The Ultimate Guide to Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest

On the Buda side of the Danube, Gellért Thermal Baths is one of Budapest’s most iconic spa destinations. Opened in 1918 and attached to the historic Gellért Hotel, these baths give you a true taste of Hungary’s bath culture, with mineral-rich thermal waters, grand Art Nouveau architecture, and a healthy dose of old-world tradition.

I spent a relaxing Sunday afternoon here on my recent trip to Budapest, but I’ll be honest—I was a bit nervous going in. Hungarian baths have their own etiquette, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What if I did something wrong? So, to help you avoid any guesswork, here’s some insider knowledge to make sure you know exactly what to expect at Gellért so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying.

Gellért Baths Basics

Address, Directions, and Hours

Address
Szent Gellért tér 1, 1111 Budapest, Hungary

How to Get To Gellért Baths

Gellért Baths is part of the historic Gellért Hotel, a stunning Art Nouveau building that’s currently under renovation to become the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel is hard to miss and sits right next to Liberty Bridge on the Buda side of the Danube.

The entrance to the baths wasn’t immediately obvious when I got off the tram, so I followed a few people who looked like they knew where they were going. The entrance is located about halfway up the small hill on the north side of the hotel (on the right side of the building if you have your back to the Danube).

• By Metro: Take Line M4 to Szent Gellért tér station, which drops you off just steps from the hotel and baths.
• By Tram: Trams 47 and 49 both stop at Szent Gellért tér, directly in front of the hotel.
• By Bus: Several bus routes also stop nearby, though metro and tram are usually the easiest options.

Gellért Thermal Bath Hours

• Baths: Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Saunas and Steam Rooms: Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Last Entry and Pool Closing: Cash desks close an hour before closing, and pools close at 6:40 pm

Gellért Baths Prices (as of November 2024)

You’ll get the best prices by purchasing from the official Gellért Thermal Baths website here. There are several other sites that sell tickets, but they all have a markup. The official website is www.gellertbath.hu.

• Daily Ticket with Locker Access
  • Weekdays (Mon-Thurs): 10,500 HUF (~$29 USD)
  • Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12,000 HUF (~$33 USD)

• Daily Ticket with Private Cabin
  • Weekdays (Mon-Thurs): 11,500 HUF (~$32 USD)
  • Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 13,000 HUF (~$36 USD)

• Private Bath for Two (90 minutes): 20,000 HUF (~$55 USD)

• Massages
  • 20-minute massage: 10,800 HUF (~$30 USD)
  • 45-minute massage: 18,000 HUF (~$49 USD)
  • 60-minute luxury massage: 26,000 HUF (~$71 USD)
  • Couples’ 60-minute luxury massage: 48,000 HUF (~$131 USD)

• Available for Purchase On-Site
  • Towel: 6,600 HUF (~$18 USD)
  • Swim Cap: 2,000 HUF (~$5.50 USD)
  • Slippers: 4,000 HUF (~$11 USD)

Note: Prices are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you go. Holiday prices are slightly higher.

Bath Layout: Pools, Saunas, and Steam Rooms at Gellért Baths

Gellért has a range of pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The mineral-rich water in the pools contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals reputed to help with joint pain, muscle tension, and circulation.

While there are technically capacity limits on pools, I didn’t see anyone enforcing those on a busy Sunday afternoon.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find:

1. Indoor Pools

The indoor thermal pools are central to the Gellért experience. These pools are mineral-rich and kept between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F), ideal for easing muscle tension and relaxing. Each pool has its own stunning tilework and is compact enough to feel intimate. Here’s a rundown of the main options:

• Thermal Pools (35°C – 40°C / 95°F – 104°F): There are four main thermal pools inside, each around 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) deep and holding up to 28 people. The warmer 40°C (104°F) pool is especially soothing, while the slightly cooler 35°C (95°F) pool offers a gentler heat.
• Underwater Traction Pools (35°C / 95°F): These specialized pools, at varying depths (from 0.22 to 2 meters or 0.7 to 6.5 feet), are smaller and designed for gentle stretching and traction exercises.
• Sitting Pool (36°C / 97°F): This cozy, 1.05-meter (3.4 feet) deep pool accommodates 24 people and is perfect for a warm soak.
• Cold Plunge Pools (18°C / 64°F): The indoor cold plunge pools are small but mighty, offering a bracing shock after a sauna session.

