What is a Turkish Hamam?
The Turkish bath (hamam) is a centuries-old bathing tradition dating back to Ottoman times. It involves a series of steam rooms, hot stone slabs, vigorous scrubbing (kese), and foam massage. It is an essential cultural experience in Turkey.
What to Expect
You will be given a pestemal (cotton wrap) and wooden clogs. Undress in the changing room (keep underwear on or go nude — both are fine). Enter the warm room first, then the hot room. Lie on the heated marble slab (göbektaşı). An attendant will scrub you with a rough mitt and wash you with olive oil soap foam.
Top Hamams in Istanbul
Çemberlitaş Hamamı (1584, traditional), Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (restored, upscale), Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (luxurious, opposite Hagia Sophia), and Galatasaray Hamamı (local favorite). Prices range from 300–2000 TL depending on the hamam and services.
Is the hamam co-ed?
Most hamams have separate sections for men and women, or alternate days/hours. Some tourist-oriented hamams offer mixed sessions for couples.