Hammam in Istanbul for next week?

Question

Has anyone been to a Hammam (bath house) in Istanbul? We are going next week and would like the experience. We want one that more locals use rather than touristic. Thanks

Answer 1

I've been to a hamam, it is an amazing experience - you come out floating on air and you'll be amazed how much grime comes off you!

The three best in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul are Çemberlitaş (built by the famous architect Sinan in 1584), Çağaloğlu (the most spectacular - 18th century), and Sultanahmet. On the other side of the Golden Horn is also a good, historic one - Galatasaray.

There is good information here about the protocol and procedure:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelstorie...

Answer 2

All the hamams worth visiting in Ä°stanbul are both historical and touristic.  Locals rarely go to hamams. If you really want a non-touristic hamam experience, then the only other option for you is to visit luxury hotels which have spa activities.

For a real hamam experience, ignore the tourists and go to Çemberlitaş Hamamı, see the link below, it also has an English section.

http://www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr/

Or Galatasaray Hamamı

http://www.galatasarayhamami.com/en/hama...