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Although this isn't a gay gathering, it does attract a lot of gay men. Further reading:The History of America's Gay Bathhouses
Nearest station: Lexington Ave
Cabins
Dark Room
Sauna
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Weekday: 24 hours
Weekend: 24 hours
Last updated on: 17 May 2025
Last updated on: 17-May-2025
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.
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 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.
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. This is a common puzzle many gay travellers find themselves trying to solve when they visit NYC. In this city, the gay sauna culture diverges significantly from what one might find in European capitals like Barcelona, Rome, or Milan.
Why, you might ask?
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. 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. This historic bathhouse offers a variety of traditional services, including multiple saunas, steam rooms, and an ice-cold plunge pool.
Sunday's between 9am - 2pm are men only, as are Thursdays between 12pm-5pm.
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WE DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS TO USE THE FACILITY
OR
GET MASSAGES
OR
TREATMENTS
WE ONLY TAKE WALK-IN CLIENTS
Thank you.
-MGMT
BET 1ST AVE & AVE A
NEW YORK,NY 10009
The Russian & Turkish Baths
is Featured In The New Film
"Little Ukraine".
The 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.
This is a members club, so expect to pay a bit more if you don't have a membership.
East Side Club is the last fully fledged gay bathhouse in New York City. Instead, it has transformed, giving rise to alternative venues and vibrant events that capture the essence of New York's gay scene.
East Side Club, the city's lone traditional gay bathhouse survivor.
To play, press and hold the enter key. The landscape of gay saunas in New York City has been shaped by its history, particularly during the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, leading to the closure of many establishments. 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.
Yet, the spirit of communal and intimate exploration among gay men has not dwindled. Explicit sexual activity isn't encouraged: if you want to do that you can go to East Side Club.
It should be noted that The Russian & Turkish Baths is not a gay bathhouse. These venues, particularly those in the pre-AIDS crisis era, were known for being social and sexual meeting spots for gay men.
Mon:12:00 - 22:00
Tue:12:00 - 22:00
Wed:12:00 - 22:00
Thu:12:00 - 17:00
Fri:12:00 - 20:00
Sat:10:00 - 20:00
Sun:09:00 - 14:00
Discovering a gay bathhouse in New York City can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you realize the options seem surprisingly sparse in such a bustling metropolis.
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. These venues, particularly those in the pre-AIDS crisis era, were known for being social and sexual meeting spots for gay men.
Mon:12:00 - 22:00
Tue:12:00 - 22:00
Wed:12:00 - 22:00
Thu:12:00 - 17:00
Fri:12:00 - 20:00
Sat:10:00 - 20:00
Sun:09:00 - 14:00
Last updated on: 31 Jan 2025
Last updated on: 31-Jan-2025
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Explicit sexual activity isn't encouraged: if you want to do that you can go to East Side Club.It should be noted that The Russian & Turkish Baths is not a gay bathhouse.
Expect guys walking around in towels. This historic bathhouse offers a variety of traditional services, including multiple saunas, steam rooms, and an ice-cold plunge pool.
Sunday's between 9am - 2pm are men only, as are Thursdays between 12pm-5pm. The age range is mixed but it skews older. It can't quite rival it's bigger European rivals but it's worth visiting - especially later on a weekend - if you're looking for some action.
Now in its fifth decade, East Side Club is a popular New York cruising site. Although this isn't a gay gathering, it does attract a lot of gay men.