The 13 Best Things to Do in Karakoy, Istanbul

Karakoy Location & History

Karaköy is located across from Istanbul Old Town, at the base of the Galata Bridge beneath the iconic Galata Tower. It stretches from the banks of the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus.
 

 
A harbor area since the Byzantine times (395-1453), Karaköy stands as one of Istanbul’s oldest districts. It added synagogues and churches to its mosques over the centuries while customs buildings and warehouses welcomed banks and insurance companies during the 19th century.

After the decline following the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s, the 21st century has breathed new life into this historic district.
 

View of Karakoy when arriving by ferry

Today, Karaköy has blossomed into a trendy hub blending traditional stalls, cozy cafés, and lively clubs & bars perfect for dancing the night away. Embracing its youthful spirit, the district draws hipsters and artists alike, fostering a bohemian atmosphere while preserving its authentic cultural and historical heritage.
 

How to Get to Karakoy

It’s very easy to get to Karakoy by public transport, as the district is served by the T1 tram and several bus and ferry lines.

Here’s how to reach Karakoy from Istanbul’s main points of interest:

• From Sultanahmet – 15 min: tram T1 or bus 121CS to Karakoy
• From Taksim Square – 15 min: several bus lines available (66, 46ç, 54E, 70FE)
• From Kadikoy – 30 min: ferry line Kadikoy-Karakoy-Eminonu
• From Sabiha Gokçen Airport – 2 hours: line M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi > line B1 to Sırkecı > line T1 to Karakoy

You need to get an Istanbulkart to use the public transport. You can purchase it in the vending machines available in subway/tram stations and charge it with the amount you need.

Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or Uber, but be aware of the very heavy traffic in Istanbul. It might cost you a lot of money and/or time!

Get more tips here before traveling Turkey!

Top 13 Coolest Things to Do in Karakoy

There’s a lot to do in the area, so to help you, I’ve listed the 13 best Karakoy things to do right below. And keep scrolling to get them all gathered on a free map!

Simplify your life by hopping on a guided tour of the neighborhood. 👉 Book the best Karakoy tour here.

1. Climb the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is the star attraction in the Karakoy district – you can’t possibly miss it! It’s one of Istanbul’s major landmarks, along with the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque.
 

 
The tower’s roots go back to 528 when the first version served as a lighthouse for ships navigating the Bosphorus Strait. The tower as we know it today was built by the Genoese in 1348, as part of their colony’s fortifications. It was later put to other uses, including prison and astronomy tower.

Standing tall at 66.90 meters with 9 stories, the tower treats you to a breathtaking 360° view of the entire city. Choose opening hours to beat the queues or sunset for a magical experience.

2. Have a coffee break on Kuledibi

Kuledibi is the name given to the charming streets right under Galata Tower. It’s a very lively area, with cafés, restaurants, and souvenir stores at every turn.
 

 
You’ll also see lots of couples and Instagrammers being shot by pro photographers with the tower in the background!

After or before your visit to the tower, I suggest choosing a coffee shop nearest to it for a çay break with a splendid view of the monument. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a relaxing moment while soaking in an enchanting sight.

3. Take in the views from Galata Bridge

Spanning the Golden Horn, the Galata Bridge is Istanbul’s most iconic bridge.

Constructed in the 19th century, the present Galata Bridge is actually the fifth one to grace this spot. Its long history gives it a special place in Turkish culture.
 

 
Not only does it provide killer views of the Old Town, the Galata Tower, and the Karakoy district below, but it’s also the best spot to taste a balık ekmek, the popular fish sandwich.

4. Take shots of the Kamondo Stairs

As you leisurely wander along Bankalar Caddesi, also known as the Bank Street, your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the charming Kamondo staircases wedged between the tall buildings flanking both sidewalks.
 

 
Dating back to 1870, these art-nouveau staircases are named after the prominent Sephardic Jewish Kamondo family from Spain, famous in the financial world in Turkey and Europe.

Beyond marveling at its architecture, you’ll have some fun snapping photos with this delightful piece of history!

5. Discover Salt Galata

Also located on Bank Street, Salt Galata is a fantastic museum set in a former bank.
 

 
A part of Salt Galata is dedicated to the Ottoman Bank Museum, which traces the history of banking during the Ottoman Empire. You’ll discover old banknotes, checkbooks, contracts – basically, a deep dive into the world of banking! Plus, there’s a temporary room with free admission, showcasing new talent and local artists.

This museum isn’t just a treasure trove of history; it’s also an excellent study spot. With its beautiful decor, well-stocked library, workspaces, cafeterias, and several free services, it’s the perfect haven for students!

6. Try the historic hammam of Kiliç Ali Pasa

This wonderful hammam is part of a complex that includes not only this Turkish bath but also a mosque, a Koranic school, and a mausoleum.

It was in the 16th century that Admiral Kiliç Ali Pasa commissioned this extraordinary complex, brought to life by the brilliant architect Mimar Sinan—known for crafting other iconic monuments across Turkey.

As you enter, you’ll find yourself in the Camegah, the resting room, adorned with an amazing 17-meter-high dome crafted with traditional masonry, exuding a timeless elegance.

To fully indulge in this ritual, whether with or without a massage, it’s wise to secure your spot well in advance. Note that this hammam offers separate hours for men and women.

7. Step into Kiliç Ali Pasha Mosque

Whether or not you indulge in the hammam experience, the Kiliç Ali Pasha mosque is well worth a look!
 

 
Built by the legendary Sinan between 1580 and 1587, he drew inspiration from the architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia. This mosque and the whole complex was one of his final major projects, undertaken when he was over 90 years old!

