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

Travelers Also Viewed

Similar experiences

Customer Reviews

503 reviews for Cistern Hammam and Spa Experience

  1. Patrick

    Entering the hammam was like stepping into a sanctuary of peace. The warm steam and soothing ambience put me at ease immediately. The traditional scrub was thorough and left my skin incredibly soft. Then the foam massage was the icing on the cake: very relaxing and soothing. It’s not just a bath, it’s an experience that cleanses both the body and the mind.

  2. Jane Salihović

    The Turkish hammam is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. From the moment you enter the steam room, you feel the stress of the world melt away. The exfoliating scrub and luxurious foam massage left my skin feeling soft and revitalised. ‘It’s a deeply relaxing ritual that I would recommend to anyone looking to relax in Istanbul

  3. Sarah Terzić

    What an amazing experience! The hammam is much more than just a bath; it is a deeply cultural and relaxing ritual. The warmth of the steam, combined with the foam massage and expert exfoliation, left me feeling completely rejuvenated. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone visiting Turkey; it is an unforgettable part of the country’s heritage

  4. Susan

    Visiting a Turkish Hamam is like stepping into another world. The beautiful architecture, the steam, and the soothing scents immediately transport you into a state of relaxation. The scrubbing process was invigorating, and the foam massage that followed was pure bliss. It’s the perfect way to unwind and experience an essential part of Turkish culture.

  5. Margaret

    A truly pleasurable experience.

  6. Helen

    So relaxing I didn’t want to leave.

  7. Karen

    The perfect retreat from a busy day

  8. Jessica Ademović

    A unique and refreshing experience

  9. Luna

    A visit to the Turkish Hamam is not just about cleansing your body; it is about cleansing your soul. The gentle exfoliation, deep relaxation and soothing atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience. 🧖‍♂️💆‍♀️

  10. Harper Lehner

    Let the warmth of the Hamam and its relaxing rituals wash over you. The tranquil atmosphere will help you relax, unwind and refresh your body and mind. 🌸💧

Add a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *