Absolutely incredible experience and definitely a highlight during our 15 day European adventure. When my 13 year old Autistic son heard we were going to be visiting Istanbul, somehow he found out about a Turkish Bath and asked if we could go. I hesitated somewhat as we were traveling with a group of 7 (2 men, 2 women, 2 girls aged 14 & 15 and 1 13-year old boy) and I didn't think he fully understood what a Turkish Bath was. Frankly, I didn't know either! After I did some research, it actually did sound like something we just had to do so I checked Yelp, Tripadvisor and Google and it was pretty clear which Hamman was the best in the city. If Cagaloglu Hamami was good enough for Oprah, Harrison Ford and Steve Irwin (whose pictures adorn the entry hallway among many other celebrities' photos), I figured it would be good enough for us! The building itself is beautiful; it isn't the oldest Hammam in Istanbul but it certainly appeared old and very charming. Right after we stepped out of the taxi, the gracious staff greeted us warmly and directed us inside. The staff explained the service we signed up for (Hamami Ritual Bath at $90) and offered an additional mud bath for $40. We opted to do the additional and were soon separated; the girls went to their side of the building and the boys went to ours. We were shown to our individual cozy changing rooms and given keys to lock our belongings inside. The rooms were provided with a bottle of water, body lotion and even a toothbrush with toothpaste! We put on the comfortable towels and met our "tellaks" (male attendants) who led us inside the hot room where we relaxed with another provided bottle of water for about 15-20 minutes. The room's temperature is very comfortable, certainly not swelteringly hot. Afterwards, our towel enrobed tellaks led us by the arm to the main room where we were instructed to lay down on marble slab tables. It sounds uncomfortable but it really wasn't. Our "Hamman Ritual" involved a scrub, massage, a bubble bath and of course the extra mud application. This was amazing. The scrub wasn't too harsh or rough and the massage was fantastic. And the bubbles were amazing. They pour buckets of heavy, velvety bubbles over you and the sensation is honestly amazing. Afterwards, buckets and buckets of warm, cold and warm water again to rinse you off. I was nervous because I had accidentally swallowed some but the water is clean and potable as I didn't get sick. The mud was then applied and left on for about 10 minutes followed by more rinsing, all the while we continued to lay on the marble slab looking up at the beautiful domed building with light peeking through various windows. All throughout the ritual, genitals were covered by the towel (should you have any concern). Afterwards, we were returned to our changing rooms where we got dressed, exited and were met by our tellaks who provided us with generous helpings of delicious tea, juice, Turkish delight, nuts and dried apricots. My son's tellak gifted him a pair of slippers and we all received soaps to take home. Shortly thereafter, the girls rejoined us and reported that while they had been nervous at first, that they, too, had an absolutely wonderful experience. The $90 pricepoint seemed fine for us and we did opt for the addditonal $40 mud application. Perhaps that could have been a little less expensive but we all opted in because we'd likely never be back and it added to the overall experience and time. They also offer additional massage services but the Ritual was perfect as it was. The staff from start to finish were all very professional, helpful and kind and the overall experience lasted a very relaxed hour and a half to two hours. We tipped about 10% as that is what we read is customary in Turkey. If you have extra time, they also have a lovely restaurant and small bar inside as well! We didn't order anything, however. Visiting Cagaloglu Hamami is an absolute must if you visit Istanbul. Make sure to make reservations! read more

See all

Very beautiful and historic place. World class service. Our party got the Cagaloglu package and left feeling relaxed and pampered.

The bath was lovely! Seda shepherded us through the process and Giğdem took great care of my in the bath. Thoroughly enjoyable and unique (for us) experience in the ancient bathhouse! Would visit again! read more

I'm so glad I experienced this Turkish tradition. I chose the Sultan Mahmud The First and it was a lovely experience. The only reason it didn't get five stars is because unfortunately there was a screaming child the entire time while this was supposed to be a peaceful, serene experience. I started off in the sauna, and then was led to the bathing area by a lovely woman. There was another woman waiting for me and they laid me down on the marble and bathed me, followed by bubbles and a light massage. I added the clay body mask and let that sit for a bit. Once rinsed off they let me relax with some tea and treats and gave me a foot massage. After relaxing and enjoying the treats it was followed by another massage. Overall an experience, and it was quite nice. Women and men are separated, but you will be mostly nude in front of others. Make sure you're comfortable with that. I'd definitely come back to experience it again. read more

