The Turkish Hammam Experience in Istanbul: Foam Massage, Sauna and Relaxation

by letygoeson9, Apr, 2025Logbook, Turkey

One of the most magical and authentic experiences you can have in Turkey is spending an evening enjoying treatments at a Turkish Hammam in Istanbul—a perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in local culture.
It’s an ancient ritual that rejuvenates body and mind through steam, scents, and traditional massages.

Let me tell you how it went…

During my trip to Istanbul, there was one thing I couldn’t wait to do: experience an authentic Turkish bath in Istanbul!

After a day spent getting lost among breathtaking mosques, bustling bazaars, and jaw-dropping views, my friend F. and I decided to treat ourselves to something special. We were ready for a luxury wellness treatment, just as the city began to calm down and the day’s hustle faded under the starry sky.

We had an appointment at 9 PM, and the promise of pure relaxation was exactly what we needed.

This post contains affiliate links.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

The Turkish Hammam in Istanbul

For the Turkish people, the Turkish bath is not just a spa—it’s a ritual that purifies body and soul. For centuries, it has been a key tradition: an experience that goes beyond physical cleansing, becoming a moment of inner awakening.

Hammams in Istanbul are true temples of relaxation, where hot steam, water flowing over your skin, and massages that transport you to another world come together to create an experience that envelops and renews you.

We made our way to the basement of a luxurious hotel in the heart of Istanbul’s old city. When the doors opened, we were mesmerized. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort: soft lighting, star-like mosaics, and the sweet scent of natural soap welcomed us.

Our treatment? A full Turkish bath in Istanbul experience that would begin with a warm embrace of steam, followed by a foam massage promising to help us forget the world. And to top it all off, there was the traditional apple tea, the perfect way to end a moment of total serenity.

Sauna, Turkish Bath, and Jacuzzi

Since we arrived a bit early, we started with a short sauna session—just a few minutes to ease in, relax, and forget the city’s chaos.
Then we entered the Turkish bath. Thick steam wrapped around us, and our bodies quickly adapted, breathing in the humid air filled with natural aromas. It was the perfect moment to let go and release the stress of the day.

Later, we moved to the jacuzzi, where we relaxed even more while sipping apple tea.
If there’s one thing that perfectly captures Turkish hospitality, it’s tea! Warm, sweet, and comforting; it’s a true welcome ritual that instantly makes you feel at home.

Hammam Treatments

Around 10 PM, we were called into the massage room. Two women welcomed us and invited us into a special room. At the center was a large (and very hot!) stone slab, where we laid down.

Soft lighting and a tranquil atmosphere set the scene for our special treatment. At first, we were a bit caught off guard when the masseuses firmly instructed us to undress.

Once we lay down, the body scrub began—an energetic exfoliation with a rough glove that scrubbed away all the impurities from our skin. It was intense, but honestly very satisfying.

The Foam Massage

After about 15 minutes of scrubbing, the masseuses rinsed us off using traditional copper bowls filled with warm water from the wall taps.

Then came the moment we had been waiting for: the foam massage.
What is a foam massage in a Turkish hammam, you ask? Basically, the masseuse uses special cloths soaked in foam to wrap your entire body in a soft layer of bubbles. The massage becomes deeply relaxing, with slow, gentle movements and no pressure at all.

It’s a de-stressing treatment that doesn’t strain the body, it feels like being cradled by waves of soap. During the experience, I couldn’t stop thinking about how unique it was, unlike any other massage I’d ever had before.

The foam massage lasted about 30 minutes, and we nearly fell asleep. The sense of peace was so overwhelming, we never wanted it to end.
The soft bubbles, the natural soap scent, and the constant warmth made us feel completely at ease.

Once the massage was over, we were rinsed again with warm water. Our skin felt soft, smooth, and fragrant. We were exhausted—but in the best possible way—with a feeling of well-being that stayed with us all night.

This experience is truly one-of-a-kind and absolutely worth trying at least once in your life, if only to immerse yourself in the full tradition of the Turkish Hammam in Istanbul.

Practical Tips for Visiting a Turkish Hammam in Istanbul

If you’re tempted to try this for yourself, here are a few tips for visiting a Turkish bath in Istanbul:

Book your hammam in Istanbul in advance: The luxurious hammams in the city are very popular and surprisingly affordable—so it’s best to reserve your treatment before you arrive. This is the one we booked because it offered a relaxing late-evening option.
Bring a swimsuit: Many hammams require guests to wear swimsuits during the treatment.
Arrive early: This way, you can enjoy the sauna and Turkish bath first, and ease into the experience before your massage.
Don’t rush: The Turkish bath is designed to relax you and help you disconnect from your routine. Take your time and enjoy every moment.

Why I recommend one night in a Turkish Hammam in Istanbul

That evening, after visiting a hammam in Istanbul, we felt reborn. The relaxation and sense of well-being we felt is something I won’t soon forget.

It’s not just a beauty treatment—it’s a full cultural experience in a Turkish bath that brings you closer to the traditions of the place.

If you find yourself in Istanbul after a day of sightseeing and exploring, I highly recommend adding the hammam to your itinerary. It’s the perfect contrast to the fast pace of the city and a beautiful way to treat yourself while traveling.