Top Tourist Attractions At The Bosphorus

Bosphorus Begins With Galata Bridge

The goal is; To go all the way to Sarıyer on a great route in 24 hours to discover the places to visit on the European Side of Istanbul. No doubt it will be fun. 

The first stop is Sirkeci, where the Bosphorus begins. You are in the liveliest place in Istanbul. Its historical inns, markets, streets, madrasas, mosques, Grand Bazaar, Spices bazaar, Galata bridge… Sirkeci is the apple of the eye of Istanbul's history. If you are coming to Istanbul for the first time, you should spare at least a few days to visit Sirkeci, Sultanahmet properly. Better to do your tour on the European side of the Bosphorus in a day. So need to speed up.

Gülhane Park

In Sirkeci, first, stop by Gülhane Park. Lying on the grass under the shade of the big trees in Gülhane Park will be a great start to the day. You can head towards the beach edge of the park. It is not possible to enjoy the view of the Bosphorus from the Historical Peninsula. In fact, the terrace of the Mecidiye Mansion in Topkapi Palace is famous for its view. While have been to Gülhane Park, stop by there.

The next stop after Gülhane Park is the Grand Bazaar. But you can stop by Sirkeci Station while you're on the way. The interior of Sirkeci Station, which is decorated with stones brought from Marseille and granite marble, is almost a work of art. The doors and glasswork are magnificent. 

Sirkeci Train Station

After exiting Sirkeci Train Station, take a look at the nearby Great Post Office. The Great Post Office, which is located on the Great Post Office Street and gives its name to the street, was built in 1909. Architect Vedat Tek. The Great Post Office, one of the first examples of neoclassical Turkish style, still serves with its magnificent structure. Don't forget to go inside and breathe in the air. After seeing the Great Post Office and the historical buildings on the street, move on to the Grand Bazaar, the heart of Sirkeci.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, built in 1461, is the heart of tourism and the economy in Istanbul. Trade has been done here for over 500 years. Carpet makers, herbalists, Turkish delight shops, restaurants, souvenir shops, jewelers… The atmosphere here is completely different. The best way to visit the Grand Bazaar is to get lost. Turn any way you want through its labyrinthine narrow streets and you'll always see something incredible that might catch your attention. If you want to take a breather, sit in one of the tea houses in the squares. Watch the dynamic flow of life in the Grand Bazaar.

Leaving Nuriosmaniye, you can leave the Grand Bazaar. Finally,  stop by the Flower Market right next to the exit. If your eyes and hearts are opened enough with colorful flowers, Karaköy is waiting for us.

Karaköy

Karaköy, which is at the top of the list of places to visit on the European Side, is the modern name of the district formerly called Galata. Having a port network since the Byzantine Period, Karaköy was one of the old trade centers of Istanbul. However, today it has turned into one of the fastest developing touristic districts of Istanbul. Karaköy, has a constantly developing structure especially in world cuisine, third-wave coffees, new generation teas, innovative Turkish cuisine, and traditional Ottoman cuisine. In addition, it has been one of the centers of art events in recent years.

First of all, go to Karaköy Ferry Pier and watch the magnificent Topkapı Palace view to the fullest. If you have your camera with you, now is the time! As you head into Karaköy, you will see the famous Karaköy Güllüoğlu. It is impossible not to come to Karaköy and not taste this baklava, which is characteristic of the district. Do not forget that the base of the baklava will come to your palate. Not everyone does this tactic.

Galataport Mall

Galataport Istanbul creates a new shopping and entertainment area by creating an ecosystem from its historical journey in the heart of the city, which offers basic digital features and the latest technologies that make life easier.

While Galataport Istanbul transformed this historic city port into a world-class cruise ship port and touristic destination, nearly two centuries later, it opened up dining, shopping, walking areas, a cruise terminal, and many more opportunities to the public on the Bosphorus shore. Galataport Istanbul offers a breathing, healthy and safe environment for culture and arts, working, shopping, and dining with its accessible low-rise building on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, its architectural design embracing the historical texture of the region, wide transportation options, and more.

