For those intrigued by Istanbul’s rich history and cultural traditions, the city’s Ottoman-era public baths, or "hammams," offer a fascinating glimpse into its past. Beyond just a place for bathing, these bathhouses served as social hubs where people gathered to unwind, rejuvenate, and socialize. This guide explores the history, significance, and enduring appeal of Istanbul’s hammams, along with tips on where to experience this traditional relaxation ritual today.

Nowadays, the Turkish baths or “hamam” are famous all around the world especially in Istanbul city because it has some historical baths that go back to the Ottoman Empire’s period and are still in their old structure but more beautiful and maybe the most relaxing thing to do a Turkish bath is having a massage by a professional masseuse. In fact, massages have become a famous thing in Istanbul and a lot of centers are now offering massage services, not just Turkish baths but Turkish traditional massage is different. The clients gather in big steamed chambre and sit or lay on a warm marble and the masseuses will massage them using hot water, soap, and loofah don’t worry you will not be naked because male clients wear bath wrap that covers a lower area of their bodies while for women they wear a longer one.

Here are some of the best massage centers in Istanbul:

Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamami

It was constructed between 1578 and 1583  and is considered the most famous Turkish bath in Istanbul and even Turkey. Massaging there in this bath is different from what you know, you will be massaged by a professional masseuse in a big steamed chambre while you lay down on a warm marble, and the masseuse will massage you on the traditional Turkish way using warm water and soap to clean you up while massaging. it is really relaxing and professional.

After finishing, you can move to another chamber where you can cool down and have a hot Turkish coffee.

The staff working in Kılıç ali paşa hamamı is polite and professional and the bath itself is very clean and historical also, so you will be extremely relaxed there.

Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamami

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hammam, Istanbul. Stall with fruit on the background of the Hammam Hurrem Sultan in autumn

Located near Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Hamami was constructed in the 16th century by famous Turkish architecture Sinan. This bath is considered the most luxurious bath in Turkey and serve both men and women on different times. The massage in this bath goes on the traditional Turkish way but more relaxing since masseuses use additional products for more quality service. Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan bath is known for its clean environment and expert staff. The basic bath here will cost you around 60 Dollars.

Kadirga tarihi turk hamami:

Old but gold. This is the best phrase to describe this place, it is a small old hamam that offer service to locals more than foreigners but the service itself is very professional and the staff might be among the best in this business, the hamam is really clean and the masseuses are experts. The hamam is located in Fatih district at the heart of Istanbul city  and it is really cheap compared to other hamams.

Great, but what if am not a fan of the Turkish hamams?

Well, in this case you would miss an amazing experience, but you would still have spas:

Space day spa:

Located in Kadikoy District on the Asian side of Istanbul. This spa is very famous one in Istanbul because it offers varied types of massages such bai massage, swiss massage, the special massage for pregnant women, and many other types of massages but its special “space romantic massage” is probably the most relaxing one of them.

Space Day Spa’s staff are experts and the spa itself is clean and relaxing you will absolutely have a satisfying experience there but make sure to bring a fat wallet..

Spa Intercontinental Istanbul

Professional, calm, and absolutely well-designed. These three words are enough to describe such an amazing spa.

The first thing comes first, the money you are going to pay is a lot so make sure to bring what you have been saving for massage, it is worth every single penny you already paid to get it. The rooms are designed to put you in a calm mood, no matter what stress you have been through you will forget about it. You can choose one of many types of massages because the list is full of them. Spa InterContinental is located in the Beyoglu district right next to Taksim Square.

So if you get tired of walking around the city with your friends, finish your day with a relaxing massage, it is the best way to finish your day.