The 10 Best New York Bathhouses to Soak Away All Your Stress

No matter the season, the epitome of relaxation will always be a bath. (Don’t forget the candles and wine, of course.) Sometimes, though, your home’s beloved claw foot tub (ok, more like built-in tub) leaves a little to be desired. Enter: the best New York bathhouses for an ultimate day of rest and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a Korean body scrub (and incredible rooftop views) at Sojo Spa Club, craving relaxation in a Himalayan salt sauna at Spa Castle or want to bathe in literal history at the iconic Russian & Turkish Baths, there is something for everybody. Visit one of these ten bathhouses and in NYC for exquisite spa treatments and traditional bath rituals that will keep you warm and cozy until summer.

• Why We Recommend It: three-story indoor waterfall, cold plunge pool, eucalyptus-infused steam room

This downtown staple is the perfect place to unwind among the chaos of lower Manhattan. Upon entering the spa, you’ll be greeted with the soothing sounds of a three-story indoor waterfall. Their famous water lounge is the most popular amenity with a jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, river rock sauna and steam room. Pro tip: Bring a book because guests are encouraged to lounge in the quiet space after treatments. If you want to splurge on a friend or family member, gift certificates are available—and they never expire.

29 Great Jones St.; gjspa.com

• Why We Recommend It: massages and scrubs available, three thermal pools, dry and tropical saunas, on-site bar and restaurant

Looking for a chill or tranquil weekend activity? Located in a converted factory, BATHHOUSE recently opened in Williamsburg and offers a wide variety of amenities and spa treatments. All treatment reservations (facial, massage, hammam scrub) come with access to all facilities including three thermal pools, a dry or tropical sauna and a starlight steam room which runs at 115 degrees with a replica of the night sky for optimal relaxation. Ahhh…

103 N. 10^th Street, Brooklyn; abathhouse.com

• Why We Recommend It: extensive range of packages from baths to massages and rituals

This subterranean indoor water spa is located in a beautifully restored historic building in TriBeCa and strives to closely replicate ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman bath traditions. The unique atmosphere of relaxation is lit by candlelight and offers pools of varying temperatures. Guests are encouraged to journey through the paths at their own place but there is a limited number of people allowed per session. Book your appointment in advance and add a massage package for an even more tranquil experience.

88 Franklin St.; beaire.com

• Why We Recommend It: open 24/7, comprehensive packages from spa and facials to massages and body scrubs

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking in a picture-perfect claw-foot tub, head to Juvenex in Midtown to unwind. The spa is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and combines Asian, American and European spa remedies. With multiple spa packages to choose from, the Juvenex Jade Journey gives you three hours of access to an igloo sauna, a steam sauna, a cold rainforest shower, Japanese style soaking tubs and a baked-clay low-temperature sauna all for $85.

25 W. 32nd St.; juvenexspanyc.com

• Why We Recommend It: hydrotherapy, spa packages, body treatments, hot stone massages

If you’re not looking to break the bank, head to cityWell in Brooklyn for an affordable and accessible outdoor oasis. You’d never guess from the exterior, but their secret backyard features soaking tubs, saunas, rain showers, hammocks, a fire pit and a yoga platform. Services and treatments are by appointment only and the boutique bathhouse is open rain (or snow) or shine.

496 President St., Brooklyn; citywellbrooklyn.com

• Why We Recommend It: historical, celeb-favorite, Platza Oak Leaf​​ scrub, deep tissue and Swedish massages, salt scrubs, mud treatments

No list of NYC bathhouses would be complete without this East Village institution. It has a storied past that dates back to 1892 that includes celebrity devotees (like Frank Sinatra and Mark Ruffalo) and is riddled with family conflicts. The brothers who co-owned the space have since retired, but their successors continue to run the business on alternating weeks, an arrangement based on a suspicious feud (you can book David’s shift or Boris’s shift online). Don’t worry, all the drama is left at the door, and you can enjoy and relax with amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, a cold plunge pool and a roof deck.

268 E. Tenth St.; russianturkishbaths.com

• Why We Recommend It: uses plant-based products, offers yoga and meditation, facials, Onsen Rituals

If luxury and pampering is what you’re after, then dive into the water lounge at the Greenwich Hotel. At Shibui Spa, you can participate in traditional Japanese soaking with different Onsen bathing rituals for $400, that pair a bespoke soak with a massage. Extend your stay by adding on an additional massage or facial with the spa’s mostly plant-based and organic products.

377 Greenwich St.; thegreenwichhotel.com/shibui-spa

• Why We Recommend It: weekday rates, scrub and massage services, heated mineral pools, color therapy room, Himalayan salt sauna room, hydrotherapy pools

Bare it all at Spa Castle, a Queens institution where guests are encouraged to enjoy a traditional experience in the water lounges without swimwear. Don’t worry, all guests must shower before using any baths or pools and you can still wear your swimsuit if going au naturel isn’t your thing. There are several facilities to choose from, including a cold-bath pool, acupressure hydrotherapy aqua jet pools and four heated mineral pools that mimic Asian and European traditional baths.

121-10 11 Avenue, College Point; ny.spacastleusa.com

• Why We Recommend It: VIP suite, aroma steam room, cold plunge, thermal hot tub, Russian sauna

What’s better than an afternoon spent relaxing at a wet lounge? Doing so with your entire squad. This is our pick for get-togethers large and small (like a birthday or bachelorette). The Day Spa Party package includes Champagne upon arrival, brunch and cocktails and a little gift to take home. There’s nothing quite as luxurious as bathtime with a glass of bubbly in your hand.

275 Park Ave., Brooklyn; bodybybrooklyn.com

• Why We Recommend It: rooftop infinity pool, recharging saunas, Korean body scrubs, acupressure, volcanic sand bath, halotherapy

Although not technically in New York, this Edgewater, New Jersey-based spa is just a short trip from Manhattan via car, train or bus. If the outdoor silk bath and volcanic sand bath aren’t enough reason to make the trip to the state-of-the-art bathhouse, the views of Manhattan from the spa’s rooftop infinity pool should be.

660 River Rd., Edgewater, NJ; sojospaclub.com