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Experience the pinnacle of luxury and relaxation in Istanbul with our top picks for hammams and places to stay.
Ottoman Opulence
If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into the past and bathing like an Ottoman Sultan, then an Istanbul luxury tour is just the experience you need. Elevated dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences aside, however, a luxury tour in one of the most renowned cities in Turkey isn’t complete without a visit to a palatial hammam.
A hammam involves a steam bath followed by a massage, plus other modern treatments like aromatherapy or body masks. It combines the relaxing elements of a Scandinavian sauna and a Roman bath. They’re a quintessential aspect of Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical landscape and were – at one point – even required before prayer!
It isn’t an Istanbul luxury tour without a self-indulgent element, after all. So why not treat yourself to a spa day that’s authentically Turkish? To help you get started, we’ve listed the five most opulent hammams in Istanbul as well as the best places to stay in the city when you have a taste for the finer things in life. Get ready for a trip fit for royalty!
5 Most Lavish Hammams for Your Istanbul Luxury Tour
These lavish Hammams in Istanbul are a perfect blend of tradition and opulence. If you’re out on an Istanbul luxury tour, you’ll definitely want to squeeze in at least one of these to your itinerary:
1. ÇUKURCUMA HAMAMI
Firuzağa, Çukur Cuma Cd. No:43, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | +90 530 933 05 13
Hidden away in the bohemian neighborhood of Çukurcuma, Çukurcuma Hamamı radiates a unique charm. The original wooden hammam, which succumbed to a fire, has been replaced by a structure that pays homage to its predecessor with wooden accents. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, evident in the mixing of dome roofs and modern terraces.
The ambiance in Çukurcuma Hamamı is kept vibrant with natural lighting bouncing around high ceilings, creating a bright, airy setting. This hammam also stands out as one of the few mixed-gender hammams in Istanbul. However, only five guests are allowed into the hammam at any given time.
2. HURREM SULTAN HAMMAM
Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul | +90 212 517 35 35
Stepping into the Hurrem Sultan Hammam is akin to entering a realm of royalty. This hammam, the only one constructed for royalty outside a palace, will add a humbling historical element to any Istanbul luxury tour.
Mimar Sinan, a renowned 16th-century Ottoman architect, designed this sanctuary for sultans and their distinguished guests. At some point, this hammam became a prison and then a rug shop, but it has since been meticulously restored to its original purpose. Today, with its resplendent interiors of white marble and gold detailing, it is an ancient bathhouse just as much as it is a lavish relaxation spot.
The four bespoke hammam sessions here are designed to suit various needs, whether it’s traditional scrubbing, a massage on a heated marble platform, a full-body clay mask, or aromatherapy.
3. ÇEMBERLITAŞ HAMAMI
Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/Ä°stanbul | +90 212 522 79 74
The ÇemberlitaĹź Hamamı is another example of Sinan’s architectural brilliance. Dating back to 1584, it features a multi-domed structure, an impressive vault system, and an interior that harmoniously blends elegance and functionality. However, one of its best features is its location. Situated near the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque, this hammam will make a great addition to your Istanbul luxury tour if you don’t want out-of-the-way destinations.
4. ALI PAĹžA HAMAMI
KemankeĹź Karamustafa PaĹźa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 BeyoÄźlu/Ä°stanbul | +90 212 393 80 10
Grandeur awaits you inside the Ali Paşa Hamami, which is another brainchild of Mimar Sinan. This hammam has now become a landmark in the trendy Karakoy neighborhood, what with its impressive main dome – among the largest in Istanbul!
Ali Paşa Hamami was initially constructed to serve the Ottoman navy, but with a change in the times, this once men-only bathhouse now welcomes women during the day. There are even special attendants dedicated to ladies (natir) and men (tellak) only. For a truly revitalizing experience, we recommend indulging in their cafe’s refreshments and sherbets after your session.
5. CINILI HAMAM
Çavuşdere Cad Çinili Hamam Sok No 6, 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul | +90 216 334 97 10
Though an Istanbul luxury tour suggests grand and opulent destinations, we’re still throwing in a more intimate and cozy option for you. Tucked away in the lesser-traveled neighborhood of Uskudar, Cinili Hamam is a little harder to reach but definitely more authentic and low-key.
