Looking for the best hamams in Istanbul? You’re in for a treat!
There are dozens of Turkish baths (hamam) in Istanbul, each offering something unique. For example, how about enjoying a luxurious massage at the Hürrem Sultan Hamam, which was commissioned by that Roksolana? Or perhaps enjoying an authentic scrub at the enchanting Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, known as the ‘hamam of a thousand tiles’?
Perhaps you want to see the city’s history come alive at Ağa Hamam, the oldest hamam in Istanbul? (psst — it’s nearly 600 years old!) In any case, Istanbul promises a Turkish bath experience like no other.
Whether you’re fascinated by the rich history, curious about the rituals of Turkish hamams, or are simply looking to relax after an intense trip, this guide goes over the 10 best hamams in Istanbul.
No time? No problem!
If you’re looking for the full Turkish hamam experience but don’t have time to read through this blog post, here’s a quick summary:
⭐️ Our favorites: Çukurcuma Hamam | Hurrem Sultan Hamam | Ağa Hamam
✨ Most luxurious hamam in Istanbul: Hurrem Sultan Hamam
💕 Best hamams in Istanbul for couples (Co-ed hamams): Çukurcuma Hamam (mixed) | Acemoglu Hamam (private rooms) | Ağa Hamam (mixed) | Vezneciler Hamam (mixed) | Çatma Mescit Hamam (private rooms)
🕌 Hamams in Sultanahmet (Istanbul’s Old Town): Hurrem Sultan Hamam | Cagaloglu Hamam | Vezneciler Hamam | Çemberlitas Hamam
👧 Hamams in Istanbul for kids (child-friendly hamams): Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam (babies under 3 are free, children 4+ get a discount) | Ağa Hamam (babies 0-3 and children 4+) | Zeyrek Çinili Hamam (babies 0-5 free, children 6+ can book the Little Bubbles ritual)
* A note about Hamam vs Hammam — In Turkish it’s spelled hamam, while in Arabic it’s hammam (with two m’s) — across this blog post, we use hamam. It’s also sometimes called Turkish Bath in Europe and the Americas, but it all means the same (relaxing) thing. 🙂
Hurrem Sultan Hamam ⭐️ Best Luxury Hamam
Location: Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town)
Sectioned off? Yes, the men’s and women’s sections are in different areas
Hurrem Sultan Hamam definitely gets our vote as the most luxurious hamam in Istanbul! That’s because it was commissioned by the actual Hurrem Sultan (best known as Roxolana), the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, and built by the famed Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
With such a star-studded project, how could it be anything less than extraordinary?
Besides its incredible backstory, the hamam is also luxurious in other ways: special gold-plated bath bowls and luxury marble slabs are used inside the stream rooms, the workers are extremely attentive, and the soaps are pure 100% olive oil.
There are four treatments (‘rituals worthy of sultans’) to choose from, including the Pir-ü Pak (45 mins), Keyf-i Hamam (60 mins), Zevk-i Sefa (80 mins), and the Ab-i Hayat (110 minutes).
For the ultimate in luxury, we recommend booking the Ab-i Hayat (‘water of life’), which includes a private massage room, face massage and face mask, foot massage with redbud scented oil, fresh fruit plate, private changing room, and a farewell gift. You’ll definitely feel like Roksolana after your hamam. 😌💅
Cagaloglu Hamam ⭐️ Most Beautiful Hamam
Location: Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old town)
Sectioned off? Yes, separate mens and womens areas
Built in 1741, Cagaloglu Hamam is a baroque architecture masterpiece that’s often hailed as the most beautiful hamam in Istanbul. Its exceptional beauty comes from the fact that it was one of the last ‘grand’ hamams built during the Ottoman era, and incorporated unique architectural techniques of that century (that can’t be found in any other hamams).
Even better, it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar, so you can shop ‘til you drop… and then get pampered. 🙂
One thing that sets Cagaloglu apart is that you get a personal ‘hamam consultant’ who will guide you through the entire process and ensure you enjoy the full experience.
Fun fact: The hamam’s stunning design and historical significance have earned it a spot on the New York Times’ “1000 Places to See Before You Die” list!
Ağa Hamam ⭐️ Best Mixed Hamam in Istanbul
Location: Beyoğlu (near Taksim)
Sectioned off? No, men and women can mingle together (only the scrub areas are separate)
There are only a handful of hamams in Istanbul for couples, and this happens to be the most popular one! Yes, it’s true — the majority of hamams are not coed Turkish baths, which means that men and women are separate. Ağa hamam, on the other hand, is a mixed hamam, which means men and women are together everywhere (except the rooms where they scrub you!).
Speaking of coed… This was the first hamam that we visited as a couple, and it’s remained our favorite in the years since! We especially love that they don’t try to rush you through the process, plus there’s a nice lounge area on the second floor (you’ll get a complimentary drink and lokum as well!)
