Hotspots: The World’s Best Sauna Destinations Revealed
Stepping into a sauna can be a highly effective way to disconnect from daily life and recharge in a calm, restorative space. Whether it’s a morning ritual or a post-work wind down, saunas have been proven to help alleviate stress, improve circulation and promote deep relaxation.
In 2025, saunas are having more than a moment. Their popularity is booming as more people realise their wellbeing benefits and use them as ways to socialise that do away with the alcohol or the need to get dressed up. Plus, you’ll find saunas in some beautiful spas and stunning locations, meaning that planning a visit can add some much needed downtime to a holiday.
From remote lakeside saunas in Finland to soothing under the stars in Sweden, we wondered, which destinations around the world get sauna culture right?
By examining thousands of travel reviews and analysing the percentage of them in each location that reference ‘sauna’ as well as their average review rating, we’ve found out - and can hopefully help visitors find the perfect place to relax!
The World’s Top Sauna Destinations
After researching close to 200 popular tourist destinations, our data reveals a curated list of where to get stand out sauna experiences around the world - ideal for anyone in search of something truly memorable.
By taking into account review numbers and scores, we then gave each city an overall ‘sauna score’ out of 100, and the top spots are dominated by cities in the continent where saunas were born: Europe. From the serene coastlines of Finland to Budapest's renowned thermal baths, the cities featured help to highlight the continent’s deep-rooted sauna culture.
Topping them all however is Riga, the capital of Latvia, which according to our data, can now lay claim to being the true capital of saunas!
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latvia | Riga | 8.96% | 4.1 | 90 |
| 2 | Slovakia | Kosice | 7.80% | 4.3 | 83 |
| 3 | Finland | Helsinki | 7.41% | 4.3 | 79 |
| 4 | Romania | Cluj-Napoca | 5.88% | 4.6 | 69 |
| 5 | Jersey | Saint Helier | 6.06% | 4.3 | 67 |
| 6 | Kosovo | Pristina | 6.10% | 4.1 | 64 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | Leeds | 5.96% | 4.1 | 63 |
| 8 | Montenegro | Podgorica | 5.05% | 4.3 | 57 |
| 9 | Hungary | Budapest | 5.08% | 4.2 | 56 |
| 10 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Sarajevo | 4.75% | 4.0 | 51 |
| 11 | Croatia | Split | 4.51% | 4.1 | 50 |
| =11 | Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | 4.26% | 4.3 | 50 |
| =11 | Netherlands | Rotterdam | 4.55% | 4.0 | 50 |
| 14 | Kazakhstan | Almaty | 4.45% | 4.0 | 49 |
| 15 | Cyprus | Limassol | 4.25% | 4.0 | 47 |
| =15 | United Kingdom | Birmingham | 4.35% | 3.9 | 47 |
| =15 | Estonia | Tallinn | 4.19% | 4.0 | 47 |
| 18 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 3.74% | 4.3 | 45 |
| 19 | New Zealand | Wellington | 3.98% | 3.9 | 44 |
| =19 | Georgia | Tbilisi | 3.68% | 4.2 | 44 |
1. Riga, Latvia – 8.96% of reviews mention sauna
Topping our list is Riga, the capital of Latvia, where almost 1 in 10 reviews mention saunas - highlighting how perfect this location is for a relaxing getaway. Riga is home to a diverse range of sauna options, from traditional wood-fired saunas to modern-day infrared saunas. With a sauna score of 90 out of 100, Riga offers a sauna lover's dream escape, pairing history with the perfect opportunity to switch off and soak up the steam.
2. Kosice, Slovakia – 7.80% of reviews mention sauna
In second place is Kosice, the second largest city in Slovakia, packed with quiet side streets and a slower pace of life, making it easy for visitors to disconnect and de-stress. With an average review rating of 4.3, Kosice not only offers sauna hotspots but also scenic day trips and hiking trails at Slovak Ore Mountains and Slovak Paradise National Park, a short distance from the city centre - the perfect recipe for a relaxing weekend.
3. Helsinki, Finland – 7.41% of reviews mention sauna
With Finland being the birthplace of the saunas, it's only right that the Finnish capital makes the podium of best destinations for sauna lovers. Helsinki offers a range of saunas as well as other facilities including icy plunge pools and wellness hubs. Helsinki’s saunas offer a space to both socialise and unwind, with a high average rating of 4.3 - it’s clear that visitors value the calm, meditative vibe that the city’s saunas provide
The UK’s Top Cities For Sauna Culture
With the British Sauna Society reporting that the number of public saunas within Britain have doubled in recent years, it's clear that sauna culture is heating up across the UK.
