Our guidebook :)
Neighborhoods
All neighborhoods mentioned are all less than a 30-minute walk from the apartment. It is very easy to get from one place to another, because of proximity and also because of extensive public transport.
The neighborhood the apartment is located in! Cihangir, perched on a hill overlooking the water, has an undeniable character permeating throughout. Its winding narrow streets are dotted with countless cafes and other small stores, all of which are bustling well into the evening. One of our favorite aspects of the neighborhood is the small peaks of the Bosphorus you'll see from in between buildings. The area also features two parks, though we wouldn't recommend going out of your way to pay them a visit. The best way to experience the area is to simply wander around and see what you discover.
WALKABLE
203 locals recommend
Cihangir
The neighborhood the apartment is located in! Cihangir, perched on a hill overlooking the water, has an undeniable character permeating throughout. Its winding narrow streets are dotted with countless cafes and other small stores, all of which are bustling well into the evening. One of our favorite aspects of the neighborhood is the small peaks of the Bosphorus you'll see from in between buildings. The area also features two parks, though we wouldn't recommend going out of your way to pay them a visit. The best way to experience the area is to simply wander around and see what you discover.
WALKABLE
The Galata region of Turkey is known mainly for its Galata tower, once used as a watchtower, and by virtue of it being built for this purpose offers a breathtaking view of the city. It is also known for the shops and cafes dotting its streets as well as some truly beautiful architecture. Galata is also a great place to explore if you're looking to dip your toes into Istanbul's nightlife.
WALKABLE
200 locals recommend
Galata
The Galata region of Turkey is known mainly for its Galata tower, once used as a watchtower, and by virtue of it being built for this purpose offers a breathtaking view of the city. It is also known for the shops and cafes dotting its streets as well as some truly beautiful architecture. Galata is also a great place to explore if you're looking to dip your toes into Istanbul's nightlife.
WALKABLE
Though slightly rougher around the edges than some other areas mentioned, Karakoy is well worth a visit regardless. It's pressed up right against the Bosphorus and features food vendors, coffee shops, and various other establishments stacked against one another. Smells of food and salty air waft throughout the area, and every so often you'll hear the blare of foghorns off in the distance, making for an overall highly pleasant experience. Whilst there we'd recommend trying out the Midye Dolma, a very common Turkish street food which is essentially a clam stuffed with rice and drizzled with lemon juice.
For a more upscale experience, pay a visit to Galataport, a great place for a sit-down meal and some window shopping.
WALKABLE
252 locals recommend
Karaköy
Though slightly rougher around the edges than some other areas mentioned, Karakoy is well worth a visit regardless. It's pressed up right against the Bosphorus and features food vendors, coffee shops, and various other establishments stacked against one another. Smells of food and salty air waft throughout the area, and every so often you'll hear the blare of foghorns off in the distance, making for an overall highly pleasant experience. Whilst there we'd recommend trying out the Midye Dolma, a very common Turkish street food which is essentially a clam stuffed with rice and drizzled with lemon juice.
For a more upscale experience, pay a visit to Galataport, a great place for a sit-down meal and some window shopping.
WALKABLE
Cukurcuma is a lovely little neighborhood nestled in between Cihangir and the famed Istiklal street. It is in our opinion one of the prettiest places in the area. Antique stores burst beyond the confines of their buildings and spill out into the streets, creating an organic feel to the area by preventing it from feeling too polished. Greenery twists and turns wildly throughout in a way that feels natural and inevitable rather than unkempt. We personally love it here and hope that you do too!
WALKABLE
22 locals recommend
Çukurcuma
Cukurcuma is a lovely little neighborhood nestled in between Cihangir and the famed Istiklal street. It is in our opinion one of the prettiest places in the area. Antique stores burst beyond the confines of their buildings and spill out into the streets, creating an organic feel to the area by preventing it from feeling too polished. Greenery twists and turns wildly throughout in a way that feels natural and inevitable rather than unkempt. We personally love it here and hope that you do too!
WALKABLE
Food scene
Some of our personal favorite spots to grab a bite to eat!
In Cihangir
A cozy little cafe with great music and great service. They offer complimentary water, which may sound obvious but is hard to come by in Istanbul. The food isn't anything mind-blowing but feels very comforting, and we come more for the experience regardless. The hot chocolate is a must-try, and their chili and quesadillas are pretty well done as well.
Food: 7/10, a few hits, a few misses on the menu.
Atmosphere: 10/10, we really love it here!
