After living in Istanbul for two years all I can say is that this city is simply amazing. If you’re staying in Istanbul a little longer you get to know it pretty well. All the hidden corners, cute little alleys and places you later consider your peaceful oasis. That’s why I’m writing about Istanbul neighbourhoods you must see. You will see some of these areas on your “regular” visit, but if you’re looking for information on what to do in Istanbul when you have a bit of extra time on your hands this article is going to be helpful.
In this blog post you’ll find recommendations on my favourite coffee shops, places to see that are not so touristy as well as where to eat in these Istanbul neighbourhoods and take a relaxing walk by the sea.
So, what are those Istanbul neighbourhoods you must see?
1. Karaköy
This neighbourhood is full of cute little restaurants and coffee shops. I recommend visiting both during the day or evening. You can also find some handmade stores if you’re looking to buy a unique souvenir from Istanbul. Find the street called Karaköy sokak and take it from there. It’s a tiny area, every coffee shop is decorated tastefully and you can feel the cozy vibes the moment you come inside any of them. Also, you can see some of the coolest street art in Karaköy as well as a little alley with hanging colourful umbrellas.
Some of the places I recommend visiting in this area are: Han Karakoy (cozy cafe and art gallery), Mitte Karakoy (Asian food), Karabatak Karakoy (restaurant-coffee shop), Pim Karakoy (cafe, restaurant, sweets), definitely Filbooks (cafe and bookshop), Palto (cafe and concept store) and Pitane (fashion, jewelry and ceramic shop).
2. Eminönü
One of the busiest places in Istanbul and definitely one of those Istanbul neighbourhoods you must see! There’s a port from where you can take a boat to Kadiköy (the Asian side of Istanbul), to one of the Istanbul islands or simply take a cruise along the Bosphorus.
Near the port you will find street vendors offering all kinds of food. Under the Galata bridge there are seafood restaurants which serve fresh fish. You might be overwhelmed or shocked by the atmosphere and the crowd but if you just decide to enjoy the real life of Istanbul it will be a great experience.
In Eminönü there is Spice Bazaar which I highly recommend visiting if you’re into spices, herbs, different tea blends (like love tea) or just colourful Turkish ceramic bowls. Here you’ll find all kinds of Turkish delight and all sorts of candy. You can also find great selection of dried fruit. Spice Bazaar is open every day from 9am to 7pm (the exception are religious and national holidays).
Süleymaniye mosque is located close to Eminönü.
3. Beyoglu
One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Istanbul is definitely Beyoglu. You can also find it by the name Pera. This is where Galata Tower is located and this beauty can serve as a starting point of your Beyoglu tour.
All the streets leading to Galata tower are full of small artisan shops, Istanbul fashion designers’ stores, lovely coffee shops and restaurants. Here you can find handmade shoes with very cool designs (Dogo store), you can buy musical instruments (many shops with great selection), handmade soaps. You can also see all kinds of souvenirs – from postcards, fridge magnets, t-shirts with Istanbul motifs, even pieces of traditional clothing. Some of the coffee shops/restaurants I would recommend visiting in Beyoglu area are: Sirin Firin (the bakery in the photo below), Velvet Cafe Galata, Old Java Coffee Roasters, Willy Wonka Chocolate.
One of the longest streets in Istanbul is Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street) and you can easily find it by going up from Galata tower.
There you will find many world famous brands, lots of restaurants with traditional and western cuisine and of course, coffee shops. The famous red tram goes through Istiklal street and you can take a ride or take a photo of it and then simply walk and look around. Madame Tussauds museum is located in this street.
There are no cars allowed in this street, so it’s practically a pedestrian zone except for the red tram. Still, it’s one of the busiest streets I’ve seen and perhaps it’s because 3 million people (yes, that is correct!) pass through this street on a single day during the weekends.
In this street you will find some amazing old buildings as well as new ones. Things you may want to visit in Istiklal street are: Cicek Pasaji (The Flower Passage) where you’ll find some cozy restaurants, Catholic church St Antonio di Padua, Greek Orthodox church Hagia Triada, bookstores (like Homer Kitabevi), cinemas and theaters.
