Historical Cemberlitas Hammam in Old City
See all photos → 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 Cemberlitas Hammam
Discover the timeless elegance of Cemberlitas Hammam, a historical treasure nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Dating back to the 16th century, this magnificent bath offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious world of Ottoman bathing culture, blending historical grandeur with modern comforts.
Cemberlitas Hammam is thoughtfully divided into separate sections for men and women, each a mirror image of the other, ensuring privacy and comfort. This arrangement not only respects traditional customs but also offers a personalized experience tailored to the needs of every guest.
Your journey begins in the warm room, where you will acclimate to the relaxing ambiance of the hamam. Next, you’ll move into the hot room, the heart of the hamam experience. Recline on the heated central marble platform, known as the ‘Göbektaşı,’ where the heat penetrates your muscles, easing tension and opening your pores.
Skilled therapists, matching the gender of the guests, will provide you with an authentic Ottoman bathing experience. Male therapists expertly perform the traditional kese (scrubbing) and massage for men, while female therapists offer the same meticulous care in the women’s section.
After your scrub and massage, you can retreat to the cool room. This final stage allows your body to gradually adjust to normal temperatures.
A Brief History of Cemberlitas Hammam
Cemberlitas Hammam was built in 1584 for Nurbanu Sultan — wife of Sultan Selim II and mother of Murad III — by the team of court architects working under Mimar Sinan. A classic double bath of stone and brick, it has welcomed bathers for more than four centuries. The men’s entrance still carries a period inscription which, in the historical record, was “written by the poet Sa’i-i Da’i” in praise of its founder. Source: Cemberlitas Hamami, historical record.
Highlights
- Built in 1584 by the great architect Mimar Sinan
- Separate male/female sections with same-gender therapists
- Iconic domed architecture with natural light from star-shaped skylights
- Located steps away from the Grand Bazaar and Column of Constantine
- One of the most photographed hammams in the world
What's Included
Hot room rest on heated marble stone (göbek taşı)
Kese exfoliating scrub with one-use glove
Bubble bath with foam massage
Oil massage in private room (select packages)
Turkish tea and sherbet
Turkish delight
Linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion
100% olive oil soap
One-use slippers, towels, and breechcloth
Not Included
Tip
Know Before You Go
- All guests receive shampoo, soap, slippers, towels, and breechcloth
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Not recommended for people with heart disease, diabetes, or asthma
- Children under 6 years not permitted
- No luggage or large bags allowed
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cemberlitas Hammam located?
Cemberlitas Hammam is located on Vezirhan Caddesi No:8, right next to the Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş column), just a few steps from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul's Old City.
Who built Cemberlitas Hammam?
Cemberlitas Hammam was built in 1584 by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan, mother of Sultan Murad III.
Are there separate sections for men and women?
Yes, there are completely separate sections for men and women with gender-matching therapists.
What are the operating hours?
Cemberlitas Hammam is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How close is it to the Grand Bazaar?
Just a 2-minute walk away from the Grand Bazaar entrance.
Location
Vezirhan Cd. No:8, Çemberlitaş, Fatih, Istanbul
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Sylvan Oxenham –
Very
professional service
(Review of Istanbul Hamam, originally published on Google)
Brenda Reimann –
If you decide to do a hamam experience in Istanbul, choose this 300 year-old gem. It’s the best you can find in the city. I booked the Ottoman service and it was incredible from start to finish, with delicious snacks and drinks.
(Review of Istanbul Hamam, originally published on Google)
Susanne F –
The true hamam experience
The true hamam experience in historic building by renowned Architect Sinan.
(Review of Historical Cemberlitas Hammam in Old City, originally published on TripAdvisor)
Janet C –
This is a traditional hamam and not a hotel spa – enjoy a different experience!
No grand entrance – look out for a small shopfront close to the tram stop in the entrance area of the square.I went alone, with no Turkish language, and it was fine, but all very different to a hotel spa treatment. You are given a thin towel (this is to lay on and not to dry yourself with because it’s going to get soaked); a box with a glove for the soap masseur to use; and bikini bottoms (fine). Changing room upstairs and a sturdy locker and strong key. Secure set up.Then into the hamam. Hot, steamy, a bit ‘wow’ after the entrance experience, light coming through the circles in the domed roof, and you’ll be met and told to ‘lie down’. The experience begins. I couldn’t chit-chat, so it was all basic instructions – lay down, roll over, etc.Washed down by hand, soapy massage, and then … get ready for this … just as you are relaxing … its time for the rinse down. This is basically the force of jugs of water thrown over your face, hair, body. About 10-15 minutes for all of this.Then time to relax as long as you wish in the hamam and then sit and cool down in a space next to the changing rooms, where you’ll be given your fluffy towel and there are hairdryers available.Would definitely recommend and hopefully your expectations will be a bit clearer than mine were … The whole experience was around an hour but you could have lingered longer. You’ll remember it!
(Review of Historical Cemberlitas Hammam in Old City, originally published on TripAdvisor)
Kerem Özünal –
The historic architecture and serene atmosphere of Cemberlitas Hamam made my visit unforgettable. A must-do for anyone exploring Istanbul.
(Review of Historical Cemberlitas Hammam in Old City, originally published on Google)
Hakan Özdemir –
The Çemberlitaş bathhouse impressed me greatly with both its historical texture and architecture. The bathhouse is spotlessly clean. It truly stands the test of time. I would also like to thank the staff for their attentiveness and the importance they place on hygiene.
(Review of Historical Cemberlitas Hammam in Old City, originally published on Google)