Russian & Turkish Baths

What to know

Located at 268 East 10th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A, the Russian & Turkish Baths is a legendary East Village institution. Founded in 1892, the facility emerged during an era when many New York immigrants and poor residents lacked convenient access to clean running water for bathing. Formerly known as the Tenth Street Baths, it was one of roughly sixty private bathhouses operating in the city during the 1890s, frequently serving Eastern European Jewish communities. The facility is designed as a comprehensive wellness retreat, featuring five distinct saunas and steam rooms. A centerpiece of the experience is the authentic Russian sauna, which utilizes a massive oven filled with 20,000 pounds of heated rock to generate intense heat. To balance the warmth, visitors can utilize a cold plunge pool or relax on the building's roof deck. Beyond the heat treatments, the baths provide a social atmosphere where guests of all ages and backgrounds gather to 'schvitz and gossip.' The experience is rounded out by an on-site restaurant and café that serves traditional fare, including borscht, bagels, salads, and juices. Operational details are strict: the facility only accepts walk-in clients and requires all guests to be at least 18 years old. While the baths are generally co-ed, they maintain specific gender-segregated periods, such as men-only sessions on Sunday mornings.

Visitor tips

• Be prepared to pay $60 for a single admission or $250 for a 5-admission package.
• Remember that the facility only takes walk-in clients; you cannot book a reservation in advance.
• Check the schedule for gender-specific hours, as Sunday mornings are reserved for men only.
• Bring a valid ID to prove you are at least 18 years old, as this is a strict requirement for entry.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of Manhattan's East Village, the baths are a quiet anchor in a neighborhood known for its eclectic energy. The facility is easily accessible via the L train to 1st Avenue from 14th Street.