Hammam's to visit in Turkey

Going to a Hamam is a great experience and a superb introduction into a traditional Turkish custom.. Do not forget to take a change of underwear, your own soap and shampoo, deodorant and body lotion. You can have massage or scrubbing with a kese (the glove) by lying down on the göbektaşı. Many Hamams provide you with peştemal, and nalın, which are very traditional. Relax and enjoy!

ISTANBUL

Cağaloğlu Hamamı

The Cağaloğlu Hammam, built in the 1700's, is one of the original and most famous hammam in Istanbul. It is considered the last sample of its category and the architectural design is astonishing. It has seperate parts for men and women. The bathing hours for men are 08:00 - 22:00 and for women 08:00 - 20:00 hours. Cağaloğlu Hamamı also has a café and garden as famous as itself. Discount is applied to groups of at least 10 people.
Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Caddesi 34, Cağaloğlu (Across from the Iranian Consulate)
Tel: (212) 522 24 24


Çemberlitaş Hamamı
Built in 1584, by the famous Ottoman architect "Mimar Sinan", the Çemberlitaş Hammam is composed of two side by side twin hammam buildings, one of them used by women and the other by men. It is considered to be one of the most important examples of 16th century Ottoman architecture. It is open from 06.00 am to 24.00 pm everyday to men and women. Price: $9 for bath alone, $18 with massage. (I don't know for sure, but other big hammams in İstanbul should also have a price near this.)
It is located on Çemberlitaş Square, on Divanyolu Street.
Vezirhan Caddesi 8, Çemberlitaş.
Tel: (212) 520 18 50

Galatasaray Hamamı
First built in 1481 by Sultan Bayezid II, it had some restorations under the reign of Ottoman Sultans and it was modernized in 1965 without spoiling original architecture and charm. It is one of the most popular Hamams among the businessmen and famous people. The hamam consist of göbektaşı, sweating and Turkish massage sections. Single changing and resting rooms are available, as well as another resting room in which you may sip your coffee, tea or refreshment after a relaxing bath. As in all Hamams there are separate sections for women and men. The bathing hours for women are 08:00-22:00 and for men 06:00-22:00. The men's section can be reserved for couples or groups of at least 20 people. Tourists are more receptive to the group idea. They can watch belly dancing and taste the delicious Turkish meals near the pool in the garden. Galatasaray Hamam is the address of "Gelin Hamamı", "Damat Hamamı" and "Kına Gecesi" (Henna Night) organizations.
Turnacıbaşı Sokak 24, Galatasaray
Tel: (212) 252 42 42

Süleymaniye Hamamı
Süleymaniye Hamamı is among the works of famous architect Sinan. It is recently restored. In Süleymaniye hammam, it is said that, men and women can bath together. Which is usually forbidden in all other Turkish hammams. It is worth to visit even to see the magnificence.

ANKARA

Karacabey Hamamı
Karacabey Hammam was built in 1444 in memory of Karacabey, the commander of Sultan Murat II. It was previously restored between 1988-1990 without spoiling its original architecture. There are sections for both women and men. Each dressing room has a pool in the middle ornamented with a fountain. Unfortunately, they do not provide soap, shampoo, or towels so be sure to bring your own. Open everyday: 06:30-23:00 (For Men) 07:30-20:00 (For Women).
Talatpaşa Bulvarı, 101 Hamamönü Ankara
Tel: (312) 310 21 55

Şengül Hamamı
It was built in the 18th century and restored in the 19th century. It has separate sections for men and women. There is a dome covering the top of the cold-water section. If you are in a group you may be entitled to a discount. Open everyday: 05:30-22:00 (for men) 06:30-19:30 (for women)
Denizciler Caddesi, Acıçeşme Sokak 3, Ulus Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 03 63

Hilton Hotel
This 5-star hotel operates a Hamam but it is available only to guests staying at the hotel. Open everyday between 10:30-18:00. Appointments are required for massages and scrubs.
Hilton Hotel, Kavaklıdere Ankara
Tel: (312) 468 28 88


BURSA

Bursa Kervansaray Termal Otel Hamamı
The hammam is inside the Kervansaray Hotel and the water is 44 degrees C and rich in calcium ion. There are separate sections for women and men and can be rented to companies upon request.

EDIRNE

Sokullu Hamamı
Sokull Hamamı in Edirne is the work of Mimar Sinan and was built in 16th century. It is the largest hamam with the dome, building area and the garden. It serves only for men however as an Edirne Tradition it is possible to arrange "gelin günleri" (Bride Days) and there is a private marble basin for the Bride.


TRABZON

Trabzon Sekiz Direkli Hamam
This hamam is assumed to be built by Seljuks in the 11th century. The name is derived from the eight columns inside. It is for men except Thursdays and can be rented to groups upon request.

SIVAS

Tarihi Meydan Hamamı
This Hamam was built in 1564 and serves only to men.