Çemberlitaş Hamam: prices, what to expect and Sinan's architecture

Updated on October 8, 2026

The Çemberlitaş Hamam (Çemberlitaş Hamamı) stands on the tram line, a few minutes' walk from the Column of Constantine and the Grand Bazaar. It was founded in 1584 under Nurbanu Sultan and designed by Mimar Sinan, the architect of the Süleymaniye: it is one of Sinan's baths still in use in Istanbul, a double hamam with a men's section and a women's section. The official website lists three packages: entrance only, a scrub with a foam wash, and a "luxury" package, all with a wrap, towel, slippers, soap and shampoo. It is open every day from 06:00 to midnight. To compare it with the other great bath of the old city, see the Cağaloğlu Hamam.

Highlights

The façade on the tram line

The bath opens onto the main street of the old city, a few steps from the Çemberlitaş tram stop. It is easy to find, which is why many people choose it for a first hamam.

The reception hall

Wooden galleries and changing cabins surround a courtyard under a dome, where striped wraps and towels hang to dry. You leave your belongings here before going through to the hot rooms.

The roof with pierced domes

The domes of pale stone are studded with small glass skylights, the famous "stars" of the hamam, which light the hot rooms without opening them to the outside.

The hot room and how it goes

As in any Ottoman hamam, you start by sweating in the hot room, lying on the heated marble stone (göbek taşı). With the scrub package, an attendant of the same sex then rubs your skin with a mitt (kese), rinses you and soaps you in a foam wash.

Packages and prices

Entrance only: €57. Scrub and foam wash: €72. Luxury package: €92. The website also shows amounts in Turkish lira, which change with inflation: only the euro amounts are given here, and you should confirm them when you book.

What is provided

The traditional wrap (peştemal), a towel, slippers, soap and shampoo are provided, along with a cabin to change in. A swimsuit is optional. You have nothing to bring.

Practical info

Tips

Men and women are in separate sections, served by attendants of the same sex. Book by phone or WhatsApp, using the contact details on the official website, saying which package, what time and how many people; the cancellation terms and the minimum age for children are not published on the page consulted, so ask when you book. A tip for the attendant is customary but optional; have cash ready. The amounts above were read on the official website in October 2026. To choose between several baths, read our guide to the best hamams in Istanbul and the one on Sinan's works in Istanbul.

How to get there

Vezirhan Caddesi No: 8, Çemberlitaş, Fatih, Istanbul. T1 tram, Çemberlitaş stop, a few steps away; on foot, allow about 10 minutes from the square of Hagia Sophia and 5 minutes from the Grand Bazaar. Right next door, the Binbirdirek Cistern is about a 5-minute walk away.