You can feel the scope of the past eras upon entering here. What an unforgettable experience that'll be forever imprinted on my traveling journeys. This place dates back to the Ottoman Empire the decor is like walking back into time. This is truly a luxury experience, and I can see why they have a wall of all of the great celebrities that have visited this establishment. I never felt more relaxed, or well taken care of. If you're ever visiting Istanbul this should be at the top of your list of experiences. read more

See all

You must try Turkish bath in Istanbul (the oldest Turkish bath house more than 300 hundred years). Nice customer service. Reservation is strongly recommended read more

Amazing experience, I was torn on how to rate this because the bath and massage was amazing... but the reservation process, reception and the fact that they cheated me out of massage/service time kinda rubbed me the wrong way. Now let me elaborate. If you are a woman, and a foreigner, you will definitely have to make a reservation. Men can walk in whenever, but it seems that they don't have enough staff on the female side. I walked in to make a reservation and they told me they were full. I tried to email them, but I received the same answer. Then someone else (I will be vague because I don't want to burn them.) reached out and lo and behold! They suddenly have an opening! When I entered the facility, it is very beautiful and grand. We were given a form to fill out and were then asked to pay our bill. I noticed the receptionist gave a little introduction and walkthrough to the other guests, but we were given none. I ordered the Tip to Toe (60 min) experience, and like some reviews online mentioned, they do cheat you on time. My experience totaled a little under 45 minutes (I took photos so I have the time stamps). Instead of giving me a 35 minute bubble massage they left me in the hot room longer than the other guests, so that it would give me the illusion that my experience was longer than theirs (since they ordered the Istanbul Dream which lasts 45 min.). The experience itself was great, and I can't complain there. Such a fun experience, and definitely worth trying. Loved all the bubbles and scrub! Though they say that tip isn't necessary, they definitely expect it. My lady waited for me right outside my door, so be ready to fill that envelope! TLDR: Front desk/Reception area wasn't very friendly. Experience was amazing! But be aware that they will cheat you on massage time. read more

See all

Reliable as it has been, immutable for 20years since last visit, and for hundreds of years before. It's a big splurge, but it's an experience to be had, at least once. Be walked through its steady rituals, ordered from changing in your locked cabinette, walked désabhillé except for your waisted fabric. Sweated in the marble sauna, preparing to be tenderized, Scraped briskly with the abrasive glove whilst lying on the central marble, hot under the dome, then lather-scrubbed with soap clouds like a college fountain doses with dishwashing liquid over night. Then ritual hot water pouted over agin and again and vigorous massage. Yes you are modestly covered throughout Yea its a whole thing Yup you gotta try it As all the photoed celebs have. read more

See all

This was the highlight of our trip to Istanbul. The most wonderful relaxing experience in a 300 year old bath house. Ask for Huseyin.

First thing to remember when visiting Turkey is that most of the sites there are quite old, especially when you compare it to the Americas. This place was lovely, I had a hard time finding it more so because the streets are a bit narrow but getting lost you see other stuff. My husband and I did the hammam I never got around to trying it during my other visits to Turkey. My husband had no idea what to expect, I had a general idea from watching Anthony Bourdain's travel shows (RIP), this place was splendid. Keep in mind that the men's and women's areas are separated, and yes there might be other naked people when you are doing your hammam ritual so just don't let that throw you for a loop. The inside of the building is just a testament to age which adds to the charm. read more

See all

Had an Istanbul Dream ~€90 (Guy Section) - it was very good. As you walk into the hamami you enter the guys section. The treatment starts out with a disrobing in a private room where you undress to a only a towel and some slippers. The treatment starts out with a 10 minute session in a sauna like room. You sit on these marble benches and let your pores open up, they give you a water and face towel. After working up a sweat you go to get rinsed off by your therapist with nice warm water. From there your therapist brings you back into the main room where you lay down in this giant marble slab in the center of the room. While laying on a towel your therapist starts with a scrub removing any dead skin from head to toe. After a thorough scrub you they then wash you off and start to soap you up with a very aromatic body soap. While they soap you up they also give you a glute and upper body massage followed by some light chiropractics and reflexology. Then they wash you off one more time and finally they dry you off. It ends with a 10 min relaxing decompression in a private room and tea service with some Turkish delight. read more

