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
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).
Şair Nedim Caddesi No: 20 D, Akaretler, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 249 0121
https://instagram.com/p/BLTzjM2gqDW/
Rampa
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.
Şair Nedim Caddesi No:21A, Akaretler, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 327 08 00
https://instagram.com/p/BLsqWPYBM1p/
Vogue
Vogue
With a great view of the Bosphorus from its top floor location, Vogue has 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.
Spor Caddesi No.92, BJK Plaza A Blok Akaretler, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 227 44 04
https://instagram.com/p/BKfn5wvjdPH/
Minoa Bookstore & Café
Bookstore
Yuka Studio
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.
Maçka Meydanı Sok. No:18/A, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 259 10 99
https://instagram.com/p/BKI2aKiBv-L/
Akali
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.
Dibekçi Sokak No. 11/A, Maçka, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 0212 227 42 42
https://instagram.com/p/BBR6FhfIPvL/
Blended
Shop, Store

Slow Public
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.
Süleyman Seba Cd. No:83, Akaretler, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 227 09 22
https://instagram.com/p/BKne8CIDGXw/
Rani Çiftliği
Rani Çiftliği
Definitely a place for cheese lovers, Rani Çiftliği produces 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.
Süleyman Seba Caddesi No.60, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 259 0100
https://instagram.com/p/BGqzE7lBi2T/
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