2. The Main Swimming Pool (Effervescent Pool)

The main swimming pool, often called the effervescent pool, is absolutely Gellért’s most recognizable feature that you’ve probably seen in photographs. This two-story pool, surrounded by marble columns and stained-glass ceilings, is kept at a refreshing 27°C (81°F) and features gentle bubbles rising from the floor. Swim caps are required, so remember to bring one if you plan on swimming laps.

3. Lounge Area and Restaurant

On the second floor overlooking the main swimming pool there are several lounge areas with lounge chairs and the inside restaurant with some seating.

4. Outdoor Pools

Gellért’s outdoor area offers a different experience, and it’s worth visiting no matter the season. Here’s a quick overview:

• Wave Pool (26°C / 79°F): This expansive pool, 500 square meters (5,382 square feet) and up to 2.75 meters (9 feet) deep, generates waves every half hour during the summer. It has a capacity of 101 people, so it’s a lively option, especially in warmer months. It closes for winter at the end of September.
• Outdoor Sitting Pool (38°C / 100°F): A favorite in colder weather, this warm outdoor pool is 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep and comfortably fits up to 38 people. It’s an ideal spot for soaking while enjoying the view of Gellért Hill.
• Outdoor Cold Plunge Pool (12°C / 54°F): This compact plunge pool is perfect for a quick, icy dip between warm soaks or after the sauna.

5. Saunas

The saunas at Gellért are set at different temperatures, allowing you to build up to the heat gradually. You’ll find progressively hotter saunas here, with the mildest sauna at the entrance and the hotter saunas further in. These saunas are small and cozy, fitting only a handful of people, which keeps the experience intimate and focused. If you like to ease into the sauna experience, this setup is ideal.

6. Steam Room

The steam room is intense—so steamy that you can barely see your hand in front of your face. I personally found it a bit hard to breathe and even struggled to find a seat in the dense, humid air. But if you’re a fan of serious steam, this might be your paradise. Just know that it’s thick, humid, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

7. Cold Plunge Pools

The cold plunge pools are essential after a sauna or steam session. They’re as freezing as they sound, but trust me, they’re worth it. The icy water tightens blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and gives you an instant energy boost. There’s something oddly addictive about the cold shock, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself braving the plunge more than once.

Massages and Private Baths

• Massages:
  • Gellért offers a variety of massages, from quick 20-minute refreshers to 60-minute sessions. I didn’t partake, so can’t speak to quality. The massage rooms are curtained off “rooms” with no ceiling (see pic above). Personally I’m not sure that would make for the most relaxing massage atmosphere.
  • You can book massages when you arrive if there is availability, but advance booking is recommended.
• Private Baths:
  • For a more private experience, you can book a 90-minute private bath for two (20,000 HUF), which includes a thermal tub, access to a private sauna, drinks, and dessert.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Gellért Baths

If this is your first time at a Hungarian bath, the arrival process at Gellért might feel a bit mysterious. I know I was nervous about it! But once you know the steps, it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s exactly what to expect, from check-in to finding your way around.

Step 1: Check-In and Getting Your Wristband

When you arrive, head to the front desk to either purchase your ticket or scan a pre-purchased ticket. Once that’s done, you’ll receive a wristband—color-coded depending on your booking. A red wristband means you’ve reserved a cabin, and a blue wristband means you’ll be using a locker. (Tip: go for the cabin if you can; the privacy is worth the very minimal price difference.) The front desk attendant will direct you to the turnstiles just up ahead to the right.

Step 2: Entering the Baths

At the turnstile, scan your wristband, and once the light turns green, you’re in! From here, you’ll go down a set of stairs, down a long hallway, then up another set of stairs to reach the cabin changing area. If you’re using a locker, you’ll need to head up another flight of stairs to the locker area. (Note that you do this in reverse to leave; you’ll insert your wristband into a slot and the turnstile will turn green and let you out.

