Discover the best restaurants, bars, night clubs, museums and attractions in Beyoğlu and İstiklal Caddesi
The beating heart of European Istanbul, Beyoğlu and its main street, İstiklal Caddesi are visited by millions every day. Once without a doubt the center of the city's nightlife, changes in the past few years have seen other districts steal some of Beyoğlu's buzz, but it remains a vibrant, active area defined by its majestic array of historic buildings, churches, and arcades, while the backstreets are still loaded with bars, cafés, restaurants and meyhanes. Given the hefty number of establishments in Beyoğlu, we've assembled a guide featuring the district's foremost dining, nightlife and attractions. Though it has changed considerably at various intervals over the years, one can still feel the thick air of late 19th century Istanbul passing through its famed streets.
Helmed by acclaimed Swedish-Turkish chef Mehmet Gürs, Mikla is not only one of the best restaurants in Turkey, it's among the best in the world, having been chosen as among the top 50 in 2018. Located atop the hip Marmara Pera Hotel in Beyoğlu, Mikla features sweeping views of the city and a menu with some of the most creative fine-dining cuisine in Istanbul, made with local ingredients and identifiably influenced by both Turkish and Scandinavian techniques.
Duble Meze is where the humble meyhane concept meets the trappings of a fine-dining restaurant. With breathtaking views of the city, Duble serves up modern takes on meze classics and original creations that will tickle even the most jaded palate. The smoked pepper borani with yogurt and pachanga pastry with goat cheese are two of our favourite items on the menu.
Spreading out over three floors in downtown Taksim, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı was opened in 2006 by the grill-master Zübeyir. It has since established a reputation as one of the best grills in Istanbul. The sumptuous ribs, liver and gavurdağı salad go nicely with their legendary kebab dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, we suggest you end your meal with their moreish quince dessert.
Without a doubt one of the most important restaurants in Istanbul, Hacı Abdullah was established in 1888 and licensed by Sultan Abdülhamid II himself. Renowned for its Ottoman fare, Hacı Abdullah remains true to tradition not only with its authentic menu but also in the fact that the waiters and kitchen staff here undergo years of training under an apprenticeship system before being demeed fit for the job. The menu consists of a rich selection of soups, salads, vegetable stews, olive oil dishes, rice dishes, meat selections, desserts and compotes. Since there is no alcohol served, it might be a better idea to stop by for lunch.
Picking up where the iconic Russian restaurant Rejans left off when it shut down following its 80-year run here, 1924 is an eatery that combines the old and the new, paying tribute to its precursor without completely relying on the past. You can't go wrong with classic Russian dishes like borscht soup, beef stroganoff, chicken Kiev and pelmeni dumplings. Round it off with delights from the desserts menu like the chestnut cream profiterole or the moreish honey layered cake. 1924's homemade vodkas make for a great apéritif or digestif and the lemon infused variety is particularly good. If you're feeling adventurous, try the salmon vodka – certainly not for the faint of heart. 1924 is a place to visit for its historic feel as well as its good food.
If you've ever gone to a meyhane with a vegan, you’ll have noticed that our meze culture leaves plenty to be desired in terms of inclusiveness – after all, just about all of our most popular mezes include either cheese or yogurt. This new restaurant in Tomtom is a game-changer for vegans, who’ll have no trouble culling together a mini feast of sorts with mezes like cracked green olives with onions and olive oil and tri-color hummus. Of special note is their vegan İskender, a must-try dish where the thin slices of “meat” made from lentil and flour are served alongside rice yogurt.
The latest venture from Jüpiter Group (whose previous project was the incredibly popular restaurant Grey in Topağacı), Hazine has fast become the new “it” location in Cihangir. The eatery instantly stands out among its neighbors due to its swanky décor and equally trendy menu. Be sure to check out the sushi selection if you happen to visit for dinner, and stay afterwards to enjoy a more club-like atmosphere with live music.
The iconic İnci Pastanesi opened in 1944 on İstiklal Caddesi, quickly becoming famous for its profiteroles and classic interior. In 2012, the gentrification that has driven almost all of the original small business owners on İstiklal also forced İnci to move to a nearby backstreet, abandoning its home of nearly seven decades. Though the new location isn't quite the same, the taste of its heavenly profiteroles hasn't changed in the slightest. As İnci remains open until midnight, it's common practice around Beyoğlu to ditch dessert after dinner and head straight here for the real deal.
By day, a third-wave cafe offering coffee from El Salvador to Honduras and by night, one of the city’s best cocktail bars, Geyik is Cihangir's iconic neighbourhood hangout. If you're early (or lucky), you might just be able to snag a cosy seat inside the brick-walled and wood-panelled bar. But spilling onto the street alongside the bar's regulars – young creatives mostly – is half the fun. Aside from Geyik's signature cocktails, we suggest you try their take on classics like ‘Old Fashioned’, ‘Mojito’ or ‘Whiskey Sour’ (our favourite of its kind in the city).
