1. Çemberlitaş Hamamı

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Çemberlitaş Hamamı

3.6 (50 reviews)
PriceyDay Spas
Open • 6:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Çemberlitaş Hamamı Photos

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NOTE: My review is (specifically) for the male side; the female side could be different. Don't go to Cemberlitas for a typical "spa experience". This is not that. That being said, I enjoy going (this is my third time) because of the ambiance and the "traditional" experience. It does have somewhat of an assembly line feel as you're passed through the process, but it's pretty efficient if you know that before going in. Again, it's not a spa experience where you are waited on. Instead, you are passed around. Once you've paid, you are directed to your own room to strip down. You are provided with slippers and a towel to cover yourself. The room locks so you can keep your valuables there. Once you're ready, you are taken into the bath area. I spent some time on the warm marble/steam room under the historic hammam dome enjoying the ambiance. Eventually an attendant came and scrubbed me down, soaped me up, and rinsed me off. This is fairly aggressive but effective. I felt like a puppet: arm up, arm down, turn over. But where else can you go to get washed down?! It's quite a trip! Lots of soap, lots of water. I always pay for the 30 minute massage. However, "massage" is a misnomer. I really think it's more of an oil rub-down. The attendant isn't trying to make you feel good or ease your muscle aches. They're there to literally RUB. YOU. DOWN. Again, I love it. I like the pressure and the muscular manipulation. But, if you're there for a gentle massage, I wouldn't pay for the service. YMMV Once your services are done, they try to get you to leave, but you don't have to. You can enjoy the heated marble for as long as you want before taking a shower and changing back into your clothes. Be aware, everyone expects to get a tip so make sure you bring some extra Turkish Lira to give to the attendants afterwards. If you have time, I also recommend purchasing a freshly squeezed juice and enjoying it on the rooftop patio. There is no view, but it is a nice and quiet respite after the hammam experience. I'll be back Cemberlitas! You're a bit pricey, but overall, you're fun and beautiful!

The outer dome of the hamam from the rooftop cafe.
Dimitri S.

I've been here four times in the last two years, twice on both trips I've taken to Istanbul and I always walk out feeling pretty happy. The hamam was evidently built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect to several sultans, including Suleiman the Magnificent. When you first walk into the sauna, you instantly are transformed into a distant past, with water trickling in the fountains, foreign tongues echoing off the walls, and sound of the entry door being open and closed. The sauna room is kept clean and the there are side rooms to hang out in, if you want to get away from the center area. This time it felt more touristy, but the attendants remain professional (though my attendant made sure to let me know he was to be tipped, easy Hakim I know the drill) and thorough. The attendants introduce themselves to you and after your language has been identified instruct to move accordingly, "SEEEEET!" was used to get my soap bubble covered body, after a thorough scrub to rise back up. I heard another attendant state authoritatively in Greek "YEERNA", translated to "turn over". The attendant rinsed me off and then took me to the massage room (as I ordered the deluxe package including both the scrub/wash and a thirty minute oil massage, 117TL, but if you are Greek, or speak enough, they will issue you a 10TL discount). At the end of the massage, which was solid, I washed off in the shower room, but then the attendant called me over for a final wash and I returned to the sauna (they kind of expected me to leave) after that but I wanted one more burst of heat before exiting. I then went and got a straight razor shave at the small barber shop, connected to the changing floor of the hamam and got talked into a haircut, which I needed. Feeling clean, relaxed and shorn I was ready for my return to Taksim. The final time I went I discovered the rooftop cafe, where you can enjoy a beverage, pomegranate juice in my case. The sun was shining and I was able to just chill out soaking up some rays while remaining in a relaxed state. I heard there are better hamams in Istanbul and will definitely check another out on my next trip here but I remain a fan of Çemberlitas.

Macey A.

The experience it self wasn't that bad, it was interesting ... the massage was basically squeezing and tapping and some attacking, the towels smells so bad, luckily I bought one outside and didn't have to use theirs but needed to explain 200times to each person that works there, the highlight of my day was (Ayna) the inside manager, i was so confused so i asked her what I'm supposed to do after i washed myself so she told me to go sit inside and after 10 minutes you will get your massages, I went and sat in the sauna and waited about 15-20 minutes, came out and asked her what happened??? She started yelling and screaming and telling me :you need to wait, this is not the way to do it, so I asked her politely to stop shouting because I don't know the rules and will fallow , she was keep going and going and saying nonsense English mixed with Turkish, in that staged i shoo-shed her and told her I'm the free-king customer not the scrubbing lady and if she doesn't stop yelling she will see the consequences, well one of the poor ladies that was watching her scene came to me snd took my hand to the massage room snd said: she is crazy !!!be aware of Her , we paid around $200 for2 which we could get much better service and cleaner towels ....