Situated within Yorkshire, where you’ll find a whole host of spas, Leeds leads the way as the UK’s top sauna destination, with a high sauna score of 63. The city also provides cold plunge pools, infrared saunas and mindfulness classes - the perfect recipe for a relaxing stay. Birmingham and Glasgow follow in second and third place, with strong ratings and growing interest in wellness getaways. Manchester and London round out the top five, with must-visits including The Retreat at The Londoner Hotel in the heart of London's West End, which offers a swimming pool, hydropool, sauna, steam room and secluded cabanas - all in five star surroundings..
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Kingdom | Leeds | 5.96% | 4.1 | 63 |
| 2 | United Kingdom | Birmingham | 4.35% | 3.9 | 47 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | Glasgow | 3.10% | 4.0 | 37 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | Manchester | 3.06% | 3.7 | 35 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | London | 2.78% | 3.9 | 34 |
Europe’s Top Sauna Destinations (excluding the UK)
As we know, Europe dominates the global sauna scene, with Riga in Latvia leading the charge with a sauna score of 90 out of 100 thanks to its high value of sauna reviews and strong ratings. Kosice in Slovakia and Helsinki in Finland follow closely behind.
Meanwhile, Cluj-Napoca located in Romania stands out with an impressive 4.6 average rating, sharing its modern and youthful vibe of visitors, contributing to a rise in the health and wellness culture. Saint Helier, the capital of Jersey, also makes an appearance. Located right on the coast, Saint Helier not only offers an array of sauna experiences but also access to beautiful beaches, sea views, and coastal walks, allowing visitors to soak up the sea air and de-stress.
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latvia | Riga | 8.96% | 4.1 | 90 |
| 2 | Slovakia | Kosice | 7.80% | 4.3 | 83 |
| 3 | Finland | Helsinki | 7.41% | 4.3 | 79 |
| 4 | Romania | Cluj-Napoca | 5.88% | 4.6 | 69 |
| 5 | Jersey | Saint Helier | 6.06% | 4.3 | 67 |
Asia’s Top Sauna Destinations
While Europe leads globally in our study, some notable destinations in Central Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean also rank well. Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan tops the list with a solid sauna score of 50 out of 100, with visitors typically following their sauna experience by a plunge into a cold pool or ice bath to refresh.
Almaty in Kazakhstan and Limassol Cyprus follow closely behind offering well-rated sauna experiences. Karakol in Kyrgyzstan holds one of the highest average ratings (4.5). Surrounded by soothing lakes and alpine landscapes, Karakol has a longstanding tradition of saunas, particularly the Russian-style steam baths that are often heated by wood stoves and typically paired with cold plunges and herbal teas, offering a deeply relaxing wellness experience.
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | 4.26% | 4.3 | 50 |
| 2 | Kazakhstan | Almaty | 4.45% | 4.0 | 48 |
| 3 | Cyprus | Limassol | 4.25% | 4.0 | 47 |
| 4 | Georgia | Tbilisi | 3.68% | 4.2 | 43 |
| 5 | Kyrgyzstan | Karakol | 2.77% | 4.5 | 37 |
Africa’s Top Sauna Destinations
South Africa leads the continent’s rankings with Johannesburg and Pretoria topping the list with balanced sauna scores of 36 and an average rating of 4, both offering a getaway to detoxify after a busy day in the bustling cities. Cape Town also makes the cut with a high average rating, with generally pleasant weather and home to iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain. Beyond South Africa, Nakuru in Kenya and Luanda in Angola are also embracing sauna culture, with the heat and steam also offering benefits in hot countries!
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 3.07% | 4.0 | 36 |
| =1 | South Africa | Pretoria | 3.03% | 4.0 | 36 |
| 3 | Kenya | Nakuru | 1.98% | 4.0 | 27 |
| 4 | Angola | Luanda | 1.87% | 3.9 | 25 |
| 5 | South Africa | Cape Town | 1.68% | 4.1 | 24 |
North, Central and South America’s Top Sauna Destinations
Montreal in Canada leads the way as the top ranking sauna destination in North, Central and South America with a sauna score of 35 out of 100 and a solid 4.1 average rating. The city holds the famous Bota Bota spa, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River with hot and cold pools, steam rooms and stunning city views - one to add to the bucket list! San Jose in Costa Rica follows closely in second place offering serene landscapes and natural thermal baths just a short drive away from the city centre, that can thrive even in tropical climates. Other Canadian cities like Calgary and Toronto also appear on the list with Los Angeles in the United States rounding out the top five.
