Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam is named after the sailor who commissioned Ottoman architecture's most famous architect. Built initially to serve Ottoman navy personnel, these hammams were intended to stand for centuries after they were constructed. It is famous for its spectacular dome, which is possibly the largest among Istanbul's hammams. However, the service provided by its present inhabitants is equally exceptional, and it is one of the best hammams in Istanbul.
You'll be greeted with a warm glass of sherbet as soon as you walk in, and your guide will explain the process to you. Your attention may be attracted to the awe-inspiring splendour of the décor.
Kılıç Ali Paşa is an uncommon example of a hammam that enables you to bring your children for half the fee. When you're through, you may enjoy a nice meal in the café. In addition, there is a souvenir shop near the entrance where you can purchase gifts. It's the ideal place to buy sesame or goat's milk soap for a friend.
Just be aware that bookings are required, and the hammam is only open in the morning and noon for the ladies, and in the afternoon and at night for the gents.
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
This is yet another popular hammam designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. This time, it was at the Hürrem Sultan's request. Between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque sits this Turkish spa. It is also close to Topkapı Palace in Istanbul's ancient centre. This is also the only Turkish spa built on the remnants of an older bath: The Byzantine Baths of Zeuxippus.
Their packages start at €55 for 30 minutes. If you decide to go all out, you'll get a cute goody bag at the end and can relax at the vitamin bar. In addition to the usual freebies, all packages include the natural olive oil soap, kese (the loofah mitt), shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.
Another fascinating fact is that this is one of the historic baths that is open from early morning till late at night. If you truly want to spoil yourself, you can receive messages on anything from your face to your feet.
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
If you want to relax after seeing Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia in the ancient city, why not visit a nearby hammam?
Despite being one of the last significant historical Turkish baths, Caalolu Hammam is a popular international destination. Choose this hammam to obtain the whole Turkish bath experience and put yourself in the company of Florence Nightingale, German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm, and even famed actor Omar Sharif. It's also the only hammam mentioned in the New York Times best-selling book '1001 Places to Visit Before You Die.' If that isn't sweet enough for you, the opulent Turkish dessert offered with the tea might be. Everything is available here. You can get a manicure and take home a goody bag. and cologne.
They have a bridal hammam package if you wish to pamper up before the big day if you are getting married in Istanbul.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı
This one is identical to the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan son's Hamam. You've surely heard of Mimar Sinan, the Ottoman Empire's favourite architect, who was commissioned by the royal family to design this hammam. This time, it was the wife of the current Sultan, Sultan Selim II. He is well-known for being the son of Hürrem Sultan. The 18th-century Indian Hammam-e-Qadimi was created in the style of this Turkish spa. You won't be surprised to hear that this Turkish bath offers a variety of international massages such as Indian Head Massage, Shiatzu, and Thai massage (women only).
This Turkish spa, located near the Grand Bazaar, includes separate men's and women's facilities.
Süleymaniye Hamamı
This is one of the oldest baths created in 1554 by the Ottoman Empire's most well-known architect, “Great Architect Sinan” (Mimar Sinan).
It is also another bath built for the Ottoman sultans, but this time for Sultan Suleiman.
Unlike other ancient baths, Süleymaniye Hammam invites couples for the entire bathing session (every day from 10 am to 10 pm). This is the greatest Turkish bath to arrange for a classic Turkish bath experience as a gift for an anniversary.
Süleymaniye Hamam may be Istanbul's only Turkish Bath with a separate time for men and women (Sundays). Every Sunday from 07:45 a.m. to 09:45 a.m. is allocated exclusively for women.
Çukurcuma Hamamı
Of all the Turkish baths in Istanbul, Italian/Turkish director Ferzan Özpetek chose this one for his first feature film: Hamam: The Turkish Bath.
Unlike the other baths on this list, Çukurcuma hammam has a breath-taking monochromatic hararet. This gives this Turkish bath a more contemporary spa feel compared to the other baths. Once you get there, you’ll find that they provide everything from one-use bikinis to makeup remover.
Çukurcuma Hamamı is another mixed hammam in Istanbul where couples can bathe together; however, children under 12 are not permitted.
This hammam is within walking distance of Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. Which makes this spot the perfect getaway when you’re exploring the Istanbul Old City.
Çukurcuma Hamamı has a great website where you can learn more about their services, prices and make a reservation: https://www.cukurcumahamami.com/en
Çatma Mescit Hamamı
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel like one of the many Ottoman Sultans. This Turkish hammam is known for using its organic products. If you pay a little more, your bubble bath will include energizing aromatherapy oils. This may be the ideal Turkish bath for a moisturizing treatment because you'll smell as sweet as honey when you're done. Unlike some other pathways, you can select from a variety of peels, including brown sugar, sea salt, and rose. Stop by if you want a classic Turkish bath experience as well as a hot stone massage.
Mihrimah Sultan Hamamı
Mihrimah Sultan, the only daughter of Sultan Suleiman and his wife Hürrem Sultan, commissioned the chief architect Sinan to build another hammam in Istanbul.
The prices are much lower than other baths on this list because this is the only traditional Turkish bath that the locals prefer. Which means that you may struggle to communicate with your attendant. Fortunately, the staff is accommodating, and, for a fraction of the price.
Women and men’s sections are completely separate. This bath can be a great choice if you are a large group of friends since it is not very busy.
Acemoğlu Historical Bath & Hammam
This Turkish hammam is located in the Istanbul old city and has been around for a little while. If you want to really let go during your bubble bath, this may be the best Turkish bath to do so in. We say that due to the soft pink lights that help you really unwind.
Further, this hammam offers hot tea with sweet snacks, and it’s not just the dried fruit, but the Turkish delights and those chocolate-covered nuts. Though the exact history is unknown, this Turkish bath has been around for centuries.
Final words
We hope you enjoyed our selection of Istanbul's top Turkish baths. A Turkish bath is not only a pleasant and cleansing experience for visitors to Istanbul, but it is also an opportunity to learn about Turkish culture.
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