Tips for Visiting a Turkish Bath

A trip to Turkey means copious amounts of baklava, colorful walks through busy bazaars and relaxing evenings in the Euro-Asian sun. A visit to Turkey would not be complete without a stop into a traditional Turkish bath for a warm and culturally invigorating experience.

A traditional Turkish bath usually separates men and women into two changing rooms and bathing facilities. The bath experience typically involves a rubdown with salts and oil in an attempt to exfoliate your skin, followed by a wash and rinse. Because of these activities, avoid exfoliating the day you visit the bath. As relaxing as the spa visit can be, it´s also wise to visit toward the end of the day so you can ease right into bed after a relaxing massage.

Although most spa-goers attend in their birthday suits, the attire is the decision of the guest. In the case you decide to wear bathing garments, bring a clean and dry set of clothes to change into after your visit.

The more expensive a Turkish bath, the more tourist ridden it may be. Baths with luxurious amenities and additional services are often catered to visitors, while simpler baths welcome locals and curious foreigners. If you want an authentic bath visit, go local.