Istanbul Activities: Hamams

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A visit to a hamam (Turkish bath) is an essential part of any trip to Istanbul and is something you'll be sure to repeat before leaving. There are at least one historical hamam in each neighborhood of Istanbul. Take care in selecting a hamam, as they can vary greatly in cleanliness. Most places will offer a scrubbing and/or a massage. But just being in the Hamam (as a sauna), is enough for seeing and experiencing the place. The massage is not necessarily better than those found in western countries.

• Suleymaniye Bath, +90 212 520 34 10 mailto:info@suleymaniyehamami.com. Sultan Suleyman had this Hamam built by the famous Architect Sinan in 1550. Architect Sinan build this hamam for himself. He used this hamam for washing. Suleymaniye hamam is the only mixed hamam in Istanbul. There are no different sections for each sex, thus the families may comfortably enjoy this hamam together. Hamam also has two way free shuttle services for the hotel guests if the booking comes through their reception. Entry €31.50.

• Cağaloğlu Bath, +90 212 522 24 24 mailto:info@cagalogluhamami.com.tr. The Cağaloğlu hamam was constructed in 1741 and is the last hamam to be built after a long period during the Ottoman Empire. It was constructed in İstanbul Eminönü. It is three blocks from the Hagia Sophia. It has separated sections. Popular and normally visited by tourists. You can get a "service" which mean one of the staff helps you get scrubbing, and the most expensive option contain scrubbing AND massage. The payment is done befor, but if choose not to take massage, don’t be surprise if one of the stuff member will secretly offer you one, letting you deicide how much to add to his tip. It should be said that the atmosphere is very touristic, and everything has a price. Self-service €20, scrubbing €23, massage €30, self-service, scrubbing, and massage €40, and luxury service €45. Once you are done, they give you a souvenir; a pair of underwear and a comb. Does not accept credit cards.

• Cemberlitas Bath, +90 212 511 25 35 mailto:info@cemberlitashamami.com.tr. The Cemberlitas Bath is on Cemberlitas Square in the midst of some of Istanbul's greatest monuments. It was also built by architect Sinan in 1584. It has 2 sections, female and male. Entry €15. (28 TL for self-service, 40 for Turkish massage, 68 for Turkish massage and oil massage).

• Sultanahmet Hamami, +90 212 513 72 04 mailto:info@sultanahmethamami.com Every day from 07:00 to 24:00 (so you shouldn't come later than 22:30). few steps from Sultanahmet tram station, the place is very much close to the main attractions at Sultanahmet. Of course many of the visitors are tourist, however it isn’t feeling too commercialize as the Cağaloğlu Bath one (e.g. No souvenirs are given, no tourist shop). There's a women section, and mixed section. The place is nice, the hosting is kind, and the whole experience is fun. But, if you're looking for a strong, thorough and long massage – you might find that disappointing. Prices: 40 TL for hamam only, 50 for hamam and massage (which is done by mean staff member in the hamam room), and 60 for the "full program" (oil massage, on top of the others). The tip can be given in one box by the doors, which reduce some of the "trading" filling. www.sultanahmethamami.com

• www.sultanahmethamami.com