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Cemberlitas Hammam
Cemberlitas HammamCemberlitas Hammam
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Plan your visit to Cemberlitas
Opening hours
Getting there
What to bring
Rules & etiquette
Visitor tips
- Daily: 7:30am to 10:30pm
- Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Visiting early, between 7:30am and 8am is ideal, for the hammam is less crowded and you can enjoy the rituals without feeling rushed. You can also visit Cemberlitas late in the evening. Around 8pm to 10pm, the crowds thin out, and you can unwind after a day of exploring Istanbul.
Note: Unlike many spas or wellness centers with strict time slots, the Cemberlitas Hammam offers an unlimited stay inside. Linger in the steamy, marble chamber, and let the treatments work their magic.
Address: Molla Fenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Find on maps
- By tram: Line T1 (Bagcilar to Kabastas)
- Nearest stop: Cemberlitas station
- By bus: 28 (Besiktas to Fatih), 28T (Besiktas to Topkapi), 30D (Ortakoy to Yenikapi), 36V (Veznegiler to Sultangazi), 77A (Sisli to Vezneciler), 93T (Zeytinburnu to Taksim), and EM1 (Emniyettepe to Vezniciler)
- Nearest stop: Cemberlitas or Beyazit Square
- By metro: Line M2 (Yenikapi to Haciosman)
- Nearest station: Vezneciler station
- By foot: If you are walking around the Sultanahmet area, the Cemberlitas Hammam is situated near the entrance of the Grand Bazaar, a short while away from the Hagia Sophia.
- A change of clothes, preferably something easy to slip on
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Towel (optional)
- Any preferred toiletries or skin-care products
- Flip-flops
- A small bag for valuables
- Cash (Turkish Lira)
- Shower before entering the hammam: It is recommended to rinse yourself off before starting the bath or scrubbing process.
- Follow the bathing ritual: Hammam rituals follow a specific sequence: warming up in the hot room, scrubbing, washing, and finally resting in a cooler area. Following this process allows you to fully enjoy its therapeutic benefits.
- Communicate with the attendants: Turkish bath massages involve lots of physical contact. If you are uncomfortable at any point, please tell your attendants.
- Don’t bring outside food or drinks: While outside food is not allowed, you can help yourself to Turkish delights and homemade sherbets inside the hammam.
- Keep the space clean: Avoid leaving towels, soap, or other items scattered around.
- Keep noise to a minimum: Turkish hammams are a place for relaxation. Keep conversations quiet and avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
- Be prepared for tipping requests: Service professionals may request a tip after your bath. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, but you can decline politely as well.
- Clarify service details: Confirm the duration and nature of the treatments before the session begins. If you prefer a gentler scrub or massage, communicate this to your attendant beforehand.
- Hydrate before and after: The heat and steam can be dehydrating. Drink water before and after your session to stay hydrated.
- Health considerations: If you have any heart conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before enjoying a hammam experience. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid Turkish baths, as the high sauna temperatures can pose risks during the early and late stages of pregnancy.
- Book in advance: While walk-ins are welcome, it is best to book your tickets a few weeks in advance, especially during peak summer months between June and August, to secure your preferred time slot.
A living piece of Ottoman history
- The Cemberlitas Hammam has been a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural heritage since its completion in 1584. Commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murad III, it reflects the era’s architectural brilliance.
- The legendary Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, infused the bathhouse with iconic domed ceilings, marble interiors, and a central heated stone (gobek tasi).
- For centuries, Cemberlitas has been a living testament to Ottoman bathing traditions. Brides-to-be would visit the hammam with friends and family as part of wedding preparations, while mothers brought newborns for purification and blessing rituals.
- The hammam has also witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Ottoman era to the modern Turkish Republic.
- Despite urbanization and evolving lifestyles, it has preserved its traditional charm, drawing both locals and tourists eager to experience its historical allure.
Must-visit attractions near Cemberlitas
Grand Bazaar
Distance: 400 meters away
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar features over 4,000 shops selling Turkish carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
Sultanahmet Square
Distance: 600 meters away
This historic square was the social center of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is home to iconic landmarks like the German Fountain and the Serpent Column.
Basilica Cistern
Distance: 700 meters away
Built in the 6th century, this underground water reservoir showcases 336 dimly-lit columns and upturned Medusa Head columns.
Basilica Cistern ticketsHagia Sophia
Distance: 800 meters away
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a cathedral, and a mosque, and is now a museum.
Hagia Sophia ticketsFrequently asked questions about the Cemberlitas Hammam
Why is the Cemberlitas Hammam popular?
Built in the 16th century, the Cemberlitas Hammam is one of the most famous hammams in Istanbul, offering an authentic, ‘classic’ Turkish bath experience. Its central location and intricate interiors make it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
What services are available at Cemberlitas?
The Cemberlitas Baths offers a range of services, including traditional scrubbing with a kese mitt, heated stone massages, foam massages, peeling treatments, and full-body massages.
Is there a dress code at the hammam?
There is no strict dress code, but modesty is a part of the tradition. The hammam provides a pestamal (traditional towel) at the start of the bathing ritual to wrap yourself in. Depending on your comfort, you can also wear a swimsuit.
Is the hammam wheelchair accessible?
The Cemberlitas Hammam is not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs due to its 16th-century design. Much of the building includes stairs, narrow passageways, and uneven surfaces, which can make navigation challenging for those with mobility needs.
Does Cemberlitas offer lockers or storage facilities?
Yes, the Cemberlitas offers personal lockers secured with a key, so you can safely store your belongings while enjoying the bath and other services.
Can I bring children to the hammam?
The Cemberlitas Hammam does not allow children aged 11 and under, as the high temperatures in the steam rooms and hot surfaces can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for younger children.