Gellért Baths is one of the most famous thermal baths in Budapest. The benefits of its water, its beautiful architecture and its history have made it popular among both locals and foreigners, who enjoy bathing in its famous thermal waters in the Hungarian capital.
Budapest is one of the cities with the most thermal and mineral-medicinal springs in Europe. Spa culture is deeply rooted among the people of a country that has known, since Roman times, about the existence of this manna that comes out of the ground. Budapest’s spas are part of the city’s identity and visiting them is something all visitors should consider on a trip to the Hungarian capital.
In this article we will discover one of the most important, Gellért Baths. Don’t forget that in our guides you can also read about the impressive Széchenyi Baths, another one of the city’s most famous spas.
- Tips and useful information for planning your visit
- The pools at Gellért Baths
- Actividades del Balneario Gellért
- Activities at Gellért Baths
- Where to eat close to Gellért Baths
Tips and useful information for planning your visit
One of the biggest draws of Gellért Baths is its location, on the shores of the Danube, at the foot of Gellért hill, right opposite Liberty Bridge, which leads directly to the central market. The central location means paying a visit to the spa during your time in Budapest is very convenient.
It is important to bear in mind a few recommendations for visiting Gellért Baths. To bathe at Gellért Baths it is compulsory to wear a swimming cap. If you do not have one with you on your trip, you can buy one or hire one at the spa itself.
Years ago Gellért Baths was not mixed, which was why nudism was possible. This is no longer the case and you must wear swimwear as well as a swimming cap and flip flops.
It is important to bear in mind that Gellért’s thermal water is not recommended for children under the age of 14, and therefore they can only enter under medical prescription.
The pools at Gellért Baths
The origins of Gellért Baths date back to the thirteenth century, when it was already known that the location, at the foot of Gellért hill, was the site of a spring with medicinal water. A hospital was originally built on the site before subsequently being converted into a spa.
The current Gellért Baths date from the early twentieth century. Built between 1912 and 1918 and expanded in 1927, the building is known for its Art Deco style, which was typical of the period. During the Second World War it suffered damage but was restored in the wake of the conflict.
All of the architecture at Gellért Baths is worthy of a museum. The impressive exterior façade, the indoor pools surrounded by colonnades under dome ceilings, the rooms and vestibules replete with features such as sculptures, reliefs, mosaics and stained glass windows…
Gellért Baths has three outdoor pools and eight indoor thermal pools. One of the outdoor pools has an artificial wave system, although the water is not hot (26 degrees). The temperature of the water in the thermal pools varies between 36 and 40 degrees centigrade. There is also a private pool that includes champagne and fruit – an ideal spot for couples.
The thermal water of Gellért Baths contains calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, sulphate and fluoride.
The properties of the water are recommended for degenerative joint diseases, spinal problems, chronic joint inflammation, disc problems, vasoconstriction, circulatory disorders, asthma and bronchitis.
In addition to the pools, the spa has a Finnish sauna (80–90 degrees), steam baths (43 degrees) and hot air chambers (between 50 and 80 degrees).
Activities at Gellért Baths
In addition to the pools, baths and saunas available to visitors, at Gellért Baths you can enjoy other activities, such as different types of massages, both individual and for couples, to round off your treatment.
Where to eat close to Gellért Baths
Gellért Baths is situated on the western bank of the Danube, on the Buda side. If you follow the riverbank towards the castle you will find several restaurants and places to eat. Here are a few recommendations for places to eat in the area:
- Gellért Sorozo: in the spa itself you will find this restaurant which serves a range of different dishes.
- KEG: a pub-style restaurant for all budgets that has no less than 32 beers on tap.
- Palack: this wine bar has an extensive wine list and simple, appetiser-style dishes in case you prefer something quick.
Dónde dormir cerca del Balneario Gellért
The location of the spa is without a doubt one of the biggest draws for visitors. Practically in front of the spa is Liberty Bridge, which in just a few minutes’ walk takes you to the Pest side, the heart of the Hungarian capital.
There you will find one of the most comfortable hotels in Budapest, the Barceló Budapest. From the hotel, just a short walk away, you can reach places as iconic as St Stephen’s Basilica, the Synagogue, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament building. The four-star establishment is therefore a magnificent option for a stay in Budapest.
