Gellért Thermal Bath Tickets & Visitor Information

Since 1918, Gellért Thermal Bath has enchanted visitors with its stunning blend of therapeutic mineral waters and breathtaking Art Nouveau design. Housed within the magnificent Gellért Hotel at the foot of Gellért Hill, this spa complex represents the pinnacle of Budapest’s famous thermal bath culture.

Highlights

• Marvel at 10 diverse thermal pools ranging from 26°C to 40°C, each featuring unique Art Nouveau tilework and therapeutic mineral concentrations
• Experience the famous blue-tiled thermal halls with carved cherubs, marble balconies, and serpentine Art Nouveau details that feel like stepping into a Wes Anderson film
• Relax in Hungary’s first wave pool (currently operating as a leisure pool) surrounded by terraced gardens and classical statues

Tickets & Prices

Your ticket provides full-day access to all pools, saunas, steam rooms, and changing facilities. Entry options include standard locker access or upgraded private cabin rental for extra space and privacy.

Weekdays typically offer better rates than weekends, with special holiday pricing during peak periods. The “skip-the-line” tickets guarantee entry during busy times when the baths might otherwise sell out.

Book online to secure your spot, especially during summer months when demand peaks. Fast-track entry tickets save time during crowded periods and include guaranteed access when walk-up tickets aren’t available.

Private massage sessions require separate booking and advance reservations. Treatment packages combining entry with spa services offer better value than purchasing separately.

Gellért Thermal Bath Ticket Options

• Gellért Spa Full-Day Ticket – A standard ticket entry. Grants full-day spa access plus a complimentary Palinka Experience at the Palinka museum.
• Budapest Pass – Explore Budapest’s top attractions with ease, including seamless access to museums, tours, and more.

The Gellért Spa Full-Day Ticket includes entrance to Gellért Spa, a private cabin or locker, and Palinka spirit experience with 1 tasting (only at the Palinka Museum).

Things to Know Before Booking Gellért Bath Tickets

• Pool Maintenance Closures: Some thermal pools may be closed for regular spring maintenance, so check current status before your visit
• Combo Package Savings: Consider combination tickets that bundle Gellért with hop-on-hop-off bus tours or Danube cruises for around 7% savings
• Complimentary Palinka: Many tickets include a tasting of Hungary’s national fruit brandy as part of the experience
• Digital Delivery: All online tickets are delivered via email with specific instructions to follow
• No Refunds for Shorter Stays: Full-day tickets don’t offer partial refunds if you leave early
• Massage Booking Required: Spa treatments need separate advance booking and aren’t included in standard entry tickets
• Cash Payments: Some on-site services and rentals may require cash payment

What to See and Do

Explore the Art Nouveau Thermal Halls

The indoor thermal pools represent Gellért’s crown jewel. Five interconnected thermal pools feature different temperatures and mineral concentrations, all surrounded by breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture. The marine-green Zsolnay tiles, marble columns, and intricate ceiling mosaics create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Each pool serves different therapeutic purposes. The 38°C pool provides deep muscle relaxation, while the cooler 27°C option offers gentle thermal therapy. The ornate statues, carved cherubs, and flowing water features from lion and fish mouths add to the magical ambiance.

Soak in the Main Swimming Pool

The centerpiece swimming pool occupies a spectacular hall with a glass ceiling that floods the space with natural light. This architectural marvel showcases classic Art Nouveau design with geometric patterns and organic flourishes.

Swimming caps are mandatory here, but you can purchase them on-site. The pool attracts serious swimmers doing laps, but casual visitors can enjoy the stunning surroundings. The serpentine railings and ionic columns create perfect photo opportunities.

Experience Traditional Saunas and Steam Rooms

Three interconnected saunas offer varying heat levels, from mild warm-up spaces to intense therapeutic heat. The traditional Finnish-style saunas reach 80-90°C and provide the authentic thermal cycling experience beloved by locals.

Steam rooms feature aromatherapy elements and provide gentler heat therapy. The key is alternating between hot saunas and cold plunge pools for maximum circulation benefits. All facilities are co-ed with swimwear required.

Relax in the Outdoor Wave Pool

The historic outdoor pool was once home to the world’s first artificial wave machine from 1927. While the century-old machinery currently undergoes restoration, the pool still operates as a beautiful leisure space during warmer months (typically May through October).

Surrounded by terraced gardens, classical statues, and Art Nouveau architecture, this outdoor sanctuary offers a peaceful escape. The gradually deepening design accommodates both relaxation and swimming.

