Best Turkish Baths (Hammams) in Istanbul

Within the last two decades, old hamams of Istanbul have been restored with modernized infrastructure to supply unforgettable experience and boost tourism of Turkey. Today we have listed some of the most famous Turkish baths of Istanbul and here are some popular questions you may ask regarding Turkish Bath.

Hamam was one of the key structures of Ottoman culture, it was so important that after conquest of a new city or district, architects of the army would start construction of Hamam in the city directly. Due to lack of infrastructure, tap water was not available for every house and that’s the main reason for the popularity of Hamam in Ottoman Empire.

When we consider the age of Roman Empire, public baths were the main meeting sites to sit, chat, cleanse, purify and socialize with friends at least once in a week. Today, the word of Hamam is a type of steam-bath and a place of public bathing associated with the Islamic world.

What is the purpose of a Turkish bath? 

Turkish bath is used for cleansing, relaxation, massage and losing weight. On some special days, especially among women, it is used for meeting with friends, relaxing, talking and dancing with music.

Are Turkish baths good for you? 

Sitting in a hot and humid atmosphere increases blood circulation, provides a true relaxation and strengthens the immune system, boosts your wellness. Hammams have also been proven to help mental health.

How long does a Turkish bath take? 

The ideal duration of Turkish bath is around one hour, deep cleansing treatment ritual will be completed in an hour. If you feel like extending your stay, laying back on the gobek tasi and relaxing is accepted.

How much do Turkish baths cost in Istanbul?

Turkish Bath in Istanbul can vary depending on the type and popularity of hamam and service you get.

In general, entrance costs about 50 $ , and goes up to 200-250 $ depending on your selection among a variety of service packages. Historic Turkish hamams may cost more than a regular district hamam in Istanbul.

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Favorite Public Historic Hammams in Istanbul for foreign visitors

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami (Roxelana Bath)

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is one of the most luxurious historic Turkish bath in Istanbul and is located in the center of the old city, Sultanahmet.

The Hurrem Sultan Hammam was designed and built by Ottoman chief architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. It was built at the request of Roxelana (Hurrem Sultan), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, where the ancient public baths of Zeuxippus (100-200 AD) used to stand, between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The area is also of special significance because the Temple of Zeus was once located here.

Although the hamam was built in the classical Ottoman bath style, it was an innovation in Turkish bath architecture that the men’s and women’s sections were built as mirror images on the same axis.

Cemberlitas Hamami

Cemberlitas Hamami is a historic Turkish bath in Cemberlitas Square on Divanyolu Street, amidst some of Istanbul’s oldest monuments.

It was commissioned by Sultan Nurbanu in 1584. The main purpose of the hamam was to cater for the citizens of Istanbul. The income from the hamam was used to finance the construction of many new building complexes such as the Atik Valide Mosque in Istanbul.

Mimar Sinan is often credited as the architect of the Cemberlitas Hamami, but it was probably built by a team of architects that worked under him.

Cagaloglu Hamami

Cagaloglu Hamam is a historic hamam (Turkish bathhouse) also in Sultanahmet, completed in 1741. Cagaloglu is the last major hamam built in the Ottoman era and was included by the New York Times in The List of 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

It has been in operation since its opening. Unlike other large hamams in the city, it’s in its original state and has never been restored. The result is a historic ambience, almost unchanged from the Ottoman period, offering various traditional treatments.

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami 

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami  is located in Tophane, Beyoglu. Easily reachable with the T1 tram line, and also close to Galata Port.

It was built as part of the Kilic Ali Pasa complex in the 1580s by the Ottoman chief architect Mimar Sinan. It was commissioned by Grand Admiral Kilic Ali Pasa to serve the levends who marine forces in the Ottoman navy.

Famous for its architectural lines and majestic dome, the hamam is one of the most emblematic buildings in Tophane, Istanbul’s harbor district. Abandoned for centuries, the Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam underwent extensive restoration starting in the 2000s, which took seven years.

Today, the hamam functions and is the height of luxury, offering a chance to get scrubbed in true, Ottoman style.

Aga Hamami

The Historical Aga Hamam is located in a side street of the famous Istiklal Avenue. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from Taksim Square and the metro station.

In the 1450s, the Beyoglu district wasn’t yet populated, and the Sultan often came here to hunt. He’d this building constructed as a hunting lodge. Aga Hamamı was designed as a part of this lodge as private hamam for Fatih Sultan Mehmet and his sons.

It was used by the Padishahs and their sons until the last years of the Ottoman Empire.

In addition to these popular hamams of Istanbul, you can also find a hamam in many popular hotels and local baths in every district of Istanbul. As Guided Istanbul Tours, the best rated on the travel platforms that serve Istanbul Tours, we’ll be happy to assist you during your visit.

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