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For centuries, visitors on budget-friendly Turkey vacations have encountered hamams located throughout the country, housed in historical structures dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries. If you’re considering visiting a hamam in Turkey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the etiquette and expectations associated with these traditional bathing experiences:
Hamam in Turkey
When you visit a hamam in Turkey, you will typically be guided to a dressing room called a camekan. In the camekan, you’ll undress in a private cubicle. An attendant will provide you with a cotton wrap (to be tied around your waist like a skirt), a pair of slippers, and a key to your cubicle. It’s recommended to bring your own shampoo, towel, and soap, as these items may be available but are often overpriced.
Once ready, you can inform the attendant whether you’d like both a bath and a massage or just the bath. From there, you’ll proceed to the first room, known as the warm room, where you’ll recline on a heated stone platform to work up a sweat. Once perspiration sets in, your attendant will scrub your skin clean, often using a mitt to remove dead skin. They will then use a mesh bag to create bubbles from soap, which are applied across your body. After rinsing, you may choose to enjoy an optional massage on the stone platform.
Following the massage, you’ll move to a cooler room to relax and enjoy some tea. Whether you’re planning your holiday in Istanbul or elsewhere in Turkey, you’ll likely find a wide range of Turkish baths available. While Istanbul is home to many famous hamams, Turkish baths are also found at resorts and hotels throughout the country.
Best Budget-Priced Bath: Aziziye Hamamı
For budget travelers, Aziziye Hamamı offers exceptional value with an entrance fee of just 15 lira and scrubs or massages starting at the same price. This hamam is housed in a 19th-century Ottoman-style historic building, featuring separate but equal facilities for men and women.
Best Splurge: Acemoğlu Hamamı
For a luxurious experience, Acemoğlu Hamamı in Istanbul is the perfect choice. Dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries, this hamam is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture from that era. While it is more expensive, many visitors feel the serene atmosphere and excellent service justify the cost.
Best Bath for First-Timers: Çemberlitaş Hamamı
If the idea of visiting a hamam feels intimidating, Çemberlitaş Hamamı is a great starting point. Located in Istanbul, this hamam is ideal for beginners, as many of the staff speak English. Additionally, the steam room is less intense compared to those in more traditional hamams, making it more comfortable for newcomers.
