Çemberlitaş Hamamı
Attractions,
Sport, health & fitness
Book travel
NEW travel newsletter
Free weekly email packed with travel tips for major world cities, great competitions and exciting features.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı review 2 Users say 3/5 Rate it
Possibly the cleanest and most atmospheric hamam in town. Built in 1584 by Sinan, it was commissioned by Nurbanu, wife of Sultan Selim the Sot, as a charitable foundation for the poor.
The hamam has been in continual use ever since. There are sections for both sexes, but part of the ladies' wing was torn down in the 19th century. Women now change in a corridor rather than a proper camekan, although the main hararet is lovely.
Close to the Grand Bazaar, the hamam is frequented by foreigners; as a result, the masseurs are perfunctory and more interested in hassling for tips.
But there's usually someone at reception who speaks English, and if you're a hamam virgin, this is a good place to begin.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı details
Çemberlitaş
Area Istanbul
Transport Tram Çemberlitaş
Telephone 0212 522 7974
Open 6am-midnight daily
Admission YTL35; YTL55 with massage
Comments & ratings 3/5 (Average of 2 ratings)
I was there 2 days ago. Did not feel the 'insistence' on tipping. However, for the price, the wash and scrub was too short and the scrub not thorough. I liked the atmosphere and could see that there were also locals in the hammam. It is a lucrative business that has become a true attraction. However, it is well run, clean and the staff has been polite. For a 'hammam' experience, the basic entry price would be sufficient.
Avoid like the plague as it is a prime tourist spot, like others have said they all expected a tip for the shortest massage in the world even after paying 69tl. My advice is to find a smaller better hammam
the 95 lira complete package was worth it for the great massage. as expected the scrub and bubbles was too short-she was on to the next person before even finishing with me.
Went to this hammam two weeks ago. It was awful. More of a "hammam experience" that the real thing. The entire process was perfunctory at best and the attendants made it clear from the start and during the whole process that they expected to be tipped. And that's after paying US$55 for the privelege!
Share your thoughts