Turkish Baths Istanbul – How to Choose the Right Hammam
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When you are in Istanbul, visiting a Turkish bath is a must-do experience.
A Turkish bath, also known as a hammam, is a public bathhouse featuring a domed steam room followed by a wash and massage.
Not only is it an invigorating experience, but these traditional baths are also a great way to immerse yourself in Turkish culture and enjoy a relaxing massage after a long day of sightseeing.
But with so many different hammams to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Before you visit a hammam, there are some things to consider.
In this guide, I break down what to look for when selecting the perfect Turkish bath, plus things I wish I had known before my first visit to a hammam.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Hammam
Before you choose a hammam, there are several things you should consider. First, decide what type of experience you’re looking for – do you want an authentic cultural experience or something more luxurious?
A traditional hammam experience is very communal. The steam, washing, and massage all happen in a (gender separated) shared space. If you want a more private experience, look for a luxury hammam that offers a more western spa with private rooms.
You’ll also want to think about the price. While some hammams can be expensive, very cheap options are available. Personally, this is not an experience where I would skimp on the price, especially as a female traveler. Expect to spend at least $60 US dollars for a reliable and sanitary experience.
Additionally, consider if the facility is an actual hammam or a spa built into a hotel. Many Istanbul hotels include a hammam spa, offering a more western spa experience. A historic hammam provides a more traditional and cultural experience. It is often connected to a mosque.
Finally, make sure you understand all the services that are included. Some may include massage services, while this may be an additional cost at others. Also, make sure that all amenities are included in the price – towels, soap, and lockers.
What Happens in a Turkish Bath
In Istanbul Turkish baths, you are immediately separated by gender. Some places even have separate entrances for men and women.
Once men and women have separated, you will pay upfront for the experience. You will receive tokens as proof of payment, a small towel (peshtemal), and a paper undergarment provided for women.
Then you will head to the changing rooms, where private lockers, changing stalls, and rubber shoes are provided. The changing areas also often feature a tea room and sitting lounge.
From there, you will enter the sauna, or steam room. Turkish hammams feature a domed steam room with a raised warming stone (gobektasi) to lay on in the center. Traditional hammams have open-air ducts, often in decorative shapes, on the dome’s roof.
For women, this is typically when the peshtemal comes off and is used as a towel to lay on the gobektasi. Men often have two peshtemals, one remains around the waist, and the other is used to lay on.
Next is the “bath” part of the Turkish bath. The masseurs, called tellak for men and natir for women, use a traditional scrubbing towel called kese to exfoliate the whole body using very bubbly soap.
After you are covered in bubbles, move from the gobektasi to a faucet (kurna) to rinse your hair using a metal dish (hammam tasi). Some hammams have an additional standing shower to rinse before heading to the massage chamber.
A Turkish massage is similar to a Swedish massage in that it is very relaxing, using long strokes, gentle pressure, and warm oil to massage the entire body.
After the massage, sit and unwind in the lounging area with a cup of Turkish tea and sherbert.
A Turkish bath is meant to be a communal and leisurely experience. Expect to spend at least two hours or more on this experience.
What To Wear to a Turkish Bath
On your way to the hammam, you can wear regular street clothes. There are private changing areas and lockers to leave your clothes in. The hammam provides a towel and shoes to wear during the experience.
Men are provided two peshtemals, and women receive a peshtemal and paper undergarment. The peshtemal is a special quick-dying cotton smaller than the American bath towel but big enough to provide coverage when wrapped around the body.
During the Turkish bath, most locals wear only what the hammam provides.
Some people prefer to bring their own swimsuits. But if you decide to bring your swimsuit, don’t be surprised if the nation encourages you to take it off and experience the Turkish bath as locals do.
I brought my swimsuit with me. But after receiving the peshtemal and undergarment, I decided to leave my swimsuit in the locker. The natir were very welcoming, and I never felt uncomfortable during the experience. Every culture has a different standard of modesty, and an open mind is necessary part of the experience.
Overall, Istanbul is safe and welcoming for most tourists, no matter what you feel comfortable wearing to the Turkish bath.
The Most Popular Istanbul Turkish Baths
My personal favorite is the Cemberlitas Hamam. It’s near the Grand Bazaar, so it’s easy to find. I loved it so much, I went twice on a short weekend in Istanbul.
- Çemberlitas Hamam: Cemberlitas Hamam is one of the most popular hammams in Istanbul, and for a good reason! It has been around for centuries and still retains its traditional charm. The facilities are top-notch, with spacious bamboo changing rooms.
- Cagaloglu Hamami: Near the Basilica Cistern, Cagaloglu is often rated as the best Turkish bath in Istanbul for its gorgeous architecture and authentic charm.
- Aga Hamami: Built in 1454, Aga Hamami is the oldest Turkish bath in Istanbul. It is located near Taksim Square.
- Sultan Suleyman Hamam: Istanbul’s only public mixed hammam is the Suleyman. All attendants are male tellak, and a swimsuit is required.
- Çatma Mescit Hamamı: This is the option to choose if you are interested in a private or couples-only hammam experience. It is more expensive as you will have your own room and facilities the entire time.
- Hurrem Sultan Hamam: Hurrem Sultan is popular because it is in Sultanahmet Square. It is the closest hammam to the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque.
- Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami: This hammam recently restored hammam is popular near the Galata Tower.
- Gedikpasa Hamami: Built in 1475, this is the oldest hammam in the Old City (Sultanahmet side) of Istanbul.
No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a hammam that suits your needs.
Common Questions About Istanbul Turkish Baths
Most Turkish baths are not coed, they are separated by gender. The Sultan Suleyman Hamam is the only public mixed bathhouse in Istanbul.
Men wear only a peshtemal, or Turkish bath towel, around their waist.
While you can bring a swimsuit to wear, you will find most locals wear only the towel and paper garments provided by the hammam.
An average Turkish bath will cost between $40 to $70 US dollars, which is between 750 and 1300 Turkish lira.
Depending on the price of the hammam, 60 Turkish lira is a good minimum to tip the attendant that massaged you.
Yes, hair washing and scalp massage is a traditional part of the Turkish bath experience. Hair is often rinsed while sitting down near a basin (kurna) using a cup (hamam tasi) to pour water onto the hair.
Visiting a hammam is an unforgettable and intimate cultural experience. When choosing between Istanbul Turkish baths, make sure you find a hammam that fits all your needs. Step out of your comfort zone and experience at least one hammam in Istanbul!
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