Caligula Episode:
Hi, I’m Mayumi, and I’m here to guide you through the world of open-minded parties, swing clubs, and sex-positive environments from around the world. Which places are worth visiting, which ones to avoid, how much it costs, and how to get in—I’ll tell you everything I’ve learned so you can choose the destination that best fits your style and desires.
I’ve been researching sexuality, fetishes, and the swinger lifestyle for over ten years, and I recently visited 12 open-minded destinations at the invitation of Ysos, a dating app for couples and singles looking to explore their sexual fantasies. Ysos is the best way to prepare yourself for a fun night out with curious couples and singles. You can download ysos now. Give it a try when you’re up for a taste of adventure.
Today, I’m going to tell you all about Caligula, a swing club in New York City.
Their website promises a one-of-a-kind experience like no other. Spoiler alert: I found it to be… pretty…underwhelming.
I went on a Thursday night, which is when Caligula is open to both couples and singles. Prices are $25 for women, $65 for couples, and $80 for single men. And like most clubs of this kind in the U.S., you have to bring your own drinks.
The club is large and spacious. Right at the entrance, there’s a long bartop, bar tables, stools, and sofas. There’s also a big dance floor, which gets a lot of praise in the club’s reviews. And I have to say, the music was great—loud, energetic, and with that real nightclub vibe.
The problem? There was barely anyone there.
The few single men in attendance just sat at the bar all night without interacting with anyone. I even wondered if they were actual guests or part of the staff.
The second floor houses the private rooms. They’re divided by thin, cubicle-style walls and contain beds, mattresses, and the usual playroom essentials. There’s also a larger space with a big central bed for those interested in group fun.
One positive aspect was the presence of a security guard at the entrance to the playroom, overseeing the space and ensuring cleanliness. This extra level of supervision can be reassuring, especially for women.
Unfortunately, crowd-wise there was nothing particularly noteworthy at Caligula. A few single men, some older gentlemen with much younger companions, and scattered couples who seemed a bit shy, sitting by the bar and on the sofas. There was almost no interaction between guests, and the atmosphere remained lukewarm the entire night.
The venue itself isn’t exactly upscale, but it’s spacious, clean, and has a real nightclub feel—it’s definitely not an amateur or makeshift setup.
That said, picking a better night could make all the difference. It’s possible that on a livelier evening or at a themed event, the experience could be completely different at Caligula NYC.
My biggest tip for anyone visiting a swing club for the first time is go with someone you already know and feel comfortable around. That way, even if the event turns out to be a letdown, you can still enjoy a great date and have someone to chat with.
And if you’re looking for a partner to join you on this kind of adventure, Ysos is a safe option for making a connection. It’s a dating app designed for couples and singles looking for fun, so your night out is set up for success! There’s a link for you to download Ysos:
That wraps up our review of Caligula, a NYC swing club that lacked panache, at least on my night out. But not to be deterred, I have many more adventures exploring the sex-positive scene around the globe! See you at the next destination!