Cemberlitas Hammam

This is one of the building’s Architect Sinan did. You can clearly feel you time travel hundred years! The structure is unbelievable!! It is good to visit during the week early hours if you don’t like crowds. Female and male sections are separate. We got scrubs and bubble and oil massage only for a little over 100 usd + tip but at that time 1 usd equals 40 ytl. They also provided a personnel scrub towel and underwear you can keep. They provided peshtamal a Turkish bath towel. Females service females and males to males which we liked. The area is also very historic and many places to shop. We will return.

I had taken the hamam scrub and massage package I couldn't believe how much dead skin my attendant removed from my body. The attendant gave me good instruction when to sit up, turn over etc. My 30 min massage was strong and relaxing. After my massage and shower I had a drink in the lobby, it was a nice way to wind down after the scrub This entire process is a MUST try while in Istambul.

I had my first Turkish bath experience here, and overall it was good. The staff were friendly and professional, and the place itself is nice. However, I didn’t love that they asked for a tip before we even started. Also, there was a lot of greenery and moss on the walls—I’m not sure if that’s normal since this was my first time. The massage was strong and well done, but it was a bit too intense for me and left some bruises and soreness on my back. I paid $100 for a full package (soap bath, oil massage, and mud mask), which was reasonable for the experience. Overall, I’d give it 3 stars.

I was really looking forward to visiting Çemberlitaş Hamamı due to its historic charm and central location, but unfortunately, the experience left me underwhelmed. While the building itself is impressive and steeped in history, the actual service didn’t match the premium price tag (4,200 L). The process was rushed and not thorough, with minimal explanation from staff, making it a confusing and slightly awkward experience moving from room to room and then back to the same room — especially being a first-timer. It’s impossible to relax! What really took away from the experience was the constant pressure to tip. Every staff member you interact with expects a tip, and it’s made very obvious and clear — which creates an uncomfortable atmosphere and detracts from any sense of relaxation. For the amount you pay upfront, this shouldn’t be the case. The mood shifted significantly when I said I have paid enough to all 6 people waiting for me at the end of the treatment. So awkward and something I was sensing would happen which was annoying me during the process!! The scrub and massage were basic and felt more like a rushed routine than a proper experience, and no where near what you expect, the scrub is 5mins, the 30min massage is 10mins, the foam process is not what you see in photos, its a slight lather of soap and if you want the bubble soap experience you have to pay more. Hygiene was barely okay, but not impressive for such a well-known spot. Overall, this hamam seems to trade heavily on its name and location rather than service quality. There are far better — and more authentic — experiences to be had in Istanbul for half the price, without the awkward tipping expectation.

This was my 7th visit to Cemberlitas over the course of 10 years and I was really disappointed. First of all they have raised the prices since last year, and I paid 87€ for the hamam and 30 min oil massage. The whole experience was rushed. The scrubbing was very harsh and quick, we were quickly washed and escorted out. It was my first time doing the oil massage and it was bad. I felt that the ladies don’t have any licensing or any actual knowledge on massage techniques. They used what felt like a whole bottle of baby oil that I couldn’t wash off afterwards. All the products used are really cheap and not good quality.The ladies also spoke with each other while massaging people, so you could not even relax. They don’t even offer a glass of water. The previous times I went during the morning hours when there were not many customers and that is probably why the experience was different. For almost 90€ this is definitely not worth it and I will never visit again. Better spend some more money and go somewhere else.

Not fussy or fancy, just everything you want from a hamam experience. The staff knows what they are doing and make you comfortable with the process. Super clean and friendly.

Çemberlitaş Hammam offers a truly authentic historical experience. The place is well-maintained and impressively clean, with helpful and attentive staff who make the visit smooth and enjoyable. A wonderful spot to experience traditional Turkish bath culture in a beautiful historic. setting

An absolutely wonderful experience! I went with my mother and little sister, and we all left feeling completely relaxed and at ease🧖🏼‍♀️. The staff were patient and kind, they didn’t speak English, but still managed to communicate with us beautifully. The bubble bath and body scrub were amazing, and the massage afterwards was incredibly soothing. At no point did they ask for tips, which made the whole experience feel genuine and full of sisterhood🩷. We never once felt uncomfortable or awkward , the staff created such a safe and welcoming space for us🙏🏼. I highly recommend going in the morning; we went at 8 and had the entire place to ourselves! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

