Istanbul: Historic Sifa Turkish Bath in Sultanahmet Square
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Local guide
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Non smoking
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Reservations
History
The Turkish hammam, a tradition dating back to the Ottoman Empire, blends Roman and Byzantine bathing rituals with Islamic purification practices, serving as a space for relaxation, cleansing, and socializing. Sifa Hamam, built in 1777 in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, is a living testament to this cultural legacy, offering an authentic experience in a setting that has welcomed visitors for over two centuries.
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, near iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Sifa Hamam stands out as a rare mixed-gender hammam, allowing couples and groups to share the experience while maintaining privacy with gender-matching therapists. This tour invites you to step into history and indulge in a timeless ritual of rejuvenation.
Highlights
- Experience an authentic 18th-century Ottoman hammam built in 1777
- Enjoy a mixed-gender facility with gender-matching therapists
- Relax with a traditional scrubbing, foam massage, and herbal tea
- Immerse yourself in the historic ambiance of Sultanahmet’s Old City
- Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups (up to 4)
Full Description
Step into the historic Sifa Hamam, a beautifully preserved 18th-century Ottoman bathhouse in the heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, just steps from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Operating since 1777, this mixed-gender hammam offers a unique opportunity for couples, friends, or solo travelers to enjoy a traditional Turkish bath together in a shared space, with female therapists for women and male therapists for men to ensure comfort and privacy. The small group size, limited to 4 participants, guarantees an intimate and personalized experience.
Your visit begins in the warm room, where steam and heat relax your muscles and open your pores under elegant marble domes. A skilled therapist performs a vigorous scrubbing with a one-use kese mitt to exfoliate your skin, followed by a soothing foam massage on the heated marble platform, a hallmark of the Turkish bath ritual. Afterward, unwind in the cool room with herbal tea or homemade sherbet, surrounded by the hammam’s traditional architecture. Optional add-ons like aromatherapy oil massage or a foot massage and face mask enhance the experience. You’ll leave refreshed, with towels, slippers, peştemal, and amenities like olive oil soap and linden shampoo provided.
This authentic hammam experience, guided by English and Turkish-speaking hosts, offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. Located in Istanbul’s historic core, Sifa Hamam provides a serene escape from the bustling city, connecting you to centuries of Ottoman tradition.
Why Choose This Experience?
Sifa Hamam offers a rare chance to experience a historic Turkish bath in a mixed-gender setting, making it ideal for couples and small groups seeking a shared cultural experience. Its location in Sultanahmet, combined with its 18th-century ambiance, creates a unique blend of history and relaxation just steps from Istanbul’s top landmarks.
With a small group size, personalized treatments, and included amenities like towels and herbal tea, this experience ensures comfort and authenticity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Sifa Hamam delivers a rejuvenating journey into Turkey’s cultural heritage.
What’s Included
- 30-minute access to the warm marble hammam room
- Peeling application with a one-use kese mitt
- Traditional foam massage
- Aromatherapy oil massage (if selected)
- Foot massage and face mask (if selected)
- Use of towels, slippers, and peştemal (breechcloth)
- Olive oil soap, linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion
- Herbal tea or homemade sherbet
- Locker and secure storage
Itinerary
- Arrive at Sifa Hamam in Sultanahmet Square
- Begin with 30-minute relaxation in the warm marble room with steam
- Receive a peeling application with a one-use kese mitt
- Enjoy a traditional foam massage on the heated marble platform
- Optional aromatherapy oil massage or foot massage and face mask
- Relax in the cool room with herbal tea or homemade sherbet
- Depart feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
Pricing
From $47 per person
Meeting Point
Sifa Hamam is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily recognizable by the large red sign reading “HISTORICAL TURKISH BATH – ŞİFA HAMAMI – SINCE 1777” above the door. Arrive at the scheduled time, and check availability for starting times. No pickup is included, so plan to reach the hammam directly, conveniently situated near major landmarks like the Hagia Sophia.
How to Get There
- Walk or take a taxi to Sifa Hamam in Sultanahmet Square, near the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Look for the large red sign reading “HISTORICAL TURKISH BATH – ŞİFA HAMAMI – SINCE 1777”
- Check public transport options (tram to Sultanahmet stop) for easy access
- Arrive at the confirmed start time, as no pickup is provided
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card (copy accepted)
- Comfortable clothing to change into after the hammam
Know Before You Go
- This is a mixed-gender hammam with shared areas; therapists are gender-matched
- Pregnant guests are not permitted to use the hammam
- Guests with heart disease, diabetes, or asthma are advised against participation
- Avoid the hammam if you’ve recently consumed alcohol, are famished, or overly full
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Luggage, large bags, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed
Reviews
- This was a fantastic hammam experience, incredibly relaxing with a welcoming staff. The historic setting added so much charm, and we loved unwinding afterward. Highly recommend leaving time to relax post-treatment!
- The hammam was a highlight of our trip, offering a deeply relaxing experience. The owner was friendly and ensured we felt at home. We’d recommend this authentic Turkish bath to everyone!
- A truly traditional hammam, very different from European spas. The scrubbing and foam massage were invigorating, and the price was great value. A must-do for an authentic Istanbul experience!
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What does the Sifa Hamam experience include?
The Sifa Hamam experience includes 30-minute access to the warm marble room, a peeling application with a one-use kese mitt, and a traditional foam massage on a heated marble platform. You’ll also receive towels, slippers, peştemal, olive oil soap, linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion, and herbal tea or sherbet in the cool room. Optional add-ons like aromatherapy oil massage or a foot massage and face mask are available. The small group size (up to 4) ensures a personalized visit in a historic 18th-century setting. This authentic Ottoman ritual in Sultanahmet offers deep relaxation and cultural immersion.
Is the hammam suitable for couples or mixed groups?
Yes, Sifa Hamam is a mixed-gender facility, making it ideal for couples, friends, or mixed groups to share the experience in a communal space. Gender-matching therapists (female for women, male for men) ensure privacy and comfort during treatments. The intimate setting, limited to 4 participants, creates a cozy and inclusive atmosphere. Located in Sultanahmet, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a shared cultural activity near Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. The traditional ambiance and professional staff make it welcoming for all.
What is the cancellation policy for this experience?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change. Contact the operator via the booking platform or provided details to process your cancellation. The “reserve now, pay later” option allows you to secure your spot without upfront payment, adding convenience. This policy ensures peace of mind for travelers with uncertain schedules. Always review your booking confirmation for specific instructions to ensure a smooth cancellation process.
Are there any health restrictions I should be aware of?
Pregnant guests are not permitted to use the hammam, and those with heart disease, diabetes, or asthma are advised against participation due to the heat and steam. Avoid the hammam if you’ve recently consumed alcohol, are famished, or overly full, as these conditions may affect your comfort. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Inform the operator of any health concerns when booking to ensure safety. The staff is trained to provide a safe and relaxing experience for eligible participants.
How do I find Sifa Hamam, and what should I expect on arrival?
Sifa Hamam is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily identifiable by a large red sign reading “HISTORICAL TURKISH BATH – ŞİFA HAMAMI – SINCE 1777.” No pickup is provided, so plan to arrive via taxi, tram (Sultanahmet stop), or on foot, as it’s near the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by English or Turkish-speaking hosts in a historic marble interior. Expect a warm, traditional ambiance with all amenities (towels, slippers, soap) provided. Check availability for start times and arrive promptly for a seamless experience.
