First time experiencing this place. Historic and a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. While coed most times I went during the men's only time. The spa was super clean and service was great. At checking when I explained I was a first timer they took extra time to explain everything and I never felt rushed. Customers were polite and the vibe was super chill. After a morning with -8 degree frigid temperatures it was perfect to warm up! Stayed 3 hours and left relaxed and refreshed. I'd recommend this for sure and will be back next time I'm in nyc. Only item I'd say was a bit of a challenge was that it got so crowded it was hard to find a seat in the saunas and steam rooms but this was a very minor imposition. People kept moving around so I didn't have to wait too long for a place. read more

The best part of this place is one of the staff members. Irina is very friendly and completely different from tue stoic guys who are part of the staff. She is fun and friendly and you dont mind spending money. Its an older place but they have a very hot sauna that really opens your pores. Inside this room they have buckets that are constantly being filled with cool water so you can douse yourself to cool off. If you dont cover your ears, they will have some burn to it. My friends and I wear sauna hats to protect it. They also have an "ice" bath that is very cold. 2 other steam rooms. The staff is very friendly. I have been here before and definitely coming back especially when Irina is here!!! read more

Russian & Turkish Baths - Entrance - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

Well, it is an experience. Unique, odd, relaxing. I was on a business trip in NY and after my run, needed to chill. Place offers hot and dry, steamy and not - rooms. They have a cold plunge which rocks. I did go to the hottest room and I loved it. It is an experience. Lina is awesome. read more

I came here with one of my best buddies a few weeks ago and wondered to myself why the entire time Iived in NYC I never made it here until just recently... We came here on a Monday night around 6pm and the entry fee to get in is $65 for daily use. A bit steep the price but remember you're also in the East Village. This place gets terrible reviews and I'm not really sure why honestly. I really enjoyed my time here. There are several different types of sauna rooms with different degrees of humidity and heat. My buddy and I went to 3 of the saunas and then just rotated through them. There is also a pool that is cold plunge and I tried it for the first time here and it was amazing. While I can't say I enjoyed being in 40F water, the experience woke me up and I slept really well that night. We also now know too that hot saunas have some health benefits so this is good news! Locker rooms were clean, towels and slippers available for use here. Drink bar up front with also alcoholic choices but I didn't partake. Had my own brewed ice hojicha. There is also an outdoor area, where people can get some fresh air and smoke if they want. Overall, a nice experience and definitely will be back when I am in the city again. read more

Recommended by friends and came here with a group to sauna, cold plunge, and snack on herring. You won't find anywhere like it if you try, and if you're reading this and want one of the most unique dining and spa experiences you'll ever have, what are you waiting for! read more

Been here many times. I still have a punch card which I haven't had a chance to use lately but I will bc I dare not waste the money.. obvi This place is ok. I love the platza when they aren't rushing you. And I love the Dead Sea mud scrub when they aren't trying to take your top off. Don't let them. They will try. Like a lot. I also like the overall place.. other than the very loud and annoying clientele - and by that I mean the students and annoying young professionals who don't shut up when they're in the sauna. They just talk incessantly. It's one thing to chat a little but don't have a full on round table in the sauna. I swear half of them have absolutely no home training. I like to hop in the cold plunge tooand sometimes I find loogies in there. Yes spit. Like ewww what is wrong with these people. I blame their parents for raising literal heathens but maybe the place needs to be cleaned more often too. Or limited in how many ppl can enter at a time. Or an age range. I dunno.. something needs to change. I would sometimes go early in the day to avoid them but I work and I'm not able to all the time. Other than that I like it. And I'll likely go back. Even if I have to drown out the erroneous noise and annoyances of the sauna goers.. I'll use the rest of that card if it's the last thing I do haha read more

In my opinion, The Russian/Turkish Baths is an awesome place to visit. Stress, anxiety will just be erased. There's a Chinese guy there, I don't know his name, has worked there for a long time. He is so good, I feel like I'm a new person, after a salt scrub by him. All of their personnel is excellent. This is a place to restore your spirit. Nobody beats their Russian Room for heat, it is marvelous. Gets rid of all the toxins. All of their rooms are really good, but for me I find the Russian Steam room the best. I highly recommend this place for anyone that needs a break from the fast pace of NYC. Sometimes, they offer discounts on their website. This place The Russian & Turkish Baths is well worth it. You either pay them or you pay the doctor. read more

