Istanbul's Most Beautiful Places

ISTANBUL'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES

Districts of Istanbul, where you will witness a different story on each street, satisfy you in many subjects from fashion to culture and art. We searched for you the most beautiful districts of Istanbul, stretching from the European Side to the Anatolian Side.

EMİRGÂN

Emirgân, where its inhabitants first started to settle during the reign of Abdülhamit I, is one of the historical districts of the Bosphorus. The district was known as Feridun Bey Gardens in the past, since it was given to Feridun Bey, the gunner of the Grand Vizier Sokullu Mehmed Pasha. Taking its name from the Castle Guard Emir Güne, who helped the Ottomans greatly during the siege of Yerevan, the district stands out with its location on the Bosphorus, tea gardens on the coast, historical buildings and lush green grove. There are three pavilions, namely Yellow, Pink and White, in the Emirgân Grove, which is located between Emirgân and İstinye. It is quite enjoyable to have breakfast in these mansions in Emirgân Grove, which was opened to the public in the 1940s. After visiting the grove where the Tulip Festival is also held between April and May, you can end the day by watching the magnificent view of the Bosphorus in the tea gardens on the shore. In Emirgan, you can also explore the historical Hamid Evvel Mosque, Surp Yerits Mangants Armenian Church and Şerifler Mansion.

The name Emirgan comes from the Castle Guard Emir Güne, who helped the Ottomans greatly during the siege of Yerevan.

BEYOĞLU

Beyoğlu is one of the most vibrant regions not only in Istanbul but also in Europe. The heart of shopping, entertainment, taste and art in Istanbul beats in this district, which has been the center of attention for centuries. This district, which literally lives 24 hours a day, is flooded by thousands of Istanbulites and tourists every day. Extending from Taksim Square to Karaköy, Beyoğlu's resident population is much less than other districts of Istanbul. However, due to those who visit the district for business, shopping and entertainment during the day, this population can reach millions. The district became a popular residential area, especially among Westerners living in Istanbul, as Istanbul started to grow from the ridge of Galata in the 19th century. Before this date, Beyoğlu was more like a suburb with its vineyards and gardens.

Beyoğlu stands out with its historical values ​​as well as entertainment and shopping. There are many mosques, churches and historical buildings in the district. In Beyoğlu, Cihangir Mosque, Firuz Ağa Mosque and Ağa Mosque draw attention on the road from Cihangir to Galata. Most of the many churches in the district are active. The prominent churches of the district are as follows; Aya Triada Church, Armenian Üç Horan Church, St. Antuan Church, Santa Maria Church, Crimea (Anglican Church), Saint Peter and Paul Church. The Virgin Mary Church, Ayios Konstantinos and Ayia Eleni Greek Orthodox Church and Panayia Evangelistria Greek Orthodox Church in Dolapdere within the borders of Beyoğlu are other churches you can visit during your Beyoğlu trip. From Gümuşsu to Galata, especially Gümüşsuyu Palace, Çiçek Pasajı, Galatasaray Bath, Mısır Apartment, Doğan Apartment, Tunnel Passage and Galata Tower are among the historical buildings that attract attention in Beyoğlu.

Don't forget to explore one of the most vibrant areas of the district, French Street, Fish Market and Nevizade Street. You can travel around Beyoğlu on a red-white tram with two wagons and wooden decorations, which started to work in 1875.

Most of the many churches in Beyoğlu are active. The prominent churches of the district are as follows; Aya Triada Church, Armenian Üç Horan Church, St. Antuan Church, Santa Maria Church, Crimea (Anglican Church), Saint Peter and Paul Church.

NISANTASI

Nişantaşı is a district that attracts attention with its buildings, streets, luxury shops and elegant restaurants. In this distinguished neighborhood, you can visit the shops of world famous brands and the famous galleries of the city and have a good time in stylish cafes. Teşvikiye Street, Abdi İpekçi Street and Vali Konağı Street are among the busiest places of the district. The most striking building in the district is Teşvikiye Mosque. The mosque, whose construction was completed in 1795, was built by the order of Selim III. In 1854 II. During the Adbulhamid period, it underwent a major restoration and the district began to develop around the mosque. Maçka Palas and Maçka Barracks are other structures that attract attention in the district. Democracy and Maçka Park can be preferred as a nice alternative to take a break from shopping.

