For those who want to recover from the exhausting sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul, a visit to a hamam is recommended.
What is a hamam?
A hamam consists of three areas: First there is a dressing area, then the cold rest area and the warm area. The steam baths are made of marble and offer round areas in the middle to lie down. During a Hamam visit, the skin is first rinsed with cold and warm water. Then the entire body is exfoliated with a special glove. The following relaxation phase in the warm area of the hamam is intended to smooth the skin.
The steam bath is an important part of Islamic body culture. The temperatures in a hamam are between 45 and 70 degrees Celsius, the humidity is almost 100 percent. People with cardiovascular problems should refrain from visiting a hamam. In the public steam baths, the areas are separated according to gender. Prices for a visit to a hamam start at around 25 euros.
There are a number of traditional and also historical hamams in Istanbul. Two of the most famous are:
Cagaloglu Hamam
This hamam is said to be one of the last hamams that has remained in its original form since the 18th century and is one of Istanbul's most famous steam baths. There are separate areas and also entrances for men and women.
According to one book, the hamam is one of the 1,000 things you must see before you die. The Cagaloglu Hamam is located in the historic district of Sultanahmet and is open daily from 8am to 8pm for women and until 10pm for men.
Cemberlitas Hamam
This hamam also looks back on a long tradition. Built in 1584, it is located right next to the Grand Bazaar. The Turkish newspaper Hürriyet voted this steam bath one of the best in the whole of Turkey.
The Çemberlitas Hamam is located at the Çemberlitas tram station right by Constantine's Column in the Sultanahmet district. Again, there are separate areas for men and women. The opening hours of the steam bath are between 6 am and midnight daily.
