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Craft an Istanbul luxury tour fit for a sultan! We’ve curated the best hammams, and vacation areas for a truly sumptuous stay.
A Holiday Fit for Royalty
Ever hoped you could journey back in time and experience the bath rituals of an Ottoman Sultan? If so, an Istanbul luxury tour is your kind of adventure. Aside from an array of gastronomic, retail, and entertainment possibilities, a luxury tour of Turkey’s largest city would only be complete with a trip to an imperial hammam.
A hammam is a place for a steam bath, followed by a massage, with additional modern treatments such as aromatherapy or body masks. It blends the soothing elements of a Scandinavian sauna with a Roman bath. Hammams are a crucial part of Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, and were once even a requirement before prayer!
Of course, an Istanbul luxury tour always exudes an element of indulgence. So, why not spoil yourself with a spa day that’s uniquely Turkish?
To get you started, we have compiled the five most extravagant hammams in Istanbul, along with the city’s prime places to stay for those who want a little taste of luxury. Prepare yourself for a truly royal journey!
5 Most Opulent Hammams in Istanbul, Turkey
These deluxe Hammams in Istanbul effortlessly merge tradition and grandeur. If you’re embarking on an Istanbul luxury tour, you’ll surely want to include at least one of these magnificent venues in your travel plans:
1. ÇUKURCUMA HAMAMI
Firuzağa, Çukur Cuma Cd. No:43, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | +90 530 933 05 13
Tucked away in the bohemian district of Çukurcuma, Çukurcuma Hamamı gives off a unique charm. The original wooden hammam, tragically lost to a fire, has been revived with a design that celebrates its legacy with wooden features. Its allure resides in the perfect fusion of conventional and modern aesthetics, visible in the mix of domed roofs and contemporary terraces.
Inside Çukurcuma Hamamı, natural light dances around lofty ceilings, crafting a radiant and spacious atmosphere. This hammam stands out as one of the rare mixed-gender hammams in Istanbul, but only five guests can be accommodated at once.
2. HURREM SULTAN HAMMAM
Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul | +90 212 517 35 35
Entering the Hurrem Sultan Hammam feels like entering the chambers of royalty (of course, if you really do want to enter former royal palaces in Istanbul, we’ve got a guide to historical landmarks here). This particular hammam– the only one built for a royal family outside a palace, brings an undeniable historical touch to any Istanbul luxury tour.
Designed by Mimar Sinan, a renowned 16th-century Ottoman architect, this well-storied hammam catered to sultans and their esteemed guests. Over time, it served as a prison and a rug store before being painstakingly restored to its original glory. Presently, with its magnificent interiors of white marble and golden detailing, it is as much an ancient bathhouse as it is an upscale relaxation destination.
The four custom hammam sessions here cater to diverse needs, from traditional scrubbing and massage on a warm marble slab to full-body clay masks and aromatherapy.
3. ÇEMBERLITAŞ HAMAMI
Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul | +90 212 522 79 74
The Çemberlitaş Hamamı, another masterpiece from Sinan, dates back to 1584 and features a multi-domed edifice, a remarkable arch system, and an interior that seamlessly mixes style and functionality. However, its standout feature is its prime location. Nestled close to the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque, this hammam can be an excellent inclusion to your Istanbul luxury tour if you prefer easily accessible sites.
4. ALI PAŞA HAMAMI
Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | +90 212 393 80 10
Inside the Ali Paşa Hamami, you’re greeted by majesty, another architectural marvel of Mimar Sinan. This hammam has evolved into an iconic landmark in the fashionable Karakoy neighborhood, with its imposing main dome being one of Istanbul’s largest!
Originally built to cater to the Ottoman navy, this men-only bathhouse has adapted to modern times and now welcomes women during the day. There are even dedicated attendants for women (natir) and men (tellak). We recommend enjoying their café’s rejuvenating beverages and sherbets after your hammam session for a truly invigorating experience.
5. CINILI HAMAM
Çavuşdere Cad Çinili Hamam Sok No 6, 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul | +90 216 334 97 10
While Istanbul luxury tours typically imply grand and plush locales, we’re also offering a cozier, more intimate option. Located in the less-visited Uskudar district, Cinili Hamam may be slightly off the beaten path, but it promises an authentic and underrated experience.
Cinili Hamam welcomes you into an era of traditional Turkish luxury with its antique heating system and signature cedar wood fragrance. Commissioned by Kösem Sultan in 1640, this hammam captivates with its blue porcelain interiors. The single “elephant eye light” opening in the hammam dome creates a cocoon-like ambiance. Traditional hammam experiences of scrubbing and bubble massage leave visitors feeling thoroughly purified, rejuvenated, and metaphorically reborn.
Where to Stay On Your Istanbul Luxury Tour
After reveling in the splendor of Istanbul’s deluxe hammams, your journey of luxury doesn’t need to end. The city also presents a selection of high-end hotels and vacation rentals that can meet, if not surpass, your Istanbul luxury tour expectations. Here are the five prime districts to find these lavish stays:
SULTANAHMET
Renowned as Istanbul’s historical core, Sultanahmet houses the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. An array of cultural treasures are also nearby, such as the Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern, making it a haven for history aficionados. If you choose to reside here, we recommend exploring Sultanahmet Square, a bustling hub teeming with shops and cafes.
NISANTASI
Choosing Nisantasi ensures an elegant stay. Recognized as Istanbul’s fashion district, it is home to numerous luxury boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci. You’ll also discover a stunning assortment of restaurants and cafes that serve both local and international cuisines. With its culturally rich spots and verdant spaces, this district serves as an ideal base for any Istanbul luxury tour.
BEŞIKTAŞ
Besiktas has an upscale neighborhood feel and is home to the famous Çırağan Palace Kempinski. This former Ottoman palace offers splendid views of the Bosphorus from its infinity pool and Tugra, its in-house restaurant. Of course, if you can’t get enough of the views, we’ve got a separate guide to Istanbul boat cruises as well! Besiktas also features vibrant shopping streets and the Beşiktaş Fish Market, a treat for seafood lovers.
OSMANBEY
Famous for its textile market, Osmanbey is a dreamland for those hunting for fabrics, wholesale clothing, and unique fashion discoveries. It’s also the site of the Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Center, one of the world’s largest shopping malls, offering a medley of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. After all, what’s an Istanbul luxury tour without a little retail therapy?
KARAKÖY
Nestled on the northern part of the Golden Horn, Karaköy beautifully marries the old and new faces of Istanbul. It’s also a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, with the Istanbul Modern Art Museum within reach. After exploring the district’s stylish boutiques and art galleries, we recommend dining at Karakoy Lokantasi or savoring desserts from the famed baklava shop Karakoy Gulluoglu.
Discover Decadent Destinations With Hotala
As your adventure draws to a close, it will become evident that Istanbul luxury tours go beyond mere shopping and sightseeing. Every moment in Istanbul, from immersing yourself in regal hammams like an Ottoman Sultan to dwelling in the city’s most exquisite districts, is soaked in history, culture, wellness, and sheer indulgence.
At Hotala, we strive to amplify these experiences by connecting you with premier hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals throughout the city. So whether you’re planning your initial voyage or returning for the irresistible charm of Istanbul, let us help in crafting your next lavish adventure!
And if you’ve been there, done that, you can subscribe to The Hot List to get weekly updates on the Hottest destinations! Travel farther, experience more, and discover hot deals in hot destinations with Hotala.