It was NOT A TRADITIONAL HAMAM with the steam. Are they kidding me? Absolutely no steam in the hamam! When I asked they said that is how they keep it. It's embarrassing to make tourist think that is the real hamam experience. I was born in Turkey and I been to many hamams growing up. I brought my husband who is American and felt so bad about it being falsely advertised regarding the experience. The workers were great but nothing like a traditional hamam. Last visit we went to Cağaloğlu hamam is the best it costs more but definitely authentic so steamy you can't see anything or anyone! If reading this do not go or call and ask if they have steam . Or Ho to Cağaloğlu hamam

NOTE: My review is (specifically) for the male side; the female side could be different. Don't go to Cemberlitas for a typical "spa experience". This is not that. That being said, I enjoy going (this is my third time) because of the ambiance and the "traditional" experience. It does have somewhat of an assembly line feel as you're passed through the process, but it's pretty efficient if you know that before going in. Again, it's not a spa experience where you are waited on. Instead, you are passed around. Once you've paid, you are directed to your own room to strip down. You are provided with slippers and a towel to cover yourself. The room locks so you can keep your valuables there. Once you're ready, you are taken into the bath area. I spent some time on the warm marble/steam room under the historic hammam dome enjoying the ambiance. Eventually an attendant came and scrubbed me down, soaped me up, and rinsed me off. This is fairly aggressive but effective. I felt like a puppet: arm up, arm down, turn over. But where else can you go to get washed down?! It's quite a trip! Lots of soap, lots of water. I always pay for the 30 minute massage. However, "massage" is a misnomer. I really think it's more of an oil rub-down. The attendant isn't trying to make you feel good or ease your muscle aches. They're there to literally RUB. YOU. DOWN. Again, I love it. I like the pressure and the muscular manipulation. But, if you're there for a gentle massage, I wouldn't pay for the service. YMMV Once your services are done, they try to get you to leave, but you don't have to. You can enjoy the heated marble for as long as you want before taking a shower and changing back into your clothes. Be aware, everyone expects to get a tip so make sure you bring some extra Turkish Lira to give to the attendants afterwards. If you have time, I also recommend purchasing a freshly squeezed juice and enjoying it on the rooftop patio. There is no view, but it is a nice and quiet respite after the hammam experience. I'll be back Cemberlitas! You're a bit pricey, but overall, you're fun and beautiful!

The Hamamı is in a great location in Sultanahmet. Although its outward appearance is rather small and lost among other businesses, its reception and public area are of a lovely traditional and welcoming style. The staff explained the services and costs well and in a friendly way. The changing rooms are Old World and clean. In fact, three entire facility was super clean. The attendants were business like, as men washing strangers should be. The bathing area was right out of a film about the Ottoman era. The service was thorough and professional. The only negative was 5 euro for water in the post-session relaxation area, a price that wasn't posted and quite possibility invented according to the customer's origins. My wife described the women's facility as slightly less impressive but the service equally excellent.

I've been to few Turkish Hammam while visiting Istanbul by far this is my favourite, very authentic and really do a great job on scrubbing all the dead skin out, there might be some more fancy but I don't like the smooth treatment I want the real deal and this one is The one to go to, the drinks they offer are not free but hardly like a dollar or two but everything else is great, super nice staff very reasonable price separate sections for women and men.

I've been here four times in the last two years, twice on both trips I've taken to Istanbul and I always walk out feeling pretty happy. The hamam was evidently built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect to several sultans, including Suleiman the Magnificent. When you first walk into the sauna, you instantly are transformed into a distant past, with water trickling in the fountains, foreign tongues echoing off the walls, and sound of the entry door being open and closed. The sauna room is kept clean and the there are side rooms to hang out in, if you want to get away from the center area. This time it felt more touristy, but the attendants remain professional (though my attendant made sure to let me know he was to be tipped, easy Hakim I know the drill) and thorough. The attendants introduce themselves to you and after your language has been identified instruct to move accordingly, "SEEEEET!" was used to get my soap bubble covered body, after a thorough scrub to rise back up. I heard another attendant state authoritatively in Greek "YEERNA", translated to "turn over". The attendant rinsed me off and then took me to the massage room (as I ordered the deluxe package including both the scrub/wash and a thirty minute oil massage, 117TL, but if you are Greek, or speak enough, they will issue you a 10TL discount). At the end of the massage, which was solid, I washed off in the shower room, but then the attendant called me over for a final wash and I returned to the sauna (they kind of expected me to leave) after that but I wanted one more burst of heat before exiting. I then went and got a straight razor shave at the small barber shop, connected to the changing floor of the hamam and got talked into a haircut, which I needed. Feeling clean, relaxed and shorn I was ready for my return to Taksim. The final time I went I discovered the rooftop cafe, where you can enjoy a beverage, pomegranate juice in my case. The sun was shining and I was able to just chill out soaking up some rays while remaining in a relaxed state. I heard there are better hamams in Istanbul and will definitely check another out on my next trip here but I remain a fan of Çemberlitas.