Stepping into Cinili Hamam transports you to an era of traditional Turkish luxury, thanks to the antique heating system and iconic cedar wood scent. This hammam, originally commissioned by Kösem Sultan in 1640, bears the charm of blue porcelain interiors. Its uniqueness also lies in the single “elephant eye light” opening in the hammam dome, which lends a cocoon-like vibe.
Traditional hammam experiences of scrubbing and bubble massage are offered here, which leaves the visitors feeling completely cleansed, revitalized, and – to follow through on the cocoon metaphor – reborn.
Where to Find the Best Luxury Hotels & Rentals in Istanbul
After basking in the grandeur of Istanbul’s lavish hammams, one’s journey of opulence need not end. The city also offers a selection of luxury hotels & vacation rentals that will match – if not exceed – your Istanbul luxury tour needs. With that said, here are the five best districts to find these hospitality gems:
SULTANAHMET
Known as the historic heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet is home to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. There’s also a wealth of cultural treasures nearby including the Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern, making it a history lover’s paradise. Should you opt to stay here, we recommend venturing to Sultanahmet Square, a major hub of activity filled with shops and cafes.
NISANTASI
A stay at Nisantasi provides an elegant and luxurious experience. Known as the fashion district of Istanbul, it hosts a plethora of high-end boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci, making it a must-visit destination for fashionistas. You’ll also find an impressive array of restaurants and cafes offering an excellent blend of local and international cuisine. The culture-rich spots and green spaces in this district make it a great launching point for any Istanbul luxury tour.
BEĹžIKTAĹž
Besiktas is known for its upscale neighborhood feel and is home to the renowned Çırağan Palace Kempinski. This former Ottoman palace offers a grand view of the Bosphorus from its infinity pool and from Tugra, its signature restaurant. The district also boasts lively shopping streets and the Beşiktaş Fish Market for seafood enthusiasts.
OSMANBEY
Renowned for its textile market, Osmanbey is a paradise for those seeking fabrics, wholesale clothing, and unique fashion finds. It’s also home to the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, which offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. After all, what is an Istanbul luxury tour without some shopping?
KARAKĂ–Y
Located on the northern part of the Golden Horn, Karaköy is the perfect blend of old and new Istanbul. It’s also a great place for art enthusiasts as the Istanbul Modern Art Museum is within the vicinity. Once you’ve had your fill of the district’s trendy boutiques and art galleries, we recommend dining at Karakoy Lokantasi and grabbing dessert from the famous baklava shop, Krakoy Gulluoglu.
Pursue Luxury & Leisure With Rent By Owner
As your journey draws to a close, it’s clear that Istanbul luxury tours are not just about shopping and sightseeing. From bathing like an Ottoman Sultan in lavish hammams to retreating in the city’s finest districts, every moment spent in Istanbul is steeped in history, culture, and indulgence.
At Rent By Owner, we strive to enhance these experiences by connecting you with top-notch vacation rentals across the city. So, whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for the charm of Istanbul, allow us to be part of your next luxurious adventure!
TLDR
The allure of Istanbul luxury tours lies in the fusion of history, tradition, and opulence. Istanbul’s lavish hammams, such as Hurrem Sultan Hammam, Ali PaĹźa Hamami, ÇemberlitaĹź Hamamı, Çukurcuma Hamam, and Cinili Hamam, offer a unique blend of relaxation and rejuvenation in atmospheres rich in heritage. Beyond these traditional bathhouses, Istanbul is home to luxurious hotels and stays located in five prominent districts: Sultanahmet, Karaköy, BeĹźiktaĹź, Nisantasi, and Osmanbey. Each provides unique experiences, whether it’s the historical ambiance of Sultanahmet, the artistic spirit of Karaköy, the neighborhood charm of BeĹźiktaĹź, or the bustling energy of Osmanbey. Rent By Owner aids in this luxury journey by offering top-tier vacation rentals across the city, enhancing your Istanbul adventure.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul | Hotel in Istanbul