KADIKOY

Kadıköy is one of the oldest settlements in Istanbul. In the excavations carried out in Fikirtepe, which is within the boundaries of the district, ruins dating back to 3,000 BC were found. In ancient sources, the name of Kadıköy was referred to as Kalkedonia, which means "the country of the blind".

Although Kadıköy is one of the oldest settlements in Istanbul, the region started to gain its identity in the last period of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, the district hosts many historical buildings. Haydarpaşa Train Station and Marmara University building are the most important of these buildings. Selimiye Mosque, Osman Ağa Mosque, Zühtü Paşa Mosque and İskele Mosque are among the iconic mosques of Kadıköy. Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Surp Takavor Church, Surp Levon Armenian Catholic Church, Ayios Ioanni Hrisostomos and Hagia Triada Greek Church are among the other historical buildings waiting to be discovered. Hemdat Israel stands out as the only synagogue in the district.

In the beginning, Kadıköy, which was a holiday destination for Istanbulites with its neighborhoods such as Moda, Fenerbahçe, Caddebostan and Suadiye, started to gain an identity as a city with the growth of the city after the 1950s. Today, Kadıköy is one of the cultural and commercial centers of Istanbul. From the first light of the morning until midnight, there is an uninterrupted activity in the district. You can have a nice day thanks to Kadıköy's restaurants, cafes, galleries, bookstores and antique shops. You can visit the historical Tuesday market in Kadıköy, take a walk by the sea in Caddebostan region, and witness the dance of hundreds of boats in the water at Kalamış Marina. Freedom Park, Fenerbahçe Park and Göztepe Park are the best places to take a rest.

ORTAKOY

Ortaköy is an old fishing town located on the Bosphorus line of the European side of Istanbul. The district has been a frequent destination for both Istanbulites and tourists, especially in spring and summer.

The district where Ortaköy Mosque, one of the visual symbols of Istanbul, is located, is a very active place during the day with its restaurants, cafes and street stalls selling handcrafted products. It should be added that, with its dominant position over the Bosphorus, Ortaköy offers a wonderful view to its visitors. While wandering the narrow streets of Ortaköy, you can try kumpir, a kind of potato dish that has become known with the neighborhood, or you can have your dinner in one of the stylish restaurants. You can discover the Ayios Fokas Greek Orthodox Church, Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church and Etz Ahayim Synagogue, hidden among the shops in the district. Esma Sultan Mansion, Fehime Sultan Mansion and Hatice Sultan Mansion are other places you can visit in Ortaköy.

After your Ortaköy tour, you can take a long walk along the Bosphorus line extending to Arnavutköy and Bebek and enjoy the sea air and view. You will not understand how time passes in this historical district of Istanbul.

BALAT

This charming district on the Golden Horn is one of the places that best reflects Istanbul's multicultural structure. Balat, where Jews escaping from the Inquisition in Spain first came and settled upon the invitation of Bayezid II, later hosted Greeks, Armenians and Muslims. Enriched by different cultures and beliefs, the characteristic houses of the district were built by Spanish Jews. Promising you a fairytale-like journey with its colorful mansions, wooden houses and narrow streets, Balat is one of the most visited corners of Istanbul today after renovation projects. You can buy interesting souvenirs for your loved ones from the antique shops in the district, and sip your coffee in the charming cafes of Balat. Balat, which makes you feel like you are in a completely different world with its synagogues, churches, mosques, vendors and children playing in the streets, is an inspiring place for those who love to take pictures. Balat Bazaar and Vodina Street are among the must-see places in the district. In Balat, Feruh Kethuda Mosque, Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Fener Greek High School, Sveti Stefan Church, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Bloody Church, John the Baptist Church, Surp Hreshdagabed Church, Ahrida Synagogue, Küçük Mustafa Pasha Bath should be discovered.

