The back story 1
How the hammam works.
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The back story
The hammam: the back story
Warm marble, steam rising into a dome pierced with stars of light, a vigorous scrub and a foam wash: the Turkish bath is one of the great pleasures of Istanbul.
7 of the best · Istanbul, Türkiye
The Best Hammams in Istanbul
Warm marble, steam and a vigorous scrub under a dome of light: the Turkish bath, in buildings by the great architects.
Our 7 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
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Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Istanbul.
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Sinan’s restored masterpiece
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Sinan’s hammam of the 1580s in Tophane, beautifully restored, with set hours for women and men.
Hamam Sokak, Tophane, BeyoğluExplore View on map
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The bathhouse of 1741
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
One of the most famous hammams in Istanbul, built in 1741 near Hagia Sophia, with separate sections for men and women.
Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Caddesi, Cağaloğlu, FatihExplore View on map
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Sinan’s bath between the great mosques
Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Sinan’s hammam of 1556 for Hürrem Sultan, standing between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, restored as a luxury bath.
Ayasofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet, FatihExplore View on map
The full list: Hammams & spas, A–Z
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Historic hammams 6
Five centuries of bathing.
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The bathhouse of 1741
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
One of the most famous hammams in Istanbul, built in 1741 near Hagia Sophia, with separate sections for men and women.
Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Caddesi, Cağaloğlu, FatihExplore View on map
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Sinan’s hammam on Divan Yolu
Çemberlitaş Hamamı
A hammam designed by Sinan in 1584, on Divan Yolu by the Column of Constantine.
Vezirhanı Caddesi No:8, Çemberlitaş, FatihExplore View on map
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A bath of 1481 off İstiklal
Galatasaray Hamamı
A historic hammam of 1481, just off İstiklal Avenue, with separate men’s and women’s sections.
Turnacıbaşı Sokak, BeyoğluExplore View on map
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Sinan’s bath between the great mosques
Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Sinan’s hammam of 1556 for Hürrem Sultan, standing between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, restored as a luxury bath.
Ayasofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet, FatihExplore View on map
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Sinan’s restored masterpiece
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Sinan’s hammam of the 1580s in Tophane, beautifully restored, with set hours for women and men.
Hamam Sokak, Tophane, BeyoğluExplore View on map
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Part of the Süleymaniye complex
Süleymaniye Hamamı
The hammam of the Süleymaniye complex, by Sinan, beside the great mosque.
Mimar Sinan Caddesi, Süleymaniye, FatihExplore View on map
