← Back to Community
Safety & Travel Advice22d ago·47 views

First hammam in Istanbul — can I keep my swimsuit on?

alexa hulia profile photo
alexa hulia

Traveler · 22d ago

🛡️ Traveler · 3,170 points

I'd love to try a Turkish bath, but the getting-undressed-in-front-of-strangers part is making me hesitate 😅 Can I keep a bikini on for the scrub and foam wash? And does “women's section” mean female attendants too? I'd rather ask now than have an awkward surprise once I'm there. Also, is the scrub really rough? Can you ask them to go easy or skip part of it without making things weird? The packages are confusing me a little. Some say traditional bath, some say foam massage... is that different from an actual massage? I dont need a fancy spa day, just want to try the usual experience and know the total price before booking. Women who've been recently, where did you go and did anyone explain what was happening? Looking for somewhere comfortable for a nervous first-timer, not necessarily the place with the prettiest Instagram photos.

Helpful · 0Login to follow
#Safety-&-Travel-Advice

Traveler answers

1 reply

erdinç yazman profile photo
erdinç yazman

22d ago

🛡️ Traveler · 1,875 points

you can keep covered—but ask specifically whether you can keep BOTH bikini pieces on during the treatment. Some places normally use bikini bottoms and a wrap. And get “female attendant” confirmed, not just “women’s section.” For the scrub, say “nazik kese”—gentle scrub. If it hurts, say stop; you can skip it. You’re paying for a bath, not a sanding 😅 Book scrub + foam wash for the usual experience. “Foam massage” isn’t the same as a separate oil massage. Get the final price before booking and say you don’t want extra treatments.

Have something to add?

Share your experience

Your experience could help another traveler make a better decision.