Description
Know before you go to the Cagaloglu Turkish Bath Hamam
• There are some strict hamam rules to be followed. For example, there is no mixing of the sexes. Either the Turkish bath has 2 sections (1 for each sex), or it admits men and women at different times of the day
• Men usually completely strip and wear nothing underneath the bath wrap. Women, on the other hand, typically keep their underwear on (but often not their bra) underneath the bath wrap. The choice is yours
• Cagaloglu Hamami is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 10 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm
• The masseur and scrubber will be the same sex as you are
• Standard soap is used. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to some products, bring your own soap
• Advance booking is always advisable
• The tip is normally 10-20 per cent of the total amount
About this activity
Printed or mobile voucher accepted
Once your online booking has been confirmed an order confirmation will be sent to the email address you specified. This will contain a link to allow you to download your e-tickets.
Your ticket(s) is/are valid only for the number of person(s), the date and the entry time slot stated on its/their face(s).
Pregnant women are not advised to participate in this hamam experience
Full description
The Turkish bath is a long-revered custom, centuries-old; perfect for those looking for a truly physical and spiritual cleansing experience.
Cağaloğlu is the last big hamam built in the Ottoman era and was put in the list of 1000 must-see places before you die by New York Times!
The Cagaloglu Hamam, finished in 1741, is the last hamam to be built in the Ottoman Empire. It was constructed in Istanbul Eminönü, in Alemdar, on Hilal-i Ahmer street as a public hamam to raise revenue for the library of Sultan Mahmud I, previously situated inside the Hagia Sophia.
Prepare to leave the chaos and humdrum of life behind as soon as you enter the Turkish bath. Immerse yourself and embrace traditional custom by wearing the waistcloth and clogs provided.
Not quite for the faint-hearted, inside the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees Celcius under the central dome of the building.
The combined intense heat and humidity encourage the pores to open and impurities to be extracted from the body.
Following which, your skin will be gently exfoliated with a Turkish scrub and you will receive a soothing soap massage.
Finally, after resting, you can enjoy Turkish tea before being taken back to your hotel feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed.
About Cagaloglu Hamam
Turkish baths have been considered an art form for hundreds of years. Step back in time to 1741 for a scrub under the stately domes of Cagaloglu Hamami, a bathhouse popular among locals, tourists and even Hollywood royalty.
Close to the massive dome and four minarets of Hagia Sophia (once the world’s largest Christian church), Cagaloğlu Hamami was the last hammam to be built during the Ottoman Empire, in 1741, by Sultan Mahmud. By far the most spectacular of Istanbul’s hammams, it is absolutely stunning and a must for spa pilgrims, or merely curious tourists.
Tourists in search of an authentic hammam are the main customers here, but they are in good company: Florence Nightingale, Kaiser Wilhelm I and Tony Curtis are all said to have come here.
As Cagaloglu Hamam is near the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, it is a good place to refresh after a day of sightseeing and exploring. In the old days women and men had separate days to visit, but now it offers separate baths for men and women and a range of services. The exfoliating and washing is €50. The Turkish Bath Pack, which include exfoliation, washing and 45-minute massage is €120.
Address: Alemdar Mah. Profesör Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cad. No: 34 Cağaloğlu Hamamı 34110 Fatih, İstanbul/Turkey
sophiegrundy –
This is the perfect Place for your first Turkish bath experience with a sense of tradition and tranquility. From the minute you walk through the doors you enter the door you leave the stresses of the city behind. The Hammam is beautiful and the staff professional and the experience is well worth the cost. The Tuskishbaths.org website made choosing this Turkish bath and booking the right package easy and you can book ahead of your trip. I highly recommend this experience and if you only do it once then do it here.
Joanna –
A Turkish bath experience at Cağaloğlu Hamami is the perfect way to end a trip to Istanbul. Upon entering the historical Cagaloglu Hamami you immediately feel relaxed. The staff were really friendly and attentive. We were welcomed by the manager who explained the Turkish Bath ritual to us which was very useful as it was my friend’s first experience.
