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. Marie

    20.
    ‘My experience at the hammam was one of pure bliss. From the moment I walked in, I felt surrounded by warmth and relaxation. The steam helped me relax, the exfoliation left my skin feeling very soft and the foam massage was the perfect ending to the After the treatment I felt completely rejuvenated, both inside and out.

  2. Joshua

    Separated by gender for privacy.

  3. Nadine Foster

    Helps to clear the respiratory system.

  4. Nancy Sanders

    Ideal for winter relaxation.

  5. Nicole

    Provides cultural immersion.

  6. Octavia

    Promotes lymphatic drainage.

  7. Kaitlyn

    A hamam session is often followed by moisturising, which improves skin hydration.

  8. Anthony

    ‘My Turkish hamam experience was one of the best parts of my trip to Istanbul. The warm steam helped me relax and the scrub left my skin feeling incredibly soft. But it was the foam massage that really made the experience unforgettable. It was so relaxing and I could feel all the tension leaving my body. At the end of the session, I felt completely refreshed and would recommend it to anyone visiting Turkey.

  9. Serena Ashley brody

    ‘The Turkish hamam was an amazing experience from start to finish. The steam room was the perfect way to relax and the scrub left my skin feeling soft and smooth. The foam massage was gentle but effective, and I could feel all the stress melting away. The whole experience felt luxurious and I left the hamam feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s something I would definitely do again.

  10. Bill beaird

    ‘My Turkish bath experience was beyond relaxing. The warm steam was the perfect way to relax and the scrub left my skin feeling soft and refreshed. The foam massage was the highlight – I felt like I was enveloped in bubbles. By the end of the session, I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The hamam is a must experience for anyone visiting Istanbul, and I can’t wait to go back!

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