This is the most famous of Istanbul’s many hamams. It has remained more or less unchanged since it was built on the orders of Sultan Mahmut I in the mid-18th century. It’s a favorite for the makers of TV ads, who consider it an essential element when selling their soapy wares.
Celebrity bathers are rumored to have included the likes of Franz Liszt, Florence Nightingale and Tony Curtis. These days, locals make up the majority of its patrons. After a good steaming and massage, there’s a pleasant bar-cafe where you can sip a bracing glass of tea.