Best Turkish Baths In Istanbul Or At Home

Even though the Turkish bath experience is an essential for Istanbul, there’s also a slight danger of it becoming a nightmare. Unhygienic conditions, male washers with grizzly amounts of chest hair, and the type of nude bodies that will forever leave a traumatic mark on your cortex are only a few reasons why. Avoid all these ghastly possibilities by checking out our two favorite hamams, known for their excellent service in every respect. For those that would rather do the whole thing at home, a guide to the best shops with hamam accessories are also included.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam

Commissioned to the great architect Sinan by Ottoman admiral Kılıç Ali Paşa, this hamam was constructed between 1583-87 to serve the Ottoman army’s marine forces. Before reopening as a modern facility, the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam underwent intensive restoration for seven years. Set under one of Sinan’s biggest domes (14 meters across and 17 meters high) the exposed brickwork and light wooden frames are all illuminated by natural light, exuding a harmonious aesthetic. After sipping on a glass of homemade şerbet, your attendant will lead you to the marble hamam for body exfoliation and a bubble soap wash. If you want to go beyond the basic hamam package, you can also add a massage to your Turkish beauty routine.

Another architectural masterpiece by the great Mimar Sinan, the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam was built at the request of Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana), the famous wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. If you’ve ever watched the famous Turkish soap opera “Muhteşem Yüzyil” you know exactly who we’re talking about. Located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the hamam was closed for many years before it was restored and reopened in 2008. Inside you’ll find a beautiful mixture of dark wood and marble, as well as historic touches, such as original ornate marble fountains with golden faucets. You can choose from four hamam packages that range from the basic hamam treatment to the inclusion of extras such as oil skin-refining peel, body clay mask, or aromatherapy massage. If you want to increase the decadence just a bit more, choose the fresh fruit platter served on a traditional Ottoman tray.

Where to Buy the Best Hamam Accessories

Jennifer’s Hamam

With the help of nine weaving families from the Turkish countryside, Jennifer’s Hamam sells towels, pestemal, peskir, bed covers, bedsheets, robes, table covers, and scarves, all made on old-style shuttled looms with only natural materials. Whatever you buy is guaranteed to be of the best quality, but making a choice from all the available colors may be a bit difficult.

Abdulla Natural Products

Abdullah sells some of the best and beautifully scented natural soaps, 100% cotton hamam towels, hand-woven shawls, and traditional bath accessories. If you get lost looking for Abdullah in the Grand Bazaar, just ask around for the carpet sellers’ street because that’s where you’ll find the shop.

Kırk Ambar

One of the best shops to buy everything organic (and healthy), Kırk Ambar is also the perfect place to pick up natural soaps, oils, and kese (the traditional hamam scrubbing mit). If you’re interested in treating your innards as well, check out their wide range of herbs and teas.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.