Hurrem Sultan Hammam

A 16th-century Ottoman Hammam with ancient roots

Constructed in the 16th century at the height of the Ottoman Empire, the Hurrem Sultan hammam was built on the site of the older Baths of Zeuxippus, dating back to the 2nd century AD, when Istanbul was Constantinople. Since then, the bathhouse has offered traditional bathing rituals paired with Ottoman-inspired luxury — and now you can experience this too.

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Be pampered like an Ottoman royal

Commissioned in 1556 by Ottoman Queen Hurrem Sultan, this historic bathhouse offers a luxurious yet traditional hammam experience. Centuries-old wellness practices like steam, massages, and exfoliation improve circulation, ease joint pain, and reduce stress.

Your experience at the Hurrem Sultan hammam

At the Hurrem Sultan hammam, you can tailor your experience to suit your needs by choosing from four different types of packages, from the 45-minute Pir-ü Pak Hamam to the nearly 2-hour long all-in-one Ab-i Hayat package.

On your arrival, you’re provided with a pestemal (a traditional Turkish towel) and disposable underwear. Change out of your clothes in the private changing rooms and store your belongings securely in the locker provided.

A bath attendant (of the same gender as you) leads you to the hammam’s warm room, made entirely of white marble. The small basins lining the walls and gold-plated bowls add to the sense of luxury. The room’s gentle heat, moist air, and soft light envelope you, relaxing your body and mind.

The hammam ritual begins with a bath, where your attendant pours warm water all over you. The moisture and humidity open up your pores and make you sweat, removing impurities and preparing your skin for the next stage: scrubbing.

The attendant then uses a traditional exfoliating bath mitt called a kese for a thorough scrub. The vigorous yet soothing process removes dirt and dead cells, and cleanses your body, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.

You’re then taken to the hot room, where you lie down on a heated large marble platform called the gobek tasi. Unwind in fragrant soap bubbles as a masseuse gives you a deep massage, followed by a hair wash and scalp massage with redbud-scented shampoo. Once you’re cleansed and supple, you’re rinsed from top to bottom with invigorating cold water.

If you choose further treatments like clay masks, foot massage, or aromatherapy, you’re whisked away to a private treatment room, where the aromatic oils, moisturizers, and packs create a calming and healing effect on your senses.

With your head and body wrapped in clean and dry pestemals, you’re led to the cold room, where you can unwind on soft couches to the sound of the soothing water fountain. You can enjoy traditional Turkish tea or sherbet, and chat with other visitors.

Frequently asked questions about the Hurrem Sultan hammam

Why is the Hurrem Sultan hammam popular?

The Hurrem Sultan hammam is named after the Ottoman queen who ordered their construction in 1556. With opulent interiors and premium amenities, it is a popular destination for travelers looking for an authentic and luxurious Turkish bath experience.

What services are available at Hurrem Sultan?

Apart from the traditional bathing, scrubbing and bubble massage rituals, the hammam offers a range of face and body packs, massages, peeling treatments, and wellness therapies.

Is there a dress code at the hammam?

There is no strict dress code at Hurrem Sultan hammam. You are provided with towels to wrap yourself in for the bathing rituals, but you’re welcome to wear a bathing suit or a bikini if you prefer to do so. You are expected to keep your lower body covered at all times.

Does the Hurrem Sultan hammam offer lockers or storage facilities?

The hammam offers secure personal lockers where you can store your belongings during your visit. However, they are small and will not be able to accommodate larger bags or luggage.

Is the hammam accessible by wheelchair?

Due to its historic 16th-century design, the Hurrem Sultan hammam is not wheelchair accessible. The bath complex includes multiple levels that are accessed by stairs and narrow corridors, making them difficult to navigate for guests with mobility challenges.

Are children allowed at the hammam?

Children aged 6 and under are not allowed at the Hurrem Sultan hammam as the high temperatures and hot surfaces in the bathing rooms can be potentially unsafe for them. Children between 6 and 15 years of age can experience the hammam without the massages. Visitors between 15 and 18 years old can take the full hammam experience provided they are accompanied by an adult of the same gender.