Gellert Spa

For a cold winter's day, an elegant swimming pool and several thermal pools to choose from. We arrived about 11 on a Wednesday and it was never too busy. To be sure it's not cheap to enter, and we would recommend paying the small amount extra for a cabin (you only need one for 2 - or more if you don't all change together). We found everything well signposted and the attendants helpful. Only the thermal outdoor pool was open (not the swimming pool) but that was an enjoyable experience. We brought costumes, towels (a recommendation to bring 2 I have seen was a good one), flips flops - and shower caps from the hotel were acceptable in the main pool. We ended up spending over 3 hours here and didn't really want to get out of the hot pools! You can in fact stay all day.

This was the second of two spas I chose to visit during my time in Budapest and although I enjoyed it, I did prefer Szechenyi, mostly because it seemed more authentically Hungarian and less modern. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this one which is beautiful in is own way and just as relaxing too. The setting though is different with smaller pools and less choice as to the different types. The changing facilities are good and secure enough to leave valuables in while you bathe and although it can initially be a ltitle difficult to find your way around you soon get the hang of it. For me visiting on a warm October afternoon it felt almost surreal to be able to sit out sunbtahing at such late a time of year - you definately would not be able to do this at home. Even in October the pools were quite crowded so I dont know what it would be like during high season. I guess these are popular due to their proximity to the main tourist sites, whereas Szechenyi is further out requiring a ride on the metro. Both are worth visiting, buy for me Szechenyi was the best.

Spent a relaxing Sunday morning here steaming away the headache from the previous night . It is a little confusing to find your way around and would definitely be more helpful if the welcome staff explained a little where you should go . I overheard a fellow bathers say he missed the pools up the back the last time he was there and save this I don't think I would have found the two toasty thermal pools to the right of the main swimming pool. It was a Baltic November day when we were there and the main outdoor pool was not open, just the smaller thermal one . We spent some very nice time in this watching the lads come from the sauna and dip in the ice bath beside. Very entertaining. Given that it was winter and the main pool wasn't open, they might consider an off peak price