Indulge in Professional Massage Treatments

Gellért offers comprehensive spa services including aromatherapy massages, refreshing treatments, and specialized medical massages. The 45-minute refreshing massage combines therapeutic techniques with essential oils like peppermint or rosemary.

Private treatment rooms provide luxury wellness experiences away from the main bathing areas. Book immediately upon arrival as popular treatments fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours

Open daily 9am-7pm, including holidays and weekends. Last entry accepted at 6pm, with pools closing at 6:40pm. Saunas and steam rooms operate 10am-6pm. Full-day ticket holders can remain in pools until 7:45pm.

Indoor facilities stay open year-round, making Gellért perfect for winter visits. The outdoor pool operates seasonally, typically May through October depending on weather conditions.

Getting There

Metro: Take M4 (Green Line) to Szent Gellért tér station. The bath entrance sits directly in front of you when exiting the station.

Tram: Lines 19, 41, 47, 49, or 56 stop at Szent Gellért tér, directly outside the complex.

Bus: Routes 7, 86, 173, and 233E serve Szent Gellért tér stop.

Walking: Pleasant 15-minute stroll from central Pest across Liberty Bridge, offering beautiful Danube views.

Map & Address

Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest, Hungary

Nearby Places

Liberty Bridge provides Instagram-worthy views and connects directly to the Central Market Hall on the Pest side.

Gellért Hill and Citadel tower above the baths, offering panoramic city views and the famous Liberty Statue.

Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) sits carved into the hillside just minutes away, representing unique religious architecture.

Central Market Hall across the river features traditional Hungarian foods, souvenirs, and local crafts in beautiful architecture.

Facilities

• Changing Areas: Choice between standard lockers or private cabins (more spacious but compact for two people)
• Rentals: Towels, swimwear, bathrobes, and flip-flops available on-site but bring your own to save money
• Restaurant: On-site café serves refreshments and light meals, accepting card payments
• Services: Dental clinic, beauty salon, hairdresser, and currency exchange available
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators, though some historic areas have limited access

Tips

• Arrive Early: 9am opening offers the most peaceful experience before tourist crowds arrive
• Bring Essentials: Pack towels, flip-flops, and swimwear to avoid expensive rentals
• Swimming Cap: Only required for the main swimming pool, not thermal baths
• Weekday Visits: Significantly less crowded than weekends, especially Tuesday-Thursday
• Photography: Allowed throughout most areas, but be respectful of other bathers
• Health Considerations: Avoid thermal pools if pregnant, have heart conditions, or high blood pressure
• Jewelry Warning: High mineral content can discolor metal jewelry

Other Thermal Baths in Budapest

• Széchenyi Baths: Europe’s largest thermal complex with famous outdoor chess playing and 18 pools
• Rudas Baths: Authentic 16th-century Turkish baths with rooftop pool and stunning Danube views
• Lukács Baths: Local favorite with outdoor terraces and more affordable pricing
• Király Baths: Ottoman-era architecture with original Turkish dome design
• Veli Bej Baths: Newly renovated Turkish baths combining historical authenticity with modern amenities

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Gellért houses the world’s first artificial wave pool machine from 1927, which despite being nearly 100 years old, requires such specialized maintenance that no replacement parts exist.
2. The thermal springs were first mentioned in the 15th century as “miraculous” healing waters, later becoming favorites of Turkish occupiers who found them larger and hotter than other Buda baths.
3. During World War II, Gellért remarkably remained open despite severe bomb damage, with the women’s section particularly affected but quickly rebuilt.
4. The Art Nouveau design features over 1,000 square meters of colorful Zsolnay tiles, created by Hungary’s most famous ceramic factory in Pécs.
5. Notable guests have included Rabindranath Tagore, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands (who honeymooned here), film stars, and maharajas, making it Europe’s most aristocratic thermal destination.

History:

• 15th Century: First written records mention the “miraculous” healing springs at this location
• 17th Century: Turkish occupiers name it Sárosfürdő (Mud Bath) due to mineral-rich silt deposits
• 1718: City of Buda purchases the springs and surrounding land
• 1912-1918: Current Art Nouveau complex constructed by architects Sebestyén, Hegedűs, and Sterk
• 1918: Grand opening as Europe’s most luxurious spa facility
• 1927: Addition of the world’s first artificial wave pool
• 1944-1945: Severe WWII damage, particularly to women’s sections, but remains operational
• 1960s-1980s: Communist era democratizes access, opening aristocratic spa to workers
• 2013: Traditional segregated thermal pools become co-educational
• Present: Continues as Budapest’s most elegant thermal destination

FAQ