My friend and I got here a little early, and the place opened on time. Upon entering, we paid for a day pass, which was $60. We gave the lady our wallets, which she locked up and we were given key for the lockers to place the rest of our stuff. There were slippers and towels available. With the word BATH in the title, I thought there would be some sort of hot tub pool here, but was disappointed to find out they only have a cold plunge pool, which you can't really lounge in for obvious reasons. The place was very bare bones and not luxurious at all. There were quite a few saunas, as well as a couple of steam rooms. We were able to withstand most of the saunas, except the hottest one. The steam rooms felt very nice and one of them had a refreshing menthol scent permeating throughout. We spent around 3 hours here, and it got pretty crowded by mostly male clientele. It was nice to try it out, but I will not be returning. I would like to go to a more fancy spa spot. read more

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A terrific 3-4 hours I spent here and you don't need much more. I even enjoyed the deck upstairs after all of it I went and read to calm down and relax. The staff is kind and also quite European and how they are to the point. I like it. Very authentic place. I enjoyed all the rooms. Two of the saunas are quite normal and then there's one that's in a cement room that is blasting hot. It even hurt my hair and to breathe. But a good hurt. You can dump water in yourself. The whole space is not very quiet or meditative, except for the deck upstairs. But I like how everyone is just talking and enjoying themselves. There's no fluff and frills this place. read more

Immediately walking in everyone was so nice and helpful. Sasha was very friendly, knowledgeable of his job and passionate. He provided his services, as well as showed me around. They take the time to make sure you are aware of the facility and very caring. Everyone in the facility was also nice, friendly and helpful. Overall an amazing experience and can't wait to return! read more

Russian & Turkish Baths - Outside of the location! - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

When I got my credit card I was charged 2x! Scam be aware. They even said we'll get discounted rate since we were the last clients.

I'm here during Russian week. The staff are comically rude. It's performative which sorta makes it less offensive and more theatrical. The food is ok. The steam rooms and saunas are very busy. But kinda cool. I dunno. It's sorta fun if you go with someone and you do shtick and chat to everyone around you loudly. I wonder what it's like to go on only men day ? I'm gonna try. Admission is $60 which is pretty high. And if you don't pay cash you then get charged an extra 3% so it somehow came to $67. And it's $5 for a bottle of water. When I got to the basement hot rooms the first thought I had was, "Christ this is like being on the subway and everyone's in bathing suits." It's kinda weird. Kinda sexy. Kinda fun. If sweating and shivering is your thing. read more

Very iconic place, like advertised, very delicious soup "Borsht" very cheap, small place though, on new years eve was super crowded. 5 rooms with different temp. One super cold pool. No jacuzzi. They provide slippers, small towels and locker with personal mechanical key on a ribbon. No reservation needed. read more

Russian & Turkish Baths - Borscht Soup - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

We loved it here! We came with a group of 5 around 2pm on a busy Saturday and were helped quickly. Everything is clean, including the locker rooms and restrooms. I liked the dry sauna best; the air has a hint of eucalyptus I believe. Very refreshing. They have sandals and shorts available if you forget yours or just stop by on a whim. We didn't eat at the cafe this time, but other folks' food looks great, and we'll have to try it next time. read more

I came here to relax and I have determined that this is great place to go to if you want to relax. They have a variety of hat saunas and steam rooms to help soothe your mind and body. They are very nice and hospitable. They offer some additional treatments to intensify the relaxation. I will be returning soon. read more

I came on a Sunday morning in January (mens only before 2pm) for my first visit here. It didn't seem too busy from upstairs with a handful of people about, but WOW going downstairs to the rooms it was absolutely packed, about double the number of people that would seem to be comfortable in the space. Many were commenting it has hardly been so crowded. I guess it was just cold out and a lot of people had the same idea! They don't regulate the total number of people it seems. There was generally barely any place to squeeze in to the room right away, and you had to wait until others rotated out. Regardless, the people are part of the fun, and it was pleasant squeezing between the different rooms and temps. I asked for a massage and luckily linked with Sasha who was so very nice and expert, providing both an intense massage and a requested salt scrub as well, with a bonus since I had to wait for a room with the crowd. Emerging from the spa back into the world felt so fresh again. I wish I lived here, I will have to go to our local Russian/Turkish spa in Chicago more often! read more

Love it here! so nice and relaxing with so many different options. Can't wait to come back soon!

