10 Offbeat Things to Do in Istanbul (Updated 2025)

"At Çemberlitai Hamami I experienced what the guide calls a 'real' hammam: a centuries-old Turkish-bath tradition with separate-gender areas, multiple rooms of different temperatures including a hot steam room, and the option to pay an attendant for a thorough (rough but invigorating) scrub-down; the bath itself dates back to the 16th century and gives a much more authentic experience than the hotel-style hammams. It's in the Old Town, open daily 6am–12am, and admission starts at 1,050 TRY (rising with additional treatments)." - Matthew Kepnes