Outside the ladies locker rooms.

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12 years ago

VERY dingy and raw - If you are a tourist looking for a nice experience this IS NOT your place. I would NEVER go back

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11 years ago

Outstanding service. Amazing experience. Going back next time I'm in Istanbul.

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Çemberlitaş Hamamı Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Çemberlitaş Hamamı

“Maybe a little touristy (hey it's in the touristy area!), but I very much enjoyed my time at this hamam.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

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Cukurcuma Hamamı

Cukurcuma Hamamı

5.0(7 reviews)
2.7 km•Firüzağa, Firuzağa Mh., Kuloğlu

I didn't have a Hammam scheduled but it was available and really close to the hotel, it's cultural,…read moreit was a long day of...you know what? I don't need an excuse to have a spa day on a nice vacation. It wasn't on my 'to-do' list so I didn't do a lot of research. I was expecting a more communal style affair-my only point of reference was a Korean style sauna since I got walked into a communal area where people were just chilling out. After being walked upstairs and into a changing room. The next room was a large steam room, but not oppressively humid, probably because it was surprisingly high ceilinged and laid down on a marble bench, another surprise, it was way more comfortable than it sounds. I lost all sense of time. The hammam was like a cross between a scrub, a wash and a massage. I never saw why Turkish towels were 'a thing,' but after this I was surprised at how absorbent and supple it was. After getting all the travel stress out of my system THAT was when I was given a robe and then taken up front to that cavernous common area with a nice cup of hibiscus tea.

I highly recommend this hamam. I was able to book a reservation using WhatsApp while in Istanbul…read moreand communicating directly with the hamam. This is a nice touch since I'm using my US cell phone. The hamam itself is immaculate. I booked a session for me and my 2 daughters. We were given 2 changing rooms. Each room has a dyson hair dryer and q-tips etc. to use after your Turkish bath. Each room locks automatically and you are given a bracelet which unlocks the door. Very convenient and secure. The hamam experience is comparable to other experiences I've had - very good! I do like that for the bubble/massage portion, you are laying down on the marble. I've been to another hamam where they do this part while you're sitting. Here, my girl did a great job to get the knots out of my back. The experience is so relaxing and calming. You can take your time and chill in the relaxation room after your Turkish bath. With this hamam being co-ed/couples, you can bring your own 2 piece bikini which is convenient and comfortable. I've been to non-coed hamams where you eventually end up taking your bikini top off, but not here. It's really no biggie but just wanted to mention the differences. This is a great hamam for first timers or seasoned hamam goers. This is a great part of the Ottoman/Turkish culture to experience.

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Cukurcuma Hamamı
Cukurcuma Hamamı
Cukurcuma Hamamı

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Suleymaniye Hamam

Suleymaniye Hamam

4.9(15 reviews)
0.9 km•Süleymaniye Mh., Hoca Gıyasettin, Beyazıt
•₺₺

I went to this centuries old bath house alone before they made it for couples and families only, so…read moreunfortunately I can never go back. It was absolutely the highlight of my visit to Istanbul. As my KLM flight landed in Istanbul the entire city was blanketed with snow, so the warmth of the bath was especially welcome. Istanbul itself is an assault on your senses, everywhere you turn someone is aggressively trying to sell you something, carpets in particular, but also candy, and everything else you can think of. So being inside the Hamam is like an oasis of peace. Fortunately my masseur spoke English. I told him I wasn't your typical tourist, that he could be himself with me. And he was, he sang to me in the most magnificent voice I ever heard. As if an angel were serenading me. Of course singing is not typical of your experience at a Hamam. I loved the way he kneeled in front of me and gave me a body scrub from head, to toe. If only I could start every day this way. I got a package deal, $25 for the treatment including a taxi from my hotel. I of course loved being in such an ancient and historic building, as if the Sultan was still ruling the Ottoman Empire. If you have the opportunity to experience Suleymaniye Hamam don't pass it up.

It was just terrific. They explained everything. You have to be comfortable with nudity, your own,…read moreand the scantily dressed woman who is scrubbing and helping you (if you are a woman). But I would do it again in a heartbeat, so relaxing.

