Hamam Activities
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Ambassador Spa
There’s no Ottoman ambiance on offer at the shabby spa centre of this hotel just off Divan Yolu, but all treatments are private, meaning that you get the small hamam all to yourself. Best of all is the fact that the signature 60- or 75-minute 'Oriental Massage' package includes both a hamam treatment and an expert 30-minute oil massage.
The spa's massage therapist Zeki Ulusoy is trained in sports, remedial and aromatherapy massage and he really knows his stuff – you’ll float out of here at the end of a session. The 'Oriental Massage' treatment costs between €50-60; a 50-minute 'Back to Traditions' package comprises a 20-minute body scrub and a 30-minute foam massage and…
reviewed
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B
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Reopened in 2011 after a meticulous restoration, this twin hamam is now offering the most luxurious traditional bath experience in the Old City. Designed by Sinan between 1556 and 1557, it was built just across the road from Aya Sofya by order of Süleyman the Magnificent and named in honour of his wife Hürrem Sultan, commonly known as Roxelana.
The building's three-year, US$13 million restoration was closely monitored by heritage authorities and the end result is wonderful, retaining Sinan's austere design but endowing it with an understated modern luxury. There are separate baths for males and females, both with a handsome soğukluk (entrance vestibule) surrounded…
reviewed
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C
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the city’s hamams. Built in 1741 by order of Sultan Mahmut I, it offers separate baths for men and women and a range of bath services that are – alas – overpriced considering how quick and rudimentary the wash, scrub and massage treatments are. Consider signing up for the self-service treatment (€30) only.
reviewed
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D
Ağa Hamamı
Dating from 1562, this historic hamam has a low-key ambience and allows communal bathing for both genders, although scrubs and massages are conducted by same-sex masseurs in private spaces. Prices are surprisingly reasonable when compared with the historic hamams in the Old City, but standards of cleanliness could be higher.
reviewed
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E
Yeni Kaplıca
Northwest of the Kültür Parkı lies Bursa's 'new' bath – it's actually its oldest, founded by 6th-century Emperor Justinian I, and renovated in 1522 by Süleyman the Magnificent's grand vizier, Rüstem Paşa. Here too are the women-only kaynarca (boiling) baths, and the family-oriented Karamustafa baths. Last admission is 10pm; 30-minute massages cost TL30.
reviewed
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Eski Kaplıca
The restored Eski Kaplıca, on Çekirge's eastern outskirts is run by the adjacent Kervansaray Termal Hotel. The bath is hewn of marble, and the hot rooms have plunge pools. Prices include soap, shampoo, sauna and massage. Take Yeni Yalova Bulvar south from the centre.
reviewed
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Armutalan Hamamı
The enormous, full-serve Armutalan Hamamı is behind the government hospital, off Datça Caddesi (2km west of the centre). After 6pm it's quietest, as the tour groups are gone. A free shuttle (Armutalan No 4) is near the new fountained square.
reviewed
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G
Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Hamam
Mimar Sinan designed this atmospheric hamam for Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmet Paşa in the 16th century. It's one of the best in Turkey.
reviewed
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Cinci Hamam
One of the most renowned bathhouses in all of Turkey, with separate baths for men and women.
reviewed
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Şengül Merkez Hamamı
There are several hamams east of Opera Meydanı, including Şengül Merkez Hamamı, which has separate sections for men and women.
reviewed
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Sekiz Direkli Hamamı
Sekiz Direkli means 'Eight Columns' and the rough-hewn pillars date from Seljuk times, although the rest of the building has been modernised. A few of the old-timers working here appear to be only slightly younger than the hamam. They're damn strong though; expect a robust massage.
reviewed
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K
Balık Pazarı Hamamı
Kaleiçi is a great place to experience the joys of the traditional Turkish hamam (or `bath'), most notably at the 700-year-old Balık Pazarı Hamamı (Fish Market Bath) where a bath, a peeling, and a soap and oil massage costs TL40 (TL15 for a bath and scrub only). There are separate sections for men and women.
reviewed
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Tarihi Şehir Hamamı
Partly housed in what was once a small church, the hamam offers mixed but respectable bathing.
reviewed
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Sefa Hamamı
The atmospheric Sefa Hamamı retains much of its 13th-century Seljuk architecture. A bath here costs TL18 and TL40 for the works. Men and women bathe separately.
reviewed
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Hacı Hekim Hamamı
This 16th-century hamam charges TL40 for the full works.
reviewed
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Mustafa Bey Hamamı
On the northern side of the Darüşşifa is the 1436 Ottoman Mustafa Bey Hamamı.
reviewed
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Meydan Hamamı
The Public Hamam is clean and efficiently run, although not as atmospheric as the Sekiz Direkli. There are separate areas for men and women; the women's entrance is around the corner.
reviewed
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Q
Yıldız Hamamı
reviewed
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R
Meydan Hamamı (Women's Entrance)
reviewed
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Kurşunlu Hamam
Built in 1576 this huge, multiple-domed structure had the indignity of being put to work as a salt warehouse for 30 years before it was restored to its former glory and put back into service as a hamam. There are separate men's and women's sections.
reviewed
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Kelebek Turkish Bath Spa
Cappadocia's most luxurious hamam experience with a full-range of spa-style added extras.
reviewed
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Yalı Hamam
In this 17th-century hamam, the full works costs TL30. The women's entrance is just around the corner on Hapishane Sokak.
reviewed
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Old Turkish Bath
Low-key and small, the Old Turkish Bath in Paspatur, the oldest section of Fethiye, dates to the 16th century. All manner of massage is available. Open to men and women.
reviewed
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Naib Hamami
This elegant restored hamam is immediately north of the citadel.
reviewed
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Gedikpaşa Hamamı
This Ottoman-era hamam has been operating since 1475. Its interior isn't as beautiful as those at Çemberlitaş, but services are slightly cheaper and there are separate hamams, small dipping pools and saunas for both sexes. The operators will sometimes transport guests to and from Sultanahmet hotels at no charge – ask your hotel to investigate this option.
reviewed