The dominant role of the port and economic centre of Constantinople was already given to him in the 13th century. The area populated by the Genoese was constructed by an Italian city model at that time. The harbour grew fast, becoming one of Europe’s largest. Throughout its history, he greeted several populations, including Jewish, Greek or Russian, that have fled war or other tragedies. It was a prosperous and bustling business region.

Things to Do and See in Karakoy Istanbul

In Karakoy, visits to century-old mosques and sites dating back to the Genoese era are included in things to do. The architectural changes of the Ottoman Empire were also seen in Karakoy in the 19th century.

Art Exhibition (Istanbul Modern)

One of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Istanbul would be unfinished without significant art and Karaköy is hidden between its various streets in many modest art galleries. Among our favourites is Istanbul Modern, the main hub of modern art in the city as well as artSümer, a modest but valuable art gallery. Go to the Schneidertempel Art Gallery, a synagogue founded in 1894 and renovated into an art gallery in 1998. For something bit distinct.

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Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate

The Autocephalous Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate is the spiritual centre of the Eastern Christians and is autonomous of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. It was established by a Greek priest and his disciples, who helped the Turkish army during the Independence War, under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s authorization. This patriarchy is not well recognised, although a church is in Karakoy Istanbul, and many interesting icons and decorations are visible within the church.

Banks Street

The financial centre used to be Banks Street (Bankalar Caddesi) during Ottoman years. Ottoman citizen and foreign traders erected structures that helped the neighbourhood develop a European style of the city such as Prague or Paris. Some of these buildings today are owned by institutions such as Is Bankasi and the Central Bank of Turkey. The buildings, Sumerbank and Ottoman Bank have been turned into luxury hotels by Turkey’s historical groups. In the middle of the street you can also view Salt Galata, an art centre, one of the most stunning buildings on this street.

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Explore SALT

The structure that houses SALT is not only stunning, but the modern art institution also boasts its own research library, art gallery, café, restaurant, bookshop and museum. We have heard that Wireless is quite quick in the event you need some work done, and you may stay at SALT all day.

Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque

It’s good to go to Karakoy Istanbul from the Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque, close to Tophane Tram Station. This mosque was designed by renowned architect Sinan, one of Ottoman classical achievements. This is a historic edifice that is remarkable. The Mosque was established in the 16th Century under the name of Admiral Kilic Ali Pasha. In the beginning Ali Pasha was an Italian and, following the valour and victory of the fight, became a major admiral to the Ottoman Empire with the title of ‘Kilic.’

Istiklal Street and Taksim Square

Starting at the Republic Monument (erected to mark the Republic’s founding in 1923) and ending at cobblestoned Galip Dede Street, you can walk down commercial Istiklal Street and observe the innovative Taksim Tram traversing its length. The modern art museum SALT Beyolu is a terrific spot to get away from the bustle and immerse yourself in an exhibition.

Every Wednesday, free film screenings are held on the ground floor, while the top floor holds the lovely winter garden, an oasis of peace in the centre of the city. Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, the best neighborhoods in Istanbul to stay, are bustling all year, with high-end shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs.

Besiktas

Besiktas, one of historic Istanbul neighborhoods neighborhoods, is home to three leading universities, and the students who visit the area give it a relaxed feel. It’s the perfect area to meet up with friends, with coffee shops playing carefully selected music, hundreds of pubs serving inexpensive beer on tap, and a wide variety of food alternatives.

This region is also the home of the Besiktas Football Club, and it is a popular gathering spot on match days, when marching bands and fans waving flags and singing fill the streets. Try a fish sandwich from the local market or a plate of chicken and rice from one of the pilavci (rice vendors) scattered across the square.

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Galata

Galata, which is part of the greater Beyolu district, is best known for its tower, which overlooks the neighborhood’s cobblestoned streets and neoclassical structures. The streets surrounding Galata Tower are lined with small, intriguing stores and cafes, making for excellent browsing. Visit the Mevlevi Museum – the Whirling Dervish Hall – and the Museum of Turkish Jews after savouring the city views. Stop by the Home Spa shop on Galip Dede Street for bath and body goods, including locally sourced soaps and oils, to take home. Boutiques, galleries, and gift shops along Serdar-i Ekrem Street. For the tourists, Galata is one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul to stay.

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet Old City, formerly the social and political heart of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, is one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul to live. This area takes you through Istanbul’s rich history, and some of the city’s most beautiful architecture is within walking distance of the main square. With its towering dome, colourful marble columns, Islamic art, and gleaming Christian mosaics, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia dominates the skyline. The Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century Sultans’ home turned into a museum in 1924; The Blue Mosque, known for its tiles and minarets, and the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s largest remaining Byzantine cistern.

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Karaköy

Karaköy, once a vital city harbor and one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul to live, was allowed to decline until it became a hotspot about 2012. Churches and synagogues integrate perfectly into the newer areas of the city, creating a maze-like street system that offers a glimpse of the city’s heritage. The SALT Galata building, which was once the Ottoman Bank headquarters and is now a well-established art venue, was once home to the financial area in the 19th century. Take a stroll down Mumhane Street to see Pi and the Mixer Art Gallery.