Kese in Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu is one of the districts that combine historic hammams with a central location. The hammams around Galata, Karaköy and İstiklal offer both the traditional ritual and easy access by public transport — when planning around the city, it is not common to find the two together.

What to expect: Venues in Beyoğlu range from historic buildings to modern spa centres. Kese (exfoliating scrub) is usually offered together with a foam massage, as part of a hammam ritual.

Appointment note: The area is very busy with tourists; making an appointment in advance for weekends and evenings saves you waiting. When you call, confirm how the women's and men's sections are arranged and whether the kese and foam wash are priced separately or together.

For the treatment itself, how often to have it and skin warnings, see our kese page.