Don't waste your time or your money. I have been to plenty of traditional baths and spas all over the world. This place is beautiful inside, it's clean and the actual hamam is nice. However, the price is overrated 160 £ for a 10 minute scrub and wash. It didn't even feel like a scrub.. the women in the Hamami were rude and it felt like they were in a rush to get it over with.

The best authentic Turkish bath experience! Soothing while also invigorating, loving, healing, & sooooo relaxing!! I cannot wait for my next bath!!!

This was a strange experience for a hammam. You go to a changing stall. Strip. Then you go to a steam room, except there was no steam. So we sat, waiting for heat, waiting for something. Separate facilities for the hammam are next. There's a plunge pool after you get doused in a typical Turkish style. I ordered a scrub. It was brutal, and different than the Dane that came in with me. The plunge pool had a lot of dead insects floating in it. Wasn't especially clean, but not dirty either. Afterwards, you could get tea, at an extra charge. We felt like we had been processed thru, just some more tourists with cash. It was neither welcoming, nor especially good. You can do better, off the beaten track. Save your lira and go elsewhere.

The experience it self wasn't that bad, it was interesting ... the massage was basically squeezing and tapping and some attacking, the towels smells so bad, luckily I bought one outside and didn't have to use theirs but needed to explain 200times to each person that works there, the highlight of my day was (Ayna) the inside manager, i was so confused so i asked her what I'm supposed to do after i washed myself so she told me to go sit inside and after 10 minutes you will get your massages, I went and sat in the sauna and waited about 15-20 minutes, came out and asked her what happened??? She started yelling and screaming and telling me :you need to wait, this is not the way to do it, so I asked her politely to stop shouting because I don't know the rules and will fallow , she was keep going and going and saying nonsense English mixed with Turkish, in that staged i shoo-shed her and told her I'm the free-king customer not the scrubbing lady and if she doesn't stop yelling she will see the consequences, well one of the poor ladies that was watching her scene came to me snd took my hand to the massage room snd said: she is crazy !!!be aware of Her , we paid around $200 for2 which we could get much better service and cleaner towels ....

This is actually my 3rd time at Cemberlitas. I came for the first time in 2007 and had zero idea what a Turkish bath was. The lady shoved the exfoliating glove in my face to show me how much dead skin she was taking off. Thanks lady! I came back again in 2009, and finally this week. This trip was my favorite because I had the whole place to myself. It was very relaxing and peaceful. Basically you change in the locker room, head to the hamam, let yourself get all sweaty and sticky, before a Turkish woman who speaks no English scrubs you and lathers you and pours water on you. It's quite the experience, and you are basically naked so it's not for the shy people! Definitely try and visit a Turkish bath when you are in Istanbul. It's a great experience. Cemberlitas is one of the oldest, if not the oldest hamam in instanbul, and it's super close to the main tourist attractions.