The best of the best. What a wonderful and glorious experience it was to partake in a hamam. I opted for the highest package which included sauna, scrub, clay body mask, soap massage, hair wash. Then I got some tea and snacks followed by a hand and foot massage. They finished off the service with a full body massage and face mask. Absolutely amazing and luxurious. read more

Went here a couple years ago in the winter and it was awesome. Coming from snow to a steamy Turkish bath was a welcome change. They have separate areas for men and women. We got there in the evening and to be honest, it felt a little creepy since we were the only ones in there in what basically looked like a dungeon with a himalayan salt room in the corner (no one comes out when it snows?), but I felt completely renewed when I got out. read more

I was there 10 years ago and I expected something like then, but I was very disappointed this last time, Sunday March 9th. The massage took less than expected and I was out much before they tell you. In my opinion, the place has lost the unique tasting it had time ago. 90 euros per person is money enough not to be cheated on the time during the massage inside cause there are more clients waiting to get in. read more

Love this place! Everything is so beautiful and relaxing! The bubble massage is the best treat for your body.

Good experience. Whether you get dressed for tea or have it otherwise, what kind of soap you get after seems to depend on the staff member so be prepared to go with the flow. Gorgeous hamam. Most beautiful one I've been in. Scrub down was on the gentle side, massage was satisfying, and tea + refreshments were a nice way to wrap up the experience. Unfortunately, there must have been a bit of a mix up near the start though. Was left in the sauna for twice the regular duration compared to the other ladies before I wandered out to request assistance. read more

For this being my only experience at a traditional Turkish hamam, I loved it! Elixir Of Cağaloğlu Hamamı, this was the service I chose. I figured if I'm going to have the best experience, I might as well do the best service available.. It is really stunning hamam facility. Before I even walked in, I was greeted by a wonderful door host , he walked me inside to the reception where they sat me down for about five minutes before taking me to the woman's area. Once in the women's area, I was given a key to a small private room just for me, everyone gets this I believe, to put my things in and to change. They provided a disposable bottom that's a little bit bigger than a thong panty. I personally loved it. Lol versus a whole, granny Panty. As well as they provided a wrap to wrap around me. The Elixir service I Purchased came with two therapist for the whole treatment. They were both phenomenal, worked great as a team and their contrast in massage pressure worked great for me. Their names were, Ece (in English pronounced like AJ) & Cigdem (which sounds like Cheetah with an M at the end) :p in case you try to request them & don't know how to read Turkish names, like me lol. Ece, has a relaxing touch with a slight firm pressure where needed. Cigdem definitely had a more firmer touch which I also love because I have a lot of tension. I highly recommend both of them. They were both extremely attentive., very nice, and professional. FYI, They have you topless. they first take you into the hamam, which is beautifully built, lots of marble and stone! First, we started in a gorgeous sauna, by myself (I'm here in winter, so I'm not sure if it's busier in summer) , with vaulted ceilings that had beautiful natural light coming through. Then they take you into the large Hamam area where they have you lay down on the beautiful large stone and perform the body scrub, clay mask, & bubble massage! The bubble part of the hamam experience is one of my favorites! I would definitely come back to see these two wonderful lady therapist , and I will come back, because the facility was also gorgeous and clean. read more

Amazing, authentic Turkish experience. Even though it's expensive, I recommend you try this once. It is very relaxing. read more