CİHANGİR

Cihangir, an old district, is a neighborhood where artists and people working in professions that require creativity have lived in recent years. For this reason, the neighborhood has a colorful social life and different concepts that support this life find restaurants and cafes. Cihangir is a neighborhood preferred by those who escape from the crowd of Istiklal Avenue, but do not want to stay away from the mobility of Beyoğlu. Cihangir has a more colorful appearance thanks to the fact that foreigners coming to Istanbul for business or education in recent years also prefer the region. Cihangir, the favorite neighborhood of the city, has become a point of attraction and a symbol of bohemian life at the same time with its vibrant social life. If you want to have your dinner in a relatively quiet environment after your Taksim trip, you can choose Cihangir restaurants. If you want to see Istanbul's old apartments and explore the streets full of cafes and cats, Cihangir awaits you at any time of the day.

KARAKOY

It is possible to see people from almost all walks of life in Karaköy at all hours of the day. Karaköy was regarded as the most important place of the port since it was located at the entrance of the Golden Horn, under the Galata Tower during the Ottoman period, and stood out as both a trade and transportation zone. In the second half of the 19th century, in addition to preserving its trade and transportation characteristics, it began to reflect the Western lifestyle of the Levantines due to its location. In addition, this multicultural region has hosted Jews, Greeks, Georgians and White Russians fleeing the October Revolution in the past. Karaköy, which has an important place in Istanbul as a commercial district until today, has become an indispensable place for both Istanbulites and tourists with the increase in the number of tourism facilities in recent years. The continuation of traditional business life in addition to tourism makes Karaköy one of the most authentic places to be seen in Istanbul. Arab Mosque, Underground Mosque, Azapkapı Mosque, Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church, Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate are among the religious centers of the district. Kamondo Stairs, Seaways Building, Hristos Krematos Monastery, Karaköy Inns, Persembe Bazaar, Bankalar Street and High Pavement are waiting to be discovered in this district. You can come across some of Istanbul's best cafes and restaurants during your Karaköy trip. If you want to watch the sun setting over Topkapı Palace, you can consider having a dinner at these restaurants in Karaköy.

KUZGUNCUK

Kuzguncuk, a popular district of Üsküdar, is located on the east side of the Bosphorus, between the Pasha harbor and Beylerbeyi districts. The atmosphere of the district has never changed, as the old wooden houses with bay windows, which are identified with the district, have been restored faithfully. The district, where mosques, synagogues and churches are located, is an indication that people from different cultures have lived in respect and tolerance for centuries. In Kuzguncuk, you can visit the Beth Ya'akov Synagogue and the Kal de Ariva Synagogue, as well as the Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church and the Ayios Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church. Üryanizade Mosque and Kuzguncuk Mosque are mosques to be discovered in the district. Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion, Cemil Molla Mansion and Fethi Ahmed Paşa Mansion are among the other historical places you can visit in Kuzguncuk. The lush and charming district of Istanbul never loses its historical texture. This peaceful district on the edge of the Bosphorus fascinates with its historic bay windows and its intimate atmosphere from the past to the present. Kuzguncuk is one of the best areas to escape from the busy city. With its unique Bosphorus view, the district has inspired many artists. You can start your Bosphorus tour from Kuzguncuk or you can spend at least half a day here. You can see that even walking on the side streets lined with old houses of the district is quite enjoyable. You can have breakfast under the plane tree on the beach, and discover the cute cafes on Icadiye Street or small restaurants in the streets. Kuzguncuk also draws attention with its boutique bookstore and design shops. Let us also mention that almost all of the shops belong to the people living in Kuzguncuk.

