Brooms, dumplings and relaxation: the best Russian baths in New York

Bathhouse is one of the oldest Russian traditions. No steam bath in the world is mentioned as often as the Russian one, even information about the Finnish sauna is less common. The Russians became famous for their enthusiasm for bathing. Despite the antiquity of this tradition, the bath is still in vogue. There are also Russian baths in New York. Their list was compiled by the publication Fresh nyc.

Pros and cons of the Russian bath

The traditional sauna is heated with wood, but nowadays many establishments use electric heating. Inside the bathhouse there are a number of wide wooden (or stone) benches arranged in the form of steps - one above the other. You can lie or sit. And the higher you go, the hotter the air and steam. Once you get hot, you can go out and take a dip in the ice pool.

What about a broom

Brooms are a bunch of twigs with leaves, usually birch or oak. Some people use eucalyptus, but this is no longer a Russian tradition.

The broom is intended for warming up and massage. As soon as your body gets hot, rhythmic slaps with a broom all over your body will massage it perfectly.

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What is the trick

Bath is a place for communication. It is believed that the atmosphere in it unites people and allows you to communicate on an equal footing. During the break, people go to a private room to cool off, relax, have a snack and talk to each other about life, ideas and beliefs. There are even bath parties these days.

In addition, there are health benefits. The bath provides cleansing of the skin, helps to keep it soft and smooth, as well as detoxification of the body due to perspiration and removal of harmful elements from the body.

Russian baths in New York

Manhattan

Wall Street Bath & Spa (88 Fulton Street)

Opening hours: 12: 00-22: 30

This underground bath consists of three main parts: a Russian bath, built in the traditional way from 16 tons of granite; eucalyptus steam room, faced with white tiles; "Old American Swiss" (sauna with mixers and buckets to douse with cold water). There is also an infrared sauna.

This spa is not just for bankers or office workers in the financial district - everyone gathers here to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time in the pool, cigar lounge, cold bath, juice bar and, of course, the steam bath.

Russian & Turkish Baths (268 East 10th Street)

Opening hours: from 12: 00 to 22: 00

Russian & Turkish Baths were founded over 120 years ago (in 1892), they are a traditional bath with no frills. There are four dry saunas and steam rooms in the building: a real Russian bath made of 20 tons of granite; Finnish cherry wood sauna; aromatic steam room and Turkish bath, tiled with white tiles.

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The primitive appearance captivates some and may seem dull to others, but the overall pleasant atmosphere and convenience is what really makes these baths stand out. In addition, there is amazingly delicious Russian food and a rooftop terrace during the warmer months.

AIRE Ancient Baths (88 Franklin St)

Opening hours: 09: 00-21: 00

This is not an ordinary Russian bath, but the choice of saunas is very wide, including a bath with ice water and a fragrant hammam, modeled on the Greco-Roman and Ottoman styles.

The grotto in which the baths are located is decorated with a large number of candles, which are the main source of light, sessions are accompanied by soft music. This place is perfect for relaxation.

Brooklyn

Mermaid spa (3703 Mermaid Avenue)

Opening hours: 12: 00-22: 30

This secluded spot attracts people from all walks of life to socialize, relax and enjoy exotic delicacies. The bathhouse is open all year round, it has two swimming pools (with hot and cold water), a sauna, a jacuzzi and more. Everything is made of smooth stone and dark wood. They often put fresh eucalyptus and mint in their saunas so you can breathe in the cool, tingling air that heightens the senses and detoxifies your body.