Looking for a traditional Hammam experience in Istanbul. Looking to go as a couple, however not necessary to do it together. Looking for something with some historic value.
Thanks
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1924 posts
Rick Steves' Istanbul guidebook has an excellent chapter on Turkish baths, describing the procedure and offering tips on how to choose.
The ones he recommends are
cemberlitashamami.com
suleymaniyehamami.com.tr
cagalogluhamami.com.tr
ayasofyahamami.com
I'm going to Istanbul in September, so I don't have a first-hand experience of my own. If you don't have the RS guidebook, I think it's a worthy investment.
Posted by
near San Francisco
5362 posts
Our Best of Istanbul tour guide helped us book treatments at the Hürrem Sultan Hamami in the square at the Hagia Sophia. You can read the historical significance of the 16th century building that became a Hammam in the 21st century.
Men enter at one end of the building and women at the other. The interior of the facility makes you feel royal and the care of the staff made us feel royally pampered, serving juice and Turkish Delight between our bubble bath and massage and tea or coffee at the end.
The prices are high, in line with a city facility in the tourist center.
If you go there, be sure to take the small gift soap, the smell of which will bring back the memory of your day of indulgence after you are home!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
783 posts
My friend and I had a wonderful experience Cagaloglu Hamam, which has been operating as a hamam since 1741. We were treated like Ottoman royalty, and enjoyed every minute of it. It wasn't cheap, but it was one of the highlights of our time in Istanbul. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
The one next to Hagia Sophia is supposed to be very good, too.
I have heard mixed reviews of Cemberlitas Hamam.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
51 posts
Does anyone know how far ahead you need to reserve? Just wondering if we can decide after we arrive in Istanbul or if we should make arrangements ahead of time.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
suleymaniyehamami appears to have couples options which most appear not to have. Has anyone experienced this Hamam or another with a couples option?
To answer MaryLou, we enquired and reservations can be made one week ahead for suleymaniyehamami. Not sure on others.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
51 posts
Thanks yvonneandjeff!
Posted by
6 posts
I love, love, love Cemberlitas! And the architecture is magnificent - designed by Suleiman's architect Sinan.