Step 3: Finding Your Cabin or Locker

If you’ve booked a cabin, look for a small screen just outside the entrance to the cabin area. Scan your wristband here, and it will assign you a cabin number. There’s also an attendant nearby if you need help. The cabin area is well labeled, with plenty of signage, so it’s easy to find your assigned cabin.

The door will be unlocked when you arrive, and to lock it, you’ll follow the instructions posted on the door itself. (You lock it from the outside. Essentially, you close the door, turn the deadbolt to the right, then tap your wristband on the sensor, and it’s locked. If you don’t tap your wristband and only turn the deadbolt, it won’t lock.)

Step 4: Orienting Yourself

Even if you’re usually great with directions, Gellért can feel a bit like a maze at first. Once you’re set up, take a moment to check out the maps posted around the facility—they’re genuinely helpful. Gellért’s layout is symmetrical, with the main swimming pool and changing areas at the center, flanked by the thermal baths on each side. Once you get the hang of this layout, it’s easier to navigate and to find your way back to the changing area if you need to grab something from your cabin or locker. The facility isn’t enormous, so even if you do get a little turned around, it’s usually a short walk back to familiar territory.

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Spa Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go

To help you fit in, here are a few etiquette tips that locals and regulars follow:

1. Shower Before Entering Pools
   It’s standard in Hungarian baths to rinse off before getting into any of the pools. You don’t need to do a full soap-and-scrub routine—a quick rinse in the shower stations near the pools is enough. This helps keep the mineral-rich water clean for everyone.
2. Wear Your Flip-Flops (Except in the Pools)
   Footwear is required in all areas outside the pools, so be sure to bring flip-flops or water shoes. Just leave them by the edge of the pool before getting in.
3. Keep Noise Levels Low
   Hungarian baths are places for relaxation and quiet enjoyment. Try to keep conversations at a low volume, especially around the thermal pools where people go to unwind. People were chatting everywhere to be sure, but no one was being particularly loud.
4. What to Do With Your Towel and Personal Items
   When moving between pools, you’ll leave your towel, flip-flops, and other personal items on benches or on hooks nearby. You can also leave them by the side of the pool, as long as they’re out of the way of other bathers. Just remember to keep valuables in your locker or cabin.
5. Be Discreet With Photography
   While architecture at Gellért Thermal Baths is stunning and begging to be photographed, I definitely felt a little awkward taking photos given the number of other people that were there. It was also very steamy in the hot pool area by the afternoon so that made photography a bit challenging too. There weren’t many other people taking pictures or using phones at all. If you’re going mostly to take photos, try to get there right when they open so it’s nearly empty.

Insider Tips for Visiting Gellért Baths

After my first visit to Gellért spa, here is the advice I wish I’d had as a first-timer to get the most out of this iconic Budapest bathhouse.

Do I Need to Buy a Ticket to Gellért Baths in Advance?

Not necessarily. You can just show up at Gellért spa and buy a ticket on site. However, it’s easy to book Gellért Baths ticket in advance on their website, and, if you’re planning to go at a busier time, it makes sense to purchase in advance so you don’t have to wait in line.

Is My Ticket for Gellért Baths for a Specific Time?

No, unlike some other baths in Budapest (Széchenyi, for example) there are no timed tickets at Gellért. If you buy a ticket for a specific date, you can use it anytime that day.

Should I Get a Cabin or a Locker at Gellért spa?

Definitely go for the cabin. The small extra cost (it was about $3.50 USD more when I went) gives you a completely private changing area with a door that locks securely, a bench, hooks, and a mirror. This privacy makes it so much easier to settle in and change at your own pace without worrying about anyone else around.

The lockers are located in a long, narrow communal space, a shared changing area that’s not separated by gender. A cabin gives you your own fully private changing area for minimal extra cost, making it well worth the upgrade.

What is the Best Time of Day to Visit Gellért Baths?