Galataport Istanbul is a boon for daily visitors to Istanbul on a global scale. It has an underground terminal with a hatch system, which is the first in the world. The historical port also has the distinction of being the sea gate of Istanbul opening to the world. Another aspect of the project is the underground car park for thousands of vehicles, which will help alleviate the parking problem in the Bosphorus.

Places To Visit on Karaköy

Mumhane Street and Hoca Tahsin Street in its parallel are the sections where the most important places in Karaköy are located. But on the way here,  pass through the French Passage. From this passage that will make you feel like you are in Paris with its magnificent food smells, go to Mumhane Street. If you are hungry, you can have a light snack. But we advise, don't eat too much. You can have great recommendations for your next stops. The coffee shops are famous here. Historical Karabatak Kahvecisi, located at the intersection of Mumhane Street and Hoca Tahsin Street, is the apple of the eye of the district with its delicious coffees and decoration. We recommend sitting at the outside tables with vines on them. A good cup of coffee, maybe a cookie. Enjoy the coolness and peace.

Karaköy is also one of the street art centers in Istanbul. If you are into street art, you should especially wander through the streets and avenues connecting Karaköy to Taksim. To see the most beautiful murals and graffiti in the region, you can search for the Galataport, and art center Instagram account to see the locations of the works closest to you.

At the end of Karaköy, of course, there is a magnificent view of the Galata Tower. The historical Galata Tower, with its 1500-year history, is one of the common heritage of humanity, included in the World Heritage Tentative List by UNESCO. You would not have visited Istanbul without looking at Istanbul from the Galata Tower, which overlooks both the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula, with its height of 70 meters.

Beşiktaş is one of the most colorful centers among the places to visit on the European side of Istanbul. It is one of the most unique places in Istanbul with its fish market, bazaar, beach, venues, shopkeepers, entertainment, and breakfast and brunch cafes. In addition, it has a completely different face due to the fact that it is the center of Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club (BJK).

Dolmabahce Palace

From Karaköy to Beşiktaş is a long sea coast, you will see Vodafone Park, which is considered a temple for Beşiktaş fans, then you will see the Dolmabahçe Mosque, Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Dolmabahçe Palace, which was designed by Garabet Amira Balyan from the famous Balyan Family, is historically a symbol of the transformation and westernization of the Ottoman Empire. Dolmabahçe Palace, where rococo, baroque, and neoclassical styles are used together, is one of the most iconic structures of Istanbul. Especially the splendor of its gigantic gate is in workmanship that will make even Istanbulites who have seen Dolmabahçe Palace many times fall in love with it at every sight. If you are there during visiting hours, we definitely recommend you to visit.

Best Places To Visit in Beşiktaş

You can head towards Beşiktaş Bazaar on Dolmabahçe Street, accompanied by magnificent trees. When you are about to reach the bazaar, you will see the Maritime Museum on the beachside. The Maritime Museum, one of the few maritime museums in the world with approximately 20 thousand works in its collection, is also Turkey's largest museum in the field of maritime. It is impossible not to visit the Maritime Museum, which has a very large collection from royal boats to ship heads, from sailor clothes to manuscripts and maps. Right across the Naval Museum, you will see Akaretler. You can go to Beşiktaş Bazaar this way. Because it is one of the most stylish streets of Istanbul. If you want a drink, you are in the right place. For food, you can have an irresistible recommendation.

Beşiktaş Bazaar is the heart of Beşiktaş with its dynamism and entertainment. People of all ages gather here. The places, restaurants, and cafes lined up around the fish market are like parts of a perfect whole. You can go to the famous Eagle Statue, one of the symbols of Beşiktaş. This is the meeting point of Beşiktaş. Especially if it is a match day, you will not see the enthusiasm here anywhere else.

