There Are Plenty of Bathhouses Around the World, Each Offering Unique Experiences
By Jacob Vestervig
February 14, 2025
During our 2024/2025 journey through Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus, we constantly came across public bathhouses from Hungary onwards, as they are an integral part of the culture in many of these countries.
Trying one is definitely recommended—you just have to choose carefully and set your expectations regarding what you are comfortable with.
There are countless stories from bathhouses, and some even rather risqué when reading reviews of certain places—but luckily, we did not experience any of that.
I had never been to one before, but I decided to try a hamam in Hungary.
After changing in a private cabin into a pair of typically Scandinavian blue-striped swim trunks, I stepped into the communal bathing area. In the center was a large, round pool, with four smaller square pools in the corners—either ice-cold or scalding hot. The air was warm and slightly steamy, and the acoustics under the domed ceiling amplified the constant chatter of men to an unbearable level.
I had expected silence, a place to relax in the water, and there were indeed signs urging visitors to remain quiet. They had no effect.
In one corner, about ten men from an English bachelor party were loudly enjoying themselves—the only positive thing about them was that they were also wearing swim trunks like me. No one else was. Every single person, big or small, was wrapped in a tiny loincloth covering only the front, held in place at the back by a G-string. Not exactly ideal when people climbed in and out of the water, especially since I had chosen to plant myself in the large pool, floating near a step.
I tried to enjoy the experience, but the pool was overcrowded, making it feel less than clean, and the noise, along with the unavoidable views of those loincloths from all angles, was incredibly distracting.
After 30 minutes, I gave up and returned to my cabin to change. And here, it became very clear that swim trunks were not a standard part of the experience—there was no drain in the floor for me to wring them out. I did it anyway, but the water immediately flowed into the neighboring cabins. I made a quick escape.
A Bucket of Cold Water Over the Head
In Tbilisi, Georgia, we decided to try a bathhouse experience together to avoid communal bathing again—plus, it wouldn’t have been possible for two people of the same gender to share a bath anyway.
We chose Gulo’s Thermal Spa based on its largely positive reviews, despite a few lukewarm ones.
We booked in advance by phone and secured a private pool with an accompanying scrubbing treatment.
The bathhouse was truly beautiful, with pleasant lighting and intricate mosaics throughout.
The pool was divided into two sections—a larger warm-water pool and a smaller cold one for an occasional dip.
Despite our Budapest experience, we wore swimwear, as our attendants—one woman for the woman, one man for the man—would come in to scrub us down.
First, a shower, then lying face down on a tiled bench for a thorough lathering and scrubbing with a glove. Finally, a rinse-off with a bucket of cold water over the head—though with a small warning first.
Was it nice? Yes, absolutely. Just let go of any modesty and relax, and it’s an incredible experience!
We ended our visit with half an hour in the pools, this time without a trace of clothing. Utterly relaxing.