It depends what you’re looking for. To avoid crowds, the morning on a weekday will be the least busy time, followed by morning on a weekend, then afternoon on a weekday. The busiest time will be weekend afternoons. That said, I went on a busy Sunday afternoon and it didn’t feel crowded, just busy.

How Much Time Should I Plan to Spend at Gellért Baths?

In my experience, 2-3 hours is the sweet spot. This gives you time to explore the different pools, try out the saunas, and take a few breaks in between. If you’re booking a massage, add more time to fully unwind.

Can I Bring My Phone in Gellért Thermal Baths?

Yes, you can bring your phone into the baths, but from my experience, most people don’t. While it’s totally fine to take a few photos (I did, obviously), it’s best to be mindful of others’ privacy—Gellért Baths is all about relaxation, and people are there to unplug and unwind.

My advice? Take a few quick pics if you want, but then stash your phone back in your cabin and really soak up the experience. Putting my phone away made it much easier to relax – and that’s what you’re there for after all.

What Do I Need to Bring to Gellért Thermal Baths?

A swimsuit, flip flops, and a towel are the three absolute necessities.

A few additional suggestions:

• Bring two towels if you can (microfiber towels are great for compact packing). You’ll need one to use between pools, and it’ll likely end up soaked. Having a second dry towel for when you’re ready to leave makes a big difference. Gellért Baths no longer rents towels, so if you don’t bring your own, you’ll have to buy one on-site (6,600 HUF).
• Pro tip: Bring a pair of flip flops to that stands out, so you can find them easily in the sea of identical black flip flops by the side of whatever pool you’re in. Same goes for towels!
• Also pack a swim cap if you plan on using the main swimming pool, as these aren’t available to rent.
• It’s also a great idea to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your visit – super important when soaking in hot water! Budapest’s tap water is excellent, and Gellért Baths has water fountains around the facility where you can fill up for free.
• A plastic bag to store your wet stuff when you leave. There are swimsuit spinners in the changing areas that are helpful to wring them out, but you’ll still have a bunch of damp stuff to transport back to your hotel or AirBnB.

Do I need to Bring My Own Towel to Gellért Baths?

I would recommend bringing your own towel if you can, otherwise you have to purchase one. Your hotel might loan you one if you don’t want to travel with one (my hotel had that option). I packed a small microfiber towel that I use for my hair at home which worked well and took up very minimal space in my suitcase.

What Do I Do With My Towel/Flip Flops While I’m In the Baths?

I was curious about that too before I visited. There are benches or hooks near the pools to leave your towel and you can leave your flip flops on the ground nearby.

How Do I Know Which Bath is What Temperature?

The bath temperature will be displayed prominently near the bath. For example, in the pic above, it’s incorporated into the tile at the back of the pool.

Can I Bring a Hairdryer to Gellért Baths?

You can. There are also some 1990’s hotel-style hairdryers mounted to the wall that you can use.

Can I Buy Food and Drinks at Gellért baths?

Yes. There is a coffee shop and a restaurant accessible from the terrace level above the main pool (see the map above). There is also an outdoor restaurant. You can pay for food and drink with a credit card or the optional waterproof top-up card, which you can load with funds at check-in and get any unused funds refunded when you leave. Honestly, I found it easy to run back to my cabin if I needed to grab anything since the cabin/locker area is centrally located, so you probably won’t need the top-up card.

Is Swimwear Required at Gellért Baths?

Yes, swimwear is required in all pools at Gellért Baths; nude bathing is not permitted in any of the baths.

Is Gellért Baths Clean?

Generally, yes, but it’s not a pristine spotless new spa. There’s a lot of tile and a lot of moisture which is a perfect recipe for mildew, which you’ll see in areas (though it doesn’t smell at all like mildew). The cabin area floor also needed a good mop. But other than some very old wall tiles that could use a good powerwash with bleach, and the cabin area floor, it generally felt clean.

Is the Water at Gellért Baths Chlorinated?

No, it’s not. There is apparently some sort of filtration system they use to clean the water without losing the mineral components, though I haven’t been able to find detail on exactly how that works. I decided not to think too hard about it lest I ruin my experience.

Do I Need a Swim Cap at Gellért Baths?

