Süleymaniye Hamamı

Suleymaniye Hamami is a historic bathhouse that has been in operation since the 1500s. As soon as you enter, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. The staff at Suleymaniye Hamami have a well-organized system and provide excellent service. Someone will guide you through the process from start to finish. Unlike other hammams, this one allows couples to enjoy the ancient bath experience together. It is recommended to make an appointment on their website before visiting. We made a reservation for the basic couple package, which cost €55 per person and required payment in cash upon arrival. We were then escorted to a private changing room where we left our belongings and were provided with clean shorts or bathing suits to wear. Men are given shorts, and women are given bottoms and bikini tops with drawstrings. The private changing room comes with a key to secure your belongings.

Once changed, we went downstairs to the main bathing room. The staff provided us with wooden slippers to wear, which were a bit hazardous as the floor was quite slippery. The inside of the bathhouse is made of beautiful white marble and stone, and as soon as we entered the main bathing area, we felt the heat and humidity. We sat on top of a large warm marble slab in the middle of the room while we waited our turn. Natural sunlight filters in through strategically placed openings in the ceiling, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in the steamy room. It was fascinating to think about all the people who have come and gone through this magnificent building over the years, including Sultans who were known to visit.

The main bathing room has four wings, each with two marble slabs for tables and two faucets. When it was our turn, we were led to one of the wings by a couple of men in loincloths. They asked us to sit next to the faucet where water was running continuously into a marble bowl. Before starting on us, the men bathed themselves. Without warning, one of them dumped a bucket of cold water on my head, which was a bit of a shock. We had been sitting in the 38 degree Fahrenheit steam room for about 20-30 minutes, and while the cold water was refreshing, a little warning would have been welcome. I was expecting a rough scrub down based on what I had seen in YouTube videos, but the men were gentle and made the experience very relaxing. They scrubbed, foamed, and washed us until we were squeaky clean. We were glad that we saved this activity for the end of our trip in Turkey, as it left us feeling refreshed and relaxed. After the bath, we were wrapped in towels and led to a chilling area where we were served free beverages.

We highly recommend Suleymaniye Hamami for their service and the unique atmosphere. Photos are not allowed inside the bathhouse, so you'll have to experience it for yourself. It's an opportunity to feel like you're part of history.