Historic Budapest spa shuts down this October, another forced to adapt: here’s what to know
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.
This arrangement, the operator says, strikes a balance between preserving centuries-old traditions and accommodating the expected increase in visitor numbers.
A financial challenge
The closure of Gellért Bath is not only a cultural but also a financial issue. The spa generated more than HUF 4 billion (over EUR 10 million) in annual revenue, largely from foreign guests whose ticket prices helped subsidise discounts for Budapest residents. Losing this income puts significant pressure on BGYH, though redirecting some of the demand to Rudas could help offset the shortfall.
Renovation works at Rudas Bath
Rudas itself is also undergoing renovations to prepare for higher visitor traffic. By the end of September, the sauna area will be renewed, followed by restoration works on the Turkish Bath dome and upgrades to the ventilation system. Nightly maintenance is already ongoing, with staff continuously painting and repairing sections of the bath.
A long-term investment in the Budapest spa culture
The Gellért renovation is part of a multi-year development program covering four of the city’s historic thermal baths: Széchenyi, Lukács, Rudas, and Gellért. While the closure may cause inconvenience for both locals and tourists, the goal is to restore one of Budapest’s most beautiful and internationally renowned baths to its full glory.