“Bathhouse” covers very different places, from 24-hour Korean spas to Russian banyas and new social sauna clubs. Here is what to expect at each.
Korean spa (jjimjilbang)
Big, often open late or around the clock. Gender-separated bath areas have hot and cold pools and saunas, usually used nude. Co-ed areas have themed heated rooms — salt, clay, jade — where everyone wears the provided shirt and shorts. Day-pass entry; body scrubs and massages cost extra.
Russian banya
Built around a very hot, humid steam room. Regulars use a venik, a bundle of birch or oak branches, to move heat over the body, then cool down with a plunge. Many banyas also have food and a social lounge.
Turkish hammam
A warm, marble steam room rather than a hot sauna, traditionally paired with a vigorous scrub and soap wash. In the U.S. you will find hammams in some spas and bathhouses.
Japanese-style onsen and sento
An onsen is a hot-spring bath and a sento is a public bath. U.S. versions are usually spas with hot soaking pools. Expect to wash thoroughly before entering the water.
Social sauna clubs
The newest wave: Nordic-style saunas with cold plunges, often outdoors, sold by timed session. Swimsuits are usually required and the atmosphere is social. See cold plunge basics.
Before you go
- Check the dress code and whether areas are co-ed or separated.
- Look at day-pass prices and what’s included; services are often extra.
- Read our etiquette guide.
City pages list bathhouses separately where we have enough of them — search your city.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Korean spa?
A Korean spa, or jjimjilbang, is a large bathhouse with gender-separated bathing areas (usually nude) and co-ed heated rooms where guests wear provided clothes. Entry is usually a day pass, with body scrubs and other services extra.
What is a banya?
A banya is a Russian-style bathhouse built around a hot, humid steam room. Guests often use a venik — a bundle of leafy birch or oak branches — to circulate heat, followed by a cold plunge or bucket of cold water.
Do you have to be naked at a bathhouse?
Rules vary. Many Korean spas require nudity in gender-separated bath areas and clothes in co-ed areas, while most U.S. social saunas require swimsuits. Check the venue’s website before you go.