Last Updated on 22 October 2025 by ZoliBP
Gellért Bath Alternatives
The Gellért Bath is closed for renovation as of October 01, 2025 until 2028. Here’s a selection of baths you should absolutely consider as great alternatives.
Each has its own charm, historical value, and experience.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi Fürdő)
Why It’s a Good Alternative to The Gellért?
It’s similarly iconic, massive, and works year-round. With both indoor and outdoor pools, The Széchenyi offers one of the most complete thermal experiences in Budapest after the Gellért Bath.
It’s a grand, historic bath located in the City Park/Városliget – with plenty other fun things to do beyond bathing – considered to be a must-do activity for visitors to Budapest.
Address:
- Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Budapest (City Park / Városliget)
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 07.00 – 20.00 (pools, saunas close at 19.40)
- Friday: 07.00 – 22.00 (pools, saunas close at 21.40)
- Saturday – Sunday: 08.00 – 20.00 (pools, saunas close at 19.40)
Ticket Prices – Széchenyi Bath:
Basic Ticket:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 500 HUF / 32 EUR
- Saturday – Sunday: 14 000 HUF / cc. 36 EUR
Includes: Access To All The Pools and Saunas with Locker or Private Changing Cabin:
Premium Ticket :
- Monday – Thursday: 27 000 HUF / cc. 69 EUR
- Saturday – Sunday: 34 000 HUF / cc. 87 EUR
Includes: access to all the pools and saunas, private changing cabin, towel, flip-flops, bathrobe, 2 cups of tea & minearl water, snacks (fruit plate or ham & cheese platter), alcoholic drinks (a glass of cocktail or premium quality Hungarian wine).
There are more than a dozen of pools with varying water temprature (from 18 oC up to 40 oC) both indoor and outdoor. In colder months, the contrast of hot water and chilly air is quite refreshing. The outdoor pools are open year-round.
✅ Tips for Visiting:
Because the Széchenyi is extremely popular, it can get crowded, especially midafternoon and on weekends. The best times to visit are either early morning or later in the evening.
👉 Read more about the Széchenyi Bath!
2. Rudas Thermal Baths (Rudas Fürdő)
Why It’s a Good Alternative to The Gellért?
Rudas is the closest to the Gellért Bath – at cc. 10-minute walk – a so this is your best option if you want to stay in the centre.
It’s a mix of Ottoman-era – the original Turkish Bath was built in the mid-16th century – architecture + modern wellness.
Its Turkish dome, octagonal pool, and rooftop views make it both atmospheric and beautiful.
Highlights:
- Six thermal pools (36 – 42 °C) + cold plunge
- Rooftop panorama pool with a view over the Danube
- “Night Bath” sessions on Fridays and Saturdays (22.00 – 03.00)
Wellness center, massages, and sauna world
Address:
- Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Budapest (on Buda side, foot of Gellért Hill, View on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:
- Wellnes & sauna centre: every day: 08.00 – 22.00,
- Swiming pools: every day: 06.00 – 20.00,
Turkish Bath Opening Hours:
- Co-ed days (bathing suit is compulsory): Mon – Fri: 11.00 – 20.00, Sat – Sun: 06.00 – 20.00
- Ladies’ day: Tuesday: 06.00 – 10.45
- Men-only days: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 06.00 – 10.45,
On Friday & Saturday nights, there are “Late Night Spa Hours” (22.00 – 03:00, only bath, not party).
✅ Our TIPs For Visiting Rudas:
- If you really want to make the most of the whole spa and wellness experience combine it with a 3-course dinner in the Rudas Bistro.
- To avoid crowd, time your visit to a weekday, afternoon if you choose to have dinner too.
- The main octagonal dome pool is a highlight – looks dramatic with its Ottoman architectural style and subtle lighting
- The rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Danube and the bridges is very special (when the weather allows). Excellent spot for Instgram-worthy photos!
- Because of gender-segregated days for the Turkish section, check in advance which days are mixed or exclusive (See opening hours above!)
👉 Read more about the Rudas Bath!
3. Dandár Baths (Dandár Gyógyfürdő)
Why It’s a Good Alternative to The Gellért?
The Dandár is a favorite among locals, more modest and less touristy than Széchenyi or Rudas. Good option for relaxing in thermal water without big crowds.
Although it doesn’t have the grandeur of the larger baths, but it’s comfortable, local, and reliable – a calmer alternative. Not to mention tickets are cheaper than in the more popular baths.
Address, Getting There:
- Dandár u. 3, 1095 Budapest (See on Google Maps)
- Trams 2, 2B, 23, Get off at Haller utca/soroksári út stop, 4 minute walk from there
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 09.00 – 19.00
Tickets:
- Thermal pool (indoor) ticket: weekdays: 3 000 HUF, weekends & holidays: 3 200 HUF
- Combined ticket (indoor thermal, sauna, outdoor pools): weekdays: 3 900 HUF, weekends & holidays: 4 000 HUF
- Student and senior tickets: weekdays: 2 300 HUF, weekends & holidays: 2 600 HUF
- 2-hour thermal ticket: 2 400 HUF (for some reason there’s also a 600 HUF deposit, cash-only)
4. Lukács Baths & Császár Thermal Baths (Lukács Fürdő / Császárfürdő)
Why Go?
More offbeat and authentic compared to the “big name” baths. Lukács is well-loved by locals, with wellness, thermal & swimming options.
While more subtle than Gellért, Lukács has some beautiful architecture and mosaics and other Art-Nouveau details worth admiring.
