Where to Experience a Traditional Hammam in Istanbul

Hammam, additionally known as Turkish Bath, is a conventional tub tradition relationship again to the Ottoman Empire. It was a vital ritual that represents the cleanness, leisure and social life.

The Hammam, Turkish Bath, remains to be loved by many right this moment. And there are lots of methods to benefit from the Hammam in Istanbul. Here are some recommendations on the way to get probably the most out of your expertise while you go to Istanbul, Turkey.

First and foremost, it’s essential to chill out and take your time within the Hammam. This shouldn’t be a rushed course of – it needs to be gradual and relaxed so that you can get the total good thing about the expertise.

Once you may have entered the steam room, discover a comfy spot the place you’ll be able to sit or recline. Allow your self to sweat and detoxify for at the least 20 minutes earlier than shifting on to washing your physique.

Now it’s time to begin scrubbing! You can use both a loofah or washcloth with cleaning soap (ideally black cleaning soap) to wash your pores and skin from head-to-toe. Be positive to concentrate on any areas that really feel particularly dry or tough. Usually you’ll be able to e book a bundle, the place the scrubbing is included and the place it’s achieved by a workers member (right here’s an incredible bundle to e book that features scrubbing and foaming).

Once you may have exfoliated your complete physique, rinse off with cool water then return to enjoyable within the steam room for an additional 10 minutes or so.

Finally, end up by making use of moisturizer throughout your newly refreshed pores and skin.

An further possibility is so as to add a wellness – chill out therapeutic massage. After this one you’ll really feel able to discover extra of Istanbul.

If you’re on the lookout for one other exercise to get pleasure from in Istanbul, take a look at the Grand Bazaar.

How to decide on a /Turkish hammam in Istanbul

There are some things to think about when selecting a Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The first is the worth. Many of the extra well-known hammams can be dearer, however they may even supply extra companies and facilities. If you’re on the lookout for a extra primary expertise, there are lots of cheaper choices accessible.

The second factor to think about is the situation. Many of the extra common hammams are positioned within the extra touristy areas of Istanbul, which suggests they are often fairly crowded. If you need a extra genuine expertise, it’s possible you’ll need to select a hammam that’s positioned in a much less touristy space.

The third factor to think about is what sort of companies you need. Some hammams supply primary companies corresponding to cleaning soap and therapeutic massage, whereas others supply extra elaborate therapies corresponding to physique scrubs and dirt baths. Choose a hammam based mostly on the kind of companies you have an interest in.

Finally, needless to say some hammams could have age or gender restrictions. Make positive to test earlier than you e book to keep away from any surprises.

See additionally: The Moroccan Hammam: Why Every Traveler Should Step Outside Their Comfort Zone

The greatest Turkish hammams in Istanbul

Nowadays, there are lots of completely different hammams in Istanbul providing completely different companies and coverings.

There are a couple of nice Turkish hammams in Istanbul that stand out above the remainder. The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is without doubt one of the most stunning and splendid hammams within the metropolis. It’s good for a soothing and rejuvenating expertise.

Another nice possibility is the Cagaloglu Hamam, which has been round for hundreds of years and is a real Istanbul establishment.

If you’re on the lookout for a extra budget-friendly possibility, the Süleymaniye Hamam is a good alternative that received’t disappoint.

Whichever hammam you select, you’re positive to have a memorable expertise!

Here are among the greatest hammams you could go to throughout your keep in Istanbul

Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam

Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is a Turkish bathhouse in Istanbul, Turkey. The bathhouse was inbuilt 1556 by the order of Suleiman the Magnificent for his spouse, Hürrem Sultan. It is without doubt one of the largest and oldest surviving Ottoman baths in Istanbul.

The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is positioned within the courtyard of the Aya Sofya Mosque. The constructing is octagonal in form and has two tales. The higher story comprises the principle bathing space, whereas the decrease story comprises the dressing rooms and different service areas.

The predominant bathing space is embellished with marble, mother-of-pearl, and stained glass. The ceiling is domed, and there are 4 massive marble columns supporting the roof. There are three marble swimming pools within the room, every with a special temperature.

The hottest pool is within the middle of the room, whereas the good pool is on the fringe of the room. After bathing, bathers would historically chill out in one of many a number of lounge areas or have a therapeutic massage.

The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam additionally had a coffeehouse the place patrons may socialize and revel in refreshments. The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam continued for use as a bathhouse till 1955 when it was closed to the general public. In 2005, the bathhouse underwent a serious restoration and reopened to the general public as a museum.

