How to Use Turkish Baths (Hammams) in 2025: What to Expect & First-Time Tips

Stepping into a traditional Turkish bath — or hammam — is like traveling back in time to an ancient ritual of relaxation and cleansing. But if it’s your first time, you might be unsure what to expect: Do you bring a towel? Will someone scrub you? Is it awkward? Don’t worry — in this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the entire hammam experience, from arrival to final rinse, so you can relax like a local and enjoy every steamy, soapy moment.

🧖‍♂️ What Is a Hammam?

A hammam is a public bathhouse where visitors go through a ritual of steam, scrubbing, and massage. It’s a social and cleansing experience, historically important in Ottoman culture.

🛁 The Hammam Experience Step-by-Step

1. Arrival and Changing
   You’ll be given a locker or a private room to change into a towel or pestemal (thin cotton wrap).
2. Warm Room (Tepid Room)
   Relax on a heated marble platform (göbek taşı) to prepare your body for steam.
3. Hot Steam Room
   Spend time in the steamy room to open your pores and start sweating.
4. Scrubbing (Kese)
   An attendant uses a coarse mitt to exfoliate dead skin — expect vigorous scrubbing!
5. Rinsing
   Your body is rinsed with warm water, often poured by hand.
6. Soap Massage
   A foam massage with soapy suds cleanses and massages muscles.
7. Cooling Down
   Relax in a cooler room, drink water or tea, and rest.

🧴 What to Bring and Wear

• Swimsuit or undergarments (some hammams require it).
• Flip flops or sandals.
• Towel or pestemal (usually provided).
• Water bottle to stay hydrated.

💰 Cost of Hammams

Prices vary widely:

• Local hammams: 100-200 TRY (cheap and authentic)
• Tourist-oriented hammams: 300-600 TRY (includes massage and spa services)

🏛️ Famous Hammams to Visit

• Çemberlitaş Hamamı, Istanbul: Historic, built in 1584.
• Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamamı, Istanbul: Luxurious, near Hagia Sophia.
• Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, Istanbul: Architect Sinan masterpiece.
• Galatasaray Hamamı, Istanbul: Popular and central.
• Kangal Thermal Baths: Natural hot springs with healing properties.

🚻 Hammam Etiquette

• Separate sections for men and women.
• Quiet and respectful behavior is expected.
• Tipping attendants is customary (10-15%).
• Don’t bring valuables; use lockers.