Before heading to Istanbul, I jumped into my usual pre-trip routine: digging through lots of travel guides and forums online to create the perfect itinerary.
Not surprisingly, most of the travel guides pointed to the “must-see” attractions in the district of Sultanahmet: Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica cisterns, the Blue Mosque… While these sites are undoubtedly impressive, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was really worth spending hours in line just to tick off these tourist hotspots. And then came the question of accommodation—should I book a room in this area?
Fortunately, while planning my trip, a friend from Istanbul suggested I stay in an Airbnb in the Beyoğlu neighborhood, just across the Galata Bridge on the other side of the old town.
Choosing Beyoğlu turned out to be the best decision. This neighborhood is where I discovered countless hidden gems and ended up spending the majority of my time.
Don’t get me wrong! The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are the popular attractions I decided to visit anyway (even if I am a bit allergic to tourist crowds) because of their breathtaking architectural beauty. However as I like to blend in with the local life, I felt that Beyoğlu showed me a more genuine side of Istanbul.
So, here’s my guide to making the most of your time in this special neighborhood. Let me show you why Beyoğlu should be at the top of your Istanbul itinerary.
Beyoğlu neighbourhood
First, let’s get the logistics out of the way. Beyoğlu is located on the European side of Istanbul, connected to the historic heart of the city (including the famous Sultanahmet district) by the Galata Bridge, Atatürk Bridge, and the Golden Horn Metro Bridge. These connections make it incredibly easy to reach and explore.
Beyoğlu is a mosaic of smaller districts such as Karaköy, Galata, Cihangir, and Çukurcuma. Each of these areas has its own unique charm and landmarks, which I’ve listed for you below (the area in red is the portion I will cover in this guide).
1. Galata Tower
I’m always on the lookout for connections to my home country, so I was surprised to discover that Galata was once a colony of the Republic of Genoa from 1273 to 1453.
Today, this district is best known for the iconic Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), a 205-foot-high watchtower that makes for a fantastic viewpoint to overlook the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. The tower is open to visitors, and you can take an elevator up to the sixth floor, with just two more flights of stairs to reach the top.
Since Galata is on a hill, I’d suggest looking for accommodations in other parts of Beyoğlu unless you enjoy carrying luggage up and down (I definitely don’t!). Although I didn’t get the chance to climb the tower myself (🥲 and I regret it), I loved seeing it rise above the charming cobblestone streets that surround it.
Where to eat near Galata
The tower looks especially magical at night when it’s lit up. For the best experience of Istanbul by night, head to one of the many rooftop restaurants in the area. I had an unforgettable evening at Simone Wine & Food Bar, the view and the atmosphere were just fantastic.
2. İstiklâl Avenue
After spending some time in Beyoğlu, you’ll inevitably cross the İstiklâl Avenue, also know as the Independence Street. This 1.4-kilometer stretch cuts through Beyoğlu, connecting Galata Tower to Taksim Square.
This crowded pedestrian street is a perfect stop for shopping and for admiring some buildings dating back to the 19th or early 20th centuries which include Neo-Gothic, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture.
Climbing up İstiklâl Avenue can be quite a workout, so I recommend taking the 19th-century underground funicular, known as F2 “Tünel,” which start from the Karaköy stop.
Once you’re up there, you can either take a stroll or hop on the red old tram that runs between Tünel and Taksim Square.
Some highlights you should not miss on İstiklâl Avenue:
- The Church of Saint Anthony: Italian roots spotted also here! Known in Turkish as Antoine Kilisesi or Saint Antuan Kilisesi, this is the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul. Its striking red-brick structure is hard to miss and is sure to catch your eye as you explore the area.
- Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage): This glass-covered French-style arcade, once filled with flower sellers, now hosts a vibrant mix of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Taksim Square: A symbolic square used for national holiday gatherings and demonstrations. At its center stands the Republic Monument, a tribute to the Republic of Turkey. It’s also a great starting point for joining one of the many walking tours that begin here.
Where to eat near İstiklâl Avenue
When appetite kicks in, you’ll find plenty of options in the streets crossing the İstiklâl Avenue. Interestingly, two of my favorite spots are owned by the same person, and after trying one, I couldn’t resist checking out the other.
- Glouton Breakfast & Apéro Restaurant: True to its name, Glouton is a fantastic find for happy hour. I enjoyed an amazing Bellini with rosemary and had my first taste of Kubaneh, a fluffy Jewish Yemeni bread, after watching the owner’s little daughter devour it at the table next to me.
- Mabou: This is the more refined, fine-dining counterpart. It’s perfect for a special night out in Istanbul. I indulged in a full-course menu with starter, main, and dessert, each offering uniquely special flavors. I’ve included some photos with descriptions to give you a taste of what to expect 😉
3. Karaköy and the Galaport promenade
Downhill, facing the Bosphorus, you’ll find the district of Karaköy. This area is perfect for finding accommodation as it’s relatively flat, close to the tram that takes you to the old city, and within easy reach of the port for hopping on a ferry to explore the Asian side of Istanbul.
Karaköy has a very unique vibe. From its pier you can really experience the maritime life of Istanbul by watching ships coming from the European side take off and pick up passengers. And there is no better way to enjoy this bustling ship traffic than while eating a balık ekmek (a grilled fish sandwich garnished with fresh lettuce, onions and tomatoes). There are quite some street food vendors selling it along the waterfront.
What struck me most about Karaköy was noticing how tourism has shaped the city’s planning. A 1.2 km stretch of the waterfront has been transformed into the new Galataport.
This area is gated, and visitors entering from the city are stopped at a security checkpoint where they must pass through a metal detector. What awaits after the checkpoint is a modern waterfront promenade filled with luxurious shops and chic restaurants. While I appreciated the sense of order, cleanliness, and safety as I strolled along its long white pavement, the area also felt somewhat artificial, like a carefully curated bubble that stands in stark contrast to the authentic hustle and bustle of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Where to eat near Karaköy
As you’re wandering around Karaköy, there are two more food gems you definitely shouldn’t miss.
- Lokanta Mimi – this hidden gem can easily be overlooked since it’s located on a less inviting street with subtle signage. I stumbled upon it by chance one day when they were about to close (make sure to check their opening hours!). So far, it’s been my favorite lunch spot in Istanbul. The place feels incredibly authentic, with a menu written on a chalkboard featuring a rotating selection of Turkish local products. We enjoyed a delicious seabass soup with mushrooms and black rice with goat cheese.
- Kronotrop Karaköy – after your lunch at Mimi, head over to Kronotrop. Grab a table outside and enjoy some people-watching in a lively spot right where streets full of colorful shops and cafes interesct.
4. Cihangir and Çukurcuma
With a 15-minute walk slightly northeast of Galataport you can reach the charming neighborhoods of Cihangir and Çukurcuma.
Since their little streets are packed with traditional cafes I highly recommend going on a culinary adventure and trying the famous kahvalti (the classic Turkish breakfast). Your table will be covered with an overwhelming number of little plates and pots including:
- Simit bread (sesam bagel)
- Olives, Tomatoes, Cucumbers
- Jam
- Boiled eggs or Menemen (scrambled eggs cooked in tomatoes and onions)
- Cheese
- Black Tea
I recommend exploring the area to find the cafe that inspires you the most. Here’s a list of some top spots you can check out:
- Sa Va Anatolian Breakfast House
- Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı
- Van Kahvaltı Evi
- Limon Kahvaltı Evi
- Zerze