Beauty & Health

Top Turkish Baths and Hammams in Turkey: Ultimate Relaxation

During the Ottoman Empire, a hammam was built for each mosque. These hammams are still functional and beautiful for both locals and travellers. Also, in most of the hammams, you do not need to bring any towels or etc since they give you everything you need. Turkish hammams are an experience that should be experienced not only by those who live in the city but also by visitors to Istanbul.

PS: You may want to read the article to discover how spa in Istanbul is done! Also, the spa hotels in Istanbul can give you the idea about where to stay in Istanbul. Check out this link to make your trip easier to plan.

No hammam experience can be done without Turkish kese. The benefits of visiting a Turkish hammam Istanbul has to offer, such as:

    • Relaxing atmosphere
    • Traditional treatments
    • Cultural experience

If you’re wondering about the best relaxing Turkish baths in Istanbul to visit during your trip, then there is a guide to help you:

1. Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hammam

This hammam built by Mimar Sinan for Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Suleiman the Magnificent), dates back to the 16th century. It’s located in the middle of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum. If you want to feel like Hürrem Sultan or Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, try the foam massage service. It is one of the best authentic Istanbul hammam experiences that makes you feel like a real sultan.

Tip: Most of the baths in this article are located in the Eminönü region. You may want to stay in the Galata Tower area, which is close to there. View the options.

More Information

Open Hours: 08:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 517 35 35
Website: View

2. Cagaloglu Hammam

Looking for the best hamam Istanbul? The hammam, which was built by Sultan Mahmut I is included in the list of ”1000 places to see before you die” of The New York Times. It is the last great hammam built in the Ottoman period. Although it’s located close to the Basilica Cistern, Cağaloğlu Hammam has a very different architecture.

The sound of water pouring into the hammam’s central pool provides a gentle acoustic comfort to bathers in a mystical way. The 300-year-old historical building served for a long time as a means of providing a fund to the library and the Islamic-Ottoman social complex (külliye). Now, the hammam is one of the best traditional Turkish baths in Istanbul and differs from the classical Ottoman architectural style with its Baroque details.

The price ranges 60 – 300.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 22:00, Saturdays-Sundays: 09:00 – 23:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 522 24 24
Website: View

3. Tarihi Galatasaray Hammam

One of the best hammam in Istanbul, the Historical Galatasaray Hammam, located in Beyoğlu was built by Sultan II Bayezid in 1481. Besides being a tourist attraction, it’s also a popular place for wedding hammam ceremonies by locals.

Galatasaray Hamam, which is the only Turkish bath under the Ministry of Tourism, is one of the places that sustain not only the hammam architecture but also the convenience and culture of the hammam.

More Information

Open Hours: 08:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 252 42 42
Website: View

4. Kılıc Ali Pasa Hammam

One of the important symbols of Tophane, Kılıç Ali Pasha Hammam was built by Mimar Sinan between 1578 and 1583. The characteristic of this hammam is the light-transmitting elephant eye (a term for small round Windows) domes. Its unique architecture makes this Turkish hammam one of the bests.

The hammam is open for women from 08:00 until 16:00, and for men from 16:30 to 23:00. Events are also organized for special occasions such as bridal hammam, groom’s hammam and forty hammams (a special term for a traditional celebration).

The prices ranges from 60 to 85.

More Information

Open Hours: 08:00 – 16:00, 16:30 – 23:30
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 393 80 10
Website: View

5. Suleymaniye Hammam

This hammam was built in 1557 by Mimar Sinan, carries the stories of the culture to 2022. It’s 500 years history makes the Hammam experience unforgettable and dreamy. Here you’ll feel you’re bathing in a time tunnel. The hammam can be visited by single men visitors every morning 07:00 –  09:00 except Sundays and is open to families and couples every day 10:00 – 22:00.

Please note that credit cards are not accepted. If you want to take a bath in this hammam, the recommended hours are between 09:45 and 15:00. Open 7 days a week, the hammam is also open on all holidays.

The prices ranges from 65 – 80.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 520 34 10
Website: View

Tip: If you’re planning on visiting the Turkish baths mentioned in this article but aren’t staying nearby, be aware that some of them may take up to an hour to reach. We recommend renting a car to save time and make the most of your trip. Click on this link to view rental prices, which will open in a new tab.

6. Cinili Hammam

Built in 1640 by Kösem Sultan, the Cinili Hammam was lavishly decorated with tiles which, unfortunately, do not remain currently. There are great reliefs on the walls of the Cinili Hammam in Uskudar and in the bathroom section, there are basins that have survived to the present day.

The high domes of the hammam, which covers a huge area, balance the heat circulation in the bath. Cinili Hammam is a unique Turkish Hammam because the high domes create a more fresh and breathable space for visitors. This place is one of the best Turkish baths in Istanbul as well as the traditional ones.

More Information

Open Hours: 07:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 334 97 10
Website: View

7. Gedikpasa Hammam

One of the traditional Turkish baths in Istanbul, the Gedikpasa Hammam –authentic Istanbul hammams-, located near the Grand Bazaar, was designed by the famous architect of the period, Hayrettin, in 1475 for Gedik Ahmet Pasha. There is a pool and a sauna in addition to the central massage platform of this Turkish Hammam.

Gedikpasa Hammam is a “double bath”, so-called as it has separate sections for men and women. Gedikpasa Hammam is one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 517 89 56
Website: View

8. Cemberlitas Hammam

Built by Nur Banu Sultan in 1584 for Mimar Sinan, Ottoman inscriptions in some areas of the hammam survive to the present day. The Cemberlitas Hammam in Fatih was built in the double bath structure; women and men use the same entrance but bathe in separate areas. There is an inscription with 6 verses on the door.

