Bear + Birch

Day passes are sold at the door with no reservation needed, and they cover unlimited use of the heat rooms and pools for the day. Bring a bathing suit, sandals and a robe; one towel per guest is provided, and there are separate men's and women's locker rooms.

The centerpiece is the parnaya, the very hot Russian steam room, followed by a dip in the cold plunge, which runs around 40°F. Many visitors book a platza, the traditional birch-branch massage, and linger over a meal from the kitchen between rounds. It is a social, unhurried place where groups often spend the whole afternoon.