Cemberlitas Hammam, located in Sultanahmet/Fatih, is a stunning 16th-century masterpiece designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. This historical hammam features a double-hammam layout, with separate sections for men and women, and is surrounded by other iconic historical landmarks.
The hammam has undergone two renovations, yet the torch atop the women’s dome remains original, preserving its historical charm. The building also showcases intricate ornamentation techniques unique to its era.
Cemberlitas Hammam focuses exclusively on the traditional hammam experience, offering services like kese (exfoliation) and foam massage. For centuries, it has remained a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Traditional and well guided through the process. I got the luxury package which was nice. Overall, a special Turkish experience during a holiday stay in Istanbul. Def recommend this spot and did not need to make a reservation…. Quiet when I came in on a weekday late morning!
To be honest I was very disappointed by the experience – especially with this price (60€ for the traditional package)!
The whole scrubbing and cleaning lasted about 8min maximum and it was not done with care or precision. The lady treating me left out quite big areas on my body and didn’t massage properly (no pressure at all). Also the communication was very bad (e.g. giving me little slaps, to make me turn around).
I then observed the other ladies and there was one lady (of 4-5) who did it with a little bit more care, all the others were similar.
The location is great but also for the price I was expecting at least a cup of tea or a proper chill out area.
After I kindly gave feedback, they at least listened and gave me some money back, which I highly appreciate. But all in all I cannot recommend this place – sorry! 🙏
I have to add though that my boyfriend had a much better experience – seems like men are getting treated differently.
A lot of the facility is very worn down. Chipped paint, cracks in wall.
the shower area is near toilets and smelled like stale urine.
The attendant asked me like five times for a tip. Obviously you can’t give a tip when you only have a towel on you, but he kept reminding me to find him after.
The room guy who did literally nothing except open the door to my room wanted a tip.
The scrub down wasn’t great. They give you a disposable glove that the attendant will use on you. But it’s rather smooth and incapable of exfoliating your skin thoroughly.
The oil massage was decent but I’ve had better.
You’re allowed to hang out in the Hammam chamber for as long as you want after service. The main chamber is pleasant, clean, and beautiful.
Spoilt by a couple of quite big issues. My third or fourth time visiting, and definitely the worst. The price has skyrocketed. £70 for around 1 hour of being herded through like cattle – not great. No bath this time. Last time there were actually pools to relax in. Not this time. My massage was never 30 minutes, despite that being what I paid for.
Perhaps the biggest issue though, was being collared (rather aggressively) individually, first by the guy who washes you, then the one who massages you, then the guy who gives you a towel, then his mate, each with his hand out, forcefully asking for his own tip. This left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth. I am a tipper, by nature, and appreciate good service and know how to show my gratitude. However, being strong-armed or bullied into it is deeply unpleasant. They are literally waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs after you change, pretty much demanding money in hushed tones. I won’t be back, and nor will I recommend this place to others, as I have done previously.
Natia A.
April 14, 2024 at 11:27 pmTraditional and well guided through the process. I got the luxury package which was nice. Overall, a special Turkish experience during a holiday stay in Istanbul. Def recommend this spot and did not need to make a reservation…. Quiet when I came in on a weekday late morning!
Matilda
April 22, 2024 at 8:22 pmTo be honest I was very disappointed by the experience – especially with this price (60€ for the traditional package)!
The whole scrubbing and cleaning lasted about 8min maximum and it was not done with care or precision. The lady treating me left out quite big areas on my body and didn’t massage properly (no pressure at all). Also the communication was very bad (e.g. giving me little slaps, to make me turn around).
I then observed the other ladies and there was one lady (of 4-5) who did it with a little bit more care, all the others were similar.
The location is great but also for the price I was expecting at least a cup of tea or a proper chill out area.
After I kindly gave feedback, they at least listened and gave me some money back, which I highly appreciate. But all in all I cannot recommend this place – sorry! 🙏
I have to add though that my boyfriend had a much better experience – seems like men are getting treated differently.
Gaby Selden
September 11, 2024 at 12:20 pmIt was an intense and interesting bath and massage. The ladies were super nice, with strong hands and with a big smile 😀
Austin Kuo
September 23, 2024 at 7:11 pmA lot of the facility is very worn down. Chipped paint, cracks in wall.
the shower area is near toilets and smelled like stale urine.
The attendant asked me like five times for a tip. Obviously you can’t give a tip when you only have a towel on you, but he kept reminding me to find him after.
The room guy who did literally nothing except open the door to my room wanted a tip.
The scrub down wasn’t great. They give you a disposable glove that the attendant will use on you. But it’s rather smooth and incapable of exfoliating your skin thoroughly.
The oil massage was decent but I’ve had better.
You’re allowed to hang out in the Hammam chamber for as long as you want after service. The main chamber is pleasant, clean, and beautiful.
Interesting experience but not worth 80€.
Metin Ibrahim
October 20, 2024 at 10:18 pmSpoilt by a couple of quite big issues. My third or fourth time visiting, and definitely the worst. The price has skyrocketed. £70 for around 1 hour of being herded through like cattle – not great. No bath this time. Last time there were actually pools to relax in. Not this time. My massage was never 30 minutes, despite that being what I paid for.
Perhaps the biggest issue though, was being collared (rather aggressively) individually, first by the guy who washes you, then the one who massages you, then the guy who gives you a towel, then his mate, each with his hand out, forcefully asking for his own tip. This left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth. I am a tipper, by nature, and appreciate good service and know how to show my gratitude. However, being strong-armed or bullied into it is deeply unpleasant. They are literally waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs after you change, pretty much demanding money in hushed tones. I won’t be back, and nor will I recommend this place to others, as I have done previously.