Budapest is noted for its thermal baths and spas with the “Gellert”:http://www.gellertbath.com/ one of the most famous. I’d read it would be helpful to take my own towel, flip flops and swim cap (required for the swimming pool).
Lockers or cabins were both available and I opted for the latter. I found it a little hard to get my bearings and find all the different pools. I started at the indoor swimming pool (mandatory anti-clockwise swimming) with a nearby 36°thermal pool and debated which to try first. I figured it would be better to warm up, which turned out to be the right decision as the pool would have felt even chillier after 36°.
After a little searching, I found the two further beautifully tiled thermal pools (35° and 40°). I’m not sure why, but they both made my skin tingle and not wanting to turn into a prune, I only sat for 10 minutes in each. The spring water from the Gellert Hill is rich in a number of minerals and is said to cure ailments ranging from chronic arthritis to aortic stenosis (whatever that is).
The huge outdoor pool ranged from paddling to very deep. It was very quiet as it wasn’t the best of weather but I did a couple of widths before venturing into what was described as the Adventure Pool although I couldn’t understand why. Just as I was going to call it a day, I noticed the wave machine in the outdoor pool had been switched on and I couldn’t resist jumping a few waves.
I spent just over an hour in all the pools and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For the less mobile, most of the pools have a seat which lowers you down. There are also massages and other treatments which can be booked in advance, indoor and outdoor loungers and a cafe.