This was exactly what I expected. We went late at night so it was very mellow and quiet. In the women's section there were only about 5 women in the actual hammam. The traditional soap/ scrub/hair wash costs 95 TL and it includes your own kese (scrub cloth) and women get a pair of black panties to wear. Men just wrap the plaid linen around them. You can also get a trains traditional scrub plus a 30 min oil massage for a total of 160 TL. There are other extras you can add on such as reflexology, thai massage, shiatsu massage, pedicure, etc. The process is that you pay first at the reception and they give you a token for the different kind of service you've oredered. You then go to your male/female section where they direct you to the changing area. After you have put on the panties/wrap, you go into the domed hammam/bath room and lie down on the marble platform. (Most women just spread the wrap on the platform and lie down on top of it, just wearing the panties. Then one of the attendants will come over to you and start the washing process. It starts with pouring water on you and using the kese to exfoliate your skin all over. Then she will empty 2 bags of soap bubbles on you and give you a soapy massage. (I found it to be very light and relaxing, unlike the travel guides' description.) Then she rinses you and has you go to one of the marble vessels with running water to wash your hair. Then you can lie down on the marble platform again to relax or just go back to the changing room. At this place, they may offer you tea or juice but it's not complimentary, so be prepared to pay. There's a tip box near the exit and it's customary to give 20-25 tl as a tip. It was a great experience. I think I will go back before my trip is over and do the self wash option (20 tl) and get a thai massage!

Maybe a little touristy (hey it's in the touristy area!), but I very much enjoyed my time at this hamam. If I lived in Istanbul I think I'd go to a turkish bath once a month! I think the disappointment stems from people not knowing to expect from the experience. It's not a "spa" so the expectations need to be adjusted. I found it helpful to google & read about the process. As far as pricing, it was 90 TL for the turkish bath with a scrub by the attendant which I thought was more than fair. My attendant spoke little English, but it was fine as gesturing is often enough. TIPS: The hamam has signs posted saying that their busiest hours are between 4-6 pm; There was quite a line at this time when I went by so I returned at about 6:30pm and had no issues. The recommendation was to go either earlier in the day (they open at 6am for men, 7:30am for women) or after 8 pm if you want it to be less crowded. Come prepared with whatever items you would want to fix yourself up post-scrub. They had blow dryers and some hair implements available, but I brought my own comb and make-up for after. For the ladies (not entirely sure on the male side): they provide basic black bottoms for you to wear- most people opted to go sans top, but if you're feeling modest bring a bikini top- though I can assure you you'd be in the minority there.

Yes, it's an awesome historic building that's very cool to experience. That being said, it's pricey, a little run down, and not exactly the authentic hamam experience. This place is used to getting tourists - I didn't see any Turks partaking in the baths here. They quickly go through the motions of scrubbing you down (it's like a car wash with all those suds floating around you!) and getting on to the next customer. Tip: Although the hours technically go to midnight, do NOT get here after 10pm. We arrived at 10 and by 10:45 the staff had cleaned up and were waiting for their tip from us so they could get out. I don't blame them for wanting to go home, but the lady at the front desk did not convey that time frame.

I have been once in Istabul and missed Turkish bath. This time I had not to miss it. so here i am in Istanbul checking in @ Cemberlitas Hamami. Few stops after Emi nonu I get out of the tram, turn around and find the entrance of the Hamami. A bit scared by these big turkish guy and what the hell are they going to do to me there ? (i was remembering some frencg spy comedy movie where the hero is getting massaged in a hamam ;) But first I point out the list of prices on the left of the entrance. Even before entering you know the price and the services provided. The 1st good point 3 prices : the self made washing for 17 euros , the turkish soap and bubbles massage scratching one for 30 euros and the full luxury combo oil massage after soapy shit for 51 euros. I chose the 51 euros one for a good review of the services. 1st you have two tokens given to you : one for the scrub , one for the oil massage. 2nd you are oriented to a cabin to change yourself (get naked) and roll a towel around your hips. 3rd: get down to the "hoven" 4th : lie down , beath, get wet , get hot , breath, wait wait wait wait ... until a big guy arrives and takes care of you; 5th : big guy talks to you, explains everything with basic english start the soapy scrubing, washing part. this is awesome, your dead skin just got away, you feel reborn, you enjoy the warm water on your body, you forget all your problems and enjoy the big guy hands on your body massaging you. 6th : the wash up of all the soap with warm/cold water. 7th : the oil massage : not the most enjoyable for me , but it was nice. the massage is strong, if you are stress it may be a bit painful. 8th : washing machine , let's go take a shower and back to the "hoven" 9th : back to the marble table for getting wet hot while breathing and pouring cold water on me. 10th : you can get back for a short massage scrubing washing by a turkish giant (he will beg for tips cause he s doing extra jobs (nothing dirty do not worry )) 11th: time to leave (already 2 hours have passed) Guys go there it kicks ass. BUT be aware it 's a tourist place, I think it's good to do once there, afterward if you enjoy it the best would be to find a local place where you get the scrub for cheaper or even go with someone else and scrub each other. (too bad there are not as many mixed turksih bath ;o))))

