Cathedral swimming in Budapest’s Gellert
Written by Amanda Kendle
Gellert Baths, Budapest
With some Budapest hotels offering free nights over this winter, it might be a good time to pop by and then you can follow up my tip: a swim in the Gellert Baths and Spa.
You might be starting to think I’m obsessed with Hungarian baths after I raved about the Heviz Thermal Baths but it’s really not usually my thing – that’s why I’m so eager to get others to try these ones too.
The Gellert Baths in Budapest are famous and the hotel they’re part of is usually too pricey for my standards, but the good news is you don’t have to stay there to get in for a dip. There are actually 13 different pools in the whole complex but by far the best is the central indoor pool. It’s surrounded by Roman columns and has an incredible ceiling and I had to agree with my guidebook when it described it as being like “swimming in a cathedral”.
The entrance price you pay depends on how many hours you stay – there is also an outdoor wave pool and various thermal baths (some of which are segregated into male and female baths so pay attention!). Full price for entrance is about €13 and if you stay less than three hours you’ll get a partial refund when you leave.
Amanda, I think that 13 euro, around £10, is reasonable value for a three hour session in such a beautiful environment.
I did this in December last year, great way to warm up on a cold winter’s day in Budapest spent at the Christmas markets! I’m sure it was cheaper than 13 euro though. I think it depends on the time you go too, perhaps it was cheaper as the outdoor pools were shut due to it being December…
Ian – sounds lovely, I’ve not yet made it to Budapest but I’m planning to visit the Gellert Spa when I finally get there.
Yep 13 Euro was for the full day with full facilities in summer – I think I got nearly half that back when I left because I could only stay a couple of hours. Oh, wish I could pop back there now, what a beautiful spot …
[...] but it’s high on my would like to visit list. One of stops on my itinerary would be the Gellert Baths & Spa recommended by Amanda Kendle of the Europe a la Carte blogging [...]
[...] but it’s high on my would like to visit list. One of the stops on my itinerary would be the Gellert Baths & Spa recommended by Amanda Kendle of the Europe a la Carte blogging [...]