Istanbul bath houses

Three of the best

Cağaloğlu Hamamı: By far the most spectacular of Istanbul's hamams; its steam rooms are lavishly arched and domed, and decorated with tulip tiles.

Çemberlitaş Hamamı: Built by the famous architect Sinan in 1584, this is a classic hamam experience.

Sultanahmet Hamamı: Granted, there is no belly stone and the 17th-century steam rooms smell faintly of mould, but come here for above-average massage and service.