Travel bucket list idea:
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey
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The hammam, or Turkish Bath, is one of Turkey’s quintessential experiences: a deep cleanse, sweat-out, relax and (optional) heavy-duty massage all in one. Additional services include a massage and a rub-down with a kese (an abrasive glove), to remove layers of dead skin.
To visit Istanbul without indulging in this authentic Turkish bathing ritual is to miss out on one of the city’s best experiences. Besides the joys of an invigorating (and thorough) full body scrub and relaxing massage in beautiful marbled bathhouses, the city has several beautiful, historic hammams that are sights in their own right.
Many luxury hotels have a ‘hammam’, and offer a more personalised, private experience, but the authentic experience can only be had at a public one.
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
This gleaming white bathhouse was designed in 1556 by Mimar Sinan, the architect of the city’s greatest mosques – it’s now a modern, luxurious spa (albeit an expensive one) and a destination in itself. A basic 30-minute bath treatment includes a kese scrub and olive-oil soap massage.
Adult price: £50
Min age 6
Best for ages 13+
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey
A beautiful 16th-century hammam designed by Mimar Sinan, this bathhouse offers facial masks and other spa treatments alongside classic Turkish treatments. As authentic as it gets.
Adult price: £42
Min age 6
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 1-3 hours
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
This pristine hammam offers services for men and women at the same time, making it a good choice for couples wanting to share the experience.
Adult price: £32
Min age 12
Best for ages 12+
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
A big beautiful bathhouse dating back to 1580, it recently reopened after a 7-year restoration. It includes a special hammam for children (of all ages).
Adult price: £10
Best for ages 4+
Try to book at least 24 hours ahead to make sure you get a slot, and always arrive 15 minutes early to disrobe. Sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, while extra massages can last over an hour.
When booking, see what is provided in the hammam kit at the bathhouse you go to: you may need to supply spare underwear or a swimsuit.
Some bathhouses permit children over 6, but unless there are special children treatments (some do have them), it’s not really suitable for under 13s. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hamams are usually open all year round, seven days a week. Generally the baths are reserved for women in the morning and mid-afternoon, and for men only from late-afternoon until late at night, but each has its own schedule.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marmara Region, Turkey
Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.
