Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa

Rising 140 m (460 ft) over the western flank of the River Danube, Gellért Hill is riddled with underground cave complexes and around 130 hot springs, which feed Budapest’s famous spa baths. Formed in karstic limestone, the springs have therapeutic properties and provide 70 million liters (18.5 million gallons) of hot, calcium-rich water – temperature ranges between 70°F (21°C) and 168°F (76°C) – daily to power the seven major spa complexes in the city. 
Of these, the elegant, Art Nouveau-cum-Secessionist-style Gellért Thermal Bath and Spa opened in 1918; behind its undulating exterior is a confection of magical, turquoise-and-gold, mosaic-ed saunas, steam rooms and colonnaded indoor and outdoor pools. As well as a series of plunge pools and mineral baths of differing temperatures, there’s a wave pool on the roof and a panoramic terrace for sunbathing and al fresco lunching in summer. 
The waters at Gellért are rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium and are believed to be especially effective in aiding joint pain and bronchial complaints. Treatments such as massages, mudpacks, reflexology, solariums and manicures are also available, but need to be booked in advance.

Practical Info

Kelenhegyi út 4. Open daily 6am–8pm. Adult tickets range from HUF4,900 to HUF5,500; children HUF3,100–HUF3,300. Treatments and massages cost extra.