A Neighborhood Guide To Akaretler Istanbul

Famous for the Row Houses, originally built in 1875 for the accommodation of the Ottoman palace staff and renovated in 2005, Akaretler is a neighborhood in Istanbul that feeds from the upscale feel of the nearby Nişantaşı area. You’ll find quiet cafés on side streets, but also great restaurants and shops on the main avenues. We took a look at the best.

Square Meters

Store

290 Square Meters, a cool concept store, with its headquarters in Amsterdam, is one of the only places in Istanbul where you can find brands like A.P.C., Aesop, Comme des Garçons, and Mykita. Hard-to-find books and magazines, as well as limited edition sneakers, bags, clothes, and jewelry, are also worth a browse (with prices to match their exclusivity). https://instagram.com/p/BLTzjM2gqDW/

Rampa

One of the largest art galleries in Istanbul, Rampa has a project room and a 900-square-meter main gallery and works with diverse exhibitions that represent exceptional work by Turkish artists from various disciplines and mediums. https://instagram.com/p/BLsqWPYBM1p/

Vogue

With a great view of the Bosphorus from its top floor location, Voguehas been serving Mediterranean cuisine in a chic atmosphere since 1997. In the summer, the bar is a popular spot for pre- or after-dinner drinks with a view. https://instagram.com/p/BKfn5wvjdPH/

Minoa Bookstore & Café

Bookstore

A bookstore and café, Minoa is the perfect place to browse and buy a book and then sit down with a coffee to start reading. You’ll find lots of English-language books from Penguin Classics to beautiful coffee table editions.

Yuka Studio

One another side street, very much standing out from its surroundings, you’ll find the showroom and atelier of Yuka Studio, which makes beautiful handmade jewelry. Inspired by geometric shapes and natural stones, you’ll find unique pendant necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings that you’ll treasure forever. https://instagram.com/p/BKI2aKiBv-L/

Akali

A great little café that’s hidden in one of the side streets among a row of apartments, Akali is the perfect spot for a break away from the main avenue. Make sure to try their delicious sandwiches with homemade breads, or go for something more hefty like their artisan hamburger with a nice cold bottle of beer or a nice pasta dish. https://instagram.com/p/BBR6FhfIPvL/

Blended

Shop, Store

Juice fasting has become very popular in Istanbul as people are exploring ways to be healthier. Blended, as the name suggests, uses a blender instead of a juice press to create mixtures from fruits, greens, and vegetables. If you’re too lazy to go by the shop, Blended will deliver their super meal in a bottle to your home.

Slow Public

A great place to look for original objects made by talented Turkish designers, Slow Public’s interior is chock full with everything imaginable. You’ll find hand-painted ceramics, chocolate, jewelry, leather-bound notebooks, furniture, bags, home accessories, teas, and so much more. https://instagram.com/p/BKne8CIDGXw/

Rani Çiftliği

Definitely a place for cheese lovers, Rani Çiftliğiproduces its own parmesan, gouda, goat cheese, camembert, brie, edam, mozzarella, and more on an organic farm near Antalya. Apart from the fantastic cheese selection, you can also find organic fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and butter. https://instagram.com/p/BGqzE7lBi2T/