What’s really impressive about Ağa Hamam is that it’s the oldest hamam in Istanbul, built in 1454. To put it into perspective, Istanbul became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1453, which means this bath house was built just 1 year later! Cool, right?
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam ⭐️ Best Child-Friendly Hamam
Location: Fatih
Sectioned off? Yes, split into men’s and women’s sections
We’ve just covered the oldest hamam— now let’s explore one of Istanbul’s newest! Zeyrek Çinili Hamam was opened in late 2023 following a lengthy 13-year restoration. However, its history actually goes back to 1530 to 1540, when it was constructed.
This freshly-restored hamam is accompanied by a contemporary art space (in the former cistern!), private garden, rooftop terrace, and even a hamam museum (also worth a visit!).
The hamam is split into men’s and women’s sections, and there are 10 treatments to choose from. There’s even an authentic hamam ritual for children (ages 6 to 11, must be accompanied by parents) called Little Bubbles! How cute. 🥰
Çukurcuma Hamam
Location: Beyoğlu (near Taksim)
Sectioned off? No, this is a mixed hamam (men and women get treatments in the same place)
One of our other favorite hamams in Istanbul is Çukurcuma, which is located in a cute bohemian neighborhood of the same name. In fact, we recommend strolling around if you have an hour or two (before or after your hamam), as Çukurcuma is a cool neighborhood with art galleries, antique stores, second hand boutiques, and sweet cafes.
Ah right, where were we? What sets Çukurcuma apart from other popular hamams in Istanbul is that only a few people are served at a time, which means you get undivided attention and a truly personalized experience.
Besides the impeccable service, we fell in love with the interior of Çukurcuma Hamam. The white and gray marble, traditional wooden details, and private cabanas are a must-see. 😍
Travel tip: If you don’t want to ruin your post-hamam bliss, the owners of Çukurcuma opened up a hotel right next to the hamam! This top-rated hotel is decorated in a chic industrial-meets-Ottoman style and is aptly-named Hamamhane (literally translated to ‘bath house’). 🙂 You can check hotel availability and book here →
Acemoglu Hamam ⭐️ Best Private Hamam
Location: Fatih (10 minutes from Süleymaniye Mosque)
Sectioned off? Somewhat — there are private rooms available (where men/women can mix) and public baths (sectioned off)
If you want to enjoy a traditional Turkish hamam without the crowds, Acemoglu Hamam is the perfect choice. This 15th- century hamam has a variety of different options, including fully private rooms, along with semi-private rooms and public baths.
Besides the Turkish bath, you can also add extras like a massage, facial, body mask, or sauna ritual.
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam
Location: Karaköy (A 5-minute walk from Galataport)
Sectioned off? Yes, there are different times for men and women. Women’s visiting hours are 8:00 to 16:00 and men’s are 16:45 to 23:30
Located in the vibrant Karaköy district and just a short walk from the iconic Galataport, Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Turkish bath experience. This historic gem recently underwent a meticulous seven-year restoration, bringing back to life a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
Fun fact: Did you know that this historic hamam was once an important part of the Ottoman navy’s infrastructure? It was commissioned by Admiral Kılıç Ali Paşa in the late 1500s and served as a place of relaxation for sailors.
Unlike other famous hamams in Istanbul, the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam boasts a unique single-dome design (a testament to its original purpose as a bathhouse for the Ottoman navy).
To preserve this architectural integrity and offer a better experience, the hamam operates on a gender-segregated schedule. Women are welcomed in the first half of the day (8:00 to 16:00), while men can enjoy the facilities in the afternoon (from 16:45 to 23:30). This ensures that each guest receives undivided attention and can fully immerse themselves in the traditional hamam experience.
Likewise, this hamam is also child-friendly! Children aged 3 and under are welcome with their mothers free of charge (although they don’t get the traditional scrub to protect their sensitive skin). Children ages 4 to 12 are welcome at a discounted price.
Vezneciler Hamam
Location: Fatih (7 minutevs from Grand Bazaar)
Sectioned off? No, this is a mixed gender hamam
Want to enjoy a stress-free hamam experience? Vezneciler Hamam offers an all-inclusive package, which includes round-trip transportation (if you choose this option), 20 minutes of hot stone therapy, a 10-minute sauna followed by a traditional foam massage, and finally a 30-minute oil massage. At the end, you’ll be treated to complimentary tea or coffee.
The hamam itself was built in 1481 and is unique because it was originally constructed on the second floor.
Çemberlitas Hamam
Location: Near Grand Bazaar
Sectioned off? Yes, there are separate sections for men and women
Çemberlitas Hamam is another historical Turkish bath in Istanbul — it was completed in 1584 and allegedly built by Mimar Sinan, the same architect that built Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam and Hurrem Sultan Hamam. There’s actually a fascinating backstory: Çemberlitaş Hamam was commissioned by none other than Hurrem Sultan’s daughter-in-law!
