A Review of Istanbul’s Cagaloglu Hamam: The Best Turkish Bath
When people hear you’re going to Turkey, many who’ve been there will say, “You have to go to a hammam!”
They’re right! It’s a unique experience, which can be jarring and aggressive at times, but ultimately will likely become a highlight of your trip to Istanbul.
First, I have to get the out of the way. For spelling purposes, the English spelling is “hammam,” but Cagaloglu uses “hamam,” so when directly referring to this specific Turkish bath, I’ll use the spelling up on its doors. Otherwise, I’ll use the double “m.”
So, yes, I’d recommend Cagaloglu Hamam:
- It’s a piece of history, 300 years old
- It has nearly unanimous 5-star reviews
- The staff is very friendly, and (again I’m using this word) “aggressive” in the treatments. Maybe thorough would be better?
- Either way, you’ll be scrubbed and left literally squeaky clean.
- They burn olive seeds to heat the water.
➡️ Click Here to Book Cagaloglu Hamam
Book Your Turkish Bath in Advance
There’s high demand for this hammam, so especially during busier tourist seasons it’s best to book in advance.
I use Viator for things like this because you can book far in advance, and get a full refund until the day before your visit to the hammam.
Pricing & Services at the Hammam
The base price for a visit to Cagaloglu is €90. From there, you can add additional services and treatments.
The hammam offers a variety of packages to cater to different preferences:
- The İstanbul Dream: A traditional experience priced at €90.
- Tip to Toe: An extended ritual designed for full-body rejuvenation, available for €125.
- Cagaloglu Hamam Special: Combines traditional Turkish bath rituals with an Oriental massage experience for €150.
- The Ottoman Luxury Service: Offers a comprehensive Ottoman experience for €220.
- Sultan Mahmud The First: A service honoring the hammam’s founder, priced at €280.
- Elixir of Cagaloglu Hamam: A premium pampering ritual available for €400.
Additional services include foot massages, aromatherapy massages, and detoxifying clay masks.
Arrival at the Turkish Bath
Upon arrival, you’ll be guided to gender-specific changing rooms. In fact, men and women are separated into entirely different parts of the building.
Guests undress and store belongings in provided lockers.
You’ll emerge in a towel and slippers, then return here later to dry off.
The Turkish Bath Experience
I’m laughing as I type this, because I feel like some people will expect a private spat treatment. A hammam is communal! You’ll be laid out on a slab of marble with several other people at the same time to be scrubbed and doused.
The experience begins with 15 minutes in a heated marble room, which is designed to open your pores.
From there, you’ll get your own personal attendant to scrub you down and massage you for 30-45 minutes.
They have these old drawings of the Turkish bath experience, and it’s pretty much the same to this day!
My Review & Experience at Cagaloglu Hamam
I never use the sauna or steam room at the gym, so right off the bat the 15 minutes in the heated marble room wasn’t something I was looking forward to.
I made the mistake of sitting too far inside. The marble was intensely hot, to the point that it was really uncomfortable. Another 10 people were in there with me, mostly tourists visiting from the US and Europe. I was ready to get out and begin the scrub!
From there attendants come to call out names, and bring your to your slab in the large communal bath area. It’s beautiful inside!
You’ll be washed and scrubbed. They use a mild abrasive, which feels good. They flip you over a couple of times and get your feet, too.
I loved the mountain of suds they dump on you during the process. It smells great, and afterwards the attendant was excited to have me rub my own arm to see how rubbery-sqeaky clean it was. “See? No oils!”
They’ll shampoo you, too, and maybe crack your back. I could’ve done without that, but my attendant seemed pleased with himself that he was able to crack it three times.
My attendant seemed to get devious joy out of dumping hot water on my head, followed by cold water. It delivers quite a shock to the system, especially if you don’t see it coming!
I added a clay masque to the treatment, which cost around $50 USD. It slathered on, then semi-hardened for 10 minutes before they washed it off. I think that’s a step I’ll skip next time.
The treatment took about an hour. Somehow, I was exhausted afterwards and fell asleep in the relaxation room for a few minutes! I think it must have been the heat, and maybe my body going into defensive mode after being doused with buckets of water unexpectedly!
My attendant, Adnan, told me he does around 5 people a day.
While tipping isn’t necessary, it’s greatly appreciated.
5 Things to Know about Cagaloglu Hamam
- Built in the Ottoman Era – Cagaloglu Hamam was constructed in 1741 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I. It was one of the last major baths built during the Ottoman period.
- Historic Architecture – The hamamm features stunning Baroque and Ottoman architectural elements, with grand domes, marble interiors, and intricate tilework.
- A Hammam for the Elite – Originally, it was built to generate revenue for a nearby library and was frequented by Ottoman elites.
- Famous Visitors – Over the years, it has hosted many famous guests, including King Edward VIII, Florence Nightingale, and Hollywood stars like Oprah and Cameron Diaz.
- A UNESCO-Recognized Site – While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, it is located within Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, an area that is recognized for its cultural significance.
My Review: Is a Turkish Bath / Hammam Worth It?
Experiencing a traditional Turkish bath at Cagaloglu Hamam offers a relaxing cleanse, along with the experience of a centuries-old tradition.
Unlike many historic hammams that have closed over the years, Cagaloglu remains fully operational. I found a sense of pride among the staff inside. While it’s in the bustling Sultanahmet district, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia, the hammam offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds in Europe’s largest city (by population).
I’m not a fan of communal bathing or saunas, but Turkish baths offer much more of an experience. I went on the second day of my trip, and actually found myself considering booking a second bath at Cagaloglu before my flight home. It’s definitely something you’ll remember about your visit to Istanbul!