Even though is a historical hamman, it's touristy and crowded, not very clean and the service is not compared to other high end hamman a I have been in Istanbul. Definitely a tourist trap for beginners, not cheap at all

Don't waste your money here ! Place is a little run down but this is not what bothered me. My scrub was literally 3 minutes long while others around me were receiving a proper scrub. Man assigned to me was lazy and only concerned about telling me to tip him later. It felt like I was being rushed to get me out ASAP. Perhaps a better body scrubber would have altered my experience slightly but regardless I say to all look elsewhere for hammam whilst in Istanbul !

Can't express enough my disappointment at this place. Check in and reception was pretty fast and efficient but as you step through the doors that's a completely different treatment. As it was explained to me by locals the secret of a good bath is to let your skin to warm up then proceed to scrubbing. As I laid down on the heated marble platform Hamam lady came up immediately and started scrubbing. 2 minutes on one side and 2 min on another side. She squeezed two bags of bubbles and tapped me to move to hair washing station. The price list of services promised 15 min of bubble bath only. Then massage - technically you need to give the token to the attending masseuse after you come out from the heated sauna. There is no one to take the token but 10 confused women who have been waiting for more than 2 hours already. (IMHO if you are busy alert the client and don't sell the service!) After my quick math of 30 min per person, I decided not to wait 3 more hours to get a massage and skipped straight to the pedicure. After my numerous inquiries about who does it and where I was sent to the 3rd floor. All this time all employees were calling the pedicure girl to come down and greet me. Finally, after opening bunch of doors on the 3rd floor she comes out and by that time imagine my spirit? I was upset and pretty much wanted nothing but to get out and call my credit card to cancel entire charge - 199 TL. The receptionist handled the situation and gave me cash back for the pedicure and the massage only. I am not happy with the entire experience.... I have been at the Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam in Galata by the bridge, and it was a bit more expensive but the service and experience was smooth and delightful.

My wife and two friends went here to experience a traditional Turkish bath. It's one of the most historical bathhouses in the Old Town and the cheapest historic one we found in this part of town. You pay your fee and they give you a changing room to keep your stuff. You put on your small towel and head on into the actual bathhouse. My buddy and I went in and were told to bath first. Then a very aggressive and large Turkish man grabbed me and gave me a Turkish bath which involved a massage, tons of suds that engulfed my entire body at one point, and even a back crack. After that experience, you can lay in the center of the heated room and enjoy the steam. After you're sufficiently tired, you rinse off, tip your bather, and go back to your changing room to nap (There are beds in the small rooms). If you have time to kill, grab a freshly squeezed juice in the lobby.

Though the facility doesn't look like it on the outside, the inside is BEAUTIFUL and clean. The outside though is pretty nondescript--we almost missed it! You get inside and when you pay, they'll hand you a pair of underwear to wear. You go inside the changing room where there are lockers for your clothes. You take a towel and go inside the sauna room. Inside the sauna, there's a large round stone stable in the middle of the room on which you will lie as the attendant scrubs you to gently exfoliate you. While you wait for the attendants to call you over, you sit in one of the smaller enclosed spaces along the wall to open all your pores. After they scrub you--pretty lightly compared to an Asian sauna exfoliation session but gets the job done nonetheless--you go into the outside shower room to rinse off and your session ends. They do have other packages that include massages other treatments but we chose to go with a cheaper one as we are university students. It was a wonderful experience though and if I had the money, I would have gone more frequently as it was such an enjoyable and relaxing time after long days of walking around Istanbul.

Visited this Hamam this morning. Hey don't judge, I'm on vacation! This experience was much more pleasurable for me and much more aligned with what I was expecting in the Hamam experience. Booked reflexology session that I used yesterday with a Hamam and massage experience that I used today. The soap they use is really bubbly and lightly fragrant and I really liked it. You can purchase the mits and soap in the gift shop and they make really nice souvenirs. Bit of a lag until I got the massage but otherwise it was good. Really enjoyed this place and might return for one last Turkish Hamam.