Best Doner Kebab

You must be hungry now. On the street right next to the statue, you will see a doner shop with a line of people in front of it. This is the Historical Doner. One of the most famous doner kebab restaurants in Istanbul. Don't be fooled by the size of the doner, it will be all over in a few hours. Get in line and eat one of Istanbul's best doner kebabs.

How would you like to wander around the side streets of Beşiktaş after dinner? You can find a taste, activity, and entertainment in every street. Also, recommend you to paying attention to the walls. Beşiktaş is also one of the street art centers of Istanbul. In addition, street musicians who make music in different genres often perform in Beşiktaş. Just walk to the side where you hear the melodies.

You can go back to the beach now. While driving towards Ortaköy, you will see Yıldız Palace and Yıldız Woods on your left. Yıldız Grove, which is a very quiet place despite being in the center of Beşiktaş, is part of a complex spread over a very large area, including Yıldız Palace. Also, recommend you to visit Yıldız Tile and Porcelain Factory located in the complex.

When you leave Yıldız Grove, you will see Çırağan Palace on the beach. Today, this historical building, which is a hotel and event center, is one of the most important examples of orientalist architectural style in Turkey.

Ortakoy Attractions

The first stop is Ortaköy Mosque, the most iconic structure of both Ortaköy and the places to visit on the European Side.

Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, known as Ortaköy Mosque, is one of the most beautiful mosques in both Istanbul and Turkey in terms of architecture. Ortaköy Mosque, built by the architect Nigoğos Balyan by Sultan Abdülmecit, is one of the most elegant examples of the baroque style in Turkey. Ortaköy Mosque is the most important symbol of Ortaköy with its elegant minarets and interior decorations, one of the best examples of stone carving. The irreplaceable backdrop for the Bosphorus photographs. Find yourself a good angle and take some photos. So we've put one more tick on the to-do list.

Along with Ortaköy Mosque, Ayios Fokas Greek Orthodox Church with its hundreds of years of history, Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Catholic Church, and Etz Ahayim Synagogue are some of the historical places of worship you should visit in Ortaköy.

Esma Sultan Mansion, one of the most famous structures of the Bosphorus, is located at the foot of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge). Esma Sultan Mansion, one of the most popular venues on the Bosphorus, has been used as a festival, concert, meeting, and artistic event center since 2001. The mansion, which was restored in 1999 using glass and steel materials in a way that remains true to its original plan, is considered one of the most successful restorations works in Turkey.

 Ortakoy Square

You will like Ortakoy,  you may want to have a drink at the cafes overlooking the Bosphorus. Or if you are interested in souvenirs and handicrafts, wandering the side streets is just for you. You can't come here alone and not eat Kumpir, which is one of the symbols of Ortaköy. Maybe you want to buy a small one and taste it.

When you leave the beach, you will see the Historical Kethuda Bath, one of the works of Mimar Sinan. You can take a quick look at the works exhibited in the bath, which has recently been restored and turned into a cultural activity center.

With the street art festival held almost every year, the surfaces of the buildings in Ortaköy became colorful. When you walk a little with your back to the sea, you can see the street artwork. Don't forget to take a photo. You can also search on Instagram to find the locations of the works. While you are a little far from the beach, it is impossible not to visit the historic houses with bay windows on Bulgurlu Sokak. This street, where 18 colorful houses with bay windows are lined up side by side, is one of the most beautiful streets in Istanbul.

Arnavutkoy Fish Restaurants

On the list of places to visit on the Bosphorus, most of the popular fish restaurants in Arnavutkoy, go there when you head north from Ortaköy. On the way, there are the most famous entertainment venues in Istanbul. You can call it the center of Istanbul's nightlife. You can go a little further. When you come to Kuruçeşme Park, look at the sea. You will see the famous Galatasaray Island.

The old name of Arnavutköy, where Greek and Jewish communities you’re concentrated until the 19th century, meant Melekler (Angel) Village. Arnavutköy is one of the most aesthetic and identity-preserving places on the Bosphorus with its restored mansions.

