Cemberlitas Hammam: Turkish Bath & Spa in Sultanahmet

With stress at an all-time high, this is a good excuse to head to a Turkish bathhouse for a relaxing soak. Even better if it is a 500-year-old historic bath that still keeps its traditions! The Cemberlitas Hamam was built in 1584 by the famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan for Sultan's wife. Located next to the entrance of Grand Bazaar, it is easy to find and offers services like massages, manicures, and pedicures. Your experience here includes scrubbing, foaming, and relaxing, followed by a tea-drinking experience. Men and women have different sections, and each visitor gets a locker room with a bed, mirror, and a hairdryer. Moreover, you don't have to carry anything with you. The bathhouse has towels, slippers, shampoo, soap, deodorant, hairspray, and gel. While your experience can last approximately 1.5 hours, you can stay in for as long as you like. You can also opt for a good massage if you'd like to enjoy more self-care and if there is time in hand. It is totally worth it!

Cemberlitas Hammam: Turkish Bath & Spa in Sultanahmet

Discover Cemberlitas Hammam, a 500-year-old Turkish bathhouse located in the heart of Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, just steps away from Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. This guided tour offers an immersive experience at this iconic hammam, allowing visitors to indulge in traditional Ottoman bathing rituals that have been cherished for centuries. The tour includes a thorough scrubbing session followed by steam bath relaxation and concludes with a serene tea-drinking ceremony. For those seeking additional pampering, the option of a massage is available upon request. The entire experience lasts approximately two hours and is conducted in multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly entrance and facilities for all visitors to enjoy. This tour covers the most significant landmarks within Sultanahmet such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hippodrome of Constantinople. The tour is ideal for travelers looking to explore Istanbul's rich history while also relaxing in a unique cultural setting.

Explore Cemberlitas Hammam: A 500-Year-Old Turkish Bathhouse

Your tour stops at Cemberlitas Hammam, an iconic Ottoman bathhouse built in the early 16th century. Covering approximately 2,500 square meters, this hammam is renowned for its intricate tile work and domed ceilings that reach a height of over 18 meters. Visitors can admire the unique Kiosk of Sultan Ahmet I, which was added to the structure in 1634, and explore two main sections: the male section known as "Hünkâr Hamamı" and the female section called "Sultan Hamamı." Historical facts include its construction during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and its restoration in the early 20th century. Guests spend about one hour relaxing, scrubbing, and enjoying steam baths before concluding with a tea session. What makes Cemberlitas Hammam unique is its historical significance combined with modern amenities, offering an unparalleled blend of tradition and luxury that sets it apart from other hammams in Istanbul.

Relax at Hagia Sophia

Your tour continues to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque now serving as a museum. Constructed between 532 and 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I, this architectural marvel features an impressive dome measuring approximately 31 meters in diameter and 56 meters high. Visitors can explore its intricate mosaics and historical artifacts while learning about its rich history and cultural importance. The tour includes a guided visit lasting around 45 minutes, providing insights into the building's transformation from church to mosque and back to museum status in 2020.

Marvel at Topkapi Palace

The tour takes you next to Topkapi Palace, an expansive complex that served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Spanning approximately 70 hectares and featuring four main courtyards connected by gates such as Bab-us Selam (Gate of Salutation) and Bab-us Sirkeci (Gate of Spices), this palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman rulers. Highlights include the Harem, Treasury, and Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, each showcasing unique artifacts and historical significance. Visitors spend about 2 hours exploring various sections of the palace, gaining insight into its architectural splendor and cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Relax at Cemberlitas Hammam for a traditional Turkish bath
• Explore Hagia Sophia with guided visit in multiple languages
• Marvel at Topkapi Palace's historical artifacts and architecture
• Enjoy steam baths, scrubbing, and tea-drinking ceremony at hammam
• Experience Ottoman culture through detailed audio guides
• Indulge in a massage session for added self-care and relaxation
• Access wheelchair-friendly entrance and facilities at Cemberlitas Hammam
• Discover Hagia Sophia's transformation from church to museum

Perfect for history enthusiasts, travelers seeking cultural immersion, and those looking for unique experiences, this sightseeing tour provides an in-depth look into Istanbul's rich historical landmarks. The 2-hour format allows you to explore Cemberlitas Hammam, marvel at Hagia Sophia's grandeur, and delve into the opulence of Topkapi Palace, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Istanbul's cultural heritage.