Historical Hammams & Turkish Baths in Istanbul
One of the unique traditions of Turkey is, of course, Turkish Baths. In Turkish, it is called "Hamam". In the past, hammam was an important social tradition. People went there not only to wash, but also to meet friends and talk. It was a place for social life.
It is know that After Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul in 1453, he gave great importance to the city. He built many public buildings, including 19 hamams. These hamams creatde a social life in the city. Today, hamams are still an important cultural tradition in Turkey.
There are some basics that every traveler needs to know before going to a bath, but what is precisely a Turkish Bath? A Turkish bath would have three sections:
The first section you would see is where you would be given room to change your clothes. After changing your outfits, you would wear the towels provided by the bath to be able to enter the second section.
The second section is called the middle section. This name is given because the temperature here is a little low to prepare you for the heat before the hottest section of the bath.
The third section is the hottest section. This section is called as "hell" by the locals. This is the section where you would lay on a marble platform and have your massage. A little warning, Turkish massage is a little intense compared to Asian-style massages. If you don't like strong massages, you can inform the masseur beforehand.
There is no need to bring soap, shampoo, or towels as everything would be provided by the bath. The only thing that you may take with you is new clothes to wear after the bath. For your own experience, here are some of the best Turkish Baths in Istanbul.
Sultan Suleyman Hammam
Discover the essence of Ottoman luxury with Istanbul E-pass's discounted access to Sultan Suleyman Hammam. Enjoy an exclusive, private bath experience with a variety of packages to choose from, including Traditional Turkish Hammam, Sultan Suleyman Hammam (VIP and Deluxe options available). For added convenience, Sultan Suleyman Hammam provides pick-up and drop-off services from centrally located hotels. Experience a retreat of relaxation and cultural indulgence, where the rich tapestry of history seamlessly blends with modern comfort. Click here to book and explore the diverse packages, also treat yourself to a spa escape like no other.
Opening Hours: The Sultan Suleyman Hammam is open everyday between 11.00-22.00.
Cemberlitas Turkish Bath
Located within walking distance of many hotels in the Old City, CemberlitasTurkish Bath is one of the oldest baths in Istanbul. It was opened in the 16th century by the wife of the Sultan and was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. The bath has a double-domed structure, which allows men and women to use the bath at the same time in separate sections.
How to get Cemberlitas Turkish Bath
From Taksim to Cemberlitas Turkish Bath: Take a funicular (F1) to Kabatas station and change to a T1 tram to Bagcilar direction and get off at Cemberlitas station.
Opening Hours: Cemberlitas Turkish Bath is open everyday from 07.30 to 22.30.
Kilic Ali Pasa Turkish Bath
Located near the Tophane T1 tram station, Kilic Ali Pasha Bath has been recently renovated and reopened to the public. It was originally built in the 16th century by one of the Sultan’s navy admirals, who also ordered the construction of the mosque next to the bath. Kilic Ali Pasha Bath has a single dome, so men and women use the same section at different times of the day.
How to get Kilic Ali Pasa Turkish Bath
From Sultanahmet to Kilic Ali Pasa Turkish Bath: Take the T1 tram to Kabatas direction from Sultanahmet station and get off at Tophane Station
From Taksim to Kilic Ali Pasa Turkish Bath: Take the funicular from Taksim square to Kabatas station and change to the T1 tram, get off at Tophane station.
Opening hours: It is open everyday. The opening hours vary. The bath is open for women from 08.00 to 16.00, and for men it is open from 16.45 to 23.30.
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Galatasaray Turkish Bath
Galatasaray Bath was built in Beyoğlu by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II. It was opened in 1484 after a request from Gul Baba, an important figure of the time. It is still an active Turkish bath with a different section for men and women.
How to get Galatasaray Turkish Bath
From Sultanahmet to Galatasaray Turkish Bath: Take the T1 tram to Kabatas station, change to the F1 funicular and get off Taksim station and walk around 10 minutes to Galatasaray Turkish Bath through stiklal Street.
Opening hours: Galatasaray Hammam is open everyday between 09.00-21.00.
Suleymaniye Turkish Bath
Built in 1557 by the order of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the Süleymaniye Turkish Bath was designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. It was constructed at the same time as the Süleymaniye Mosque and its complex, the largest mosque complex in Istanbul. Located next to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the bath dates back to the 16th century.
How to get Suleymaniye Turkish Bath
From Sultanahmet to Suleymaniye Turkish Bath: There are three options. First, one is to walk around 30 minutes to Suleymaniye Turkish Bath. The second option is tram T1 Tram from Sultanahmet station to Laleli station and walk around 10-15 minutes. The last option is, to take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet station to Eminonu and walk for around 20 minutes.
From Taksim to Suleymaniye Turkish Bath: There are two options. The first one is to take a funicular from Taksim square to Kabatas station and change to the T1 tram to Eminonu station and walk for around 20 minutes. The second option is to take the metro M1 from Taksim to Vezneciler station and walk around 10-15 minutes to Suleymaniye Turkish Bath.
Opening hours: It is open everyday between 10.00-21.00.
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Haseki Hurrem Turkish Bath
The Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hammam was designed and built by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect. It was built in the 16th century (1556–1557) at the request of Hurrem Sultan, the wife of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The hammam is located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Today, it is a famous historical bath that welcomes visitors and offers traditional Turkish bath experiences. The Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hammam is one of the most luxurious baths in Istanbul. It is well known for its silk towels and gold-plated water taps. The bath has separate sections for men and women, so they can use the hammam comfortably at the same time.
How to get to the Haseki Hurrem Turkish Bath
From Taksim to Haseki Hurrem Turkish Bath: Take a Funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station and change to tram line (T1) to Sultanahmet station.
Opening hours: It is open everyday between 08.00-22.00.
Cagaloglu Turkish Bath
Located in the center of the old city, Sultanahmet, Cagaloglu Turkish Bath is a functioning Turkish bath from the 18th century. It has separate sections for men and women. The most important feature of the bath is that this bath is in the book "1001 Things You Must Do Before You Die ". It had many visitors in its history for more than 300 years, including Hollywood stars, famous diplomats, football players, etc.
How to get Cagaloglu Turkish Bath
From Taksim to the Cagaloglu Turkish Bath: Take a Funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station and change to tram line (T1) to Sultanahmet station
Opening hours: It is open everyday between 11.00-21.00.
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The Final Word
In summary, Istanbul boasts numerous hammams, and with an Istanbul E-pass, you gain access to one of the most exceptional ones – Sultan Suleyman Hammam. Offering both pick-up and drop-off services, as well as a private experience, this hammam ensures you feel truly valued throughout your visit. The Istanbul E-pass provides an opportunity to elevate your hammam experience, making it not just a bath but a personalized and precious indulgence.