This place is shady as F. If you are seeking a place to participate in gay sex then you will love the joint. While enjoying my peace and tranquility several other men entered and immediately turned the place into a porno. I left and can't unsee what I witnessed. Reported to the front desk and they went from fluently speaking English to Russian only. Then they would not return the $$ for the package I purchased. I'm tempted to give admission card to homeless. I'm for every type of relationship you can imagine just not public sex and spreading DNA all over the steam room. Proceed with caution or run to this place if you want a free BJ. read more

Like a few others, I discovered this place on a random Youtube video that was recommended to me a while ago. As a massive fan of all things bathhouse related, I knew I wanted to come visit since my exposures have really only been American spas, Japanese onsens, and Korean jimjilbangs. Big picture wise, this is what I imagine the masculine rough and tumble kind of sauna like experience to exist in Slavic countries. There are about 4 or 5 different kinds of sauna with varying degrees of heat and humidity - ranging from "oh this is nice" to "holy crap I think I'm actually dissolving into nothing." Similar to lakes and rivers in brutal Eastern European winters, there's a bath in the middle that's nearly freezing to help take off some of the heat. I think I can only manage like 15 seconds before my entire body feels like its permanently numb and I would drown. Service is also really authentic; all the guys have heavy Russian accents who are quite straightforward, but generally really nice. I would highly recommend bringing a bottle of water (which you can also purchase at the cafe) since you'll quickly get dehydrated even just spending time in the general spa area as well as lounging for a bit on the roof if the weather permits. Price is a little expensive ($60), but given the experience you get and the prices of other spas in NYC, I would say it makes sense. read more

This place is an institution and has a certain charm, but the operation is beyond shady. Some of the staff are unwelcoming and even hostile. * They charge higher prices than advertised (even more if you pay with a credit card). * They don't limit occupancy, but punish customers for overcrowding. * Entire amenity rooms are often closed for cleaning during limited business hours. One staff member is particularly awful: * Closes a room as punishment for overcrowding, and then complains when people crowd the hall as a result. * Shouted "make way, DEAD BODY coming through" for dramatic effect. * Condescendingly lectures customers. Once R&T Baths has your money you're an inconvenience and treated like cattle. read more

This place is definitely neither a Turkish bath nor a Russian bath. I absolutely do not recommend it in any way. Five of us went together, and it was unbelievably bad and rundown. It has absolutely nothing to do with a proper bathhouse or sauna. I strongly advise against going there. It was an incredibly bad experience for me. Honestly, your own home's bathroom is much better than this place. read more

Way too crowded. They should put limits on the number of people they admit at a time. Guys were literally dripping sweat on me. That said, the male masseuse I had did a pretty good job working out some knots I had in my back. But not worth the not so great environment this place was. Go to aire ancient baths where it's much cleaner and more spacious and they have more strict limits on the number of people they allow in at a time. read more

Top notch. Very respectful and super clean. Even the food was amazing. Borscht soup and a fresh squeezed juice. Go.

The place was dingier than I expected-- not like the Asian bathhouses I go to. There are no hot pools and you need a bathing suit. But I liked the vibe, the staff, the tradition. One dodgy thing: I took a $45 treatment and when I went to pay, I discovered that the guy had added a $15 tip without telling me. I'm a generous tipper, usually 25 percent, but to add what amounted to 33 percent hoping it's not noticed. That's real chutzpah. I complained, but didn't get an apology. Just a shrug. Probably won't go back. read more

I WENT TODAY AND IM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN SOMEONE STOLE CASH OUT OF MY WALLET. BORIS's week. I know for a fact it was the only place it could've happened cause I paid cash and left and noticed the second I got home. Woman at the front or the other guy she was arguing with. I had memberships here and punchcards and have been loyal for five years and now you steal from me??? read more

dogshit customer service. I went in there to change haven't been before and wasn't directed where to go at all and felt judged by staff. I asked for a refund which I did get, but the woman at the front desk was extremely rude towards me and implied that I shouldn't have come. And that I should have researched the place before coming and like I should know about saunas. I have never felt so unwelcomed in a place before. I'm a teenager working 2 jobs and I would NEVER treat a customer like that. Thank you to the man at the desk who refunded me and was nothing like the lady at the desk!! read more

On a Sunday morning, the Russian room was almost full. However, the oak leaf treatment in the Russian room (banya) was spectacular. The service Sean provided was excellent. He was professional, caring, and helpful. One more thing, banya was hotter than other rooms, so I'd recommend bringing a quart of water to stay hydrated. Otherwise, all went well. P.S. If you don't have flip flops, towels, or shorts, you can borrow them at no charge. read more