I would seriously fly to Istanbul just to lie on the marble dais, get waterboarded by a practically naked woman who refuses to speak English (though I'm quite certain she does) then blissfully drift off during a hot oil massage. Prepare for public near nudity since, as my German friend puts it, "Americans aren't used to naked people!" Make this stop early in your trip because you will want to go just one more time. Or two.

A beautiful facility, but alas a crowded, impersonal scene -- really a production line. Disappointed that scrub was superficial, only fronts & backs of limbs & torso, not sides! No exfoliation of hands, feet, heels, fingers, toes. Afterward, the wait time for a massage was entirely unacceptable, and the massage was unimpressive. Also, the bathrooms were out of toilet paper and hand towels.

After constantly being on the go and walking for about 12 hours a day, a trip to the hamam was eventually in order! We picked this particular hamam because it had great reviews on Trip Adviser and their prices were extremely reasonable: for 117TL, you get a scrub + wash + shampoo and a 30-minute massage. On the day that we went, it was pretty busy, but we didn't have to wait very long to get lockers and towels. After stripping and donning our towels, we were sent into the main bath area; it was quite nice! The room was dome-shaped and pretty much everything was made of marble. The ceiling had small holes scattered throughout, allowing the light to cascade into the room. Amazing! I waited about 10 minutes before it was my turn for a scrub and wash. When my attendant was done with me, I felt squeaky clean! I then headed over to a heated pool to rinse off and relax, and then went up for my massage. My Turkish masseuse was absolutely awesome. She instinctively seemed to know what areas needed the most attention, and the massage was great. I think that my attempts to speak in Turkish went a long way with this lovely lady because I'm pretty sure my massage was longer than 30 minutes. She was so happy to see that I genuinely wanted to communicate with her in Turkish that she kept squeezing my cheeks and kissing me, ha! I also got some Turkish lessons, which was a great bonus! When the massage was over, I felt like a stick of butter - soft and melty =-D The tip is included in the price, but I left my masseuse 5TL anyway. She was just too sweet. I had a great experience but would make a few recommendations, if asked. First, I would personally prefer to be given disposable flip flops rather than use the plastic ones that they provide. I'm not crazy about sharing sandals with strangers but that's me. When we went, we were 6 girls and the woman who took us to the locker area was trying to force us to use one locker. First of all, the lockers are small. Secondly, I'm paying 117T - I should at least be allowed to have my own locker if I want one. Those are my only complaints - the experience was well worth these small inconveniences. Some of my friends went to the top rated hamam (apparently the oldest in Istanbul or something), which was more expensive. They mentioned that they preferred Çemberlitaş for the overall experience. Their biggest beef with the other place was that you are massaged on marble so that can be a little painful and uncomfortable.

The place is clean but the staff is rude as hell especially if you do not buy the dull service. I chose to bath my self and brought my own scrub as we do back home. The guy kept asking me if tue scrub was mine and then kept looking around when i am done. Ao if you do not buy the full service you r not welcomed. They are really rude. I will not recommend this for nothing

Of course: It's sooo touristy. But still, it's well worth the visit. Everythings clean, the towels are fluffy, the scrubs and massages are a real treat and I actually went there after running the 15k at Istanbul Marathon and thought I'd gone to heaven. If you have a Turkish student ID, you'll get a 20% discount - that's a really great thing!

Basically: -nice concept, very squishy -no step by step direction on what to do -scrub wasn't even a good scrub -very loud -scrub was 5 min long when it was supposed to be 15 min long -go somewhere else So... My sister and I decided to get a Turkish bath because we figured it'd be a great cultural experience. We had limited time here so we went to this one because it didn't require appointments. When we went inside, there were about 20 people squished on a middle stone waiting to get scrubbed. It was so crammed! There was also no direction at all on what we were supposed to do when we were inside... Where to go, where to sit, if there's a line, etc. We sat in the middle with everyone, watching people get scrubbed. We got the traditional bath where you get a 15 minute scrub. Mine was probably not even 5 minutes... Soap got in my eyes and I wasn't even able to get it out because I was covered in soap. My body wasn't scrubbed that much either. I've been to a Korean bath where they scrub you, and that scrub was amazing- so much dead skin off! I barely got a scrub at this one. After they scrub/bathe you, they wash your hair. And then... No direction at all. Do I hang and relax? Do I leave? Do I wash myself more? Do I shower outside? We decided to shower because it was so packed in there... The showers were so gross that we didn't even shower. There was no drainage so you basically had to stand in the entire bottom of the shower of someone else's dirty shower water. I enjoyed the concept of the scrub, but I wish it was quiet. It wasn't even the customers that were loud. It was a combination of workers & customers. I'm pretty sure the workers even got in a fight and were yelling at each other. I think the experience would have been a lot more peaceful and pleasant if we were sitting in quietness, relaxing in the sauna, and not squished together. I also think it's a little confusing that there's no direction on what to do. I recommend paying a little more and going to a local one and not such a touristy one... But if you're looking for a BASIC experience, go here. It's an interesting experience. But it felt so touristy and unprofessional.

