5 Most Beautiful Bathhouses in Europe

Sauna Deco Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s Sauna Deco is a master class in Art Deco—a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the body. Set in a canal house in the city center, the space mixes Dutch and Parisian design, the latter of which comes through via spectacular pieces that the owners salvaged from Paris’s Le Bon Marché (the department store planned to trash much of its interiors for a renovation in the 70s). Thanks to the owners’ resourcefulness, visitors to Sauna Deco can unwind surrounded by intricate, colorful stained glass windows that used to form the roof of Le Bon Marché, while indulging in the unisex facilities including a sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge. Reserve in advance for entry, and also book a massage.

Zeyrek Çinili Hamam · Istanbul

Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Istanbul

Perhaps more so than any other spot on this list, history is very much felt at Istanbul’s Zeyrek Çinili Hamam. First opened in the 1530s, the historic bathhouse operated for nearly five centuries before it underwent an extensive, 13-year restoration. Reopened in 2024, the hammam is now both a hammam and a museum, the latter of which houses the famed bright blue tiles that defined the original structure (and gave the hammam its name—cinili translates to “tiled”), amongst other items such as ancient bathing bowls and mother-of-pearl combs. But the hammam experience is still the star of the show. Men and women enter separately, and navigate through cold, warm, and hot rooms, culminating with a scrub on a heated marble slab. Ever present: star-shaped skylights that allow light to filter into the dome-ceilinged rooms.

Porchester Spa · London

Porchester Spa London

After a £3 million renovation in 2025, London’s oldest spa—a real local gem—emerged more beautiful than ever. With its soaring ceilings and Art Deco elegance, this classic bathhouse is set on the edge of Notting Hill and dates back to the 1920s. It’s a sprawling, old-school facility, with a nearly 100-foot pool, gym, and bathhouse amenities including sauna and steam rooms, a plunge pool, and warm, hot, and very hot Turkish baths.

Sofiebadet · Copenhagen

Sofiebadet Copenhagen

This historic Copenhagen bathhouse dates back to 1909 but was lovingly but gently renovated in 2009 (read: it’s not perfectly polished). The setting is beautiful, with original marble floors, blue tile work, and claw-foot tubs, alongside amenities including a hammam, sauna, cold plunge, steam room, and more. There is a menu of experiences on offer, with a variety of wellness-oriented add-ons: spirulina face masks, ginger shots, salt scrubs, and more.

Honorable Mention: Gellért Bath Hungary

Gellért Thermal Bath · Budapest

Hungary has an abundance of thermal springs, which has made bathing culture an integral part of society since Ottoman and Roman rule, many centuries ago. As such, this list wouldn’t be complete without a Hungarian bathhouse, and we’ve selected Budapest’s Gellért Thermal Bath, which opened in 1918 and is in the midst of a €50 million renovation that will be completed in 2028. It earns a spot on this list because of its stunning Art Nouveau interiors and rich tilework, which can be seen in its several saunas and indoor and outdoor baths—the complex even has an artificial wave pool. The mineral waters here are touted to have healing properties, and said to improve chronic inflammation, circulation, respiratory issues, and more.