I'm sure I'm not alone. I consider a trip to the bath house or sauna a CRUTIAL and INTEGRAL part of any GAY-VAY (Gay Vacation) be it with friends or the boyfriend.

Perhaps its because in New York, the bathouses are so sad, and in London, well...not that great.

Here's my favorites, I think the best in the world (in no order).

1. Steamworks, Chicago, IL, United States
The hot tub maze alone is wonderful. If you have a weakness for mid westerners and the like from Indiana, Ohio etc, wow what a place.

2. Badehause, Koln, Germany
I have made trips to Koln just to go here. It's only 3 hours away from AMS by train or car. Beautiful. Koln is a fun gay place. Unlike bathhouses in the states, which is dirty and primarily patronized by 'senior citizens' - badehouse is a gem of 20 somethings and 30 somethings who are just around the "corner"

3. Thermos Day, Amsterdam
A felllow gayvay companion of mine is of the opinion that the companion sauna Thermos Night is better, but I disagree. 4 floors of heaven and debauchery.Next to Badehause, probably the best in Europe. Crowd simmilar to Badehouse, always busy.

I always consult the following guide, in what ever city I'm in, (mostly in German)
http://www.gaysaunen.com

Please add along - where should I go next boys?