Gellért Thermal Bath, Hungary

A Budapest icon, but currently closed

Gellért is one of Budapest’s best-known historic baths, famous for its Art Nouveau interiors and its long association with the adjacent hotel. It is also, for now, not a place you can visit. The official bath website states Gellért closed on October 1, 2025, with a planned reopening in 2028.

Why it matters for trip planning

People still search for Gellért first, and it often shows up in old itineraries. If you are building a Budapest bath day, treat this listing as background and location reference only. For an actual soak, plan around other operating baths in the city, and keep Gellért as a future-return reason.

What the experience is like when open

Gellért is a city bath, not a wilderness spring. Expect a structured entry process, wet-floor movement between pools, and a mix of locals and visitors. When it reopens, timing will matter, popular hours tend to feel busy, and a calm visit usually means arriving early.

Where it is
Gellért is in Budapest on Kelenhegyi út 2, near Gellért Square on the Buda side of the Danube.

Getting there
This is an urban destination with simple public transport access and a short walk from nearby stops. If you arrive by car, treat it like any central Budapest stop: limited parking, paid zones, and short walks from whatever space you find.

Current status and planning
The official website states the bath is closed from October 1, 2025, with planned reopening in 2028. Before you book accommodation around a Gellért visit, check the official updates close to your travel dates.

What to bring
For now, bring nothing but a plan B. If you are scouting for a future visit after reopening, swimwear and grippy sandals are the basics for any Budapest bath, plus a towel and a small dry bag for phone and valuables.

Right now, Gellért is best for travelers doing research ahead of a future trip, not for people trying to soak during a current Budapest visit.

Families
Because the bath is closed, it is not a workable family activity at the moment. If you are traveling with kids, choose an operating pool complex instead of building your schedule around Gellért.

Couples and solo travelers
As a planning note, this is often the bath couples pick for architecture and a classic Budapest feel. For now, the practical move is to choose another bath for the actual experience, and save Gellért for a return visit once it reopens.

Accessibility
Do not assume step-free access. It is a historic building, and accessibility routing can be partial. Since the site is closed, verify official accessibility details again when reopening is announced, rather than relying on older blog posts.

Expectations vs reality
When open, Gellért is a managed facility with rules and crowd flow, not a quiet spa hideout. The win is atmosphere, not privacy.

Plan for closure first
The main safety issue here is travel planning. The official website states Gellért closed on October 1, 2025, with a planned reopening in 2028. Avoid building a fixed itinerary around it until official reopening is confirmed.

Watch for outdated info
Budapest bath content ages fast, and old posts can look convincing. Use official updates for dates, access, and any reopening phases, especially around construction.

Typical bath hazards (when open)
Budapest baths share the same basic risks: slippery tile, wet steps, and quick temperature shifts between pool rooms. The fix is boring but effective, slow down, wear sandals in walking zones, and take breaks instead of doing one long, hot session.

Etiquette
Keep voices low indoors, do not block narrow pool edges, and be conservative with photos. The vibe in historic baths stays pleasant when people treat them like shared public space, not a private set.

Health cautions, kept simple
If you are heat-sensitive, pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, plan shorter sessions and cooler days, and talk to a clinician if you are unsure. Thermal bathing can be taxing even when it feels relaxing.

Is Gellért Thermal Bath open right now?

No. The official website states Gellért closed on October 1, 2025, with a planned reopening in 2028. Check official updates close to your trip dates.

Where is Gellért located in Budapest?

Gellért is on Kelenhegyi út 2 near Gellért Square on the Buda side of the Danube, close to major public transport routes.

Can I buy tickets or visit the building during closure?

Treat the bath as not visitable during the closure period unless the operator announces specific limited access or tours. Use the official site for the latest status.

What’s the best alternative if I want a Budapest thermal bath experience?

Choose another operating bath in Budapest for your current trip, then keep Gellért as a reason to return after reopening. Match your pick to your needs: quieter vs iconic, indoor vs outdoor.

What should I bring for a future visit after reopening?

Swimwear, a towel, and grippy sandals are the core kit for Budapest baths. Pack light, and avoid bringing valuables you do not want to manage in wet areas.