Nestled within the bustling heart of Istanbul lies a haven of tranquillity and tradition. It’s an age-old practice that has withstood the test of time. It is known as the Turkish Hamam. This is a place where history, culture, and relaxation converge. Besides, at this point, the Turkish Hamam has etched itself into the city’s identity, charming both locals and travellers alike with its mystique and rejuvenating rituals.
Embark on a journey through the steam-filled chambers and marble-adorned corridors of these iconic bathhouses in Istanbul. One gains not only a glimpse into the past but also a deep appreciation for the enduring significance of this unique cultural experience.
Dibekli Grand Hamam
Open every day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. except for Sundays, Dibekli Grand Hamam prides itself on providing the ultimate Turkish bath experience. Like most of the Hamam establishments in this article, Dibekli Grand Hamam provides an array of packages. They have the basic Hamam program, which includes the traditional Turkish bath with a full body scrub and foam massage on a warm, marble stone. This package includes the use of a sauna, the relaxation lounge as well as tea and coffee afterwards.
You could also add extra treatments to your packages for small, additional fees, like a salt or coffee peel, or a clay or coffee face mask. However, I would personally opt for the Full Program, which includes the traditional Turkish bath with a full body scrub and a foam massage on warm marble stone, plus a full body oil massage! The sauna, relaxation lounge as well and tea and coffee are also included in this package.
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Sultan Suleyman Hamam
Sultan Suleyman knows the value of your time. They thrive in giving you a great experience that rejuvenates and revitalises you in a jiffy. This Turkish Hamam in Istanbul boasts an incredible atmosphere. It features hot and cold shock pools, a sauna, steam, salt room and various massage packages.
What makes Sultan Suleyman unique is its VIP family section that boasts a jacuzzi and a private family bath service. So, if you’re looking to receive a private bath with your family, book the Private Family Baths package for some much-needed family time. Make bath time fun again. Don’t forget to try their 20-minute reflexology massage, or their 1 hour full-body massage after your unique bathing excursion in Turkey!
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Alaturka Hamam
This Turkish Hamam in Istanbul has a reputation for providing quality services to those who venture through the doors. They have three sections in their Hamam: a women’s section, a men’s section, and finally, a couple’s section. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like taking your partner for a deep cleaning.
Alaturka Hamam is more than just a Hamam. Their objective is to make you feel relaxed and regenerated with their personalised services. This includes the traditional Turkish Hamam package, a sea salt or coffee peeling Hamam package, a Sultan Hamam and massage package. The spa also has an aromatherapy massage package, a Medical Back massage, as well as a Four Hand Massage, among many other treatments.
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Cagaloglu Hamam
Built-in 1741 to provide revenue for both the Library of Mahmut I as well as for the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Cagaloglu Hamam has both historical and architectural importance. Cagaloglu Bath is one of the largest double Turkish baths of Istanbul and is the last bath to be built during the Ottoman Empire. Be sure to make a reservation for your traditional Turkish Hamam in Istanbul with Cagalaglu Hamam.
They have various bath packages to choose from, but the most sought-after package is the Ottoman Luxury Service, which provides you with royal Ottoman lathering. End the day at Lokanta 1741 with a true Turkish gastronomy journey after your pampering. You never know if you’d want to celebrate being the cleanest you’ve probably ever been in your life.
Tarihi Cesme Hamam
Located in the Galata Istanbul Hotel, the Tarihi Cesme Hamam dates to 1720. Interestingly, the hotel has been built around the Hamam and is famed as probably the ‘least abusive’ Hamam in Istanbul. They also allow men and women in the same Haman, making it perfect for couples! Tarihi Cesme Hamam is open every day from 8 am to 11 pm, so there isn’t any reason for you not to go, because time won’t be a valid excuse.
Moreover, the ‘tellak’ or ‘natir’, also known as those who wash you, are women. The Cesme Tarihi Hamam cares for those tourists who aren’t used to the touch-love of Istanbul, providing a delicate washing experience that leaves you feeling relaxed and clean.
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about taking a trip in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia!
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Bubbles Conquer Troubles
The Turkish Hamam in Istanbul is an experience that is believed to not only clean physically but also spiritually. It rings true to that saying, that cleanliness is godliness. Hamam is a cultural experience, it’s about leaving yourself in the hands of your ‘tellak’ or ‘natir’, the male and female attendants respectively. Moreover, a Turkish Hamam in Istanbul usually provides you with a ‘peshtemal’, a thin cotton towel that you could use to wrap yourself in.
The Turkish bath extravaganza usually lasts about 45 minutes and entails traditional body scrubbing with a handwoven washcloth known as a ‘kese’, along with a foam wash and finally; a massage. So, you probably have some dirt to get rid of, well then, Turkey is the place for you. Hop into the infamous Turkish Hamam in Istanbul to receive the bath of a lifetime!