The overall experience took about an hour and we were expertly led through it by the kind attendants. It started with us sitting in a hot room which was a great way for your body to unwind and prepare for the actual treatments. I was then led to the main room where you lay on the raised marble for the treatment. The exfoliation was surprising as it’s amazing how much dead skin comes off and I particularly enjoyed the soap massage. I was then led to the washing station where I had my hair washed with a short head massage. I have never felt so clean and relaxed! Next time I will book a longer massage!
After the treatment my friends and I sat and enjoyed a Turkish sherbet drink, a traditional fizzy drink and some Turkish delight. We weren’t rushed to get changed but rather left to relax and chat about our experience which was a great way to finish the ritual.
Lou Carmichael –
Not really knowing what to expect from a Hammam experience, my friend and I walked in after a busy morning of exploring the Grand Bazaar and were immediately greeted by the friendly and helpful staff. By booking online through turkishbaths.org, our names and reservations were noted and we were led through to some fancy changing rooms, given a towel and water, and walked over to the main bathing area. After sitting in a lovely old steam room for a little while, we were individually greeted by an attendant who led us to the raised marble platform and told us to lie down. It was an odd experience at first, feeling a little exposed, but the calming atmosphere and kind assurance of the attendant allowed us to fully embrace and enjoy the exfoliation and soap massage.
Following the massage, we were led to the hair washing station where we were given a short scalp massage and hair wash, and from there we went out into the open changing room area to enjoy some traditional tea, sherbert and turkish delight. It was entirely relaxing, with no rush to get changed or leave the area.
The entire thing was enjoyable and calming, and a brilliant thing to experience when visiting Turkey. Cağaloğlu Hamami itself is also in a nice location, not too far from the Grand Bazaar and therefore a great way to unwind after a busy morning of haggling! The changing rooms are clean, well-attended and you’re provided with a personal key to lock your belongings safely away. The only things I’d recommend to bring are some bikini bottoms and a hairbrush – everything else (including sandals, hair towels, makeup remover, hairdryer and soap/shampoo) is provided for you.
hannasofie1997 –
This was a wonderful experience! I had never been to a Turkish Hamam before, and didn’t know what to expect when I walked through the doors of this beautiful spa. We were warmly welcomed by very helpful staff who guided us through to the lavishly decorated changing areas. Our personal items were securely locked away in our own private changing rooms, and we were given a Turkish Hamam towel, slippers and undergarment to wear during the experience. Each were allocated a masseuse who took care of us in this women’s only spa treatment. The marble octagonal room was clean and had a warm and calming atmosphere, and I felt completely relaxed although exposed. The exposure becomes natural after a few minutes as there is no space for judgement. After being scrubbed and massaged we were given inclusive Turkish tea and delights. This was an overall pleasant experience and I would definitely book through this site again. Easy and affordable for a must do activity in Istanbul! Thank you!
francesca –
This hamam was in a good location not far from other touristic sites so was easy to find. I had never been to one before so was not sure what to expect but felt reassured by the immediate relaxing atmosphere and friendly smiling staff. After being taken to a personal changing room to leave my things safely I was lead into a steam room to sit for a while before the wash began. Once again the staff were very friendly and welcoming and explained the process as we went through so there will be no confusion if it is also your first hamam experience.
The bathing involved an exfoliating scrub with a massage and lots of bubbles that made you come out of it feeling very refreshed, smooth and squeaky clean. My friend and I were then lead to another room where we were brought tea, sherbert and turkish delight which was a lovely way to finish.
I would definitely recommend this experience!
rhdesouza –
I loved the history and the ambience. I liked that this was a lovely facility without being fully restored. I loved the decor and the service provided with a smile. Efficient and clean, with all the accessories I could ask for even a hairdryer. Really good scrub, very firm massage which I liked, good rinses and hair wash and conditioning and so very relaxing. I could have stayed in there all day. I’ll be back for sure.