Address: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map

Cagaloglu Hamam

Cagaloglu Hamam is without doubt one of the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul. It was inbuilt 1741 through the Ottoman Empire, and is a well-liked vacationer attraction right this moment.

The Cagaloglu hamam is conventional in design, with three predominant areas: a cooling room, a washing room, and a steam room. Visitors can buy a bundle that features all three companies, or simply select one.

The cooling room is the primary cease, the place you’ll be able to chill out on a marble bench and benefit from the cool air. This is adopted by the washing room, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a conventional Turkish tub. The steam room is the final cease, and is used to chill out your muscle mass and enhance circulation.

Address: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map

Süleymaniye Hammam

Süleymaniye Hammam, this hammam is positioned contained in the Süleymaniye Mosque complicated and it was constructed by the good Ottoman architect Sinan. It is without doubt one of the greatest and most stunning hammams in Istanbul.

The predominant corridor is embellished with stunning Iznik tiles and has an enormous dome. There are additionally two smaller halls, one for males and one for girls.

The Süleymaniye Hammam is open every single day from 6am to 10pm and the doorway charge is 20 TL.

Address: Süleymaniye, Mimar Sinan Cd. No:20, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map

Çemberlitaş Hammamı

Çemberlitaş Hammamı, this hammam is positioned within the coronary heart of the Old City and is without doubt one of the oldest and most well-known hammams in Istanbul. It is positioned within the outdated metropolis middle and it was inbuilt 1584 by order of Sultan Murad III.

The Çemberlitaş Hammamı is as properly one of many oldest surviving Turkish baths in Istanbul. The inside may be very easy, however nonetheless stunning. The predominant corridor has a big dome and there are two smaller halls for women and men.

Here is an admission ticket to the Cemberlitas Hamam, together with a scrub and foam.

Address: Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam; it’s positioned in Beyoğlu district and it was inbuilt 1580 by order of Kılıç Ali Paşa, one of the highly effective males of Ottoman Empire.

The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam is without doubt one of the most stunning and largest hammams in Istanbul. It can also be one of many few historic ones which are nonetheless operational. Even although a few years have handed, it’s nonetheless considered one of many greatest and most interesting hammams not solely in Istanbul but in addition throughout Turkey. If you’re trying to expertise a conventional Turkish tub whereas visiting Turkey, then this needs to be in your record.

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul – on the map

Ağa Hammam

Ağa Hammam; you’ll discover the hammam positioned in Eminönü district and it was inbuilt 1741 by order of Ağa, the chief black eunuch of Ottoman Empire.

The Ağa Hammam was the biggest and most opulent hammam of its time. Ağa Hammam is without doubt one of the most fascinating locations in Eminönü district. It was inbuilt 1741 by order of Ağa, the chief black eunuch of Ottoman Empire. The hammam is positioned on a busy avenue and it was the biggest and most opulent hammam of its time. Today, it’s nonetheless one of many greatest hammams in Istanbul with two completely different sides for women and men.

Address: Kuloğlu, Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:48, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul – on the map

Dolmabahçe Hammam

This hammam is positioned contained in the Dolmabahçe Palace and it was inbuilt 1856 by order of Sultan Abdülmecid I.

It is without doubt one of the final examples of a classical Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The Dolmabahçe Hammam is without doubt one of the most stunning and serene locations in Istanbul.

The inside of the hammam is embellished with intricate mosaics and marble panels, and its heated swimming pools are good for enjoyable after a protracted day exploring Istanbul. If you’re on the lookout for a very distinctive expertise, be certain that to go to the Dolmabahçe Hammam throughout your keep in Istanbul!

Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul – on the map

Costs of hammams in Istanbul

The hammams in Istanbul are among the costliest on the planet. A single session price round $70 and may price upwards of $150, and a bundle of 10 periods can price over $1,000. This is because of the excessive demand for these companies and the restricted variety of hammams in Istanbul.

Here is an admission ticket to the Cemberlitas Hamam, together with a scrub and foam.

Benefits of steam rooms or saunas

Saunas and steam rooms supply a wide range of well being advantages, from improved circulation to higher pores and skin. If you’re new to utilizing a sauna or steam room, there are some things it’s best to bear in mind in an effort to get probably the most out of your expertise.

• First, while you enter the sauna or steam room, sit and enable your physique to slowly modify to the warmth. If you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded at any level, be sure you step out and funky down for a bit earlier than returning.
• Next, be sure you drink loads of fluids earlier than and after your time within the sauna or steam room, as this can assist stop dehydration.
• And lastly, don’t neglect to moisturize. The warmth can strip your pores and skin of moisture, so apply lotion throughout when you’re achieved.