Traditional Hammam Experience in Baku: Complete Guide
A hammam (Turkish bath) is a must-do cultural experience. Here is what to expect.
What is a Hammam? 🛁
A traditional steam bath with a full-body scrub and massage.
Process:
- Steam Room: Relax in the hot, humid room (15-20 min).
- Scrub (Kese): An attendant scrubs your entire body with a rough mitt, removing dead skin.
- Soap Massage: Foam massage with olive oil soap.
- Rinse: Buckets of warm water.
- Rest: Relax with tea.
What to Bring 👙
- Swimsuit: Required (unlike Turkish hammams, Azerbaijan hammams are not gender-segregated in tourist places).
- Towel: Provided, but bring your own if preferred.
- Flip-flops: For hygiene.
Best Hammams in Baku 🏛️
- Teze Bey Hammam (Old City): Most authentic.
- Luxury Hotel Spas: Fairmont, Four Seasons (more expensive, more private).
Prices 💰
- Basic Hammam: 30-50 AZN.
- With Massage: 60-100 AZN.
- Luxury Spa: 150-300 AZN.
Etiquette 🙏
- Tip: 10-20 AZN for the attendant.
- Relax: It's meant to be a slow, meditative experience.
Summary
A hammam is relaxing, cultural, and leaves your skin incredibly soft. Don't skip it!