Gay bath houses / gay sauna: place to be or a tourist trap?

What is the fuss about?

Want to relax and flirt at the same time? Gay bathhouses or gay saunas are the places to be! Often featuring steam rooms, chill zones, private cabins, and a bar, they offer the perfect combination of relaxation and opportunities for mingling — I mean, you’re already naked, right? So, if you’re up for some action but techno parties and dark rooms aren’t really your scene, this might be the place for you!

What to expect - My story in a gay sauna

I was in Berlin, where one of the most famous European gay saunas is located — Boiler. The check-in is a pretty standard bathhouse/sauna experience: towel, slippers, ID check, and in you go. The pricing is often age-differentiated, and since I’m in my early thirties, I fell into the more expensive category. But the gentleman was quite flirty, said I don’t look my age, and gave me the “youth discount.” I walked in, all happy! The crowd in these places is always mixed. You have some tourists from small towns coming to experience the attractions and have an adventure. You have some older gentlemen who are in for relaxation and some nice visuals, and of course, some guys who came to hunt! Overall, the atmosphere tends to be very relaxed — sure, there’s the occasional blowjob in the steam room and some people occupying private boxes for more intimate sessions. You might even glimpse some three-way action in a pool. However, the atmosphere tends to be very respectful, and since most people are sober (you don’t pop molly in a Finnish sauna), it’s a more laid-back experience than sex clubs. I also had exposure to some nice places in Paris, namely Le Sun City. The vibe and experience were similar to Berlin’s. So, if you’re interested, go ahead — worst-case scenario, you can just enjoy the sauna and relax in purely male company.

What to be aware of

Not all experiences are perfect, so here’s what to be mindful of. First and foremost, make sure you stay safe. These places are filled with horny energy, and people can be pushy (rare, but it happens). Make sure you have your boundaries in place and don’t do things that aren’t comfortable for you.

If you decide to have some fun, be sure to stay safe. These places are also visited by people from sex-positive communities. We love these guys — they make for an amazing community. However, the risk of STDs may be higher. Luckily, most places provide condoms, but just to be safe, make sure you have one or two nearby. Last but not least, be cautious with substances. A lot of people tend to take a few shots or pop a pill to enhance their experience. Please be aware that it’s different from doing this at a party compared to a sauna or steam room. The risk of dehydration and heart complications is much higher. Overall, if you feel curious about these places, go ahead. It is a long tradition to have them in the LGBTQ+ community, and chances are you will have plenty of fun!