During my last afternoon in Instanbul, I called Cagaloglu to inquire if there was an appointment available. The hammam was a quick 4 minute walk from my hotel, and they said "yes" they had immediate openings as well as for the evening. So at 6pm I walked over to the hammam for my appointment. So glad I did! I have experienced spas and ham and from around the world, including cruise ships, as well as in Cambodia, the Republic of Georgia, and Budapest. This was one of the top spa experiences I've ever had. The historic ambiance is striking--a violinist was playing music from the upper mezzanine below the dome, just as I arrived, which added an enchanted vibe to the checkin process. I was offered a seat, and hot tea (which I declined) and filled out the necessary medical questionnaire and disclosure forms, including emergency contact information. It was like checking in at the dentists office--professional and efficient. After checking in, I was escorted to my private changing room, where I was given a key, told to remove my clothes (there are hooks and hangars on the wall), and to wrap myself in the provided Peshtemal and slippers. Peshtemal is a woven cloth that used to cover the body in hamam or bath, or wrapped from the waist. I had opted for the 2-4 hour session which provides two attendants, and the entire experience was simply amazing. Sauna (15 minutes and extremely hot!!!) , full body scrub, massage, and full body clay mask--all in the central dome of men's area; followed by a reflexology foot massage back in my private changing room (which had a chaise in it!), where I was served a snack of an energy drink, figs, dried apricots and mixed nuts. Then, I re-wrapped myself in the Peshtemal, and was escorted to the massage rooms upstairs on the mezzanine for a full body oil massage and a hyaluronic face mask. After the last massage, I was escorted back to my changing room to change, and then was offered a seat in the main reception hall where I was given another small tray of fruit, water, and an incredibly hot tea. When I looked down at my phone to check the time, it was 9:15pm... and I had savored every minute of the experience! I was then presented with a small gift bag containing a brand new Peshtemal to take home, a bottle of a fabulous eau de cologne that was scented "essence of fig trees", and a square olive oil soap bar. I can't wait to return to Istanbul, as a visit to Cagaloglu will be part of every visit I make to that amazing city. This is the type of experience that EVERY man should experience. Self-care at its finest! The calm quiet atmosphere and the professional care of the attendants allowed me to drift off in my mind to a very spiritual place during the sessions. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated, as I hurried off to my dinner plans to conclude my last night in Istanbul. read more

See all

My mother kept telling me that I had to try a Turkish bath while in Istanbul, and my friend found this place as the most beautiful one in the Lonely Planet. You can just walk in without an appointment, but be aware that it's cash only. My friend and I didn't have enough, so we had to go to the ATM down the street to get enough funds. :P We decided to splurge on a wash, massage, and then another foam massage. Pricey, but the whole experience was totally worth it. I got scrubbed squeaky clean all over, and the attendant even washed my long hair and got all my makeup off. Definitely a great thing to do after a hot day of walking around in the city. Nice courtyard to sit in afterward and have a drink. They screwed up my drink order, but oh well. Still a lovely experience. read more

See all

We saw this Hamam in Rick Steve's video after Istanbul and decided to give it try. The price is about the same as others we checked. We only choose the basic Istanbul Dream package. Reserved our slot in advance and paid half at the time of reservation. The Hamam experience is excellent. For some, the hot soak room may be on the hotter side but we enjoyed the sweating. Then the server lead us to the marble table for a very thorough scrubbing. The server is friendly. The place is clean and looks quite nice. Highly recommend any traveler to give it a try for an unforgettable experience. read more

If you've never been to a Turkish Hamam, you must come to Cagaloglu Hamam. It is hands down my favorite Turkish Hamam in Istanbul. You must make a reservation in advance. They also take reservations via WhatsApp but I would call directly. I received a wonderful bubble massage and scrub from the delightful Filiz in November. She often held my hand and arm to ensure I would not slip while moving from room to room. Gaze up at the heavenly ceiling while getting your massage. You will feel as though you have been transported back into time. I got the tip to toe package for 65 Euros + a facial mask for an additional 7 Euros. After your scrub and massage, unwind in the relaxing room with some hot tea and delicious Turkish delights. I miss this place so much and can't wait to go back. Please don't forget to tip. Ask for Filiz, she is the Best. read more

Cağaloğlu Hamamı - Unwind after your massage in the relaxing room-Nov 2019 - Day Spas Near Me - Istanbul, 34

See all

I got to enjoy this experience. I've had Turkish messages before. But to experience the the uniqueness of a Turkish spa built with marble that takes you back centuries is most enjoyable. The velvety bubbles poured all over you is a luxurious. You end your experience with nuts, Turkish delight and chia. My service was provided by Esin. She was lovely and took excellent care of me through out the services I ordered. There is a men and women's side. So enjoy. read more

