Hamam basics
Your First Turkish Bath: What to Expect
Most of the worry about a first hamam comes from not knowing the rules. There are only a few, and none of them is hard.
Updated
In short
A Turkish bath is a simple thing to try for the first time: you keep your swimwear on, you're told how the session works when you arrive, and an attendant takes care of the scrub and the foam. Eat lightly beforehand, skip the alcohol, tell us about any allergies or medical conditions, and ask for a same-gender attendant if you'd prefer one.
You're not expected to know anything
Nobody arrives at a hamam knowing the routine. You're told how the session works at check-in, and the parts that need doing — the kese and the foam — are done for you. Your job is to lie back on the warm marble and let it happen.
The etiquette, all of it
- Wear swimwear throughout. Guests are not naked in the hamam; you're also given a peştemal to wrap around yourself.
- Traditional hamams keep separate sections. If you'd prefer a same-gender attendant, say so in the booking notes.
- Say so if the scrub feels too firm. The kese is meant to be vigorous, but it doesn't have to be.
- Tipping the attendants is customary, but it's entirely up to you and it isn't part of the price.
Before you go
- Keep the meal before it light, and have no alcohol before the session.
- Tell us about any allergies before the oil massage — there's a notes field in the booking form.
- Pack swimwear and a change of underwear — a towel, a peştemal and slippers are waiting at the hamam. What to wear and bring.
Who should skip it, or ask first
Pregnancy, a heart or circulatory condition, trouble coping with heat and humidity: in any of these cases we advise against the hamam. A skin condition, unusually high or low blood pressure, a recent injury or operation, or any other medical condition: check with a doctor beforehand, and mention it to the hamam before you start.
The easiest way to start
For a first visit, the basic programme is the whole classic experience — sauna, steam, kese, foam and a short aromatic oil massage — with the hotel transfer included, so there's nothing to organise but your swimwear. See the programme.