Beyoğlu Beckons: Things To Do in Istanbul’s Most Bohemian District

In Beyoğlu, you can see what the city looks like from the Galata Tower. Ascend this 14th-century structure for a 360-degree aerial view of the city and see Istanbul’s historical skyline grazing the shores of the Marmara Sea. The tower has two elevators to take you up to the top, where you will get stunning panoramic views of the city. If you do this in the daytime, you will most likely miss the long queues of people waiting to see and photograph the sunset.

Miniaturk, Istanbul’s miniature park, will give you a similar experience to the Galata Tower, but from ground level. The park is filled with detailed, scaled-down models of buildings, monuments, people and landmarks from across Turkey, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Taksim monument and Sultanahmet Square. If shuffling alongside tour groups isn’t your thing but you are curious to experience the marvels of Istanbul, have a Godzilla moment and see it all in one go here.

Just a short walk away from Taksim Square and Istiklal Street is the bohemian heart of Istanbul, once home to artists and writers who couldn’t afford the more affluent parts of Beyoğlu. Today, Cihangir is dotted with cafés, cocktail bars, restaurants and galleries. Have brunch at Journey, which serves deliciously healthy food such as Mediterranean platters and rye-dough pizzas, before setting out to explore Cihangir’s narrow lanes – home to late-19th century apartments and interesting stores such as Madam Mare Vintage and the record store Opus3a.

A notable attraction in the area is the Cihangir Mosque, which was built in 1559 in memory of Suleiman the Great’s two sons – both of whom died at a young age – and then later rebuilt in 1889. At night, the neighbourhood comes alive, turning from a sleepy spot to a buzzing nightlife hub. Cocktail bar Geyik offers drinks and music in the evening, while Café 21 and Rose Marine are both great for dinner and drinks.

The modern art museum, SALT Beyoglu, on İstiklal is a great place to escape from the crowds and immerse yourself in some culture and art. Stop at Robinson Crusoe, the centre’s bookstore, visit the gallery space and don’t miss the rooftop garden overlooking Beyoğlu’s hidden courtyards. If you visit on a Thursday you can catch one of their walk-in cinema films; from Linklater to Kiarostami, they screen some great movies.

You can also visit the Museum of Innocence, founded by Turkey’s Nobel laureate author Orhan Pamuk, who wrote the book of the same name. Both the museum and novel offer a glimpse into upper-class life in the city from the 1970s to the early 2000s.

Rumour has it that Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote (1605), worked on the construction of the Kılıç Ali Pasha Complex after he was captured by the Ottomans in 1875. While his captive life wouldn’t have been one of luxury, the hammam he helped build continues to offer comfort to visitors today. Make an appointment online at this historical hammam for a traditional Turkish bath experience. A massage, scrub and bath will freshen you up for a fun evening ahead. If you like architecture, note that architect Mimar Sinan was inspired by the Hagia Sophia when designing the mosque in the complex – see if you can spot the similarities in the facade.

For some of the best Turkish appetisers, make reservations at Karaköy Lokantası. Choose from the cold mezzes on display, including pureed aubergine and swordfish carpaccio. If confused, ask the extremely knowledgeable servers to help you decide. Follow the mezes with their limited yet perfectly cooked meat dishes such as the popular lamb ribs. They offer a wide selection of wine as well, or raki if you want a traditional drink.

Yeni Lokanta restaurant is also a great choice for dinner if you are in the mood for innovative and experimental Turkish cuisine. Chef Civan creates Anatolian dishes with a spin, and only uses seasonal produce so every visit has something new in store. Reservations are required.

As evening descends on the backstreets of Beyoğlu, you may hear soulful jazz notes drifting through the cobbled streets. Follow the music to the cosy Nardis Jazz Club, one of Istanbul’s few jazz venues. Known for top-quality sound, this 120-capacity venue fills fast, so try to get there an hour before the daily performance.

A spectacular cultural melting pot that blends eastern and western influences into a wonderfully unique destination. Ride hot air balloons across other-worldly landscapes, barter among the bustle of its city’s bazaars, or simply sit back and watch the world go by with a signature cup of coffee. Whatever you’re looking for, these trips and tours will ensure you make the most of your trip to Turkey.