European spas can feel quite different from their American counterparts. They are often larger, with extensive thermal areas that include multiple saunas, steam baths, pools, plunge pools and relaxation rooms. Rather than simply being a place to receive a treatment, the spa is often an experience in itself—one that can take the whole day.
For first-time visitors, the size of the spas and customs can feel a little intimidating. The unspoken rules around clothing, nudity, noise, and even when to shower may be different from what you are used to in the United States.
The most important thing to know? European spa etiquette is less about a strict set of rules and more about respecting the space, the people around you, and the traditions of the spa you are visiting. Here are some of the things to know before your next European spa experience.
1. European Spas Are Often Coed
Instead of having gender-separated locker rooms with saunas, steam baths, and pools, the thermal areas are typically coed, which can be an adjustment. However, this allows you to experience the entire spa alongside your partner or friend.
2. Nudity is Often the Norm
While not all spas require nudity in thermal areas, it is particularly common in countries such as Germany and Austria, and can be found at some spas in northern Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe. Other countries, such as Portugal and England, may require bathing suits throughout thermal areas. Even if nudity is the norm, some spas are split into “textile” and “textile free” areas, so you can still enjoy thermal areas in your bathing suit if you prefer. There are typically signs designating the textile and textile free areas, so always be on the lookout. It is common to openly disrobe before entering a sauna or steam bath. Should you prefer some more privacy, you can wrap a towel under your robe before taking it off. Nudity is completely normal. No one is judging your body or sexualizing it—it’s just another part of the spa experience. You will often see couples and groups of friends in the sauna fully nude. Respect that it is a communal space full of adults of different ages, shapes, and sizes.
It is also customary—and often required—to keep your entire body, including your hands and feet, on your towel. Be sure to grab a one before entering a sauna or steam room.
3. Shower Before and After Using Thermal Facilities
Shower each time before using the sauna, steam room or pool to rinse off sunscreen, lotions, oils and sweat. Shower after heat experiences to rinse off sweat. Some spas may have specific instructions for when to shower, so look for signage.
4. Silence is Part of the Experience
Having conversations in the sauna, steam bath, or relaxation areas are generally discouraged. Some places may even have spa staff to remind you to keep your voice down. Silence is a precious part of the experience. Saunas and steam baths are not a social space like they may be in some gyms in the United States. People are using thermal spaces for stillness, not socialization.
Leave your phone in your robe pocket or locker. Don’t doomscroll while in a relaxation area and don’t snap any photos in communal areas to respect the privacy of those who are nude.
5. The Robe and Slippers Are Your Spa Uniform
Once you’ve changed, your robe and spa slippers become your uniform for moving around the spa. A European spa generally isn’t a place to walk around in athletic clothes. Leave leggings, sneakers, and athletic wear in your locker unless you are headed to a designated fitness area. If you are doing a particular treatment, like shiatsu, you will be given appropriate clothing in your treatment room. Some places even require that you wear your robe to lunch if eating on-site.
6. Don’t Rush the Thermal Circuit
European spas are designed to be experienced slowly. Sauna, cool down, hydrate, rest. Steam, shower, relax. Swim, rest again. You don’t have to race through every facility.
7. Respect the Spa’s Rules
There is no single set of rules that applies to every European spa. Customs can vary by country, region, and even individual property. Read the spa’s website ahead of your visit and look out for signs in the spa.
Your first European spa visit can feel unfamiliar, particularly if you’re used to the treatment-focused spa experience common in the United States. But once you understand the etiquette and flow of the spa, the experience becomes much less intimidating.
Read the signs. Follow the rules. Keep your voice down. Leave your phone behind. Shower before entering thermal facilities and pools. And most importantly, respect the people around you.
The beauty of European spa culture is that it encourages you to come as you are and slow down. Once you settle into the experience, you’ll understand why in Europe a visit to the spa is an experience worth building an entire day around.