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | Montreal | 2.75% | 4.1 | 35 |
| 2 | Costa Rica | San Jose | 2.55% | 4.2 | 33 |
| 3 | Canada | Calgary | 1.97% | 4.0 | 27 |
| 4 | Canada | Toronto | 1.91% | 3.8 | 26 |
| 5 | United States | Los Angeles | 1.72% | 3.8 | 24 |
Oceania’s Top Sauna Destinations
Christchurch, also known as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ ranks as the best destination in Oceania for a sauna experience with an impressive sauna score of 45 out of 100 and a high average rating of 4.3. Thanks to its slow pace of life, array of botanical gardens and modern spas offering not only saunas but steam rooms, massages and hydrotherapy - Christchurch offers a lot of zen. Following behind is Wellington, also in New Zealand, offering an array of relaxation and indulgence. Whether it’s walking along Oriental Bay, sitting by the waterfront or watching the sunset over the ocean, this city provides constant access to calming coastal views, adding to the spa-like experience.
Meanwhile, Nouméa in New Caledonia rounds out the list, standing out with a 4.2 average rating, highlighting how even remote island cities are embracing the global wellness movement.
| Rank | Country | City | % sauna reviews | Average rating | Sauna score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 3.74% | 4.3 | 45 |
| 2 | New Zealand | Wellington | 3.98% | 3.9 | 43 |
| 3 | Australia | Canberra | 3.33% | 4.0 | 39 |
| 4 | Australia | Perth | 2.38% | 4.0 | 30 |
| 5 | New Caledonia | Noumea | 2.08% | 4.2 | 28 |
The Rise in Home Saunas
Be it in Leeds or Riga, there’s lots of places to visit for a great sauna experience, however many have found that the benefits of them are so huge, they’re embarking on creating their own at home.
If that sounds like you, we’ve shared some insightful tips for both using and maintaining a home sauna, including what to do before using it, how to use it safely and how to maintain it for greater longevity.
Before you use your sauna:
Stay hydrated Before entering your sauna make sure you have drunk enough water (about 1-2 glasses) to avoid dehydration. It’s a good idea to keep water nearby if needed during your session, continuing to drink throughout and after you leave the sauna. Shower before entering To keep on top of hygiene it's recommended to have a quick rinse to remove oils, lotions and sweat, allowing your body to sweat more efficiently and keep the sauna cleaner. Dress accordingly Before entering your sauna make sure to have a clean towel to sit on to prevent sweat from soaking into the wood. Lightweight clothing such as underwear or swimwear is best, avoiding shoes, jewellery or synthetic materials.
During use:
Set the right temperature For Traditional saunas it is recommended to set your temperature to 70 - 100°C and for Infrared saunas: 45 - 60°C - start low if you're a beginner and gradually increase for a more relaxing experience.
Time your sessions For beginners, start your sessions with 10–15 minutes, while experienced users may go up to 20 - 30 minutes. It’s important when using the sauna to always listen to your body and if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
After use:
Clean after each use To maintain hygiene standards and a clean sauna, wipe down benches, walls and handles with a damp cloth after each use. For sweat stains or residue, use mild soap and warm water weekly to remove this. Ventilation is key Keep the door open for a while after each session to air out moisture and prevent mold.
It’s important to ensure that no electronics are taken into your at-home sauna as these are at risk of overheating.
To enhance your experience and indulge in a slice of spa life at home, try adding essential oils to water (if your sauna allows it) for aromatherapy and use a sauna brush or loofah for gentle exfoliation. Lastly, add the finishing touch to your experience by playing relaxing music or practising meditation during your session, and really bring the spa experience home.
In the mood for a sauna? We hope our research has provided the inspiration you need! For the full spa experience that incorporates saunas, as well as treatments, meals and relaxing stays, browse our spa days and spa breaks.
Methodology:
Sauna score ranking gained via analysis of travel reviews sourced via a popular travel review website, for 172 global cities. The percentage of reviews that mention ‘sauna’ were taken and weighted alongside the average review rating, to provide the ‘sauna score’ out of 100. The higher the score, the greater the number and quality of the reviews.
All data correct as of June 2025.
