Hamam

Also known as the Turkish bath, hamam has become a wellness treatment for locals, as well as a special experience for foreigners. If you are naturally inquisitive, here are some recommended hamams in Istanbul and everything you need to know before you go.

The majority of hamams in Turkey operate both men’s and women’s sections at different times or space, with the sex of attendants mirroring the guests. For some hamams, male or female services are limited to certain hours of the day, so it is always important double-check in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Every hammam’s design and service differs slightly. For first-time visitors to a Turkish bath, make sure to choose a service that includes the essential scrubbing and bubble wash. Other options include self-service or an additional oil massage. It is recommended to make a reservation before you visit.

Once you walk into the hammam lounge, find the reception area to confirm your service. You will then be led to a private room to change and lock up your personal belongings.

Undress

After you have removed your clothes, in most hamams, it is obligatory to cover the lower half of your body. Women should not remove the bottom part of their underwear or, alternatively, wear a swimsuit bottom. Wrap yourself with the peştemal (the hamam towel), put on the slippers, take your locker key, and you are ready to go.

Get wet and warm

By entering the hot room, your hamam journey begins. The marble-covered room consists of several washing sections, water basins set around the wall, and a heated marble platform in the center under the dome. Get wet by pouring water all over your body. Then, lay down on the marble platform for a few minutes. While relaxing and gently sweating, do not forget to appreciate the architecture around you. If you are visiting during the daytime, look up and watch the sunlight enter the room through the dome.

Scrub it off

After 10-15 minutes in the heat and moisture, your skin has softened enough for exfoliation. Your attendant—natır for women or tellak for men—will come with kese. The special mitten used to scrub off the dead cells of your skin. Relax, it is not as painful as you might have heard. But it is important to tell the attendant if you feel overwhelmed or there are parts of the body that you do not want them to scrub.

Do not worry if you don’t speak Turkish. Because some basic English words and body language are all you need to communicate. After the scrubbing is complete, close your eyes and prepare for bowls of cold water to be poured over your head.

Submerge in bubbles

Now it is time for bubble, the long-awaited, dreamy bubble wash and massage—just as fun and pleasant as it sounds. Using a special cloth lathered with soap, your attendant will squeeze a mountain of puffy, smooth bubbles all over your body. As you are amazed by how good it feels, the attendant will give you a gentle massage.

Quick hair wash

After taking care of your skin, you will get a quick shampoo and probably a rough head massage. Prepare yourself for a few more bowls of water poured over your head until you are fully clean.

Clean up and dry

However, if you feel like staying longer, lay back on the marble platform and make the most of it. When you are ready, the attendant will give you a clean towel to dry your body before you exit the hot room.

Snack, chat, and relax

Feeling rejuvenated? You are more than welcome to continue the relaxation. The authentic way to end a Turkish bath is to sit in the lounge and chill. Read books and magazines, or chat with your friends. Have some water, tea, a cup of cold, sweetened fruit juice, and some snacks to refuel. You can also rest in your personal room.