Istanbul, a huge city that has always been a bridge between Europe and Anatolia, has evolved very differently from the rest of Turkey with its multicultural structure in history.. While holding on to the nostalgia of its geography, one side is always European.. That’s why every local and every tourist that Istanbul hosts has a corner that will make you love it.. Sometimes it makes him angry, sometimes he falls in love with himself; but we know that the tourist who has come for a certain period of time enjoys it the most.
We, the locals of Istanbul, do not go to any other cities all year and only visit Istanbul. If we make plans to travel, we still can’t finish this big city.. Apart from its historical and modern districts, many museums and architectures exemplary in their themes and concepts, beautiful new generation cafes and restaurants, nostalgic tea gardens, shores with Bosphorus views, escape points to nature, close places suitable for weekend getaways and colorful streets will never end. This place is like an ocean.
There are also districts that resist modernity and transport you to the past, to Old Istanbul with their historical textures, even if they have concept spaces, which are definitely on the weekend lists. should be included. After all, for us, Istanbul is not only a bridge between Europe and Anatolia, but also an indispensable route for learning history.
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Balat, Fatih
Istanbul’ 5 Must-See Historic Districts
#Balat:
Balat; One of the districts of Istanbul that has undergone transformation in recent years and has become popular.. It is possible to experience the nostalgia of Fatih district, which covers a part of the Historic Peninsula, first with Fener and then with Balat, following the coastal road, in the direction of Cibali.. The houses with bay windows resisting colorful and modern construction, the images of laundry strung on a rope pulled from apartment to apartment in the street, antique shops that bring ‘vintage’ items together with their new lovers, dozens of nostalgic cafes opened with the transformation process, third wave coffee shops and historical bakeries line the Fener-Balat line. It is already enough to make it one of the most prominent historical districts of Istanbul.
Balat, Fatih
Places to Visit in Balat
The Fener Greek Orthodox holy place that greets you on the way to Balat Patriarchate and Fener Greek High School, the Iron Church, which was reopened after the restoration work, the Merdivenli Yokus, which is reminiscent of a candy dish with its pastel-colored houses, which has been renovated exactly as it was built under the protection of UNESCO, and the side-by-side series that has become the classic photographic frame of Balat. The colorful houses with bay windows are at the top of the Places to Visit in Balat.
Balat, Fatih
Eating and Drinking in Balat
If we are going to spend a day on the Fener-Balat line, Balat’ We usually solve our eating and drinking issue with Evin Patisserie, Pop’s Balat, Forno, Historical Balat Köftecisi, Coffee Department or Naftalin.. If you are going to eat in Balat, we strongly recommend you, especially Fener Köftecisi, which is the owner of the Atatürkist venue and with its delicious meatballs, Forno, which is famous for its croissant breakfasts, and Pop’s Balat with its bread alternatives.. If we are going to eat something fast and our aim is to have coffee and chat with our friends, the first place that comes to our mind is Evin Patisserie; because their crackers and cookies are always fresh.
With my crackers at Pop’s Balat
#Sirkeci:
Sirkeci, the unique district of the Historic Peninsula, which brought the Japanese and the Americans of the hand to Istanbul from thousands of miles away The only place where ‘ seems worthless is probably just a game of Monopoly. Frankly, we still do not understand why this dear neighborhood can be sold for a toy, while paying five times the price of Sirkeci, which embraces the Ottoman period, for districts with glamorous buildings and luxury shops.. That’s why we wanted to underline it a little bit in the article “Must-See Historical Neighborhoods of Istanbul.”
Places to Visit in Sirkeci
When it comes to places to visit in Sirkeci The first thing that comes to mind is the Spice Bazaar, which is famous for its colorful spice displays, and then Eminönü, where Turkish artisans flourish and our traditional heritage is introduced to thousands of tourists every day (if that’s the case).. Other places you can see in Sirkeci; Green and scenic Gulhane Park, New Mosque, Historical Sirkeci Train Station, Great Post Office Building, Isbank Museum of Turkey and Galata Bridge. Don’t forget to come to Sirkeci early to visit all these places in one day with Eminönü.. In the evening, the destination is Gülhane Park, because we will enjoy tea with a teapot there.
