Where to Experience a Traditional Hammam in Istanbul

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

The Hammam, Turkish Bathtub, remains to be loved by many at the moment. And there are a lot of methods to benefit from the Hammam in Istanbul. Listed below are some recommendations on how one can get essentially the most out of your expertise if you go to Istanbul, Turkey.

Before everything, it’s necessary to calm down and take your time within the Hammam. This isn’t a rushed course of – it must be sluggish and relaxed so that you can get the total good thing about the expertise.

Upon getting entered the steam room, discover a snug spot the place you may sit or recline. Enable your self to sweat and detoxify for at the least 20 minutes earlier than transferring on to washing your physique.

Now it’s time to begin scrubbing! You need to use both a loofah or washcloth with cleaning soap (ideally black cleaning soap) to wash your pores and skin from head-to-toe. Make sure to deal with any areas that really feel particularly dry or tough. Normally you may e-book a bundle, the place the scrubbing is included and the place it’s completed by a workers member (here’s a great package to e-book that features scrubbing and foaming).

Upon getting exfoliated your total physique, rinse off with cool water then return to stress-free within the steam room for an additional 10 minutes or so.

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

An additional choice is so as to add a wellness – calm down therapeutic massage. After this one you’ll really feel able to discover extra of Istanbul.

When you’re in search of one other exercise to take pleasure in 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 primary is the worth. Most of the extra well-known hammams will probably be costlier, however they may also supply extra providers and facilities. When you’re in search of a extra primary expertise, there are a lot of cheaper choices obtainable.

The second factor to think about is the placement. Most of the extra in style hammams are situated within the extra touristy areas of Istanbul, which suggests they are often fairly crowded. If you would like a extra genuine expertise, you could wish to select a hammam that’s situated in a much less touristy space.

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

Lastly, needless to say some hammams might have age or gender restrictions. Be sure that to examine 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 most effective Turkish hammams in Istanbul

These days, there are a lot of completely different hammams in Istanbul providing completely different providers and coverings.

There are just a few nice Turkish hammams in Istanbul that stand out above the remaining. The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is likely one of the most lovely and opulent hammams within the metropolis. It’s excellent for a calming and rejuvenating expertise.

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

When you’re in search of a extra budget-friendly choice, the Süleymaniye Hamam is a good alternative that gained’t disappoint.

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

Listed below are among the greatest hammams that you would be able to 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 likely one of the largest and oldest surviving Ottoman baths in Istanbul.

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

The primary 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 unique temperature.

The most well liked pool is within the heart of the room, whereas the good pool is on the fringe of the room. After bathing, bathers would historically calm down 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 luxuriate 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.

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

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Cagaloglu Hamam

Cagaloglu Hamam is likely one of the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul. It was inbuilt 1741 in the course of the Ottoman Empire, and is a well-liked vacationer attraction at the moment.

The Cagaloglu hamam is conventional in design, with three foremost areas: a cooling room, a washing room, and a steam room. Guests should buy a bundle that features all three providers, or simply select one.

The cooling room is the primary cease, the place you may calm down on a marble bench and benefit from the cool air. That is adopted by the washing room, the place you may take pleasure in a conventional Turkish bathtub. The steam room is the final cease, and is used to calm down your muscular tissues and enhance circulation.

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

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Süleymaniye Hammam

Süleymaniye Hammam, this hammam is situated contained in the Süleymaniye Mosque advanced and it was constructed by the good Ottoman architect Sinan. It is likely one of the largest and most lovely hammams in Istanbul.

The primary corridor is embellished with lovely 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 day-after-day from 6am to 10pm and the doorway price is 20 TL.

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

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Çemberlitaş Hammamı

Çemberlitaş Hammamı, this hammam is situated within the coronary heart of the Outdated Metropolis and is likely one of the oldest and most well-known hammams in Istanbul. It’s situated within the previous metropolis heart and it was inbuilt 1584 by order of Sultan Murad III.

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

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

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

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Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam; it’s situated 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 likely one of the most lovely and largest hammams in Istanbul. Additionally it is one of many few historic ones which can be nonetheless operational. Though a few years have handed, it’s nonetheless considered one of many largest and best hammams not solely in Istanbul but additionally throughout Turkey. When you’re trying to expertise a conventional Turkish bathtub whereas visiting Turkey, then this must be in your checklist.

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

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Ağa Hammam

Ağa Hammam; you’ll discover the hammam situated 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 luxurious hammam of its time. Ağa Hammam is likely one of the most attention-grabbing locations in Eminönü district. It was inbuilt 1741 by order of Ağa, the chief black eunuch of Ottoman Empire. The hammam is situated on a busy avenue and it was the biggest and most luxurious hammam of its time. At present, it’s nonetheless one of many largest hammams in Istanbul with two completely different sides for women and men.

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

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Dolmabahçe Hammam

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

It is likely one of the final examples of a classical Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The Dolmabahçe Hammam is likely one of the most lovely and serene locations in Istanbul.

The inside of the hammam is embellished with intricate mosaics and marble panels, and its heated swimming pools are excellent for stress-free after a protracted day exploring Istanbul. When you’re in search of a really distinctive expertise, be certain that to go to the Dolmabahçe Hammam throughout your keep in Istanbul!

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

Prices of hammams in Istanbul

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

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

Advantages of steam rooms or saunas

Saunas and steam rooms supply a wide range of well being advantages, from improved circulation to raised pores and skin. When you’re new to utilizing a sauna or steam room, there are some things you must have in mind in an effort to get essentially the most out of your expertise.

• First, if you enter the sauna or steam room, sit and permit your physique to slowly regulate to the warmth. When you really feel dizzy or lightheaded at any level, you’ll want to step out and funky down for a bit earlier than returning.
• Subsequent, you’ll want to drink loads of fluids earlier than and after your time within the sauna or steam room, as it will assist stop dehydration.
• And eventually, don’t overlook to moisturize. The warmth can strip your pores and skin of moisture, so apply lotion throughout when you’re completed.