Occupying perhaps the most beautifully-preserved building on Istanbul's bustling artery is Ravouna 1906, a boutique hotel, café and rooftop bar that stands out against the stifling grey of the avenue. While the ground floor of the historic building is an ideal place to grab a bite or enjoy a cup of coffee, the rooftop bar is the crème de la crème of Ravouna 1906, an oasis of sorts where you can spend hours lounging, wining and dining with an outstanding view of the city. Until recently, this next-door neighbor of the Consulate General of the Netherlands served as a Mudo franchise. However with Ravouna 1906, it has now undergone a face change revealing the splendid Art Nouveau esthetics of the original building. Its long history has imbued it with a modesty that’s become part of its DNA; you won’t find an ornate entrance door or a sign that reads “Ravouna 1906” here. Instead, the café greets you with a few small tables scattered outside. As soon as you enter the building, however, you’ll be transported to a different world. Each detail in the gound floor eatery to the rooftop bar and the eight suites spread out across the building reveals an understated elegance. Ravouna 1906 also impresses on the coffee front. Famous barista Chris Owens serves as the consultant for the eatery and even trained the baristas who work here. Good news for those who happen to tread Istiklal in the early morning: not only can you get their coffee to take away (we highly recommend their cold brew
For serious local and visiting wine-lovers, Sensus is an answered prayer and one that has been a long time coming. Located next to the Galata Tower, the wine bar and eatery offers delicious regional cheese and charcuterie plates to accompany their reasonably priced bottles and by-the-glass options. Note that Sensus only stocks their own house brand Yanık Ülke.
Nestled in a backstreet close to Galatasaray High School, Urban has an elegant interior for the cooler months, while its outside seating is framed by a lush blanket of ivy that provides shade and a nice place to sit and sip cold beer when it's hot out. Offering a full dining menu, Urban is also an ideal spot to have a cup of coffee in the late morning or early afternoon hours.
Perched on on a side street descending away from the hustle and bustle of İstiklal Caddesi lies Şimdi, a cosy café, bar and restaurant that has weathered the storm and remained on its feet while a number of its neighbors closed down in the past few years. Its endurance is due in no small measure to its laid-back vibe, which makes it a great spot for an early morning coffee or after-work drinks.
The Istanbul branch of a small chain of bars that began in Eskişehir, Varuna Gezgin is popular among travelers, students and younger locals with its affordable food and drinks menu, enviable Bosphorus view and warm, homey decor.
As the name suggests, Minimüzikhol is an intimate affair nestled in an apartment floor in the trendy Cihangir neighbourhood. Founded in 2009 by a collective of local DJs, whose previous efforts played a formative role in putting Istanbul’s electronic music scene on the map, Mini hosts local and international DJs from Thursday to Saturday.
Gizi Bahçe (Turkish for 'Secret Garden') is hidden in plain view on Nevizade's main meyhane street in the dead center of Beyoğlu. A great late-night spot that regularly hosts solid DJs, Gizli Bahçe is also well-known as an LGBT-friendly venue – no macho behavior tolerated.
Priding itself as being Istanbul’s first and only club dedicated to bass music, Pixie Underground is where you can hear the finest dubstep, jungle, dub, DnB and garage in the city. Tucked away on a quaint alleyway off the hustle and bustle of İstiklal Caddesi, Pixie is the preferred haunt of Istanbul’s alternative creatives, or anyone else who enjoys basking in the bass oozing from the club’s trusty 18-inch subwoofers. Ever since opening in 2008, Pixie has been a regular host to music gatherings and art exhibitions showcasing left-field talent from Istanbul’s underground scene and beyond.
Known to be perhaps the go-to jazz bar in Istanbul, Nardis is situated at the foot of the Galata Tower and features live jazz music from local and international acts practically every night. With a capacity of 120, Nardis requires table reservations and is a must for visiting jazz enthusiasts.
Consistently featuring some of the best international bookings in the city, Salon's calendar is jam-packed with the hottest names in jazz, rock, alternative, classical, experimental and world music. Maintained by the Istanbul Arts and Culture Foundation (İKSV), Salon is housed in the beautiful Nejat Eczacıbaşı building in the Şişhane quarter of Beyoğlu. Keeping an eye on what's happening at Salon is a must for music lovers.
Though only open for around a year, Bova has already become known as one of Istanbul's premier jazz bars, located on the bustling Mis Sokak in the heart of Beyoğlu and featuring a regular schedule of local jazz ensembles. The music is enjoyed in a surprisingly low key and comfy atmosphere with reasonably-priced drinks.
The long-running Peyote is one of the most popular and beloved venues in Istanbul. Tucked away in Nevizade in the heart of Beyoğlu, Peyote hosts live music several days a week and its terrace always hosts excellent DJs. Peyote is known for its commitment to supporting local artists and countless acts from Istanbul's music scene have cut their teeth on its venerable stage. A wonderful place to get a drink from anytime between the early afternoon to the early morning.
Offering free live music several nights a week, Pendor Corner is an old Beyoğlu favorite that has weathered the storm and remained open while many of its neighbors have closed down. Housed in a beautiful turn-of-the-century building, the bar stays open long after the music has stopped. Pendor is known for its bombastic cocktail menu and serves bar food to soak up the suds.
