Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest

Budapest is the city of thermal baths and these attract the tourists in their numbers. There are a lot of natural warm spring waters, which run under the city and make for great natural thermal baths. Rumoured to be therapeutic, they have become one of the most popular attractions for tourists wanting a different experience from wandering the city. One of such baths is the famous Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest.

There are about a dozen of them dotted around the city but just by doing our research, we found out that the most popular were Gellért and Szechenyi.

I had done my little research online and gravitated towards Gellért Spa. Of the 2 spas, it looked more our vibe – not overly crowded and just looked more sane. 

When we spoke to the reception at our hotel, they confirmed the same thing. So we booked and paid for our tickets through our hotel; then counted down to our experience. Szechenyi is a bit cheaper than Gellért but we did not really mind. I just wanted to enjoy the experience and in my opinion, Gellért is prettier than Szechenyi.

Location

It was literally on the other side of Liberty Bridge so all we had to do was to walk about 10 minutes from our hotel to Gellért Thermal Baths. It’s a massive building so there is no way you’ll miss it.

A drief history: Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest

Gellért Baths is one of most famous art nouveau thermal baths in the whole of Europe. It is a historical site and came into existence in 1918. It is free if you would like to walk around its reception hall (which is magnificent on its own) but to use any of the facilities, it attracts a fee. The spring waters of Gellért Baths were actually discovered as far back as the 15th century and by the 1920s, this space was welcoming thousands of people who were there to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Baths.

How much does it cost to use Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest

We went on a Wednesday so it cost 6600 HUF for each of us. It costs 6800 HUF on weekends. This covers the baths and a cabin to store your belongings. We also paid 4000 HUF to rent a massive bath towel. You do get some money back once you return the towel so it’s all good.

Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest: Facilities

Gellért Spa has everything you can expect from a spa house. There are pools (indoor and out door), saunas, spa treatments, steam baths, sun bathing terraces, beauty, pedi and mani salons and restaurants. Basically, it is the perfect place to spend your day. Although it is open from about 6am, check in time at the reception is from 9am. We got there at 10am, bright and early, so we could snag the best spot with sun beds and a parasol. We all know these usually disappear so quickly.

There are a total of 10 pools to choose from. The wave pool is by far the most popular and most fun in summer months. I can imagine that in winter, the thermal pools are a big hit.

The Outdoor Wave Pool

The Indoor Pool

Sauna and Hot Tub

It was 37 degrees celsius on the day so I knew I was not going into the sauna or thermal baths. Mr E and I stuck with the pools. Perhaps, if we go back in winter, we will explore the thermal baths. I am curious to feel the natural healing waters.

Notice the art nouveau decor.

Gellért Thermal Baths, Budapest – Where to Eat

There is a café and sandwich bar onsite fro light bites. For hot foods and drinks, there is a restaurant and bar as well.

GELLÉRT THERMAL BATHS, BUDAPEST

I 100% recommend visiting one of the thermal spas. Gellért Spa was an amazing end to our lovely holiday.

Stay tuned for a more comprehensive post on everything we did, saw and where we ate in Budapest.

Bisous, Bugo x