My first hamam experience was interesting to say the least. It wasn't shocking since I'd been to Korean spas stateside before where certain aspects are similar (gender-specific communal pool/bath areas where your fellow naked patrons roam around and some get body scrubs). I was originally planning on going to the big one right by the ayasofya but missed my morning appointment and they were too busy to take me in later on; and a local friend recommended this place so I gave it a try. It was completely no frills. You enter the bath area and are immediately given orders throughout the whole thing ("go over there, lie down, lift your arms, turn around, etc"). The ladies were very terse and I almost felt like being in a factory where mechanic parts were made and we were just part of the manufacturing turnover process. There were points where I just lay there waiting while the lady who gave me the bath went around taking care of her other business. You share a marble slab with about a dozen other women receiving the same service, and getting water or even bubbles spilt on you is not uncommon. As part of the service I also got my hair washed, meaning she poured a small bucket of water over my head while I was sitting up a few times. Maybe I'm just a hopeless wimp but I felt like drowning at least once when the water came pouring down my head unannounced. I also got the oil massage (the combo was about $60). At the end of my bath service I could've sworn the lady gave me another order ("go lie down there") so I went back to the marble slab and lay there, thinking she'd come back get me for my massage. But after at least half an hour's wait it just seemed too bizarre so I got up and went outside and asked someone if I could get my massage. Turned out that I was supposed to just ask for it whenever I was ready, not waiting endlessly in the bath area for someone to come. So time was wasted. Fortunately they had immediate availability for in the massage room and I was greeted by another lady who performed my massage. It was okay, but I was in the same room as a couple of other women and the masseuses chatted while they did our massages, which was not relaxing at all. After being shouted orders at during the bath, being pretty confused while waiting forever topless in public, and having hands that were all shriveled up because I'd stayed in the bath area for so long, it was a shame I couldn't relax during the massage. But the lady was nice and the massage itself wasn't bad, just the setup. I just really can't do massages if the room isn't private and quiet. All in all, worth a try while in Istanbul if you've never done something similar before. And it's cheaper than the ayasofya hamam would've cost. You get the barebones version of the Turkish bath, I guess. Not a place to indulge and truly pamper yourself, but okay just for the experience.

Magical! Sauna and sloughing under a 500 year old dome, surrounded by marble while the perforated dome lets in sunbeams that light up on the steam from the hamam. Really breathtakingly beautiful, and very clean. I avoided the services based on the hit or miss reviews (there are plenty of places for these in Istanbul) and came in when the women's side opened, at 7:30am. (thanks jet lag!) The staff were kind and patient guiding me with their few words of English. Only bummer was that the tea and cafe service didn't start 'til noon. It's also pricy for a hamam but not when compared to any sort of Western spa. When I left at 10am the mood of the lobby was very different as it filled with jostling tourists. Come early, and don't miss it especially if you are any kind of traditional bathhouse or architecture fan.

VERY dingy and raw - If you are a tourist looking for a nice experience this IS NOT your place. I would NEVER go back

Never having been to a hamami before I enjoyed the experience very much. The steam room was beautiful and has fantastic to chill in. The body scrub felt great. And the message was very good as well. Best of all close to the hotel! Prolly could have found one cheaper someplace else but I thought worth the money.

no no nooooo so crowded, almost no one spoke english, it was utterly confusing - it's hard to describe how awful this experience was. i felt like an abused animal. i actually cried at one point, i was so overwhelmed. the scrub itself lasted about five minutes. would never, ever go back.

