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From massage-based establishments masquerading as spas to the lively world of gay sex parties, New York City offers a plethora of choices for those looking to explore their desires in a safe and welcoming environment.
New York City Gay Saunas and Bathhouses
New York City has a vibrant LGBTQ nightlife scene, here are some of the top options for gay saunas and bathhouses in NYC:
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Gay cruising club on the East Side.
Pro tip: Lean against the wall of the pool with the water line above your shoulders.
5. Further reading:The History of America's Gay Bathhouses
Nearest station: Lexington Ave
Cabins
Dark Room
Sauna
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Audience Rating
Based on 194 votes
2023 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner
2024 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner
Weekday: 24 hours
Weekend: 24 hours
Last updated on: 17 May 2025
Last updated on: 17-May-2025
The Russian & Turkish Baths
268 East 10th Street, New York, New York 10009, United States, New York City, USA
Show on mapThe Russian & Turkish Baths, located at 268 East 10th Street in Manhattan's East Village, have been a staple of New York City's wellness scene since 1892.
Find everything you need to know before you go on our “What to Expect” page.
PRIVATE MENS MEMBERSHIP CLUB
Everything the discerning male needs to relax and build his body
Rates & Specials
WEIGHT TRAINING
Fully equipped gymnasium.
BATH & SAUNA
Sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and shower room.
PRIVATE ROOMS
Private rooms for VIP members
RELATED | 10 Things I Learned From Working in a Gay Bathhouse
And the raids certainly didn’t close New York’s bathhouses.
During the 1970s, New York had several gay saunas and bathhouses that were explicitly part of the LGBTQ+ scene, with some using similar "Russian & Turkish Baths" branding. Repeat. This is a place you can come to relax and watch a film with other 'like-minded men.' Can you guess what's on their mind?
There are private cabins and a small steam bath.
There can be some overlap, but there are very different intentionalities, philosophies and intended outcomes between the two.
Functionality over Fluff
We think of bathhouses as facilitating transformation, leaving you better off than when you arrived.
Following World War II, a more robust underground gay culture began to emerge, spurred in part by the companionship that queer soldiers found in the military. Even in cities where they’re legal, patrons would do well to keep their wits about them and watch out for law enforcement looking to target queer men.
Over a century may have passed since that first American raid, but progress remains to be made.
What did you think of our quick lesson in gay bathhouse history?
This article was originally published on Jan.
9, 2018. Bring water into the sauna with you.
3. Across town, the Penn Post Baths offered a less formal, more exhibitionist space.
Despite surviving 100 years of police harassment, though, the gay bathhouses of New York City couldn’t survive the homophobia of Mayor Ed Koch, who shut most of them down during the HIV epidemic.
The name may sound familiar but it's not the same venue as the historic gay bathhouse Bette Midler performed in back in the 1970s. It has since been updated.
New Offering: First Timer Day Pass
Starting at $59
Bathhousing for the first time and want to learn how to sauna like a pro?
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, all sauna-goers are welcome!
However, bathhousing is not necessarily a “relaxing” experience in itself.
A Shared experience
Bathhouses are all about communal gathering, with shared pools, saunas and steam rooms where people can socialize and recharge.
Sweat it out and don’t forget to hydrate.
5. You survived the heat.
6. Less risky than meeting in public, regular patrons knew each other and could self-regulate the scene, looking out for each others’ safety.
Gay bathhouses weren’t just places to have sex. Control your breathing. Check the nearby clocks to time your plunge.
4.
Emotionally commit to one minute (or more) in the cold plunge.
3. Commit to at least 15 minutes of exposure in the sauna.
2. Although this isn't a gay gathering, it does attract a lot of gay men. This booking is not required for your first visit but highly recommended to get the most out of your Bathhouse experience.
Bathhouse vs spa
If you're new to the world of bathhouses and spas, you might think they are one in the same.