MODA

You can watch the most beautiful sunsets of Istanbul from this district. Moda, a modern and peaceful spot with a deep-rooted tradition, is one of the symbolic districts of bohemian life in Istanbul. Moda, which is located right next to Kadıköy and one of the quietest districts of the Anatolian side throughout its history, is one of the favorite districts of Istanbul in all periods. With its cafes opening one after another, Moda has brought a new dimension to the bohemian life of Istanbul. Although Moda is archaeologically one of the oldest settlements in Istanbul, it was in the 19th century that the region gained its identity. Moda gained a cosmopolitan structure during the Ottoman period, with people coming from Western countries such as the British and the French who settled in Istanbul and the minorities of Istanbul met in the same district. Today, the district is very popular among foreigners who come to Istanbul for business or education. Although Moda is almost a new district compared to other districts of Istanbul, it takes its visitors on a journey in the past with a few buildings that reflect the last period of the Ottoman Empire. Among these structures, it is possible to count the Assumption Church, All Saints Church, Moda Pier and historical mansions. The house, which was transformed into a museum after the death of Barış Manço, one of the most important names in the history of Turkish rock music, is waiting for its visitors in Moda. In addition, one of the city's nostalgic trams carries those who come to Kadıköy pier to Moda. Moda, one of the places where old Istanbulites lived, has recently become one of the districts preferred by those working in the cultural and entertainment world such as Ortaköy and Cihangir. In parallel with this development, the district turned into a place where alternative life culture is advocated with its shops that offer organic products. Tea gardens overlooking the sea and stylish entertainment venues played a major role in creating an alternative to Taksim on the Kadıköy-Moda line.

BEŞİKTAŞ

Beşiktaş, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul, is famous for its coast stretching between Tophane and Ortaköy, on the Rumeli side of the Bosphorus. Beşiktaş expanded with the Abbasağa and Vişnezade neighborhoods after the 17th century and became a populated place. In Beşiktaş, which has a vibrant commercial life, there are many workplaces, museums, art centers, universities, banks, organizations and businesses. Besiktas has also become a touristic place, as it is on the Bosphorus and hosts many historical buildings. Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Feriye Palaces and Ihlamur Pavilion are among the must-see places in Beşiktaş. Also, museums such as the Naval Museum and the National Palaces Museum can be visited in Beşiktaş. Sinan Pasha Mosque, Hamidiye Mosque and Küçük Mecidiye Mosque are among the mosques in the district. Yıldız Park, Abbasağa Park and Ihlamur Pavilion are among the places where you can rest in the district. Beşiktaş has become one of the main entertainment centers of Istanbul, with the increase in the number of cafes and restaurants attracting the attention of young people especially in recent years. Beşiktaş Square and Akaretler are the areas where entertainment centers of the district are gathered. In addition to all these, you can reach the Islands, Kadıköy and Üsküdar by watching the Bosphorus by ferries departing from Beşiktaş. You can also take the Bosphorus line ferries to the districts of Beşiktaş, such as Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy and Bebek, which are famous for their nature and living spaces. In these districts, historical Tezkireci Osman Efendi Mosque, Tevfikiye Mosque, Arnavutköy Mosque, Bebek Mosque, Surp Haç Armenian Church, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Ioannes Prodromos Church, Taksiarhis Church, Lazarist Sacre Coeur Church await you. Pink Magnolia Mansion, Kavafyan Mansion, Kırmızı Yalı and Yılanlı Yalı are also worth exploring in these districts.

Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Feriye Palaces and Ihlamur Pavilion are among the must-see places in Beşiktaş.

ÜSKÜDAR

Üsküdar is one of the oldest settlements on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The district, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, carries many cultural riches. Each street in Uskudar and you will witness a period in history, you can watch Istanbul from Camlica Hill, you can visit the leading historical mosques of Turkey. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Yeni Mosque, Şemsi Pasha Mosque, Rum Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Ayazma Mosque, Ahmediye Mosque, Atik Valide Mosque, Çinili Mosque, Şakirin Mosque are a few of them ... Fethi Pasha Grove, which is among the historical buildings in Üsküdar, and Çamlıca Girls High School. After taking a walk on the Salacak coast accompanied by the Bosphorus air, you can go to the Maiden's Tower. In districts such as Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk, Çengelköy, Kandilli, and Anadolu Hisarı within the boundaries of Üsküdar district, you can visit Beylerbeyi Palace and enjoy the Bosphorus along this line. Motor trips between Üsküdar and Beşiktaş can be preferred as another alternative where you can enjoy the Bosphorus.