A swim cap is only mandatory in the main swimming pool; otherwise you don’t need one. They do have swim caps for purchase on site as well.

I’m Not Super Comfortable in a Swimsuit; Will I Feel Awkward at Gellért Baths?

I totally get this feeling—I’m not the most confident in a swimsuit either. But honestly, it became clear to me within minutes of being there that no one cares what you look like in a swimsuit. Gellért Baths has such a relaxed, unselfconscious vibe, with people of all shapes, sizes, and ages just enjoying the water. Everyone’s focused on their own experience, and no one is paying anyone else much attention at all. It’s incredibly freeing, and you really do start to forget any self-consciousness. Ultimately, I didn’t find Gellért Baths to feel awkward at all.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Gellért Thermal Bath Experience

If you want to really feel the magic of Gellért Baths, don’t just lounge in the hot water all day. For peak relaxation, follow a traditional hot-cold circuit that alternates between warm pools, saunas, and the (brace yourself) cold plunge pool. Yes, it’s freezing, but trust me—it works wonders. Really! Here’s the routine I’d recommend:

1. Start with a Warm Soak: Settle into one of the warm thermal pools, which are set between 35°C and 40°C. These mineral-rich waters are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that help relax sore muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation. Spend a good 10-15 minutes here, letting the heat and minerals work their magic.
2. Head to a Sauna or Steam Room: Once you’re warmed up, hit one of the saunas or steam rooms. This next step dials up the heat, opening your pores and helping your body flush out any lingering toxins. Stick it out for 5-10 minutes (or as long as you can take it). It’s intense, but the benefits are worth the heat wave!
3. Brace Yourself for the Cold Plunge Pool: Here’s where things get interesting. The cold plunge pool is, without sugarcoating it, freezing. But that chill is the secret ingredient! When you plunge in, it tightens up your blood vessels, reduces any inflammation, and gives you a shock of energy that’s weirdly addictive. It also keeps you from getting overheated and groggy. Trust me—take the plunge, even if you’re reluctant. Coming from someone who’s done the Finnish sauna into an ice-hole-in-the-lake routine, I can confirm: the cold plunge is (unfortunately?) where the relaxation magic happens.
4. Repeat the Cycle: Go through this warm-sauna-cold plunge routine a couple of times, or as many rounds as you’re up for. Just be sure to finish with a final dip in the cold plunge pool to close out the benefits and leave you feeling totally refreshed.

From firsthand experience, I can tell you that the hot-cold circuit isn’t just relaxing—it gives you the full effect of Gellért Baths’ mineral-rich waters, from muscle relaxation to circulation boosts to a serious endorphin kick. You’ll walk out feeling like you had a full-on spa day, not just a long soak.

So, Is Gellért Baths Worth Visiting?

Yes, in my honest opinion, Gellért Thermal Baths is definitely worth a visit. For someone like me who loves a beautiful old building, the Art Nouveau architecture alone makes it a standout, with its grand columns, stained glass, and intricate mosaics. It feels like you’re stepping into another era, and that’s part of the charm.

The mineral-rich waters, famous for their supposed healing properties, are a big draw. Whether or not you believe in the “cure,” spending time soaking in the warm pools and alternating with the cold plunge pool and saunas is genuinely refreshing and relaxing. You’ll notice a decent number of locals here too, which gives Gellért Baths an authentic vibe and keeps it from feeling like a purely touristy stop.

That said, Gellért Baths is not a pristine luxury spa; it has a definite well-worn feel, and the minerals in the water gives some of the pools a slightly hazy look. For its age, however, it is quite well maintained. As long as you’re prepared for a bathhouse with character, this won’t be a drawback.

Overall, I thought my visit to Gellért Thermal Baths was a unique Budapest experience that I would recommend to anyone—a bit of history, a bit of wellness, and a definite sense of the city’s charm. It will be on my to do list again when I go back to Budapest.

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Have you visited Gellért Baths? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below! And if you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to check out my Budapest travel guides for even more insider tips on getting around, the best places to eat nearby, and more must-see sights in this stunning city – links below!