Gay Hamams & Saunas in Istanbul
Gay Hamams & Saunas in Istanbul
Sadly Gay Istanbul does not offer your traditional gay sauna experience like you will find in most Western countries.
Thanks to local laws against any sexual action in public – or public venues – most venues in Istanbul do not want to be labelled as gay or even gay-friendly from fear for raid, reprisals or shutdowns by local authorities and instead play the ‘three monkeys’ : ”see nothing, hear nothing, speak nothing”.
While there are many busy saunas, gyms, and hamams (Turkish bath houses), you should realize this is a very traditional and cultural past time in Istanbul and popular with both gay and straight men.
Due to the current political climate in Turkey, crackdowns, temporary and permanent closures of Istanbul gay hamam and saunas are increasing. Here we have tried to recommend a bunch functioning and safe ones.
Gay-Popular Hamams & Saunas in Istanbul
Cihangir Sauna – A small but popular gay sauna in Istanbul reportedly closed as of March 2018. Includes a little cafe, a dry sauna, a pleasant dark room, private cabins, and male massages. English skills are limited, and some prostitutes hang about here.
Nur Hamam – Newly renovated in October 2017, there is both an Istanbul gay hamam and sauna here. Looks just like a regular building from outside but inside is a beautiful historic bath popular with local, younger gay men.
Aquarius Sauna - A extremely un-friendly gay sauna in Istanbul open 24/7. While they have a jacuzzi, pool, sauna, private cabins and cafe, there is mostly just masseurs here who pester for their service, discouraging speaking between guests and any action that’s not with them. Has so much potential but in reality is filthy and a glorified brothel.🤮
Firuzaga Bath – Popular with local hairy middle-aged men, Firuzaga Bath is a small, historic Istanbul gay hamam located only a short walk from Galatasaray Square. Very cruisy, well-known location for gay men to discretely met but it’s somewhat dirty and very public.
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