The architecture
Opened in 1918 at the foot of Gellért Hill, this is the bath most people mean when they say Budapest's spas are beautiful rather than just functional. The main indoor hall is lined with colourful Zsolnay ceramic tiles, stained glass skylights and stone columns — it's worth visiting for the building alone, even before you get in the water.
What's inside
The complex includes several indoor thermal pools of varying temperature, a striking indoor swimming pool with a glass roof, and — in summer only — an outdoor wave pool and sunbathing terrace that draws a genuinely local crowd rather than just tourists. It's a good pick if you want a slightly less overwhelming, more intimate experience than Széchenyi's scale.
Getting there
Sits right by the Buda end of Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd), an easy walk from Fővám tér and the Great Market Hall on the Pest side — you can combine both in one afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gellért Baths part of a hotel?
Yes — it's housed within the historic Gellért Hotel, built in the same Art Nouveau style, though the baths operate with their own entrance and can be visited without staying at the hotel.
Does Gellért have outdoor pools?
Yes, including a seasonal outdoor wave pool (open in summer) that's genuinely popular with local families, plus a smaller outdoor thermal pool open year-round.
Is Gellért more expensive than Széchenyi?
Pricing is broadly comparable between the two, though Gellért's cabin options and the overall setting lean slightly more upscale.