Mimar Sinan designed this hammam using a style which was different from traditional structures which put this special Hammam in an other place in history. The main theme of this hammam, which has a total of 38 basins, is the pleasure in simplicity. The price ranges 35 – 50.

More Information

Open Hours: 06:00 – 00:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 522 79 74
Website: View

9. Aga Hammam

If you simply want to see a modest bath as well as the relaxing Turkish baths in Istanbul, then Aga Bath is for you. The Historical Ağa Hammam was made built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (the 7th Ottoman Padishah). Ağa Hammam was used as a private hammam by Mehmed the Conqueror and his sons.

At that time, Beyoglu District was not a settlement area and the Padishahs would come to Beyoglu District for hunting. Mehmed the Conqueror constructed this building as a hunting house in 1454. Aga Hamam is one of the best hammams in Istanbul with a sultan-welcoming atmosphere. This historical hamam is among the best Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The price ranges 55 – 80.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 249 50 27
Website: View

10. Mihrimah Sultan Hammam

Part of the Ottoman complex which was built by Mimar Sinan between 1562 and 1565 for Mihrimah, the daughter of the Sultan, Süleyman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan. Its architectural structure is in the form of a double bath.

Some special ceremonies such as bridal hammam and groom’s hammam are performed in the Mihrimah Sultan Hammam which is located in Edirnekapı, Karagümrük. Mihrimah Sultan Hammam is a popular and notable Turkish hammam due to its architectural structure, a Turkish bath experience you should not miss.

More Information

Open Hours: 06:30 – 23:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 523 04 87
Website: View

11. Acemoğlu Turkish Bath

Acemoğlu Bath, best Turkish bath Istanbul, is located on Sehzadebasi Street, within the borders of Balabanağa District, on the way from Beyazit to Sehzadebasi. This structure, also known as one of the Janissary barracks baths, is the only remaining example of its kind.

There is no known date and architect of this compound, but we know that there was a major restoration during Suleiman the Magnificent era. It was a Janissary bath for a long time, after the closing of Janissary barracks it turned to a public bath. Right now it is a part of a hotel which built around it. The price ranges €75 to €150.

More Information

Location: View on Google Maps
Website: View

12. Kadırga Bath

It is in Kumkapi, on Kadirga Liman Street. The plaque on the door of the still active bath says that its builder was Vizier Yahya Pasha, the Egyptian Governor, and it was built in 1734. The bath served for a long time to the Ottoman navy returning from the expedition and other ships visiting the port for trade. A large dome closes the square with the center stone rectangular and the lighting is excellent.

Although the Kadirga Bath has lost some of its important architectural features through many repairs since the time of II Bayezid, it can still be considered among the most beautiful and clean baths in Istanbul. Women can visit the hammam between 08:30 – 21:00 and men can visit from 07:00 – 22:00 every day in separate areas. The prices starts from €20.

More Information

Open Hours: 07:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 518 19 48
Website: View

 

Bonus: Kervansaray Thermal Convention Center & Spa

Bursa is close to Istanbul, which is why you can visit Kervansaray Thermal Convention Center & Spa only 2 hour drive from Istanbul. The place offers an environment of greenery, silence and peace on 9 acres of land in the center of Cekirge, the district of Bursa famous for its thermal springs. Hammam service is available for men and women visitors separately.

In addition to the swimming pool, the health club offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, sauna, gym, as well as a spa center, TV, game and reading room to ensure the comfort of their guests. Considering you do not want to visit best Turkish hammam in Istanbul options above, you can visit here.

Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0224) 233 93 00
Website: View

 

FAQ

What is a Turkish bath?

A Turkish bath, also known as a hamam, is a type of public bath that has been a part of Turkish culture for centuries. These baths typically feature a hot steam room, a cool room, and a massage area, where visitors can relax, cleanse, and rejuvenate.

What can I expect during a visit to a Turkish bath in Istanbul?

During a visit to a Turkish bath in Istanbul, you can expect to be given a traditional Turkish pestemal (a type of towel) and a pair of slippers. You will then be directed to the changing room where you can undress and store your belongings. Then you will be guided to the hot steam room, where you can relax and sweat. After that, you will be directed to the massage area, where a traditional Turkish massage is performed by skilled masseurs. The massage is typically performed with soap, a kese (a rough mitt used to exfoliate the skin) and a foam.

How long does a visit to a Turkish bath in Istanbul typically last?

A visit to a traditional Turkish bath in Istanbul typically lasts around 2 hours, including the massage.

What should I wear to a Turkish bath in Istanbul?

Visitors should wear minimal clothing to a Turkish bath in Istanbul, such as a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt. You will be given a traditional Turkish pestemal to cover yourself with during the massage.

Are Turkish baths in Istanbul appropriate for people with health conditions or disabilities?

Turkish hamam Istanbul and Turkish baths in Istanbul can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate, but it's important to keep in mind that the heat and humidity in the steam room can be intense. Visitors with health conditions or disabilities should consult with their doctor before visiting a Turkish bath. Some authentic hammams in Istanbul such as "Cemberlitas Hammam" or "Galatasaray Hammam" have facilities and services that cater to people with disabilities.


You can also view our Best Turkish Baths in Istanbul
Foursquare List.

 

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Ekin Ceren Akarçay

I am a travel and nature lover. I love to write down the things I lived, experience and the things that interest me. I am hungry for knowledge and open to change!
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