You will see people fishing along the Arnavutköy coast. Especially the region called Akıntıburnu is one of the most fertile places on the Bosphorus in terms of fishing. A gorgeous view as well. Also, you need previous reservations for fish restaurants.

A little past Galatasaray Island, the place where there are many beautiful and colorful mansions, which is called the Piled Road due to the road built on piles driven into the sea. Known for their fine craftsmanship, these wooden mansions are one of the symbols of Arnavutköy. Arnavutköy has been a neighborhood where people from different religions and nationalities live friendly throughout history. For this reason, many historical belief centers are still active in Arnavutköy. Taksiarhis Greek Orthodox Church, Profitis Ilias Greek Orthodox Church, and Ayazma, Tevfikiye Mosque are the places you must see here.

Magnificent View of the Bosphorus

You can dive into the side streets a little bit. The narrow streets of Arnavutköy with stairs will take you to places with lush trees. You can see the magnificent view of the Bosphorus from most streets. In addition, if you want to visit the cafes, design workshops and souvenir shops lined up on the streets, better to take a walk.

Arnavutköy is famous for its mansions. Especially Ayvaz Paşazade Mansion and İzzetabad Pavilion are symbols of this place.

You may want to have a drink and listen on the beach. Don't be content to leave without tasting some snacks in Arnavutköy, one of the food and beverage centers of Istanbul. Move to a place with a Bosphorus view and taste the delicacies food.

Bebek Attractions

There is Bebek Park at the entrance of Bebek. In this park, it is a tradition to watch the unique view of the Bosphorus under the shade of plane trees. You can not lag behind that either.

Right next to Bebek Park, you will see Bebek Hümayun'u Abad Mosque. This mosque, built by the architect Kemalettin, is by the sea and among the trees, one of the most beautiful mosques on the Bosphorus. You can take a walk in the center. Bebek, along with Arnavutköy, is one of the districts with the most beautiful places in Istanbul. But there is one that takes a step forward with its history and taste.

Baylan Patisserie is one of the symbols of Bebek. You should definitely try its unique dessert. It is both refreshing and delicious. The view of Kahve dunyası, Bebek Starbucks is also legendary. Sit at one of the tables with the best view of the Bosphorus. Enjoy your throat while drinking your coffee and eating your dessert.

Bebek is one of the most expensive districts to visit on the European Side of Istanbul. Its mansions are also quite famous. Especially known as Valide Pasha Mansion and used as the Egyptian Consulate today, Hıdiva Palace is one of the most beautiful mansions of the Bosphorus with its art nouveau style architecture. However, there is a very interesting story about Emine Valide Pasha, who was the first woman to receive the title of "Pasha" in the Ottoman Empire, donating the Hidiva Palace she owned to Egypt. If you want to read the details of the story. When to go a little further north, you will arrive at Ayşe Sultan Grove. Ayşe Sultan Grove, also known as Boğaziçi University Grove, has the most beautiful path down to the Bosphorus with its wonderful flora. You can spend some time here for coolness and peace. 

Aşiyan Park 

Moving north from the coast, you will see Aşiyan Park, then Aşiyan Cemetery, and Aşiyan Lighthouse. Aşiyan Park is a cute park that has been the subject of poems. If you wish, take a rest in this park by the coast and watch the Bosphorus. Right after, you will see Aşiyan Cemetery on the left of the road and Aşiyan Lighthouse across it. These two structures are like the ancient guardians of the Bosphorus.

Rumeli Hisarı

Of course, you can make the final in Bebek with Rumeli Hisarı. Rumeli Fortress, which was built in 1452 in a short period of 90 days, was built to prevent aid and attacks from the north, together with Anadolu Hisarı, which is right across. Rumeli Fortress, which is used as an open-air museum and concert venue today, is also one of the best places to watch the Bosphorus. Rumeli Hisarı, which forms the narrowest part of the Bosphorus with Anadolu Hisarı opposite it, is the best place to watch the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. If you are wondering about the Instagram stops with the most beautiful view of the Bosphorus.