First-time guide to Istanbul's bath houses

20.11.2024 - 19:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Visiting a traditional Turkish bath house, known as a hamam, is a popular activity among travelers to Türkiye and a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in ever-bustling Istanbul. But communal bathing can also seem a little intimidating if you don’t know what to expect – we've got you covered with a first-time guide to the hamam experience.

Modeled after ancient Roman baths, hamams have been widespread across the Muslim world for centuries, serving as public facilities for washing in a time before private homes had indoor plumbing, as well as important spaces for (gender-segregated) socializing. Though they are no longer part of most people’s daily or weekly routine, hamam visits are still popular among both men and women during pre-wedding festivities and for other special occasions. Others go for the health benefits, which are reputed to include improved blood flow, skin texture, lower stress levels and muscle relaxation. 

Beyond the entrance area, the first section of a hamam is the “cold room” (soğukluk), which has changing cabins and spaces to rest while you sip on some tea, coffee, water or juice following your treatment. After getting ready, bathers pass through the “warm room” (ılıklık), where they can start adjusting to or take a break from the heat of the main room.

This domed central chamber, the “hot room” (sıcaklık), is typically heated to at least 40°C (104°F) with a high level of humidity. Inside the sıcaklık, marble benches and individual wash basins surround the central göbek taşı (“navel stone”), a raised marble platform where bathers are washed and scrubbed by hamam attendants.

The standard treatment is the kese-köpük massage, an exfoliating scrub with a coarse cloth (kese) followed by a vigorous massage with foaming (köpük) soap. Larger hamams may offer longer massages, aromatherapy treatments, oil massages, face masks, foot rubs and other services for an additional fee, often in a private room alongside the main chamber.

The price of going to the hamam varies widely, starting from around 600 to 700TL Türk Lirası (US$17.30-20.20) for entry and a basic kese-köpük massage at a neighborhood hamam to more than 3650TL (US$105) for the same treatment at a luxury hamam. These are often historically notable baths that have been beautifully restored. Additional services can double the cost. A tip of around 10 percent for your attendant is expected.

Soap, shampoo, towels, and footwear (wooden clogs or plastic slippers) are typically provided at the hamam but you may bring your own if you wish. If you choose to wear underwear or a bathing suit bottom – some bathers do, while others go naked under their peştamal, a thin towel provided for covering up – you’ll