Istanbul 4-day Itinerary
Turkey
Where to go and what to see in Istanbul to get the most from your trip – a 4-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Have a hammam in Istanbul
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey
Last updated: 07 November, 2022
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.
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Price from: £18
Minimum age: 6
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
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.
When to do it
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.
Experience
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £50
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Experience
Catma Mescit Hamami
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey
Another beautiful 16th-century hamam designed by Mimar Sinan, this bathhouse offers facial masks and other spa treatments alongside classic Turkish treatments.
Best for ages: 13+ | £42 | 1-3 hours
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Experience
Cukurcuma Hamami
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.
Best for ages: 12+ | £32
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Experience
Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam
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).
Best for ages: 4+ | £10
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Dating back to the 1860s, this was the last palace to be built in Istanbul for the Ottoman royals – it’s now an opulent 5-star hotel and celeb favourite, set away from the cacophony of central Istanbul.
Official star rating:
Four Seasons Istanbul Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.
Official star rating:
Hotel Bankerhan
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
A cool, art-filled boutique hotel near the heart of modern Istanbul’s most fashionable shopping and nightlife district.
Official star rating:
Georges Hotel Galata
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey
In the heart of Istanbul’s hip Beyoglu district, this boutique hotel combines understated luxury with a glam rooftop restaurant. One of the best hotels in town for a romantic city break.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Istanbul
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.
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