Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Hamams
Succumbing to a soapy scrub in a traditional hamam is one of the city's quintes-
sential experiences. Not everyone feels comfortable with baring their body in
public, though. In these cases, a private hamam treatment in one of the city's spas
is a good alternative.
Bath Procedure
Upon entry you will be shown to a
camekan
(entrance hall), allocated a dressing cubicle
and given a
peştemal
(bath wrap) and plastic sandals. Undress and put these on. Females
may keep a bikini bottom or pair of knickers on, although this is optional. Males usually
just wear the
peştemal
(but always leave it on). You'll then be shown to the
hararet
(steam
room), where you can sit on the side or lie on top of the central
göbektaşı
(heated raised
platform).
The cheapest option is to bring your own soap, shampoo and towel and wash yourself.
But the real Turkish bath experience involves having an attendant wash, scrub and massage
you. Soap, shampoo and towel are included in these treatments; you may wish to bring
your own
kese
(exfoliating mitten).
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
( 212-517 3535;
www.ayasofyahamami.com
;
Aya Sofya Meydanı;
bath treatments €70-165, massages €40-75; 8am-11pm; Sultanahmet)
This meticulously restored twin
hamam dates from 1556 and offers the most luxurious traditional bath experience in the
Old City.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı
(
212-522 7974; Vezir Han Caddesi 8; bath, scrub & soap massage €29;
6am-mid-
Çemberlitaş)
Another gorgeous Ottoman twin hamam (dating from 1584).
night;
Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
(
212-381 4160;
www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus
;
Çırağan
Caddesi 28; Beşiktaş; massage €140-250, 30/45min hamam experience €100/150;
9am-9pm;
Bahçeşehir Unv or