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Suleymaniye Hamam
Suleymaniye Hamam
Suleymaniye Hamam

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Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

4.6(29 reviews)
2.1 km•Hacimimi, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh.
•₺₺₺

Did you really go to Istanbul if you didn't go to a Turkish bath? Although you could enjoy this…read morecity/country without having been to a hammam, I think going to one really completes your experience. Those that I have asked personally and travel bloggers always express how much they loved their experiences at Turkish baths, so I decided I had to get one to see for myself. Having searched Yelp and comparing the ratings and facilities, I decided to come to this one because it seemed the most authentic and it had great reviews regarding service and employees. This business divides their hours of operations between females and males. The women get the earlier hours and men get the later hours. I think men started at 4-11pm. Because I was in a foreign country, I emailed, rather than called, them to book my appointment. They responded within minutes with my confirmation. I loved how quick they were - it shows that they're attentive to their clients. My appointment was booked for 6pm, but I showed up earlier at around 530pm. Upon arrival, they enthusiastically welcomed me in just like family members do to their loved ones. They seated me to fill out some paperwork and provided complimentary juice. Afterwards, they led me up to the changing room. And now, the real experience begins. I walked into the bathing area where they seated me and threw a bucket of water on me prior to being washed. Then I was led to the center of the room where there's a circular marble table that everyone lays on while waiting to be washed. It was therapeutic because the table was heated - I almost fell asleep lol. Then Alaatin called me to his station to get washed. Buckets of warm water, soap, and deep scrubbing were in full effect. I've never seen so much dirt on my skin. I felt like I was exfoliated to the point where I had new baby skin. It was amazing. On top of that, Alaatin was massage my back and shoulders as well. Throughout my experience, he made sure I was comfortable and even made conversation when appropriate. He is an ideal employee to work with - I loved it. Afterwards, they take you out to the lounge area where you can hang around until close. They have Wifi, phone chargers, and drinks/snacks to purchase. I hung around for probably 3 hours just laying there appreciating my new skin lol. Honestly, I was a bit weary about doing this because I didn't know what to expect and I'm like "I can shower myself." My advice is to give this place a try and you'll really be able to experience a spa treatment like no other, and also get to realize how bad you are at cleaning yourself lol. I'm so glad I chose this place - amazing service with the best employees. Still dreaming of when I'll be able to go back.

A historic (from the 1500s) Turkish bathhouse is beautiful which was clearly aimed for tourists and…read morea bit pricier than a traditional spot. But it was nice. I felt calm and relaxed after, and I got exactly what I paid for (though I paid a lot). Service is good, but they should clarify what is extra cost and what's included.

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Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı - Sarma ve sodalı ayran 40₺

Sarma ve sodalı ayran 40₺

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

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Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı - The men's side

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

4.7(55 reviews)
0.6 km•Cankurtaran, Cankurtaran Mh.
•₺₺₺

The bathhouse is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. The customer service is excellent and so are…read morethe goodies that come with the larger package. It is quite pricy but worth treating yourself to this experience. I had the full 2 hour hammam experience and came out of the service feeling brand new. Buket performed one of the best exfoliations I've ever had. Although this spa is very pricy, it is worth the splurge for the once in a lifetime experience.

This was by far my favorite activity I did while I was in Istanbul. I went for the full Ab-i Hayat…read morepackage, but they were doing a special of 10% off appts before 1:00 pm so it ended up being $315 dollars. My partner in the process was Selda and she was AMAZING!!! Honestly she made the entire experience. She was respectful but funny and really helped me feel confident and lose my nervousness since it was my first time and I had no idea what to expect. They also gave me a full bar of their soap plus a Turkish towel in a cute bag. After the "wet" portion of the experience, before the oil massage upstairs, I sat in a nice little relaxing area and was brought some sherbet tea, water, and Turkish delight while I rested. Services i got: - Traditional full body scrubbing in the warmest quarter. - Organic Lavender Extract and Sea Salt Refreshing hand and foot peeling. - full body clay mask. - Relaxing bubble wash ritual on the warm marble stone. - Hair wash ritual with redbud scented shampoo. - Aromatherapy Massage with redbud scented oil in the private massage room. - Fresh and dried fruits to finish off the experience. Overall the entire experience took about 2.5 hours and left me feeling so refreshed.

Photos
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı - Changing room for Ab-I Hayat treatment

Changing room for Ab-I Hayat treatment

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

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Çemberlitaş Hamamı - spas - Updated November 2026

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