I'm a Russian living in NY. This russian bath house has the best Russian food in town! I am beyond happy! The saunas are very authentic, I feel like a brand new person, simply the best russian bath house! read more

Basic politeness for desk staff. Clean and supplies were good though. I wouldn't go here again

This place is an nyc institution, so I had to try it out of curiosity, even though I hate saunas. There are lockers up front for your jewelry and wallet and a locker room to put the rest of your stuff, all complimentary. Shorts, robes and sandals are also provided, or you can bring your own. During coed hours people have to be covered up, so put away your naughty bits. There are also days that are men only, so I guess those times are clothing optional. On the lower level you will find 4-5 different saunas, the hottest one being the Russian Room at 191 degrees. They have buckets of cold water to dump on yourself while in there. The others vary in temperature, with the lowest at 116 degrees. I was disappointed that there was no heated plunge pool, but there is a cold one! No thank you! You can also order some standard American and eastern european fair to eat while there. And there is a nice deck on the roof to hang out. I wanted to try the platza, which is when you get wacked with a bushel of oak leaves soaked in a eucalyptus oil soap concoction, voluntarily for $45. But to do it, you had to go to the Russian Room. I was nervous bc that room was too hot for me, but a wet towel on your face will do wonders for making it more bearable. Plus intermittently you get some massage and alternations of warm and cool water dumped on you between wackings. I think it was about 10 minutes, but time kind of stood still while I was in there. Then Sam, the man wacking me, asked me if I wanted more treatment, to which I declined. Anyway, they have other treatments and massages available, you just have to book in advance for massages. Overall it was a nice experience. If you want to come more often they have different packages, but I believe my curiosity has been satisfied. I also want to say that the facility itself is more for the average person, and not trying to be high end or fancy at all. read more

Introduced to Russian Turkish Baths (RTB) by a friend several months ago and must say I unequivocally LOVE this place! Recently found out that my grandfather frequented this establishment about 60 years ago (he called it "The Schwitz" which is Yiddish for "sweat"). Had the Platza treatment a few times and I am now addicted to it. Understand the unusual business configuration between Boris and David and, for me, that idiosyncrasy only adds to the allure--New York City is so interesting on so many different levels. Have gone during both Boris and David shifts and found my experiences equally delightful. Also, their restaurant is fantastic. On one visit I had the best borscht and pickled herring I think I ever had. The RTB, for me, is a place where I can leave the outside world, outside, and recharge and rejuvenate. Thus far, the staff and fellow patrons of the RTB seem to be alignment with my reason for going; and, I look forward to continuing to go to "The Schwitz" for a long, long time. Thank you RTB! read more

I like the place. It's nice and clean with friendly staff. Highly recommend to try delicious food in their cafe. The service was quick. The portions are huge for a very affordable price. Really tastes like home food. read more

I've been coming to the Russian baths on and off for probably 10 years. I went on March 3 for the first time post-pandemic for Thursday men's hours on the David shift. They've drastically renovated the upstairs - check in & restaurant have gotten a nice face lift. Locker room now has modern lockers and the old smellyness is gone. (Men's locker room is where Women's used to be - good thing it was men's day cuz I definitely didn't notice at first . . .) Some annoying COVID protocols to enter (temperature checks?!? Are we living in 2020??) but once you're in there's no restrictions. Get there early to beat the line cuz the COVID stuff slows down entry. I think they've gotten some bad legal advice on COVID protocols, waivers etc but hopefully soon that will all disappear as NYC's COVID restrictions relax in general. Downstairs the sauna area has gotten some updates too. It definitely got a deep clean at some point, the mustiness that I used to think was in the building's very bones seems to have somehow been scrubbed out. The non-russian saunas seem a bit hotter which I liked, maybe due to better door seals. The Russian Room is still HOT as ever and for me remains the primary draw of the place. Roof deck was same as before, I went up and it was sunny and delightful and quiet (I could hear birds!) and I drank a nice Russian beer up there, which maybe I shouldn't have given the situation but I did anyway cuz I wanted it. The attendant man in the sauna area seems intent on cracking down on small rule infractions (when he's not playing on his phone) and is adversarial to the clientele and doesn't seem to understand the business model. The Before attendant would hand out towels and stuff but this new guy is very unpleasant. Hopefully he's only Thursdays (or try a Boris day). The Russian massage men continue their practice of asking you if you want a treatment every 20 minutes - how they ever trained those guys to smile I'd like to know. But they do smile, like they're in America or something. Note to newbies - this is not a "spa" as one generally thinks of a spa in the US. It's a sauna/banya. Adjust your expectations accordingly. read more

