Turkish bath in Fatih

Fatih is the district of Istanbul with the highest concentration of historic hammams. The hammams of the historic peninsula are Ottoman-era buildings; with their domed hot rooms, navel stone (the heated marble platform) and fine marble work, the architecture forms part of the experience.

Location advantage: Because they are clustered around Sultanahmet, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) and Kapalıçarşı (the Grand Bazaar), they are easy to add to a sightseeing itinerary. This is the area most favoured by visitors from outside the city, which also means it can get crowded at peak times.

Setting the right expectations: The historic hammams impress with their architecture, but the spacious relaxation lounges, extra facilities and level of comfort of modern spa venues can be more limited here. Choose accordingly — if architecture and tradition are what you are after, you are in the right place; if you want a full spa day, Istanbul's modern venues may suit you better.

What to ask: Whether the women's and men's sections are separate or bathing hours are split between them, whether the kese (exfoliating scrub) and foam wash are included, and whether a booking is needed.

You will find the steps of the ritual and the health warnings on our Turkish bath page.