Have you ever wondered what a casual day in Istanbul looks like? A city full of astonishing views, rich history, great food, and numerous bazaars and boulevards. Figuring out a daily itinerary can be difficult. Let’s see how we can ease this process for you.
Waking up early on the weekend may not be everyone’s first choice, but to enjoy the city to its fullest, it is best to rise early. Our first stop for a delicious breakfast is Brekkie in Kadıköy. Brekkie Breakfast Club has a menu ranging from savory to sweet deliciousness, with a specialty in croissants. The boho-chic ambiance makes it an ideal spot to experience the free-spirited atmosphere of the district. This must-visit spot is located right across a lush green space, the Yoğurtçu Park. Even if you can’t find seating in the restaurant, you can still grab a warm treat and drink from the to-go venue and enjoy it in the park, with the company of cheery pigeons.
After the picnic, you are left with two equally exciting options. You can take a long, seafront walk along the Moda Coastline pathway, enjoying the fresh sea air while strolling by lovely gardens. If you follow this path for long enough, you can find yourself at the Moda Pier. The pier is a beautiful historic site built in the early 20th century in the neoclassical style. Although it was closed in the 1980s, the pier was restored and now functions as a cafe, library, and fully operational ferry stop.
Alternatively, you can cut through the Kadıköy district to wander through a multicultural neighborhood full of art houses, theaters, curiosity shops, and adorable cafes. Especially in December, Kadıköy is garnished with beautiful Christmas decorations, shiny lights, and themed shops, perfectly enhancing the holiday spirit. If you are in the mood for a cozy cup of hot chocolate, you can try Morn and Fein. These two cafes will charm you with their unique presentation. Your promenade will lead you to the docks, another popular ferry stop. Here, you can try Confectioner Cafer Erol. The candy store by the docks offers a festive atmosphere along with tasty desserts ranging from traditional Turkish delights to delicious pastries.
One of Istanbul’s most unique qualities is that it bridges two continents. To witness the magnificence of the Bosphorus, I recommend taking the ferry. The ferry ride across the channel is a novel experience. Hearing the splash of the waves on the hull and breathing in the salty air combined with the breathtaking view of elegant palaces and mosques inherent to Istanbul allows for an unparalleled venture. Before boarding the ferry, make sure to grab a simit from the countless vendors positioned around the street. This Turkish bread is a seagull favorite; circling over ferries, seagulls will always be waiting for you to feed them with your simit. To be a part of this unmatched experience, after your excursion in Kadıköy, you can hop on the ferry and head to Kabataş, a historic neighborhood at the heart of Istanbul.
Kabataş is a busy transportation hub providing easy access to surrounding neighborhoods rich in history, art, and culture. If you want to explore a historic site, you can head north towards Beşiktaş to venture around Dolmabahçe Palace. Built in the mid-19th century parallel to the Bosphorus, the palace has been open to the general public since 1984 as a museum with its original furnishing. As a unique structure combining elements of both Western and traditional Ottoman architecture, it serves as a remarkable window into the past.
Another option is to head south towards Karaköy and walk around Galataport, a waterfront neighborhood merging art, food, culture, and shopping. Galataport offers a wide selection of restaurants ranging from savory to sweet where you can choose between enjoying traditional Turkish cuisine or a more international meal. While you are there, make sure to try DD Scoop a cute ice cream parlor setting itself apart with its entirely pink interior.
Apart from eating and shopping, you can also take advantage of several museums Galataport is home to, such as the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture or the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. There are delightful coffee shops and hidden cafes sprinkled around museums. I recommend visiting Astrolabe Coffee House, a spot right beside the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art that offers unique coffee blends. It is the ideal place to enjoy a warm drink in view of the Bosphorus.
Finally, after tiring yourself out, you can take the tram to İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu to spend the evening wandering around the heart of the city. Beyoğlu offers a wide range of spots, and depending on your mood, you can choose between catching a late-night movie or theater performance, lively bars, smooth jazz clubs, or classy restaurants.
Beyoğlu has one of the best Italian restaurants in Istanbul: Antique Pizzeria. Not only is it a must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine, the 3-story historic building it is located in creates a general ambiance makes it an ideal date-night spot. If you are in the mood for a quieter and calmer place, I recommend Librería Minoa Pera, a bookstore-cafe offering a wide selection of foreign books and tasty dishes.
Although there is so much more to Istanbul that is not covered in this article, if you follow this itinerary, you can perhaps experience the city more like a productive local, exposing yourself to the city and its culture while taking part in recreational pleasures.
Edited by: Melisa Altıntaş, Yağmur Ece Nisanoğlu