I went to this centuries old bath house alone before they made it for couples and families only, so…read moreunfortunately I can never go back.
It was absolutely the highlight of my visit to Istanbul.
As my KLM flight landed in Istanbul the entire city was blanketed with snow, so the warmth of the bath was especially welcome.
Istanbul itself is an assault on your senses, everywhere you turn someone is aggressively trying to sell you something, carpets in particular, but also candy, and everything else you can think of.
So being inside the Hamam is like an oasis of peace.
Fortunately my masseur spoke English. I told him I wasn't your typical tourist, that he could be himself with me. And he was, he sang to me in the most magnificent voice I ever heard.
As if an angel were serenading me. Of course singing is not typical of your experience at a Hamam.
I loved the way he kneeled in front of me and gave me a body scrub from head, to toe.
If only I could start every day this way.
I got a package deal, $25 for the treatment including a taxi from my hotel.
I of course loved being in such an ancient and historic building, as if the Sultan was still ruling the Ottoman Empire.
If you have the opportunity to experience Suleymaniye Hamam don't pass it up.