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For those who have already been to Istanbul before

Posted by

Kazunion

19/01/2026

On 23/09/2024

Imagine your morning: you wake up in a soft, cozy bed, with a slow, unhurried day ahead. But staying in is hardly an option, especially when the weather is perfect for long walks. After all, you are in one of the world’s great cities — Istanbul, uniquely located between Europe and Asia. This captivating mix of cultures and flavors is everywhere. No matter how many times you’ve been here, each day feels different from the last. So grab a bold matcha (or any drink you love) from a nearby café and set off to wander through the city’s authentic streets, where charming courtyards and the sounds of Istanbul will draw you deeper and deeper into its rhythm.

Street Food

Istanbul is not inferior to the birthplace of street food — East Asia — when it comes to variety. At the same time, street food here is regulated by the municipality. So feel free to try anything that catches your eye: crispy simit, hearty kumpir from bright red carts, fresh mussels and fish — even if there are long queues. It’s absolutely worth it.

Where: side streets off the main avenues (such as Istiklal and Taksim), local markets, and popular tourist areas.

Restaurants

The Ottoman cuisine restaurant Kanaat is located in the Asian part of the city, near a mosque, and has been operating for over 91 years. Be sure to try their signature lamb cooked in olive oil and traditional Turkish dumplings. And don’t skip dessert: baked quince with cream, sweet bread with custard, and pistachio baklava with walnuts.

Where: Selmanipak Cd. No:9, Üsküdar.

Restaurants

Visiting Istanbul and not trying fish and seafood would be a crime. The perfect place for this is the restaurant promenade on the Galata Bridge. Once a bit chaotic, after renovation it has become the heart of a fashionable and modern area filled with restaurants. Here we recommend following your intuition and choosing a place “with soul.” After all, your dinner will come with views of the Bosphorus.

Where: the restaurant promenade on the Galata Bridge.

Bebek District

Bebek is located in the European part of the city and is one of Istanbul’s most expensive and beautiful neighborhoods. This is confirmed by luxurious yachts slowly passing along the long waterfront. Closer to the bridge, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view where the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara meet. We recommend taking a walk along the area by day. You’ll stumble upon Bebek Park, and if you’re lucky, even reach the gardens of Boğaziçi University.

Nişantaşı District

The Nişantaşı district reveals itself differently every time — you never know what awaits around the corner. But one thing is certain: it will be incredibly beautiful. It’s no surprise that both global and local brands, designers, and fashion-forward youth have chosen this area. At times, it feels like you’re strolling through a French quarter.

Les Benjamins

The multibrand store Les Benjamins is one of the most beloved local brands, offering pleasant prices and Eastern eclecticism in the heart of Nişantaşı. The ground floor features the brand’s main collection, while the second floor showcases conceptual brands and collaborations.

Where: Teşvikiye, Akkavak Sk. No:16, 34365 Şişli, Istanbul.

Shopi Go

The concept store Shopi Go, located next to Les Benjamins, curates limited collections from Nike, New Balance, Y-3, and also carries niche unisex fashion brands such as ERL, Rassvet, Marine Serre, and others.

Where: Teşvikiye Mah., Ahmet Fetgari Sok. No:62, Şişli, Istanbul.

Beymen

The multibrand department store chain Beymen is also located in Nişantaşı. Beymen is Turkey’s leading fashion house, featuring Valentino, Prada, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Loewe, Stella McCartney, Fendi, and more. You can also find Beymen in shopping malls such as Akasya, Aqua Florya, Ataköy Plus, İstinye Park, and Zorlu Center, as well as on Bağdat Avenue in the Asian part of Istanbul.

Cağaloğlu Hammam

Cağaloğlu Hammam is a traditional classical hammam that is over 300 years old. It is adorned with elegant domes, marble interiors, and mosaics. This hammam has been visited by Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, and John Travolta.

Where: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih, Istanbul.

Karga

The Karga space was once a mansion where members of high society lived. Today, it is one of the best avant-garde clubs in the city — a place to have fun with friends and immerse yourself in Istanbul’s youth culture.

Where: Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:16, 34710 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye.

Arka Oda

Arka Oda is a bar where, during the day, you can relax on the first floor with great cocktails and vinyl DJ sets, and in the evening head to the second floor to dance to house music. If you happen to catch a live performance by a local band, be prepared to be impressed — these are far from ordinary musicians.

Where: Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:18/A, 34710 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye.

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