spring waters.
Once we’d changed into our swimsuits it was time to get in the water at Gellert! Since it was a hot summer day in July, we decided to head to the outdoor pools first. We took about 45 minutes to soak in the mineral-rich water of the very top pool. After we headed to swim inside and enjoy the indoor baths at Gellert Spa.
Jumping in and out of the different temperatures was certainly exhilarating, especially going from the steam room to the cold plunge pool. Once we had enough time inside we headed back to the outdoor baths.
At this point, it was much hotter out so it was the perfect time to get into the main swimming pool. Apparently, It turns into an outdoor wave pool although we didn’t see it going on the day of our visit.
After 3+ hours at Gellert Baths in Budapest we truly feel like we’d experienced it all. Yet, we have to admit it was still hard to leave! We loved lounging in the sun beds in between soaks and enjoying the scenery and architecture.
Is it Worth Going to the Baths in Budapest?
Yes! It wouldn’t be a proper visit to the City of Spas without experiencing its thermal waters. The most famous thermal spa baths are the Rudas baths and Szechenyi baths which we also visited back in 2019.
While this is an amazing activity any time of the year, we particularly enjoy them in the fall and wintertime. There’s nothing like taking a break from the cold weather and dipping in the warm water of a place like the Gellert Budapest.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience at the Gellert Baths in Budapest? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Budapest Hungary
Ultra Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton – What really can we say? The Ritz-Carlton is the premier luxury hotel throughout the world, and that’s no different in Budapest! Enjoy the most central location in the city with all the amenities you’d expect from the Ritz.
Fun Vacation – D8 Hotel – Just steps from the chain bridge, this hotel is located in the heart of the city. Unique interior design and a great breakfast to get your day started before you drop into Anker’t for a cold one!
Hostel Life – Wombats City Hostel – Located in the center of the city close to popular cafes, bars and quick walk form Szimpla Kert. Daily buffet breakfast, shared kitchen, and large common room. Private rooms are perfect for travel couples, and this 24/7 hostel has something for everyone!
Pin For Later ↓
Hungary Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to rent vehicles on our travels. In Hungary, there are many beautiful cities and small towns to explore.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. You can book a Széchenyi spa full day pass in Budapest, try a Hungarian wine tasting, or jump on a sightseeing river cruise.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