We made reservation online for the luxury package for 120 euros pp, which included hot room ( like a sauna), scrub, bubble massage, bath, 45 minute private room massage, tea, and fruit plate. Just be aware the scrub and the bubble massage will be done in a common area (gender exlusive of course ). The ladies who did the bath were also the ones who did our massage so you only have to tip one person (10 to 20% of price of service). Fevziye and Nic both did a good job with the whole experience.They give you a disposable bikini for the bath and nothing for the top. There's a hair dryer you can use after. Highly recommended. read more

Cağaloğlu Hamamı - Day Spas Near Me - Istanbul, 34

Who would have ever thought having another woman aggressively scrub you down while laying on an enormous slab of marble with another eight or so topless women would be so darned enjoyable? Hear me out. This is hands-down one of the top five experiences of my life to date. At first, I balked at the $70/$80 price but quickly realized, "how often are you a.) in Istanbul or b.) offered the opportunity to strip down and be massaged by a hefty Turkish woman clad in a bikini who doesn't speak a lick of English? Perfect scenario in my book. **note: we chose this location for two reasons: central location and it is one of the most historical in the city (fun fact: Florence Nightingale once went here) The process: -For starters, this is a coed Hammam with two separate baths for males and females. Our male counterparts reported back that the slapdown provided on their side was a tinge on the painful side. -They hand you a towel and pair of big black underwear at the entrance (most comfortable pair of underwear known to shekind). All female participants wore these bottoms with no tops (however, a few shy folks in the crowd opted to keep their bras on - - - - - - to which I say, go big, take it off, this is one of the most diverse litters you'll ever come across. -After they've warmed you up in the sauna room, it's time to be paired up with your Turkish conquistador. Once on the enormous communal marble slab, they massage you in a way that is both motherly and manly. There are no boundaries in the hammam. Roll with it. My favorite part of the process was looking up at the domed ceiling that consisted of little eyelet windows letting natural light in. Magical. -Following the massage, there is the scrub-down which consists of an outrageous amount of suds. She'll scrub your pits, lift you up, tata time, you name it. Don't plan to walk out of here with your makeup and hair all did up. Besides, who cares, you're on vacation. -Next up - rinsing - like a baby. buckets of water poured over you in this helpless manner that I've never experienced in my adult life. -Finally, one last massage in a quiet room off to the side. **Following this experience, I went on a mad hunt for other Turkish baths around the world. Rumor has it, Montreal has one but maybe I'll get lucky and find something in Chicago or New York? read more

Wow, what a great experience here - it was ancient, historic and relaxing. There are many options available depending on what services you want. I had an incredible experience enjoying massage and bath and scrub and relaxing in the facilities. I was here at a time when only two other people were around so it was extremely relaxing. Being inside such a historic and ornate building was great...it was nice to have an escape not too far from the main tourist area. read more

Great experience- especially after a long and hot day of walking. Muhammet, Erik and Ferdinand took great care of me and my 2 sons- Definitely worth it! read more

My mom and I went for our very first Hamam experience here and couldn't be happier! Absolutely beautiful, serene environment with a lovely staff - my lady was Elif and I swear she had a magic touch (great scrub and massage). If you are looking for a place to recharge, this Hamam checks all the boxes: ambiance, services, staff, secured belongings, sweets in between etc. Highly recommend! read more

