Looking for the best Hammam in Istanbul?
With their traditional marbled interiors that nod to the bygone era of the Ottomans and domed roofs with star-like skylights. The baths of Istanbul are not to be missed.
There are hundreds of Turkish baths in Istanbul, so it can be overwhelming to know which to choose. Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of beautiful bathhouses all over the city. I’ve narrowed it down to the four best hammams in Istanbul Turkey.
While you probably can’t hit all of them while you’re there, (it’s suggested to go once a week maximum) any of the hammams on this list will make you feel as if you stepped into the past, going back 466 years to a time where nothing was hurried.
If you’ve never been to a Hammam before and want to know more before you go, check out this article: What is a Turkish Bath?
The Four Best Hammams of Istanbul:
Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamami
This is one of the most famous Hammam in Istanbul. Partially because of its location, being directly next to the Aya Sofya, and because of its incredible architecture. Mimar Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire built this Hammam at the request of Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana), the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent.
The beauty of this bath has been kept to this day, the contrast between the white marble and warm wood instantly put you at ease. This is a luxury Hammam to say the least.
They offer an array of Hammam experiences from 35 to 110 minutes, costing between 55 euros to 185 euros. If you want to add a little extra relaxation to your treatments they offer different 4 types of massages: back massage, aromatherapy massage, anti-stress massage, and a foot massage (which isn’t such a bad idea after walking around the city of 7 hills).
It has both a men’s and women’s section and is open from 09:00-23:00 daily. You can make reservations here.
Cagaloglu Hamam
The Cağaloğlu Hammam was built in 1741 and was the last hammam to be built while the Ottoman Empire ruled over Istanbul (which was called Constantinople then). The Bath is located in the historical area of the city, right around the corner from the Sultan Ahmet (Blue Mosque) and the Aya Sofya.
It’s one of the most beautiful Hammams in Istanbul to this day. The main heated room of the bath has dramatic white and grey marble pillars connected with beautiful arches. This gives a feeling of semi-privacy when you’re at the washing basins that are in nooks around the main raised platform.
They offer six different Hammam services ranging from 50 euro to 300 euro. The more expensive services are inclusive of massages and mud masks, whereas the lower-priced services are more of the traditional hammam experience. You can explore their different services here.
The Cagaloglu Hamami has separate sections for men and women and is open from 9:00-22:00 Monday-Thursday and stays open an hour later from Friday-Sunday. You can make your reservation here.
Aga Hamami
This is my favorite Hammam in the city because it feels less touristic than the others (they even list their prices in Lira). It’s not as luxurious, but it’s just as relaxing and beautiful. It feels very authentic, and you’ll find there’s a good mix of locals and tourists.
The Ağa Hamamı was built in 1454 and was used as a private hammam in Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror and his sons. At the time what is known as the Beyoglu district now was then hunting land. The Ağa Hamamı was the Padishah’s hunting home, with the Hammam on the bottom two floors and the apartments above.
They offer multiple packages starting at 600TL (around 35 euro) and going up to 1000TL (around 55 euro). My favorite part about this hammam is the relaxation areas. They have floor cushions lining the bottom floor where you can enjoy tea after your bath, or go to the second floor to lounge on a day bed.
This is a great Hammam for couples because it’s one of the only Turkish baths offering co-ed hours. I also love that this hammer has a dry sauna attached to the main wet room. I suggest making morning reservations because it gets more crowded as the day goes on.
The bath is open from 10:00-22:00 daily. You can purchase ahead of time on viator, or your reservations here.
Kilç Ali Pasa Hamami
For an experience that makes time stand still, head to Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Istanbul’s Karaköy district.
After seven years of intensive restoration, the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı has re-opened. It’s a breathtaking building built between 1578-1583 by Mimar Sinan, today it still has the traditional historical atmosphere with a twist of modern luxury.
From the moment you walk into the moment you leave this Turkish bath, you’ll be treated like royalty. You can expect to be greeted with Sherbet a traditional Turkish drink that dates back to the Ottoman empire. The lounging room is lined with a raised area for relaxing after your hammam. There is a cafe and tables in the center of the room where you can grab a bite to eat at.
I personally enjoy laying on the white cushions, sipping my tea, and enjoying the ambiance. After I typically head around the corner to one of Istanbul’s best coffee spots.
This Hammam has separate hours for men and women. Women’s hours are from 8:00 am –16:00 pm daily and Men’s from 16:30 to 23:00. You can check their services and make a reservation here.
