Last Call for Gellért Baths: Budapest’s Iconic Thermal Spa Closing for Major Renovation
If you’re planning a visit to Budapest this fall, there’s some important news you need to know about one of the city’s most beloved attractions. The legendary Gellért Thermal Baths, a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece that has been welcoming visitors since 1918, will be closing its doors at the end of September for an extensive three-year renovation project.
A Historic Farewell After More Than a Century
The Gellért Baths have been an integral part of Budapest’s thermal spa culture for over a century, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with their ornate architecture, healing thermal waters, and luxurious atmosphere. This iconic destination, which ranks as Budapest’s second most popular thermal bath after the famous Széchenyi Baths, welcomed approximately 420,000 visitors last year alone, generating revenues of 4.2 billion Hungarian forints.
The closure comes as a result of structural concerns affecting both the thermal baths and the adjacent Gellért Hotel. The complex hasn’t undergone major renovation since the 1970s, and recent structural assessments have revealed that the boiler house is in a dangerous condition. According to Budapest Spas and Springs Ltd. CEO Ildikó Szűts, the reconstruction project will cost nearly 20 billion Hungarian forints and won’t be completed until 2028 at the earliest.
Your Final Opportunity to Experience Gellért’s Magic
For travelers visiting Budapest before the end of September, this presents a unique opportunity to experience the Gellért Baths in their current historic state before they undergo their transformation. The management is encouraging visitors to make the most of these final weeks, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the therapeutic thermal waters, explore the various pools, and soak in the extraordinary atmosphere that has captivated guests for generations.
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The baths are planning something special for their farewell, with a unique closing event scheduled for September 27-28. While details are still being finalized, this promises to be a memorable send-off for one of Budapest’s most cherished landmarks.
What This Means for Your Budapest Spa Experience
While the temporary loss of Gellért Baths might seem disappointing, Budapest’s thermal spa scene remains vibrant with numerous other excellent options. The city’s other thermal baths will continue operating normally, maintaining their current discount programs. Students can still enjoy 50-80% discounts, while adults and seniors have access to various reduced-price tickets.
Additionally, through the end of September, one Budapest thermal bath extends its opening hours until 10 PM daily, giving visitors more flexibility in planning their spa experiences.
A Silver Lining: Palatinus Baths Reduces Prices
There’s some excellent news for budget-conscious travelers seeking thermal spa experiences in Budapest. Starting September 15th, the Palatinus Thermal and Beach Bath on Margaret Island will implement significant price reductions of 30-40% across all ticket categories.
Adult day tickets will drop from 5,300 to 3,600 forints on weekdays and from 5,800 to 3,900 forints on weekends. Two-hour tickets will be reduced to 2,500 forints on weekdays and 2,800 forints on weekends. Student and senior discounts become even more attractive, with day tickets costing just 2,400 forints on weekdays and 2,600 forints on weekends.
Why Palatinus Becomes Your Best Budapest Spa Value
With these price reductions, Palatinus Thermal Bath transforms into Budapest’s best value thermal spa experience during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. The facility operates year-round, though the pool selection differs between summer and off-season periods.
During the off-season, visitors can enjoy the indoor therapeutic pool, along with cold and warm plunge pools. The outdoor facilities include a sitting pool and swimming pool, both of which remain open throughout the year. Until September 28th, the Margaréta pool will also be available for guests.
This pricing structure makes Palatinus more affordable than most Budapest thermal baths, offering excellent value for money while maintaining access to genuine therapeutic thermal waters and quality facilities.
Planning Your Budapest Thermal Spa Adventure
For foreign tourists visiting Budapest, the current situation presents both challenges and opportunities. While you’ll miss the chance to experience Gellért Baths if you’re visiting after September, the city’s other thermal facilities continue to offer authentic Hungarian spa culture.
The Széchenyi Baths remain Budapest’s largest and most popular thermal complex, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, medicinal treatments, and the famous chess-playing experience in thermal waters. Rudas Baths offers a more intimate Ottoman-era atmosphere with its historic Turkish pools, while Király Baths provides another glimpse into Budapest’s Turkish thermal heritage.
The Promise of Gellért’s Renaissance
When Gellért Baths reopens in 2028, visitors can expect a completely transformed experience. The renovation will restore the facility’s original grandeur while incorporating modern amenities and infrastructure. This massive investment demonstrates Budapest’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its world-renowned thermal spa culture for future generations.
The project will address not only aesthetic improvements but also crucial structural and safety upgrades, ensuring that Gellért Baths can continue serving visitors for another century. While the wait may seem long, the result promises to be a stunning blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
For now, if you’re visiting Budapest before the end of September, don’t miss this final opportunity to experience Gellért Baths in their current form. And for those planning future visits, the enhanced Palatinus Baths offer an excellent alternative that showcases the best of Budapest’s thermal spa tradition at exceptional value.
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