Facilities in the Lukács Bath:
- Thermal pools with temperature: 32 °C, 36 °C, 40 °C, water depth 0.9 m
- Sauna World with several saunas, ice room/cooling pools
The outdoor leisure pool is perhaps the bath’s most famous feature. Bubble beds, neck showers, back massagers, and the popular lazy river current ensure a complete and fun bathing experience.
Leisure Pool Details:
- Temperature: 33-35 °C pefect for all seasons
Water Depth: 1.13 m
Address, Getting There:
- Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1023 Budapest (not far from the Buda end of Margaret Bridge, View on Google Maps)
- Use tram 4 or 6, get off at Margit híd budai hídfő, then it’s a 5-min walk (400 m) from there
Opening Hours:
- Every day: 07.00 – 19.00, Extended Hours on Tuesdays: 07.00 – 22.00
Tickets to the Lukács Bath:
- Full price on weekdays: 6 000 HUF, weekends & holidays: 7 000 HUF
- Students and seniors: weekdays: 3 600 HUF, weekends & holidays: 4 700 HUF
- Afternoon ticket (valid for 2 hours before closing time): weekdays: 3 600 HUF, weekends & holidays: 4 700 HUF
- Sauna world ticket: every day: 1 300 HUF
- FREE with Budapest Card!
✅ Our TIPS For Visiting the Lukács Bath
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (06:00 – 09:00 AM): Quiet, mostly locals – great for a calm soak.
- Afternoon (12:00 – 16:00 PM): Moderate crowd, nice natural light in the outdoor pool.
- Evening (18:00 – 20:30 ): Relaxed vibe, cooler air – very atmospheric, especially in autumn or winter.
It has a lovely courtyard garden with benches and greenery – nice space to rest between dips, – often overlooked by visitors.
After 19.00 , the pools glow beautifully under the lights, and it’s much less busy.
👉 Read more about the Lukács Bath!
5. Palatinus Baths (Palatinus Strand / Baths on Margaret Island)
Why We Recommend?
Though Palatinus is primarily known as a summer / open-air bath complex – it’s really the best summer splashing place in Budapest especially for families with kids – its indoor or covered sections are perfect for relaxation in colder times.
What’s more, some of the open air and the swimming pools are operating all year round. So you can have a pleasant mix of thermal + swimming + open-air wellness when the weather permits.
Furthermore, it’s located on Margaret Island that offers plenty other things to do in all seasons. The Lumina Park – a themed light park within the Palatinus Bath – for example is an excellent program for late autmn and winter afternoons. Why not combine the two for a fun half-day activity ?
Address, Getting There:
- Margaret Island, Soó Rezső stny. 1, Bp 1007 (See on Google Maps)
- Tram 4 or 6, get off at Margitsziget/Margit híd stop then start walking towards the island for cc. 2 min until you find the stop for bus No 26 that will take you to Palatinus Fürdő (3 stops). Alternatively you can walk too to see more of the island’s attractions just note that it takes cc. 20 minutes to get to the bath.
👉 Read more about the Palatinus Bath!
Good to Know When Visiting Any of Budapest’s Thermal Baths:
- Children under the age of 14 cannot visit the themal baths (except for the Palatinus kids’ pools and outdoor pools).
- Pools usually close 20 minutes before the bath’s closing time
- Cashier closes 1 hour before the bath’s closing time
- Please note that in most baths towels are not available for rent, so guests are strongly advised to bring their own. Additionally, the use of slippers and a swimming cap in the swimming pool is mandatory, so please bring those with you as well.
Location | Buda (Frankel Leó út, near Margaret Bridge) | Pest (City Park) | Buda (at the foot of Gellért Hill) |
Crowd | Mostly locals | Tourists, groups | Mixed crowd, younger locals, night visitors |
Style | Classic, simple, medical spa | Grand, Neo-Baroque | Historic Turkish + modern rooftop |
Vibe | Quiet, authentic, healing | Lively, social, photogenic | Atmospheric, exotic, intimate |
Outdoor Pools | Yes (2) | Yes (3 large pools) | Yes (rooftop panorama pool) |
Best Time to Visit | Morning / evening | Early morning / night | Evening (especially night spa) |
Price Range | (~7,000–9,000 HUF) | (~10,000–11,000 HUF) | (~9,500–10,500 HUF) |
Instagram Factor | |||
Unique Features | Healing water, medical treatments, drinking fountain | Huge outdoor baths, “Sparty” events | 16th-century Turkish dome, rooftop pool with Danube view |
Locals, wellness travelers | Locals, wellness travelers | Groups, first-timers | Night owls, romantic or adventurous visitors |
❓ FAQ – Gellért Bath Alternatives
1. How long will the Gellért Bath be closed?
The Gellért Bath is closed for a full renovation and will reopen in 2028.
2. Which is the best alternative to Gellért Bath?
Széchenyi Bath is the most popular alternative with 15+ pools indoor and outside, but the Rudas is more centrally located and close to the Gellért. Dandár is also relativey near the city centre but less crowded and cheaper.
3. With Gellért closed, will there be extra demand at other baths?
Likely yes. Expect slightly more crowding, especially at Széchenyi and Rudas. Booking tickets online in advance where possible is safer.
4. Are Budapest baths open all year?
Yes. Széchenyi, Rudas, Dandár and Lukács are open year-round, including outdoor pools even in winter. Palatinus is mainly a summer bath but has limited indoor facilities in colder months.
Related
Guide to all thermal bath and spa complexes in Budapest – Turkish Baths – Veli Bej Bath – Best Outdoor Baths/Beaches in Budapest
