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All the way in. It has a rooftop pool and many other outdoor amenities.
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The best gay bathhouses and backrooms in Mexico City
Mexico City is a playground filled with bathhouses, men’s only resorts, and “anything goes” backrooms. Congratulate yourself for completing a successful plunge!
Focus on your inhales and exhales.
Find everything you need to know before you go on our “What to Expect” page.
Gay saunas are a mix of relaxation, socializing, and exploration, but they can be a little intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect.
This booking is not required for your first visit but highly recommended to get the most out of your Bathhouse experience.
If you're new to the world of bathhouses and spas, you might think they are one in the same. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take a step back.
Remember, you’re in control of your experience.
For the bathhouses on this list, you’ll probably get an RFID wristband to access your locker as you try not to stare so obviously at the men in various states of undress all around you.
This is when you realize that Grindr has its limits. Wade into the neutral pool to bring your body temperature back up slowly.
7.
Know What You Want Before You Walk In
First things first, think about why you’re going. Take a deep breath, smile (yes, even in a sauna), and remember you’re there to enjoy yourself. Use this as a chance to feel comfortable in the space and maybe chat with a few people if that feels right for you.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous, try not to overthink it.
It’s okay to take it slow and explore different spaces when you’re ready. Try a “body scan” to fully be in the experience. Whether you’re naturally confident or need to fake it until you make it, know that everyone was a first-timer at some point.
Once you’ve paid at the window in the foyer ($20-$40 on average, depending on the day or night you arrive, and if you’re granted an under-30 “youngster” discount found at many saunas), you’ll be buzzed in.
Lab.Oratory shares the same building as Berlin’s world-famous Berghain night club; if your timing is right, you’ll be there for their twice-annual joint Snax party.
In Paris, two saunas vie for the most popular: Sun City, vast like Versailles and perennially popular with Parisians on Sunday afternoons, and IDM, a labyrinthine Paris institution.
Amsterdam is home to Nieuwezijds, commonly known as NZ: densely packed on one floor and featuring a popular bar worth the price of admission.
In London, the massive Pleasuredrome near Waterloo typically hosts 400 men, including sought-after “rugby boys,” on a weekend night.
You know what we mean!
6. Are you looking to meet people? Find the high-end “spa and bar’s” dirty little brother, The Sweatbox, in Soho.
Three cities in Spain are home to high-end saunas: in Madrid, El Paraiso; in Seville, the Cube; and in Barcelona‘s Eixample gayborhood, Sauna Casanova.
Across the border in Portugal, Trombeta Bath is the locals’ choice in Lisbon.
In Rome, home of the OG gay bathhouse, find catacomb vibes at Adam Sauna in the gay-friendly San Giovanni neighborhood.
In Milan, Royal Hammam recalls ancient Mediterranean trade routes with a focus on their Turkish bath.
In Istanbul, find the original at Firuzaga Hamami, a small, historic, and popular bathhouse in the Beyoglu district.
Sauna Alexander in Athens is a popular early stop on a night out before the gay bars open at midnight.
In Sydney, find your mates Down Under at the two most popular bathhouses in Australia: the modern Sydney Sauna and massive 357 Sydney, the country’s largest gay bathhouse.
In Japan, home to ancient hot springs tradition, find Kaikan24 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where four floors of sauna and “sento” amenities are topped by a two-story gay “love hotel”.