While it’s not the top-rated hamam (it has a review of 3.9 out of 5), Çemberlitas is conveniently located near the Grand Bazaar and just steps away from the T1 tram.
The hamam features two separate sections for men and women. The men’s section boasts a grand entrance adorned with a gold inscription on a green background. Meanwhile, the women’s entrance, reflecting the modesty of the time, is discreet and unadorned.
Çatma Mescit Hamam
Location: Beyoğlu (15 minutes from Galata Tower)
Sectioned off? No, there are private rooms available
Çatma Mescit Hamam is one of the few hamams near Galata Tower (most are located around Sultanahmet and Fatih!) and is a 15 minute stroll from the tower. It’s a cross between a traditional hamam and a Turkish spa, featuring private rooms rather than sectioned-off areas.
While it’s a bit on the touristy side (the prices are slightly higher than some other hamams), it’s also conveniently located.
Similar to the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, the rituals here are as charming as their names, with offerings like the Pasha Hamam, Shahrazad Hamam, and Sultan Hamam. The Çatma Mescit Hamam also offers a range of additional services, including reflexology, head and shoulder massage, back massage, classic massage, anti-stress massage, and aromatherapy massage.
It’s important to note that this hamam operates on a reservation-only basis, so be sure to book your spot in advance.
Çinili Hamamı ⭐️ Best Local Hamam
Location: Üsküdar
Sectioned off? Yes, men and women have separate entrances
If you’re looking for the best non-touristy hamam in Istanbul, you’ll find it in Üsküdar! The Çinili Hamamı was built in 1640 by Kösem Sultan and has preserved many of its original features to this day.
Çinili Hamamı is a no-frills neighborhood bath where you’ll find more locals than tourists. There are two reasons why — it doesn’t have the same “aesthetic” appeal as the other hamams on this list, and it’s also harder to get to (it’s located on the Asian side and is a 30-minute walk from the Üsküdar Pier / Marmaray station). However, if you want to save money, Çinili Hamamı offers an authentic hamam for a fraction of the cost.
Q&A | Questions & Answers
What happens at a hammam in Istanbul? | What should I expect at a hamam?
After arriving and changing, you’ll begin by warming up in a heated room with a marble platform (called a “göbek taşı”). Afterwards, a bath attendant (called a “tellak” for men or “natır” for women) will perform a vigorous scrub to exfoliate your skin, followed by a relaxing soapy wash. The process often ends with a rinse. Then you are typically guided to a lounge area to lay down and relax.
What do you wear to a hamam in Istanbul? | Do you wear clothes in a Turkish bath?
In a hamam, you’ll typically be given a “peştemal,” a traditional thin cotton towel, to wrap around your body. Most people wear only this towel during their hamam experience. Some hamams provide disposable underwear for modesty. You won’t wear traditional clothing during the bath itself, but you can bring a swimsuit if you feel more comfortable. After the bath, you’ll change back to your normal clothes.
What is the most beautiful hammam in Istanbul?
The most beautiful hamam in Istanbul is often considered to be the Cagaloglu Hamam. Built in 1741, this baroque masterpiece features stunning architecture, intricate details, and a rich history. It’s frequently mentioned as the most picturesque and luxurious hamam in the city, and it even made it onto the New York Times’ “1000 Places to See Before You Die” list.
What are the best hamams in Istanbul? | What are the most popular Turkish baths in Istanbul?
This is a tough question, because there are many amazing hamams in the city. 🙂
Some of the best hamams in Istanbul include the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, Cagaloglu Hamam, Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam, and Ağa Hamam.
What are some benefits of a Turkish hamam?
There are many benefits to enjoying a Turkish hamam, including deep cleaning, relaxation, improved circulation, and skin rejuvenation. And, of course, you get to check off this bucket list-worthy experience!
What is the price of a Turkish hamam in Istanbul?
The price of a Turkish hamam in Istanbul significantly varies depending on the location and services offered. On average, you can expect to pay around 45 to 75 EUR for a full hamam experience, which includes the steam room, scrub, and bath. Luxury hamams, such as Hurrem Sultan Hamam, may charge more, while local places charge less.
How much do you tip Turkish hamam?
If you’ve received good service, you can tip 10 to 20% of the total cost of your treatment. When you check into the hamam, you can ask the employee if you should hand the tip directly to your attendant or leave it in a special box or envelope.
What is the difference between a hamam and a Turkish bath?
There is no difference between a hamam and a Turkish bath — the terms are interchangeable. “Hamam” is the Turkish word for a traditional bathhouse, and “Turkish bath” is the English translation. Both refer to the same thing.
Are there hamams for both genders in Istanbul?
Yes, there are hamams for both genders in Istanbul. Most traditional hamams have separate sections or designated hours for men and women. Some hamams offer mixed-gender services, while others provide private rooms for comfort and modesty.
Are there hamams for children in Istanbul?
Yes, some hamams allow children.
Photo credits: Respective hamams (except Aga Hamam)
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