Sirkeci’s roasted coffee shops
Food and Beverage in Sirkeci
Sirkeci’s success in eateries cannot be ignored either.. In particular, Şehzade Cağ Kebap and the famous Filibe Köftecisi, located at the entrance of Hocapaşa Street, known as Kebapcılar Street, Hamdi Restaurant, famous for its Bosphorus view on the Eminönü coast, new generation third wave coffee shops in its side streets, as in every district that is undergoing transformation, -for example, Coffeetopia- and mist. Roasted Turkish coffees and authentic tea houses are a must for Sirkeci tours.. The most important issue you should pay attention to when you come here; completing the explorations without being deceived by the touristic places.
Don’t forget to stop by Coffeetopia on your Sirkeci tour
#Galata:
The symbol of Istanbul, the most beautiful view of the Bosphorus, Galata Tower is both Istanbul’s and It also gave its name to one of its rare districts, which has transformed and maintained its reputation; Galata. Galata, which has become an indispensable route on weekends, especially with its concept design stores opened on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, coffee shops that colorize the Galata Tower surroundings, thematic restaurants or patisseries, is also at the top of the list for those who want to photograph the iconic city views of Istanbul.
Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak, Galata
Places to Visit in Galata
Continue your itinerary, which you will start with Küçük Hendek and Büyük Hendek streets, by examining Galata Tower closely and its surroundings.. If you wish, you can also go to the terrace of the tower by purchasing a ticket in advance; but we like to watch Galata itself from other terraces more. After this view, enter the Tower Dead End and find Leo Lunatic’s Panda mural, then go back up this street and teleport yourself to the terrace of this place by marking Konak Kafe in the navigations.. All the way, here is another beautiful view of the Tower.
After having your tea or coffee break against the tower, the destination is Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak and Doğan Apartment.. Doğan, the most famous apartment building in Beyoğlu and perhaps even in Istanbul, shines in Beyoğlu with all its majesty and its yellow color like a huge chrysanthemum.. It is forbidden to enter the building, which is said to have a magnificent courtyard, to take pictures, but it is possible to understand the view of the apartment by walking around the corner.. After Doğan Apartment, I recommend you to visit design stores such as Apparel, Les Benjamins, Lomo Store and Der-Liebling on this street.. If you still have time, get some art. Now your address; Of course Salt Galata!
Galata, Beyoğlu
Food and Drink in Galata
If we put the title of Eating and Drinking in Galata here, the article will never end.. Therefore, I will briefly summarize the most favorite places of Galata in my opinion.. To Federal, Mavra, Latife and Nikol to enjoy the day with coffee, to the Galata Tea Garden just below the Galata Tower for tea, to Konak Cafe for a terrace break with the Galata Tower view, a delicious flour halvah break and the coolest Turkish coffee go to Velvet Cafe for presentation, Smurf Patisserie and Cloud Nine Patisserie for dessert. When it comes to the best breakfast restaurants in Galata, the results are common: Privato and Marmalade.
Konak Cafe, Galata
#Kuzguncuk:
Kuzguncuk, one of the most beautiful and nostalgic districts of the Anatolian side, unquestionably finds its place in the list of Istanbul’s Must-See Historical Neighborhoods.. Kuzguncuk, the first settlement of Jews on the Anatolian side of Istanbul; once intact, the tradesmen are still as in the old times, the people are sincere, this place is almost a time capsule, almost a series of plateaus.
Then, their houses with bay windows, colorful, streets and avenues are very green, the leaves of the trees are the sweetest beauty of the district.. Walking in this landscape brings a familiar happiness to one.. Çınaraltı, the tea garden on the coast, offers one of the most beautiful Bosphorus views of the Anatolian side before your eyes, under your feet.. When you cross the street from here and immerse yourself in the flow of İcadiye, a nostalgia festival begins.
Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar
Places to Visit in Kuzguncuk
When it comes to places to visit in Kuzguncuk, the first thing to do is İcadiye After entering Dilim Pastanesi, which greets you at the corner of the Avenue overlooking the beach, or after entering the upper street, go to the Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery, which is a little further, to get something for breakfast.. Then, we will meet the morning at the sea view of Çınaraltı.
After breakfast, walking up İcadiye Street and wandering the side streets of Kuzguncuk, in order, Ekmek Teknesi, Perihan Abla Street, After visiting Nail Bookstore, Homemade Aroma Theraphy, antique shops and design shops, you will arrive at Kuzguncuk Garden.. I recommend you to examine the mixed culture and religious architectural diversity of Kuzguncuk, which was once a settlement of non-Muslim population, on the way back from İcadiye Street towards the beach.
Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar
Eating and Drinking in Kuzguncuk
Our favorite places to eat and drink in Kuzguncuk; Ada Cafe, Pita, Asude Tea Garden, Metet Döner, Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery, Çınaraltı Tea Garden and Nail Bookstore. Especially in the months when the weather is not so good, you can go to Pita or Ada to have breakfast indoors and go to Nail Bookstore for coffee.. Our five-star recommendation for lunch or dinner, always leading the lists of Istanbul’s best doner kebabs, Metet közde doner kebab.
We describe Kuzguncuk in more detail Nostalgia in Istanbul: Places to Visit in Kuzguncuk click to read our article.
Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery
Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery
#Samatya:
Just like Kuzguncuk, first non-Muslim people in the past Samatya, a district that sheds light on history with its multi-cultural structure, including non-Muslims, in the Republican period.. Of course, due to popular culture, we know it as the place where the phenomenon TV series Second Spring was filmed.. The best part is that you can still observe these traces architecturally and socially in the district, which was home to Greeks and Armenians in the past.. With its almost unspoiled streets, tradesmen’s sights and shabby places, it is unlike the places we often come across in this big city.
Samatya; The old walled district of Fatih district. In fact, the first one of these Suriçi districts was established.. This very sweet district adjacent to the Marmara coast is also famous for its fishermen.. Samatya, which was a fishing village a long time ago, still maintains this tradition with its delicious places today.
Samatya, Photo: @senemingezi_ajandasi
Places to Visit in Samatya
What to do in Samatya As I mentioned above, the subject of places requires returning to the past in an old Istanbul district.. Starting with the Surp Kevork Church, which is the most famous one in the district, you can wander the streets and head to Samatya Square when you are tired.
Enjoying the day in the taverns and cafes lined up on the square. , poking fish at the fish stalls is a must here. Other places that should not be overlooked in Samatya include; In addition to Samatya Gate, İçkalpakçı Dead End and Aya Konstantino Greek Orthodox Church, there is the Fish Museum, which is free for those who are interested in the subject and where fish species are introduced.
Matya Kafe, Photo: @birdunyagezi
Food and Drink in Samatya
For Samatya, Istanbul is said to be home to the best taverns and the most delicious appetizers. When I say the best taverns, I am not talking about overly decorated luxury places and plates with ultra-fusion presentation.
From appetizers, well-cooked fresh fish, that can accompany meals and conversations. I mean nostalgic fasil music and smiling old shopkeepers. Among the eating and drinking places of Samatya, where you can come to experience them, our favorites are; Matya Cafe with its ambiance, kebab restaurant Ali Haydar Second Spring, which has been decorated and opened according to the original after the TV series, Develi Kebab, one of the favorites of the district since the 60s, Günbilir Fish Restaurant and Cihan Derya Fish, famous for its appetizers, Telis Cafe with its nostalgic atmosphere and historical Samatya Midyecisi, the stop for delicious mussels. .
For us, the 5 most beautiful historical districts of Istanbul, where you can visit and see historical textures, consist of Balat, Sirkeci, Galata, Kuzguncuk and Samatya.. When we come to these 5 districts, we feel transported to the old days of Istanbul, we are happy to wander its streets.. Stay tuned for the mini summaries and detailed neighborhood articles we wrote here.
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Stairway Hill, Balat