Where to Go in Karaköy? – Places to Visit in Karaköy

The Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in 1348 for defensive purposes. Known as the ‘Christea Turris’ during that period, the tower has been used for various purposes under different dominions of Istanbul over time. During the Ottoman Empire, it served as a watchtower for fires. Its Gothic architecture, height, and location have made it one of the city’s prominent symbols. Embracing the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, this structure attracts history enthusiasts and landscape lovers alike. Surrounding the tower are cafes, art galleries, and souvenir shops, creating a pleasant environment for visitors. Additionally, visiting the tower, especially at sunset, provides an opportunity to observe the mesmerizing scenery effectively. While the entrance fee may be expensive, entry is free with the Museum Pass.

The Kamondo Steps are a must-see in Karaköy Places to Visit. Named after the Kamondo family who lived in Galata in the 19th century, these steps are located on Bankalar Avenue. They connect Bankalar Avenue with Banker Street. These steps are designed in the Art Nouveau style, which opposed the Industrial Revolution. Another name for this movement is Sezessionism, characterized by flat, curved, and sinuous shapes, as well as motifs of plants, animals, and women. The Kamondo Steps serve as a unique passage to explore the history and culture of Istanbul. As a historical heritage, you should definitely visit these stairs.

Bankalar Avenue hosts branches of major banks while also being home to an old bank building, now housing Salt Galata, which will make you feel like you’re on one of the favorite streets of Europe. Salt Galata has become a must-visit structure, attracting visitors from all walks of life. It should be at the top of the list of Places to Visit in Karaköy, and entry to this free exhibition and art center is free. Moreover, it’s easily accessible via Marmaray. For more information about this place, you should read our article on Salt Galata.

The French Passage, built in 1860, is a passage and business center located on Kemankeş Avenue. This passage connects the avenue with Galata Mumhanesi Street. Thanks to social media, the French Passage has been discovered even more, and if it weren’t for being listed among the places to visit in Karaköy, the list would certainly be incomplete. There are business centers on the upper floors, while cafes and restaurants are available at the entrance area. Even if you don’t come for food and coffee, we highly recommend seeing its architecture.

Nusretiye Mosque is a sultanic mosque reflecting 19th-century Ottoman architecture. While II. Mahmud was restructuring the Ottoman army, remnants of Arabacılar Barracks Mosque existed next to the barracks he had built on the Karaköy shore. This wooden mosque had burned down during a fire and become unusable. When the artillery barracks were being constructed, II. Mahmud ordered the construction of a new mosque in place of the burned mosque. As II. Mahmud disbanded the Janissary Corps, the mosque was named Nusret (victory). The mosque is one of the first and largest mosques built outside the Istanbul walls. Moreover, with its baroque style and dome reminiscent of the sky, it is one of the most important mosques in Istanbul for me. Despite being overshadowed by Galataport, it must be visited.

Galataport, one of the new stops for large cruise ships, is an ideal destination for both dining and shopping. However, we cannot think of Galataport solely as a shopping center. It houses art and exhibition spaces such as the Istanbul Modern and the Painting and Sculpture Museum. It has transformed into a productive living center with stores to suit every budget and free museum activities. If you’re looking for places to visit in Karaköy, you should give this living space a chance.

Ali Paşa Değirmeni is a street filled with delicious coffee stops like Ra’fi, Kronotrop, Karabatak, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic venues. Surrounded by ivy, this street is one of the most popular in Karaköy, hosting thousands of local and foreign tourists every day. It wouldn’t be right to exclude the hidden streets of Karaköy from the list of places to visit. Every corner of the street is like a paradise for social media. I don’t think content creators can leave this street easily. Don’t say you’ve visited Karaköy without exploring this street.

Exact Location: Kemankeş, Karamustafa Paşa, 34425, Beyoglu, Istanbul

The new version of fish bread: Fish wrap. There’s always a line at Mehmet Usta’s small 3-square-meter shop. The wrap is quite delicious. It becomes extremely tasty with the fresh salad inside the fish and the spices and vinegar on the lavash. 1 fish wrap costs 140 TL. Although Mehmet Usta’s shop is small, his earnings are quite large. So much so that it attracts many local and foreign tourists. It would be an ideal menu for your lunch.

Exact Location: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cad. No:37