Cistern Hammam and Spa Experience

★★★★★ 5 (503 ratings) ✓ Free Cancel
Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
Secure online paymentPay by credit card at checkout
Duration 1.5 HoursAvailable daily
Professional attendantsExperienced tellak & natir

A complimentary guide with your booking

Localada Istanbul travel guide, free with every Istanbul Hamam booking

About Cistern Hammam & Spa

Upon entering, guests are enveloped by the epitome of Turkish hospitality, now enhanced by the luxurious standards Hilton is renowned for. The spa’s interiors, featuring stunning marble and intricate tile work, create a serene atmosphere of elegance and calm.

Your journey of rejuvenation begins in the warm embrace of the sauna, where the soft heat prepares you for the unique experience of bathing beside an ancient cistern, under a sky of softly lit ambiance. The transition to the hot room, where heated marble platforms await, is an experience that soothes muscles and calms the mind.

Professional therapists elevate the traditional hammam experience, offering a variety of massage therapies, including scrubs with the classic kese and massages that relax and restore you.

Nestled just behind Hagia Sophia, on the famous Ottoman Street that leads directly to the Topkapi Palace, the Historical Cistern Hammam & Spa’s location is unparalleled.

Highlights

  • Unique spa experience inside a historic Ottoman cistern
  • Modern luxury blended with historical authenticity
  • Located behind Hagia Sophia on Ottoman Street
  • Private hammam with professional female therapists
  • Cistern pool access and sauna sessions included

What's Included

Sauna session
Cistern pool access
Swedish massage (basic package)
Traditional Turkish kese scrub and soap massage (select packages)
Sultan massage with four hands (premium package)
Aromatherapy massage (couple package)
Linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion
100% olive oil soap
One-use slippers and towels

Not Included

Tip

Know Before You Go

  • All guests receive linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion, and olive oil soap
  • Not suitable for pregnant women
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions or diabetes
  • Children under 6 years not permitted
  • No luggage or large bags allowed
  • Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cistern Hammam located?

Cistern Hammam is located right behind Hagia Sophia on Ottoman Street, in the heart of Istanbul's Old City, just a 2-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square and 1-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.

Is it a real Ottoman cistern?

Yes, the hammam is housed within a cistern dating back to the Ottoman period, creating a unique and atmospheric bathing experience.

Are there packages for couples?

Yes, the Couple Romance package is designed specifically for couples, including aromatherapy massage in a private setting.

What are the operating hours?

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Location

Cankurtaran, Ottoman St., Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul

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Customer Reviews

503 reviews for Cistern Hammam and Spa Experience

  1. Dean winchester

    ‘This hammam experience was unlike any other spa visit I have ever had. The rich history behind the building and traditional practices made it feel authentic. The hot stones were incredibly relaxing and the attention to detail in the wash and massage left me feeling revitalised. I’m already planning my next visit!’

  2. Delmar

    The steam helps to clear the sinuses.

  3. Anna

    A perfect escape from everyday stress.

  4. Anne

    Exfoliating scrub leaves skin feeling silky smooth.

  5. Mustafa ay

    A unique way to bond with friends.

  6. Zeynep yılmaz

    The ritual is a form of self-care.

  7. Lauretta Myers

    ‘I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the hammam experience exceeded all my expectations. The whole process, from the steam bath to the exfoliation and foam massage, was relaxing and energising at the same time. I left feeling deeply cleansed and incredibly relaxed. My skin felt softer than ever and the sense of peace stayed with me for days.

  8. Leatrice Long

    ‘I’ve always wanted to try a Turkish hammam, and I was not disappointed! The heat, steam and exfoliation were very purifying, and the foam massage was incredibly relaxing. Afterwards I felt like a new person: refreshed, cleansed and at peace. It’s more than just a spa treatment; it’s a true cultural experience.

  9. Lexi

    ‘My experience in the Turkish hammam was incredible. The warmth of the steam, the invigorating scrub and the foam massage combined to create the most relaxing experience of my life. I left feeling not only refreshed but completely renewed. My skin was soft and glowing, and I felt more relaxed than I had in a long time.

  10. Lily

    ‘Entering the Turkish hammam was like stepping into another world. The hot steam immediately began to soothe my muscles and the scrub left my skin softer than ever. The foam massage was the most relaxing part, making me feel completely pampered. It was a cleansing experience for the body and soul.

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