35 locals recommend
Cuppa
22 Yeni Yuva Sk.In Cihangir
A cozy little cafe with great music and great service. They offer complimentary water, which may sound obvious but is hard to come by in Istanbul. The food isn't anything mind-blowing but feels very comforting, and we come more for the experience regardless. The hot chocolate is a must-try, and their chili and quesadillas are pretty well done as well.
Food: 7/10, a few hits, a few misses on the menu.
Atmosphere: 10/10, we really love it here!
In Cihangir
You can’t go wrong with Susam Cafe! It offers a lively dining experience and is a staple amongst locals, likely due to the abundance of outdoor seating and friednly servers. The food is generally good though not particularly better than most other places in the area. We’d recommend going toward the evening for the best experience. It also features a bar if you’re looking for some late night excitement.
Food: 7/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
53 locals recommend
Susam Cafe
No:11 Susam Sk.In Cihangir
You can’t go wrong with Susam Cafe! It offers a lively dining experience and is a staple amongst locals, likely due to the abundance of outdoor seating and friednly servers. The food is generally good though not particularly better than most other places in the area. We’d recommend going toward the evening for the best experience. It also features a bar if you’re looking for some late night excitement.
Food: 7/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
In Cihangir
Another Cafe is very popular amongst locals! Go to sit amongst trees and colorful lanterns strung above you, as well as for some delicious eats of course.
Food: 7/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
45 locals recommend
Kaktus Kahvesi
No:16/A Cihangir Cd.In Cihangir
Another Cafe is very popular amongst locals! Go to sit amongst trees and colorful lanterns strung above you, as well as for some delicious eats of course.
Food: 7/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
In Cihangir
The ultimate spot to get an authentic Turkish breakfast experience. The servers are generally very friendly and you get unlimited Turkish tea upon request. Definitely make time to go here at least once- and plan on eating a lot, Turkish breakfasts are incredibly filling.
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
148 locals recommend
Van Kahvaltı Evi
52/A Defterdar Ykş.In Cihangir
The ultimate spot to get an authentic Turkish breakfast experience. The servers are generally very friendly and you get unlimited Turkish tea upon request. Definitely make time to go here at least once- and plan on eating a lot, Turkish breakfasts are incredibly filling.
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
In Cihangir
Emily’s garden is perhaps the best spot if you’re looking for great vibes and good music. Though relatively unassuming from the outside, venture further in and the restaurant opens into a beautiful garden strung with fairy lights and neon signs that make for an impressive sight. Go at any hour of the day for delicious food though we personally like it best toward evening.
Food: 8/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
19 locals recommend
Emily's Garden
no:13 Susam Sk.In Cihangir
Emily’s garden is perhaps the best spot if you’re looking for great vibes and good music. Though relatively unassuming from the outside, venture further in and the restaurant opens into a beautiful garden strung with fairy lights and neon signs that make for an impressive sight. Go at any hour of the day for delicious food though we personally like it best toward evening.
Food: 8/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
In Cihangir
Manti is one of our favorite types of Turkish food. They're little dumplings stuffed with meat served with garlic yogurt and butter sauce. Very yummy. This spot is perhaps not much to look at but the food definitely makes up for that.
Food: 8/10
Atmosphere: 5/10
Cihangir Mantıcısı
4 Ağa Hamamı Sk.In Cihangir
Manti is one of our favorite types of Turkish food. They're little dumplings stuffed with meat served with garlic yogurt and butter sauce. Very yummy. This spot is perhaps not much to look at but the food definitely makes up for that.
Food: 8/10
Atmosphere: 5/10
Near Cihangir
Lahmacun is another classic Turkish food. Its essentially a flatbread topped with a ground meat mixture, generally served with parsley and lemon juice. Very delicious another one of our favorites. Baran specifically is a great spot as the food is perhaps underpriced, very cheap considering the amount you're getting for what you pay. Definitely carve out some time to try this place out!
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
6 locals recommend
BARAN lahmacun | fırıngüveç | sactava | Kebap
No:39A Turnacıbaşı CaddesiNear Cihangir
Lahmacun is another classic Turkish food. Its essentially a flatbread topped with a ground meat mixture, generally served with parsley and lemon juice. Very delicious another one of our favorites. Baran specifically is a great spot as the food is perhaps underpriced, very cheap considering the amount you're getting for what you pay. Definitely carve out some time to try this place out!
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
In Cukurcuma
This cafe is a little pricier than some of the other places mentioned but the food is some of the best you'll get in Istanbul and the location is almost unmatched. It's an adorable little spot in a quiet neighborhood, being there just feels good.