The best Sauna/Steam in NYC! Don't forget to eat at the restaurant. Amazing homemade recipes! Will not disappoint! read more

David's shift it can get real shady in there and terrible customer service. Boris' shift is much better. David 2/5 and Boris 4/5. Boris shift 4 ever! read more

First time today - was not a good experience. Witnessed several guys having oral sex inside the steam room. Thought I was going to relax not a brothel. Woulda been nice to get a heads up from the workers that this is expected behavior. read more

Got invited here by a friend and decided why not. #YOLO. They spent time in Russia and swore by this place so I felt comfortable taking the suggestion. I was forewarned abt how old the establishment was so i wasn't too surprised by the overall appearance. The upstairs area was type small but it works i suppose lol. Ladies locker room is a corner section of the mens locker room space but i can see why; its a mostly male space so they got that. Once downstairs we went in the russian room (hottest) first, then aroma therapy (not hot) then the turkish room (kinda hot) and then back to aroma therapy ... Mostly moved around to avoid overcrowding. Its way more serene if theres little to no one else in there with u. Does the place seem dirty? Not really just old skool. Didnt have a bad experience but i didnt appreciate finding out that different owners have different rules once we were gettin ready to pay and leave. If i wanted to come back and bring people I would have to call ahead and find out whose staff is working and what rules they gonna enforce when i get there. Seems like too much of a headache for a place i would want to go to relax. It was fun tho... read more

The saunas and steam rooms are good but there is barely room to sit down. Other people are indeed sweating all around you. I agree with other reviewers; this business should put limits on how many people are allowed in there at one time. When you can't find a place to enjoy the saunas, it is not relaxing and it feels unsanitary and chaotic. I agreed to a couple of treatments and they were mediocre. The cost was as much as a fancy spa but the environment was awkward and it was certainly not relaxing. I left spending a small fortune and I could not wait to get out of there. Perhaps it would have been better to just do a day pass and no treatments when it is less crowded. I would think they would waive your day pass fee if you are doing treatments because there was no room to sit down in saunas. I do not recommend this experience and would not go again. read more

One of my favorite NYC places, I hope it reopens soon. It's such a unique place, & really captures the personality of New York set against a steamy Russian/Turkish backdrop. Every type of person goes to shvitz here; models, dog walkers, Hasidics, bankers, actors, hipsters, artists and retirees. I love a good mix like that, it's what NY is all about! There are several steam rooms of varying types. I prefer the wet steam room and extra hot dry steam room (which includes an ice water bucket to pour over head while you scream EEEEKK.) It's fascinating to watch a beefy Russian gently beat a patron with eucalyptus branches, a massage offering I think (I hope.) There's plenty of muscly armed employees walking around asking if you'd like a scrub or body mud mask. The full body salt scrub is fantastic if you want to pay extra. It's worth the $$. After all that sweatin, cool off alfresco on the 3rd fl patio lounge with other steamers. I Guarantee you'll eves drop on some captivating convos, or will even be included in one. Saunas work up an appetite, so head to the main lobby to grab a bite at the cantina. The grumpy Russian woman behind the counter makes incredible Pelmeni dumplings, with sour cream and spicy mustard for dipping. Patrons mill around in their robes and swim suits...you'll probably get ogled at some point but everyone ogles so don't take it personally (hard not to ogle sometimes when there's a male model with washboard abs sitting next to you on the communal bench.) Anyway, love love love this place so much, please reopen it soon (stupid covid ruined everything.). It was always such a treat to go, such a lovely relaxing time at the baths, and I always met the most interesting unique people there. Definitely a local gem! read more

I've been to several spas, hamams, and saunas, but I'm so grateful a friend recommended we go here. Many people would eliminate some stars in their review for the smells, the seemingly imbalanced chemicals in the cold pool, the potentially aggressive staff, the unfamiliar menu (featuring potato juice, for instance), the less-than-pristine facilities, or the price (admission + salt scrub + platza + food + tip was just shy of $200) but I had a ball. My only regret is that I couldn't stay longer. My services from Vladimir were strong but nurturing, and exactly what I needed. 10/10 will be back read more