Historic Budapest spa shuts down this October, another forced to adapt: here’s what to know
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From 1 October, one of the historic Budapest spas, the famous Gellért Bath, will close its doors for several years to undergo a long-awaited full renovation. The decision affects one of the capital’s most iconic thermal spas and will bring significant changes to the city’s bathing culture – most notably at the nearby Rudas Bath.
Why the renovation is needed at the Budapest spa
According to Budapest Spas cPlc (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Plc., BGYH), the technical condition of the Gellért Bath has deteriorated dramatically over the years. “Both the machinery and the building itself are in a very poor state. For example, we have not been able to operate the more than 100-year-old wave machine for years,” explained CEO Ildikó Szűts to Turizmus.com. The full reconstruction is expected to take 2.5–3 years, with the bath welcoming its last guests on 30 September 2025.
New visiting rules at Rudas Bath
Since many of Gellért’s visitors are expected to turn to Rudas, the visiting schedule there will be reorganised starting 1 October:
- From 6:00 to 11:00 AM, the traditional “kötényes” (apron-only) bathing will continue. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, it will be reserved for men, while Tuesdays will remain women-only.
- From 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the entire facility – including the Turkish Bath, wellness section, and swimming pool – will operate in a mixed, co-ed format.