I have so many seriously wonderful memories of Turkey and not enough time to sit and savor those memories --- that's why I'm spreading out the reviews of my Turkish experiences - it's not just for you, but it's letting me re-live the exciting things I did*. While in Turkey, do as the Turks do? So, away we went to a TURKISH BATH. I mean, seriously, where else would ever have a chance to do this? (answer: You can only have a TURKISH bath in, well ... TURKEY). We had a plan. And it was a relaxing evening plan. We knew we wanted to go back to that yummy Antiochland restaurant that we'd gone to a few nights before, and we noticed that the Hamami was right next door. So ... that settled that - We were on our way to experience the Turkish Bath & dinner at the quiet little Antiochland with the quirky waiter. DONE and DONE. Start from the top: When you enter, you must choose from a menu the "services" - We went for the Full Monty (it was too confusing to slice and dice - plus WHAT A STEAL? $80 for an hour and a half of buff and puff at a spa? Seriously? That's about three benjamins here in the 'Ham or the ATL). I won't distract you with another review of what they did - check out Brittany S's review - my experience was much of the same. We walked in without an appointment and were instantly whisked away to our respective changing areas. Yes. It was a little odd, and I felt a little "exposed" laying on this warm slab of marble getting scrubbed and massaged by two "hefty Turkish women", in front of 5 or 6 other gals, but ohhhhh myyyy ... did it feel fiiiiiine! My skin was softer than a baby's ass (they let you take home the little scrubbie cloth, but here we are, a month later, and I've yet to get the same feeling again, sadly). They will get you tip to tail (literally, for you modest ones), and you will never have an experience like this anywhere else. As with everything else in Turkey, the service was great (I state that for the women's side - I do understand from Mr SS9 that he got hounded for tips on the dude side), and everyone was very nice. So, if you find yourself in Istanbul with a little time on your hands with tired feet & aching back from all the walking, take a little side street up to Cagaloglu for about an hour and a half and treat yourself. My one suggestion for the spa management - While getting around Istanbul was a breeze for this non-Turkish speaking American, this was the only place on my trip that I had a bit of trouble communicating. There was no "host" to explain (a) instructions for the "process": you're just kinda led around and often left sitting, wondering what you're supposed to be doing next and (b) tipping. Tipping is often left up to the patron in Turkey (I found), and it's explained well in travel books and sometimes on restaurant and service menus - We tip pretty heavily in most situations, and weren't really sure what the custom was with respect to this establishment/service. *Yes. OF COURSE I took my trusty pink YELP moleskin with me to Turkey - How else do you think I could pull off remembering all the cool stuff about all the cool places I went? My Pink YELP Moleskin ... I Never leave home without it. :) read more

This isn't my first hammam experience and was one of the things that I was looking forward to the most. I usually only splurge on spa like things when I go on vacation. In Marrakech, I've done at least 3 hammam experiences and they scrub you within an inch of your life and as gory as it sounds that's what I'm hoping for. This was an impromptu decision to pop in when I had an hour to kill before hotel checkout. Staff was friendly and showed me to a room. I feel like this could be the real deal as it seemed like a lot of locals were there. Seemed like it took awhile for the attendant to perform the bath and it wasn't as intense as I would have liked. The products were basic especially the shampoo and I would have rather gone without that part. One recommendation I have is not to do midday unless you have a makeup case and hair supplies. You get totally drenched. The hammam experience is pretty cool but I think that there are better options out there and this one rides the "Kate Moss bathed here" coat tails a bit too much. read more

Maybe a good choice 300 years ago - not any more from my opinion. Fairly dirty, mould all over the place, stinky toilettes and way overpriced. So don't trust all the testimonials from emperor Wilhelm II., Franz List to Jenson Button:) read more

Absolutely a 5-star experience. We had a little trouble with a Viator pass we had booked online, but the staff was helpful in figuring out the situation. I would HIGHLY recommend paying for the service in the location and not using an online reservation service. We booked the Sultan Mahmut service (110 Euro each, $122 USD/person) and it was the real deal. Everyone was very professional and it was an awe inspiring experience. The hamam itself is magnificent and appears largely unchanged since it was built in the 1700's. I cannot say enough good things about this place, a must see when in Istanbul. read more

Never quite sure whether I would like it or not. - felt exfoliated and cleansed with Ivory smelling soap (perhaps since childhood days) - heard cracks from bones didn't hear before - felt relaxed and calm after the experience Don't come in and expect pampering similar to modern day spa. It is your rudimentary body treatment expected of a 300-yr tradition. Would be helpful if receptionist or valet would explain what to expect. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. read more

This was the first time I went for a Hamam bath and I was blown away. I didn't have an appointment with them, so I just walked in after a bit of Yelp searching. They couldn't fit me in immediately and asked me to wait 30 mins. Tea and nuts were served without asking. The service I got was for two hours in all and included foot massage. All of it was just brilliant. I'm definitely going back the next time I'm in Istanbul, and I'm getting a mud bath the next time read more

First visited here in 2012 and just returned to Istanbul on business - could not resist making time for another visit to this amazing place! Chose service #4, Cagaloglu Special, which lasted about 2 hours with some added private relax time. Had a great therapist, Esin, who was also very nurturing and helpful. This hamami is beautiful and wonderful; don't miss this experience! read more