Büyük Hamam

Büyük Hamam review

This no-frills hamam is favoured by locals. The name means 'the big bathhouse' - indeed, this is Istanbul's largest. The huge hararet has 60 wash stations, compared to the usual dozen or so. The beautiful details are courtesy of the Ottoman architect Sinan (also responsible for the mosque next door). An open-air swimming pool has been added to the men's section. The Büyük is a ten-minute walk from central Beyoĸlu. Cross six-lane Tarlabaşı Bulvarı beside the Pera Palas Hotel and head west along Tepebaşı Caddesi, looking out for the minaret of Kasımpaşa Mosque.