Inspired by renowned novelist Orhan Pamuk's novel of the same name, the Museum of Innocence is nestled in the picturesque quarter of Çukurcuma, where much of the book transpires. The countless number of household objects and photographs meticulously collected and displayed in the museum are connected to the bittersweet love story that unfolds in the novel. Taking his cue from the works of Joseph Cornell, Pamuk has arranged these objects into installations and collages housed in custom-built vitrines, which gleam like cabinets of curiosities inside the dimly lit museum. The winner of the European Museum of the Year Award in 2014, the Museum of Innocence is a must-see for readers of the book as well as anyone interested in the cultural and material history of Istanbul. Note that the ticket printed in the closing pages of the novel can be stamped at the ticket booth in exchange for an entrance to the museum.
Forced to leave its original location on the shores of Karaköy due to ongoing construction work in the area, Istanbul's foremost modern arts museum moved earlier this year to a smaller, temporary location in the Beyoğlu/Pera area. Founded in 2004 as Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art, Istanbul Modern continues to host exhibitions as well as its permanent collection and eventually plans on moving back to Karaköy once its facility there is rebuilt. The in-house cinema regularly screens independent films programmed around ongoing exhibitions, contemporary directors and stand-alone events.
Established in 2005, the Pera Museum takes its name from the original name for the Beyoğlu district and is housed in a handsome 19th century building. Known for its diverse and well-curated temporary exhibitions by artists from all over the world, the Pera Museum is also home to a permanent collection of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics on display. Pera Museum's in-house cinema screens a variety of independent features and shorts throughout the year.
The oldest tekke (lodge) in Istanbul to house members of the Mevlevi order, the adherents of Sufism, this 15th century building was converted into a museum in 1975 and remains an important cornerstore of Sufi culture. A treasure trove of artifacts are on display at the museum, including musical instruments, calligraphy, Mevlevi clothing and accessories, though its prime draw is the weekly sema (whirling dervish) ceremony that entrances large numbers of visitors every Sunday at 17:00.
Initiated by the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Arter is one of Turkey’s leading contemporary art institutions dedicated to exhibiting modern art at the heart of Istanbul. Since opening in 2010, Arter has hosted exhibitions by leading artists from Turkey and abroad, including solo shows by Mona Hatoum, Marc Quinn and the Chapman Brothers. Currently occupying a historic building on İstiklal Caddesi, Arter is slated to move to its new Dolapdere home in 2019 to become a fully fledged contemporart art museum.
The largest and most prominent Catholic church in Istanbul, the majestic St. Antoine on Istiklal Caddesi was built between 1906 and 1912 in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style. St Antoine offers masses throughout the week in English, Turkish, Polish and Italian, and is a nice place to pop in for a moment of silent reflection after spending the morning traversing the crowded Beyoğlu district. Before being elected as pope, Pope John XXIII preached at St. Antoine for a number of years when he served as Vatican's apostolic delegate to Turkey. He is commemorated by a statue located in the courtyard.
Built in 1876, Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) is easily one of Istanbul's most beautiful arcades and its gorgeous interior is worth a stroll through, even though you'll probably be pestered by an eager waiter from one of the many restaurants and meyhanes lined along the sides. Though none of these eateries are particularly noteworthy, those wanting to soak up the setting and enjoy a cheap beer with some french fries should take note of the low-key cluster of tables located near the main entrance.
Koç University's Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations is a research library that also features an exhibition space on the ground floor of its building on Istiklal Caddesi. ANAMED also offers summer programs including Ottoman Turkish language classes and hosts public talks with prominent scholars on the region.
Bearing the distinction of being the oldest underground train in the world after the London Underground, the funicular between Karaköy and Tünel Square opened in 1875 as a means of allowing the traders and merchants in the area a faster way of commuting up and down the steep hill. It still operates today and is a popular way of reaching Beyoğlu for those alighting at the nearby Karaköy Pier. The commute takes approximately 90 seconds and the two cars run two and fro every five minutes.
The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı gets its name from Kılıç Ali Paşa, an Ottoman admiral. It is a work of Mimar Sinan. The hamam was built in between 1578-1583 and reopened to the public in 2012 after a major restoration. Events are organized in the hamam for special occasions and a shop can be found in the building’s outer section. The hamam is open to women in the morning and to men in the afternoon.
The Tarihi Galatasaray Hamamı, located within the Ottoman social complex of Galatasaray, was constructed in 1481 by Beyazıt II. During the 1965 restoration of the building the plate glass section was redone with concrete, a marble fountain was added to the center, and the hamam’s walls were covered in glazed, painted tiles. In its time, the hamam served generals, religious judges, grand viziers, and sultans; now, it's popular among tourists as it’s located just off Istiklal Caddesi.
The Ağa Hamamı was built in 1454 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and was used privately by the Sultan and his male heirs. After 1923 the hamam was sold to an Armenian woman and opened up to public use. In 1986 the final restorations were made. In addition to body scrub and soap bath services, you can enjoy various traditional and massage packages as well as full package deals.
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