Spas, Hammams and Massage in Beyoğlu

Spa and hammam options in Beyoğlu fall into two groups: historic hammams dating from the Ottoman period, and hotel spas around Taksim. Of the four venues listed, two are historic hammams and two are hotel spas; all four offer a Turkish bath and kese (exfoliating scrub). Within a relatively small area between Taksim, Galatasaray and Tophane, it is easy to choose between a historic hammam and a hotel spa.

Historic hammams: Galatasaray and Tophane

Beyoğlu's historic hammams make the district stand out for anyone looking for a traditional hammam in Istanbul. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Tophane is a work of Mimar Sinan; as it has a single section, it serves women and men at different times of day. At Galatasaray Hamamı in the Galatasaray neighbourhood, classic oil massage is offered in private rooms alongside kese and foam services. At both hammams, a visit follows the traditional sequence of sweating in the hot room, kese and foam massage. The guide to Istanbul's historic hammams gives detailed information on the architecture and history of these buildings.

Hotel spas in Taksim

Beyoğlu's hotel spas are around Taksim and combine a hammam with an extensive massage menu. Ocean Spa / InterContinental Taksim in Gümüşsuyu is in the luxury hotel spa category; it offers massages by Balinese therapists, Swedish massage, couples' massage and a VIP hammam suite for couples, and the hotel also has a squash court and a fitness area. Aurel Spa at the Taksim Occidental Hotel has a more comprehensive list of services than the district's other venues: themed hammam treatments, aromatherapy and Asian massages, reflexology, facials, body scrubs and body masks, a jacuzzi and a sauna, all in one place.

Practical notes before you visit

The arrangement for women and men at Beyoğlu's hammams varies by venue: Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı has separate times, while at the other venues you should ask about the arrangement and current hours before you go. Aurel Spa accepts outside visitors and offers a 180-minute day-use option; at the other hotel spa, entry for non-residents depends on the venue's policy. As package contents at the historic hammams vary (kese, foam, massage, peshtemal and towel), clarifying what is included when you book makes comparison easier. If you are looking for a separate women's section or women-only hours, see the guide to women-only hammams in Istanbul; to compare districts, see the Istanbul page.