Cistern Hammam and Spa Experience
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
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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Yoko –
‘The Turkish hamam was an amazing way to relax and unwind. The combination of steam, exfoliation and foam massage was like nothing I have ever experienced. The exfoliation left my skin feeling fresh and smooth, and the foam massage was so relaxing that I felt like I was floating. At the end of the session, I felt completely refreshed and ready to continue exploring Istanbul. It is an experience I will never forget.
Yoko –
‘I can’t believe how amazing the Turkish hamam was. The warmth of the marble and the steam instantly relaxed me, and the scrub left my skin soft and smooth. The foam massage was the perfect way to end the experience: it was so relaxing and luxurious. When I was done, I felt completely refreshed and renewed. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone visiting Turkey.
Gale –
You can experience a feeling of weightlessness in the göbek taşı.
Gordon rana –
The communal aspect of the hamam fosters a sense of connection.
Walter Sky –
It is an excellent way to prepare the skin for tanning by making it even.
Russell –
I had heard a lot about the Turkish hamam, but I was not prepared for how relaxing and rejuvenating it would be. From the traditional marble interiors to the soothing steam, everything was perfect. The scrub was thorough and the foam massage left my skin feeling very soft. I left the hamam feeling completely refreshed and at ease – definitely worth the experience!’
Seth Pérez –
The hamam was an amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I felt transported to a different time. The steam room was relaxing and I felt the scrub cleansed not only my skin, but also my soul. The lather The massage was luxurious and I felt completely pampered. I left feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated – definitely something you must try when in Istanbul!
Shaw Hall –
‘If you want to experience relaxation in a whole new way, the Turkish hamam is a must! The combination of steam, hot marble and deep scrub left me feeling like a new person. The foam massage was the perfect end to the experience. I was soothed, and my skin has never felt so soft. It is truly a cultural experience not to be missed when visiting Istanbul’.
Sheldon king –
‘The hamam was an amazing escape from the busy streets of Istanbul. I loved the whole process, from the warmth of the marble slab to the relaxing foam massage at the end. The scrub was thorough and my skin felt like new afterwards. It was more than just a spa treatment; it was a journey through history and tradition – I highly recommend it!
Simon Young –
‘This was one of the best experiences I have had in Istanbul. The hamam combined relaxation with a sense of tradition that you can’t find anywhere else. The scrub was a little intense, but my skin felt amazing afterwards. The foam massage was the icing on the cake. I left the hamam feeling completely at peace and rejuvenated – definitely worth every minute!