Are you looking for a fantastic hammam experience in Istanbul? Come along and discover the best hammams in Istanbul to enjoy this unique experience in these Turkish baths. When it comes to find out where to relax on your busy Istanbul city break, the historical Turkish bath and hammam ritual is one of the genuine must-dos in Istanbul.
Turkish baths are really very ideal for those who want to relax and deal to unwind at any time. You can enjoy the hot water, body scrubs, as well as traditional massages.
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What is Hammam (Turkish Bath) and what you can expect?
Hammam, also known as the Turkish Bath, is a historic bathing culture that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It was a significant ritual that symbolized cleanliness, relaxation, cleansing, and social sharing throughout the period. It is one of the city’s one-of-a-kind experiences. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable event, and you will undoubtedly feel revitalized. So, take your time, relax, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience in one of Istanbul’s top Turkish baths and hammams.
While this civilization is rooted in the Roman Empire, it is entirely identified with Ottoman and Turkish culture. When you visit this ancient attraction, you can soothe your muscles, relax in a steam bath, rejuvenate your body, get exfoliation, various body massages, aromatherapy, etc. You’ll feel like living in a castle or pavilion from that era, experiencing the culture and ancient customs in an outstanding and realistic setting.
The setting might be thought of as a temple of healing, relaxation, and cleansing with the spirit of water. The warm temperature inside allows your entire body and muscles to rest. When you arrive at the hammam, you’ll be given a personal care package that includes an Ottoman-style basin gold plate, private bath gloves (“kese” in Turkish), olive oil soap, and numerous accessories.
You may select from various packages and rituals such as traditional body washing, soothing bubble wash, aromatherapy massage, facial masks, body care, peeling, etc. At the end of your hammam session, you will undoubtedly have a one-of-a-kind experience and feel like a Monarch.
There are several fundamentals that every tourist should understand before going to a spa, but what exactly is a Turkish Bath?
A Turkish bath would be divided into three parts. The first place you’d notice is where you’d be able to change your outfits. After changing your clothes, you would join the second section by wearing the towels given by the bath.
The second portion is referred to as the middle section. This moniker is given because the temperature is slightly lower to prepare you for the heat before the bath’s hottest phase.
The third segment is the hottest, and even the locals refer to it as hell. This is where you would lie down on a marble platform and have your massage. A word of caution: Turkish massage is more vigorous than Asian-style massage.
If you don’t enjoy powerful massages, let the masseur know ahead of time. There is no need to bring soap, shampoo, or towels because the bath will offer everything. The only item you may bring is new clothing to wear after the bath.
Turkish bath culture and manners
– In Istanbul, some hammams feature distinct hours or locations for men and women.
Tour Booking Advice
– You will be provided with flip-flops and a waistband (which you may leave on when bathing).
– Don’t make a splash and dash. After you’ve finished, you may rest in the hot room for as long as you like over tea. Make your hammam visit slow and lazy.
Top-Rated Istanbul Hammams Tours & Tickets
You can feel free to book one of these top selling tours and tickets for Istanbul’s top hammam experience. They all have excellent traveler ratings. If you change your mind, you can also make free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance.
Where to relax: best Turkish Baths and Hammams in Istanbul
In Istanbul, you’ll discover a broad variety of popular traditional hammams and Turkish baths. The majority of them are in prominent tourist areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim.
Kasimpasa Catma Mescit Hammam
The Catma Mescit Hammam, located in Istanbul’s Kasimpasa neighborhood, is one of the most popular destinations to have a superb hammam and spa experience. Mimar Sinan created the ancient hammam in 1533, and it now serves its guests in its traditional ambiance.
Catma Mescit Hammam also provides VIP hammam treatment, massage services, traditional scrub-foam rituals, spa classics, Reflexology, face masks, Vitamix masks, ancient Bali massage, and ginger peeling.
Address: Catma Mescit Mah. Hayratci Sok. Nova Plaza Pera Otel No:1 Beyoglu, Istanbul
Tel: +90 542 619 05 86, Web: catmamescithamami.com
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hammam
The ancient Hurrem Sultan Hammam (Turkish Bath) (1556-1557), built between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, was constructed by Architect Sinan at the request of the Hurrem Sultan, the famed wife of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It is Turkey’s largest historical hammam and was erected on the site of Zeuxippus’ ancient public baths (100-200 AD).
The operational Turkish bath (separate baths for men and women) provides a variety of hammam packages that include different massage therapies and rituals. There is also an outdoor cafe and restaurant where you may relax while strolling through Sultanahmet.
Address: Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 517 35 35
Cemberlitas Hammam
Cemberlitas Hammam is another well-known ancient Turkish bath, built-in 1584 by Architect Sinan. It is located on the Divan road, which connects Sultanahmet and Beyazit. The hammam features an amazing construction and a big bath with 38 washing cubicles. You may have a nice bath day here.
You may book your Turkish Bath day at Cemberlitas Hamam online and enjoy this one-of-a-kind and genuine experience at an original 5-century-old bath.
Address: Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, Cemberlitas, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 522 79 74
Book Online
You can book online your Turkish Bath day at Cemberlitas Hamam and enjoy this unique and authentic experience at an original 5 centuries old bath.
The historic Galatasaray Hammam
The Galatasaray Hammam (Turkish Bath), located in the lane running down over the Flower Passage, was established in 1481 by Sultan Beyazit the 2nd. It has been in operation for centuries and is an excellent site to learn about the 500-year-old Ottoman spa culture.
Address: Kuloglu, Turnacibasi Cd. No:8, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 252 42 42
