How the Gellért Thermal Bath Closure Will Affect Visitors to Budapest
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest, you’ve probably already marked the Gellért Thermal Bath on your must-visit list. With its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and famous thermal pools, it’s one of the city’s most beloved attractions. But starting October 1, 2025, the Gellért Baths will close for a major renovation lasting several years — and this will have a big impact on visitors.
Here’s what you need to know if Budapest’s spa culture is on your travel itinerary.
Why Is Gellért Bath Closing?
The closure is not just routine maintenance. Engineers found that the bath’s pump house and technical machinery, shared with the neighboring Gellért Hotel, are in unsafe condition. Before the hotel and spa can continue welcoming guests, this essential infrastructure needs urgent upgrades.
That means from October 2025, no access to the thermal pools, saunas, or wellness facilities at Gellért until at least 2028.
What Does This Mean for Tourists?
For many travelers, visiting Gellért is a bucket-list experience. Its famous indoor pools lined with Zsolnay tiles, stained glass windows, and century-old thermal waters have been attracting visitors for over 100 years.
The closure means:
No iconic Gellért experience – Visitors won’t be able to bathe under the grand Art Nouveau dome or enjoy the outdoor wave pool for at least three years.
More crowds at other spas – Popular alternatives like Széchenyi and Rudas are likely to see higher visitor numbers, especially during peak travel seasons.
Revised travel plans – Tourists coming specifically for the Gellért Baths will need to adjust their Budapest itineraries.
The Good News: Plenty of Alternatives
While the Gellért Baths will be missed, Budapest is often called the “Spa Capital of the World” for a reason. Visitors can still enjoy world-class bathhouses, including:
Széchenyi Thermal Bath – The largest medicinal bath in Europe, famous for its outdoor pools and chess-playing locals.
Rudas Bath – Dating back to the Ottoman era, offering a rooftop jacuzzi with breathtaking views of the Danube.
Lukács Bath – A favorite among locals and wellness lovers, known for its healing thermal waters.
Palatinus Bath – Perfect for families, with outdoor pools and slides on Margaret Island.
Each of these baths offers a unique experience, ensuring that Budapest’s spa culture remains accessible to visitors even during the Gellért closure (usually open during the warmer months).
When Will Gellért Reopen?
The renovation is expected to last about three years, meaning the earliest possible reopening is 2028. The project comes with a €50 million investment, ensuring that when the Gellért Baths do reopen, visitors will enjoy a restored Art Nouveau masterpiece with upgraded pools, a modern VIP area, and improved facilities.
Final Thoughts
The closure of Gellért Thermal Bath is big news for visitors to Budapest, but it doesn’t mean missing out on the city’s spa culture. With historic baths like Széchenyi, Rudas, Lukács, and Palatinus ready to welcome guests, travelers will still have unforgettable bathing experiences.
If you’re planning a trip between 2025 and 2028, make sure to book your tickets early for other spas, as demand will likely rise once Gellért shuts its doors. And when Gellért finally reopens, it will be better than ever — giving future visitors a reason to return to Budapest.
Inside of Gellert: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAS4XmGoVHB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=dzEyOWpucHdkMmt2
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