My first bathhouse experience was in Thailand, over 10 years ago, and it was called “Babylon.” It was LIFE CHANGING for my lil gay self. I had no idea these were a thing, and I immediately thought holy sh*t, these are going to be amazing. I am going to make it a thing… all over the world! And, I have done just that. Unfortunately, I don’t really take pics while I’m in these establishments.. but I have memories to share… I often do that on my OnlyFans, here. If you’re interested in that kinda thing, make sure you check it out!

Now let’s talk about a part of gay travel nobody puts in the polished Pinterest guide but everybody's curious about — the bathhouse scene. Every gay capital on earth has one, and they range from "clean, modern wellness spot" to "full-on playground," and honestly? Half the fun is not knowing which one you walked into til you're already in there.

Here's the 10 worth planning a trip around

1. Spartacus Spa & Sauna — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

I'm not being biased putting this at #1, it's genuinely one of the best in the world AND I've got history in this city, so it had to lead the list. Spartacus sits in Zona Romántica and is a straight-up complex — 4,000 sq ft across 4 floors with a dry sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, full swimming pool, rooftop nude sun deck, private rooms, a video lounge, and a bar with a palapa. It's strict about the no drugs/no prostitution policy, which keeps it feeling safe rather than sketchy. If you've read my Puerto Vallarta guide, you know this city is one of my top LGBTQ+ recommendations in Mexico, and Spartacus is a big reason why. Want more PV? Check out my Puerto Vallarta guide to get he full scope on the city that LOVES us downnnnnn.

2. Alexander Sauna Men's Club — Athens, Greece

Multi-floor, genuinely maze-like — dark rooms, a steam room, massage rooms, private cabins, a jacuzzi, and themed playrooms, plus a bar and garden to decompress in between. Welcomes all body types, runs regular theme nights, and starts around €17, which is cheap for what you get.

3. Der Boiler — Berlin, Germany

Berlin doesn't play when it comes to sauna culture, and Der Boiler is the proof — 1,500 m² across 3 floors with a Finnish sauna, steam room, whirlpool, dark room, and private cabins. Clean, modern, well-maintained, and pulls a genuinely diverse mixed-age crowd. On-site bar and café if you want to actually socialize first.

4. Trombeta Bath — Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon's Bairro Alto gets a contemporary, well-run sauna with a hot pool/jacuzzi, steam room, dark room, cruise areas, a leather bar, and massage services. It's got a social, music-forward vibe and lockers built for a longer stay — this isn't a quick-in-quick-out spot.

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5. Secteurx — Paris, France

Great place to get a pint, some d*ck, or some as* if that’s your cup of tea. I stopped in here recently on a Paris daddy bar crawl and enjoyed my time. Its very dark in here, too. Lots of lil nooks and crannys downstairs and upstairs to have fun.

6. SODOME Bathhouse — Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico shows up twice on this list for a reason. SODOME is a 3-floor spot in Polanco with a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, bar, and play areas, plus private rooms if you want them. What sets it apart is the strict consent-focused, no-cellphone-out policy — CDMX's gay scene is massive, and this place takes privacy seriously.

7. NaDam Spa — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Putting this one on the list for my Southeast Asia people, because it deserves it — gay-owned, combines a real gym with sauna, steam room, massage, and traditional Vietnamese treatment options. Less "cruise club," more "actual wellness retreat" if you're out this way (shoutout to my adopted region). Make sure you take a look at my Vietnam guide if you’re coming… You don’t wanna visit without reading it :)

8. Chakran Sauna — Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is arguably THE bathhouse capital of Asia, and Chakran is the one that keeps landing on best-of lists. Multi-story, with a full swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, steam room, dry sauna, dark room, private cabins, and a rooftop onsen — plus foam parties and themed nights when they're feeling extra.

9. Sauna X by 357 — Sydney, Australia

Gay-owned, body-positive, and intentional about it — spa, sauna, steam room, private rooms, a café, bar, and rooftop terrace. Sydney's scene is one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere and this is the current top pick down there.

10. Wild Thermas Club — São Paulo, Brazil

Housed in a historic townhouse, which already makes it different from the rest of this list — video room, bar, saunas, plus actual spa services like massage and cupping. Open daily 2pm-11pm, with Friday running all the way to 5am if you're trying to make a night of it.

Ten cities, ten completely different scenes — from the maze-like classics in Europe to my personal favorite back in PV. If you've been to any of these, you already know the vibe is impossible to fully capture in words. Which one's on your list?