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
50 locals recommend
Cuma
53/A Çukur Cuma Cd.In Cukurcuma
This cafe is a little pricier than some of the other places mentioned but the food is some of the best you'll get in Istanbul and the location is almost unmatched. It's an adorable little spot in a quiet neighborhood, being there just feels good.
Food: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Go to sunset for a more upscale dining experience. It features some of the best food in Istanbul as well as amazing views.
45 locals recommend
Sunset Grill & Bar
No:2 Yol SokağıGo to sunset for a more upscale dining experience. It features some of the best food in Istanbul as well as amazing views.
What to do in the Neighborhood
Sightseeing spots located in or very close to Cihangir.
Cihangir's local mosque. It's not only beautiful to look at but also has a garden open to the public until around 9pm, at which point it closes its gates. The garden itself has a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, one could spend hours there just watching ships of different shapes and sizes coming and going. Definitely, one of our favorite spots to hang out during the day.
Cihangir cami
Cihangir's local mosque. It's not only beautiful to look at but also has a garden open to the public until around 9pm, at which point it closes its gates. The garden itself has a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, one could spend hours there just watching ships of different shapes and sizes coming and going. Definitely, one of our favorite spots to hang out during the day.
Homer Kitabevi is an bookstore located just off of the famed Istiklal Caddesi. It has a very unique feel to it and has an array of books on various different topics in both Turkish and English.
Homer Kitabevi Ve Yayıncılık Ltd Şti
No:52, 34433 Yeni Çarşı CaddesiHomer Kitabevi is an bookstore located just off of the famed Istiklal Caddesi. It has a very unique feel to it and has an array of books on various different topics in both Turkish and English.
Istiklal is Istanbul's famous shopping street. It's generally a bit touristy but you might want to pay it a visit just to say that you've been. Exploring the sidestreets just off of Istiklal generally gives you a more authentic experience. Its additionally one of the easiest ways to get from Cihangir to Galata, just walk straight!
692 locals recommend
Istiklal Caddesi
İstiklal CaddesiIstiklal is Istanbul's famous shopping street. It's generally a bit touristy but you might want to pay it a visit just to say that you've been. Exploring the sidestreets just off of Istiklal generally gives you a more authentic experience. Its additionally one of the easiest ways to get from Cihangir to Galata, just walk straight!
Galata tower is a classic spot to visit when in Istanbul and for good reason. It makes for quite an impressive sight, both outside and inside, and offers an amazing 360 view of Istanbul. Explore some of the shops around that area as well, many offer wares unique to Turkey.
1235 locals recommend
Galata Tower
Galata tower is a classic spot to visit when in Istanbul and for good reason. It makes for quite an impressive sight, both outside and inside, and offers an amazing 360 view of Istanbul. Explore some of the shops around that area as well, many offer wares unique to Turkey.
A development featuring plenty of nicer restaurants (our favorites are Sait and Vakko Cafe) and various luxury brands- perfect for browsing. Also a great spot to walk along the Bosphorus as it sits right on the golden horn, meaning you can see across the waterway to old Istanbul, where famous names like the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are located.
164 locals recommend
Galataport Port Operations
A development featuring plenty of nicer restaurants (our favorites are Sait and Vakko Cafe) and various luxury brands- perfect for browsing. Also a great spot to walk along the Bosphorus as it sits right on the golden horn, meaning you can see across the waterway to old Istanbul, where famous names like the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are located.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Invest in an Istanbulkart!
Istanbulkarts are a 25 lira base charge. Once you're in posession of one, you can keep refilling them to gain access to every mode of public transportation in the city, including the subway, trams, ferries, busses, and even a cable car. A very worthwhile purchase!
Getting around
Hailing a Taxi
To hail a cab, the best option would be to ask our 24/hr security guard and one will pull up right to the front door. To do so simply say Taxi to the guard and he'll likely understand what you're asking of him.
Alternatively, download BiTaksi from the App Store. It’s along the lines of Uber or Lyft but much cheaper, as the fare is just whatever the Taxi meter displays. We don’t love this app, it often takes a while, but when it works it works. If neither of these methods work for you then just find a just street, stand on a street corner and stick your hand out until a car slows down foryou.
Ways to save
Food Ordering Apps
Download Yemeksepeti or Getir from the App Store. They’re very convenient ways to either order food or groceries right to your front door, along the lines of post mates or doordash. The only difference is that Yemeksepti/ Getir are both significantly cheaper as the only charge on top of your food orders is the 5 lira delivery fee. When the food arrives th guards will call you to check that you ordered, all you have to do is say yes and to send up the food.