At the end of Istiklal street you will find yourself in Taksim square.
You can find more about Istanbul and top sights to see by reading another blog post I wrote. Here’s the link!
Also, if you’re interested in Ten less touristy things to do in Istanbul I got you covered!
4. Kadikoy and Moda
Kadiköy is located in the Asian side of Istanbul (a short ferry or underwater metro ride from Eminönü or Karaköy). Here, you can find antique shops at almost every corner, nargile bars, turkish restaurants, but also great modern coffee shops. Kadiköy market is one of the most popular ones if you’re into buying fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and fish, even cheap clothes.
There are many souvenir shops and shops that sell handmade, unique stuff. These things make a great gift for someone you thought about while visiting Istanbul. Both day and nightlife are very busy in Kadiköy.
Moda is a part of Kadiköy which is more peaceful and relaxed. Here you can go down by the sea and simply enjoy a picnic on the grass while watching the sunset or you can sit and have a coffee (or tea) in some of the cute coffee shops. My recommendations are: The Zoo Cafe, Walter’s Coffee Roastery (if you saw Breaking Bad you’ll love this coffee spot), Ben Coffee Roasters, 37a Cafe (where you can also eat good pasta), Flashback Vintage Cafe, Old Java. There are many pubs and vintage shops which you will love. Every shop and cafe is decorated with love.
5. Üsküdar
If you take a bus from Kadiköy only a few stops away you will find yourself in Üsküdar. Here you can take a stroll by the Bosphorus and have breakfast at one of famous Istanbul chain of cafes called Mado. After that you can enjoy a cup of turkish tea on the stairs by the sea looking at Maiden’s Tower. Finally, you can take a small boat to the tower since it is located in the middle of the Bosphorus strait on a small island.
6. Fener – Balat
This is the place you’ll go to if you want to see more off-beaten path and real Istanbul. You can take a walking tour of Balat and hear about the history of the neighbourhood or you can simply enjoy exploring on your own.
I believe that this area deserves a blog post of its own. I promise to write it soon 🙂
7. Bebek – Arnavütköy
Not many tourists will come to this area and there is a reason for it. The locals are trying to keep it a secret more or less since it’s one of the most peaceful neighbourhoods in Istanbul.
The most beautiful old houses here have sea views. Here you’ll find some posh restaurants with great food. but you’ll also find cute, cozy places. Simply walking by the sea is a memory that will stay in your mind for a long time. If you happen to visit this area there are a few fish restaurants that you’ll spot at first sight. So, if you feel like eating fresh seafood just go for it.
This area is very close to Örtaköy (less than 10 min taxi drive if it’s not a busy time of day). You can combine visiting both neighbourhoods in the same day.
If you want to see more photos of these beauties check out my Instagram page.
10. Fenerbahçe
Finally, let me tell you more about Fenerbahçe! My absolute favourite of Istanbul neighbourhoods you must see! Why? Because this is the area we lived in, this was home for two beautiful years.
Fenerbahçe is located in the Asian side of Istanbul. It’s worth a visit if you’re planning to relax or do some shopping. Some of the most popular restaurants are located in Fenerbahçe marina. After your lunch at the marina you can walk to the Fenerbahçe park and have a coffee outside. You can the smell fresh air by the sea. If you’re lucky you might see dolphins swimming around.
One of the most popular shopping streets in Istanbul is located in this area. It’s called Bagdat Caddesi (Bagdat Avenue).
Here you will find world famous brands (Zara, Mango, Louis Vuitton, Marks & Spencer, H&M, Bershka, La Coste, Timberland), as well as turkish brands and I recommend visiting shops like: Mudo Collection (clothes, man, women), Pasabahçe (one of the most popular ceramic and homeware shops – the quality of their products is really good), Vakko (Turkish fashion company founded in 1934!), Beymen, Boyner (small shopping center where you can find everything from cosmetics, handbags, shoes, sportswear, sunglasses and swimsuits), Derimod (turkish leather company), Ebebek (everything for kids and babies).