Although it has only one minaret, its interior and 13-meter dome with 4 columns make it a truly splendid mosque. Taking a break in this quiet mosque within the bustling district is a relaxing interlude. Don’t hesitate to spare a few moments here and soak in the serenity.

8. Check out Tophane Fountain

This public fountain is a sebil designed to provide drinking water and for the ritual washing of prayer in Islam. You’ll often find these Sebils strategically placed outside mosques at important crossroads in the city.
 

 
The Tophane Fontaine, built in 1732 during Sultan Mahmud I’s reign, is a great example. It’s in Ottoman rococo style, close to the Kiliç Ali Pasha Mosque, with beautiful stone carvings.

A cool piece of history worth checking out!

9. Sample some baklavas at Karakoy Gulluoglu

For lovers of baklava and other Turkish pastries, head to Karakoy Gulluoglu. It’s not just good; it’s the absolute best baklava in Istanbul!
 

 
This patisserie is a local and tourist favorite, always bustling with customers. They prepare baklava and other treats in the purest tradition, offering you an authentic experience with counter service.

And here’s the icing on the baklava: it’s not expensive and stays open until late, 1 am to be exact! So, no need to rush—you can savor the sweetness at your own pace.

10. Visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Founded in 2004, the Istanbul Modern Museum stands out as Turkey’s leading hub for modern and contemporary art. It houses an impressive collection of works by some of the most eminent artists from Turkey and around the world.
 

 
The 10,500-square-meter museum is committed to preserving Turkey’s artistic heritage and showcasing its cultural diversity. It’s earned global acclaim as a premier destination for contemporary art, even earning a spot on the New York Times’ list of must-visit places in 2023.

Designed by architect Renzo Piano on the banks of the Bosphorus, the building is an amazing architectural masterpiece you’ll love wandering around!

11. Watch the sunset at GalataPort

Opened in 2021, GalataPort is a massive complex along the Bosphorus River, right by the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.
 

 
It serves as both a cruise port and an open-air shopping haven, featuring cafés, restaurants, stores, offices—you name it! The variety of dining spots is so wide that it’s been dubbed Istanbul’s new gastronomic district.
 

 
What sets it apart, in my view, is its 1,500-meter promenade hugging the Bosphorus. It treats you to an unmatched panorama of the old town and the mosques of Sultanahmet, especially magical during sunset.

12. Cross the French Passageway

The French Passage is located in the heart of Kemankeş and is kind of a hidden gem for tourists.

The area is marked by 4 gates bearing the inscription “Fransız Geçidi İş Merkezi” (French Gateway Business Center in English), so you’ll certainly notice it when walking Kemankeş Street.
 

 
Originally designed by and for the French colony of Istanbul from 1860 to 1909, this passage is now a cool chill-out arcade. Its beautiful art-deco architecture, charming facade, and fancy restaurants beckon both locals and tourists.
 

13. Enjoy nightlife on Kemankeş Caddesi

On Kemankeş Street, you’ll find dozens of open-air bars and restaurants in a lovely, bright, bohemian setting. From snacks and mezzés to typical cuisine and sophisticated restaurants, there’s something for everyone!
 

 
Get lost in the crisscrossing streets in search of the prettiest decor, the most beautiful piece of street art, or the liveliest beats of music!

The venues don’t impose any particular dress code, and it’s possible to find bars and nightclubs in all price ranges. Top spots include the Nest (ideal for a cocktail with a view), Mitte (fancy bar), and Ayi (pub atmosphere).

Discover another very different yet amazing neighborhood in Istanbul 👉 Balat

Where to Eat in Karakoy

I’ve gathered in this section some of the best places to eat in the Karakoy neighborhood:

• Neolokal, an eco-friendly Michelin-starred restaurant
• Galata Simitçisi, the best place to eat a simit, the local bagel
• Namli Gurme for a hearty Turkish breakfast
• Güllüoglu Karaköy to try the best baklavas in Istanbul
• Pim Karaköy, a cool restaurant with veggie options
• FiLBooks, an original café mixing bookstore and coffee shop
• Karabatak for its beautiful green decor (and good coffee!)
• Karaköy Gümrük, a stylish restaurant serving the freshest food
• Nato Lokantası for a casual Turkish kebab
• Ali Ocakbaşı for a tasty dinner with a view

Where to Stay in Karakoy

Karakoy is one of the best areas where to stay in Istanbul, whether for a short or a long trip. Here are the best accommodations in this district according to your travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Galata Greenland Hotel: This hotel offers the best value for money, with a lovely decor and a breathtaking view of Galata Tower. The well-equipped rooms are more like mini studios, so large are they. You can’t go wrong with it!

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Hostel Le Banc: This place is a golden deal, right by the Galata Tower! They offer awesome service and both dormitory beds and private rooms at unbeatable prices. And the breakfast buffet is delicious!

⭐️ Best Luxury Hotel – 10 Karakoy: you’ll be treated like a VIP at this splendid 5-star hotel. Contemporary in style with Ottoman touches, it offers elegant rooms, a beautiful view of the old town, and all the services worthy of its standing.
 

What to Do in Karakoy: The FREE Map

I’ve put this map together for you to find easily all the top things to do in Karakoy, along with the best spots to eat and stay.

To use it, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps so you can follow it on your trip.

🔍 Read more about Istanbul:

• Is Istanbul Worth Visiting?
• 1 day in Istanbul Itinerary
• 2 days in Istanbul Itinerary
• 4 days in Istanbul Itinerary

I hope you’ll love spending time in Karakoy. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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