Budapest — Gellért thermal bath.

I wanted have a thermal bath experience, so I headed down to the Gellért Thermal Bath.

It was on the Buda side so easy to reach from my lodgings, and what better day than Sunday to relax?

There are several baths in the city but this one was renowned for its art nouveau interior.

Some of that beautiful stained glass.

Hungarian thermal baths are very organised, not unlike taking a cultural tour: you line up for tickets, you follow a set path, have the experience, and come out enlightened. Or at least refreshed and relaxed.

You get this high tech wristband which is not a watch, but an electronic key that gives you access to a locker of your choice.

The main pool inside the bath.

I did not use this pool because one is required to have a swimming cap and I did not.

In case you are wondering, I didn't risk my phone. I brought a waterproof camera for this excursion.

Another view.

There are smaller pools on the perimeter with spa water gushing out of several taps and people take turns to get a water massage under the tap. I took advantage of these for almost an hour. The ticket allowed me all day use but I wasn't intending to stay that long so I wanted to make the most of the morning.

On the roof level is a large outdoor pool. It didn't look popular, probably because the water was cold. It was also quite deep and not for beginners.

But not to worry, another level up there was a hot pool.

A closer look.

Near the pool is a sauna hut.

A brazier with hot rocks keeps the room hot and steamy.

When you emerge you can have a heart-stopping plunge in a cold tub if you wish.

Then go back to the hot pool which got more crowded as the morning wore on.

I repeated the routine a couple of times.

The pool is set in a garden with classical sculptures.

Nearby is a beer garden where one can have after bath drinks.

I went down to the outdoor pool and sunned myself on a deck chair for a while.

Flower beds on the perimeter.

We are under Gellért Hill of course and the statue of a woman holding a palm leaf.

Statue in an alcove.

Mosaic wall.

Entrance to stairs or other room.

Well, that was a relaxing experience, but all good things must come to an end. I was feeling ravenous after all that relaxation so I set off in search of lunch.

This is the Liberty Bridge outside the hotel complex the baths are part of. Fövám Tér and the Central Market Hall are on the other side of the Danube.