Wanted to try a turkish bath so this was the first thing we did when we landed in Istanbul. It's located right outside of the tram stop. Went inside and they got right down to business. Gave us a robe thing to wear and went off the hot room where i laid on this warm rock to sweat. This older gentleman came and scrubbed my body and gave a massage and then it was off to get rinsed down. The building was really cool and the service was first class. Would absolutely recommend to anybody for the experience.

Hi, I went to Çemberlitaş Hamamı last 14/4/2016, and I spent 37,15 EUR on a turkish bath plus a kind of massage a fat bald old man (I think withouth teeth) gave me (Just to be descriptive, no aim to offend). It hurted a lot, I know a lot about physiotherapy and every kind of massages, and he didn't do anything good to me. He even scratched behind my ear until I bleed and now I have a scab. It felt like a complete waste of money. I wrote this the 30/4/2016, and at that moment the pain didn't relieve yet. I spent money on a physiotherapist and he said that my leg muscles have been injured and the contracture will take a week of treatment. I've been in more hammams and I liked the views and the historical place of Çemberlitaş Hamamı, but I will not ever recommend it to any friend, and definitely NEVER going back there again. I contacted them sending an e-mail to solve this issue before reviewing their hammam, and they didn't even reply. So yeah. NOT RECOMMENDED EVEN TO MY WORST ENEMY. Hope they get good people that like their job doing massages and not enjoy causing pain in people, like it seemmed with this guy.

Outstanding service. Amazing experience. Going back next time I'm in Istanbul.

Great experience... Some if the staff were a little pushy when asking for money.. Overall, I would definitely recommend.

We had a wonderful stay! Okay, so the treatment didn't take the whole 15 Minutes, but I think they already peeled a layer of skin of me, so that's okay. And we got to stay as long as we wanted which was quite relaxing after the busy streets of Istanbul. You get everything you need (bikini bottom, towels, slippers...) upon entry. Women and mens areas are separated. It was clean and well cared for. I totally recommend it.

It was a cold winter night when I decided to visit a Turkish bath, so I chose one near my hotel so that I wouldn't have to travel far after my bath. You can certainly find far cheaper Turkish baths, but I decided it was worth paying a bit more to avoid a long walk in the snow which would destroy my relaxed state. It is nice that it is open late, so I was able to go after dinner without feeling rushed. It wasn't crowded when I went, which was about 9 or 10 on a Thursday evening. There was one other woman there when I arrived, and five more showed up while I was there. I got the most deluxe package, which included a traditional wash by an attendant and a 30-minute massage. I was given soap and disposable black cotton panties. After I entered the women's section I was also given a peştamal. There is a small changing room upstairs with lockers. Once you have changed, you enter the hot area, where there is an enormous dome over a heated marble platform. Circles pierce the dome at regular intervals, and light shines through them. It's quite beautiful to look at, but be careful of the water dripping from the ceiling. There are some more private alcoves as well as some more open ones where you can fill buckets with water from basins, or get fresh cold water from the taps. It all looked clean to me; although water was dripping from the walls due to the moisture involved in the Turkish bath, there was no unpleasant smell suggesting mold. It was impressive to think that the basic design of the bath is almost 500 years old, but it is still in active use. After you lie on the marble for some time, an attendant comes to wash you. She wears the same black panties, and puts on a loose-fitting black bikini style top. I've heard that the scrubbing is very intense, but I didn't find it any more so than any other exfoliation. It seems like quite a luxury to lie there while someone else washes you from head to toe. Following the wash, I was directed to a side chamber where there was a small hot tub and a small warm pool, and invited to stay there or lie on the marble while waiting for my massage. The massages are done in a small room. You have to leave the hot area to access it, which is a bit of a shock after so long in the warmth. The style is like most massages I have experienced, designed for relaxation rather than intense muscle work. Quite a bit of oil is used. There are several massage tables in the same room, so if another customer is noisy it is not as relaxing as it could be. A woman with a booming voice came in when I was finishing my massage and I was certainly glad my massage was done before hers was started. My massage attendant was quite nice. Following the massage I was directed to a shower and given a fresh towel. I probably could have gone back to the marble room after my shower, but by then I had been there for two hours and that was quite enough for me.

We spent a truly relaxing and restorative couple of hours here: our concerns about being badgered for tips were not realized, people were kind, helpful, and patient with us first-timers. it's a beautiful clean space, makes you feel like you're participating in a rite that's been going on for hundreds of years. highly recommended.