Long Street Turkish Baths in Cape Town
Hidden away at the very top of Long Street behind an old historic building dating back to 1908, are the Long Street Turkish baths. Not only does it include a Sauna, Hot room and Steam rooms, but also a magnificent 25m indoor heated swimming pool…
Where to go: Corner of Long Street and Orange Street
When to go: 07:00 – 19:00 Monday to Sunday – Admission fee: Adults R14, Children R8, Pensioners Free
What to expect:Main pool, Kiddies pool, Sauna, Hot Room, Steam Rooms, Massage Area
The Long Street Turkish Baths in Cape Town are beautifully unique, but not the first of their kind. After its obvious origin, the Turkish bath was adopted by the English from 1860.
The Turkish baths were introduced to other Anglo countries in more of a Victorian nature in the 1860, the first was finally opened in South Africa.
So whilst taking a steam, swim or shower at the corner of Long Street and Orange Street, think about how long this historic building has been in existence. The Turkish baths in Long Street have recently had their interiors upgraded and it really is a very unique experience to be had.
The 25m x 12m indoor heated swimming pool has been the perfect location for urban athletes needing to train between lunch hours, elderly living in walking distance or anyone fancying a little bit of swimming and splashing about. The large swimming pool can accommodate a maximum of 600 people and even children (when supervised by an adult) can make use of the 12m x 7m Kiddies pool and can enjoy safe swimming as the entire area is also supervised by up to 6 lifeguards over peak season.
For those in search of something even more relaxing, the Long Street Turkish Baths also offer steam and dry heat options. The Sauna, Hot room and Steam Rooms alternate days between male and female bathers.
While Men can make use of these facilities on Tuesdays (after 13h00), Wednesdays, Fridays (all day) and Sundays (until 12h00), the Ladies are free to enjoy them on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays (all day) and Tuesdays (until 13h00).
Other amenities include male and female changing rooms, Underwater Hockey facilities and massages at very reasonable prices. Some of these facilities however do need booking in advance. So whether your routine requires you to: steam-cold-sauna-cold or swim-sauna-cold-steam-cold, it can all be done and thoroughly enjoyed right in the middle of town at the Long Street Turkish Baths in Cape Town.
Content: Ed Beukes