Table Of Content
- Time to Discover Istanbul; Chasing Hot Coffee and Golden Leaves
Time to Discover Istanbul; Chasing Hot Coffee and Golden Leaves
Autumn is one of the most fascinating seasons to explore the city in Istanbul. The air is slightly cool, the trees are golden yellow and the shores of the Bosphorus enjoy the tranquility. On such a day, it is inevitable to set out to discover the historical and natural beauties of Istanbul step by step. The surprises and beautiful stops waiting for you in every corner of the city allow you to fully feel the peace and magic of autumn.
IBB Haliç Social Facilities (Balat)
One of the best ways to start the day by feeling the historical texture of Istanbul against the magnificent view of the Golden Horn. IBB Haliç Social Facilities appeals to both the eye and the stomach with its extensive breakfast menu. You can sip your morning coffee in this quiet place surrounded by trees and watch the colors of autumn in the peaceful atmosphere of the Golden Horn.
Nev-i Cafe (Balat)
Exploring the Rich Tradition of Turkish Coffee in Istanbul
Located in the charming streets of Balat, Nev-i Cafe is a popular spot for coffee lovers with its vintage decor and friendly atmosphere. It is the perfect place to start the day with a hot coffee. You can enjoy the mystical atmosphere of old Istanbul while enjoying hand-made coffees and carefully prepared snacks.
Both of these places are ideal stops to start exploring Istanbul on the cool mornings of autumn.
A Day in Istanbul, Intertwined with History and Nature
A great option to start the day after breakfast is to visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. You can reach Eyüp Sultan after a short tram ride. This mosque, which stands out with its historical and spiritual value, is one of the most important places of worship in Istanbul.
After the visit, you can go up to Pier Loti Hill with the cable car right next to it. Here, you can sip your tea with the view of the Golden Horn and enjoy the beauty of the city to the fullest. If you want, you can go down to the beach and take a boat to Miniatürk and enjoy visiting the miniature versions of Turkey’s historical structures.
Travel in Istanbul: Public Transport and Taxi Guide
Visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan, which you reach by tram, is located in the spiritual and historical heart of Istanbul. Built during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, this mosque hosts thousands of visitors every year. With its large courtyard, peaceful atmosphere and the tomb of Eyüp Sultan Hazretleri, it is an important place of worship and visit for visitors. Wandering around the bazaars and streets around the mosque also allows you to witness the local culture of Istanbul.
Pier Loti Hill
After visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque, you can go up to Pier Loti Hill by the cable car that departs right next to the mosque. This hill is named after the French writer Pierre Loti and offers a magnificent view of the Golden Horn. You can take a calm breath by drinking your tea at the historical café, getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The golden tones of autumn add a different magic to the Golden Horn view, and it is one of the best times to watch the view.
Boat Trip to Miniatürk
After enjoying your tea at Pierre Loti, you can go down to the shore along the Golden Horn and take a boat trip to Miniatürk. The boat tour is a great opportunity to see a different side of Istanbul. Miniatürk is an impressive open-air museum that houses miniature versions of important structures from all over Turkey. Visitors have the opportunity to see historical structures on a small scale and learn about the cultural richness of Turkey.
With this route, you can have the chance to discover the cultural, historical and natural beauties of Istanbul on a full autumn day.
Karaköy Beach and Karaköy Soup House
Deraliye Restaurant: A Royal Dining Experience
Karaköy is one of the most special neighborhoods of Istanbul that blends the modern and historical texture. A short walk along the beach will allow you to breathe in the sea scent of the Golden Horn and get lost among the historical buildings. If you want to take a warm break after the walk and feel the spirit of the neighborhood, Karaköy Soup House awaits you with its hot soups. Especially in the autumn months, hearty soups such as lentil, ezogelin or paça on their menus offer a heart-warming taste experience.
After your enjoyable tour in Karaköy, you cannot pass without visiting Gurme Çiğ Köfte Evi to experience çiğ köfte, one of the unique flavors of Anatolia. Çiğ köfte prepared with a traditional recipe is served with fresh greens and special sauces. Both delicious and healthy, these çiğ köfte are ideal for those who want to take a short taste break in the lively and energetic atmosphere of Karaköy. This experience, where you will feel the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia in every bite, will leave an unforgettable taste.
Diving into Karaköy’s Culinary Delight: The Famous Fish Burrito
Walking from Galata to Taksim and Enjoying Coffee
The walk you will take towards Taksim, passing through the historical streets of Galata Tower, is a great opportunity to feel the energetic spirit of Istanbul. As you walk along Istiklal Street in a light autumn rain, the historical buildings and lively atmosphere around you will accompany you. You can complete your pleasure by taking a break at one of the many coffee shops on the street and having a hot coffee. While enjoying the tempo of the city with the raindrops, let no one touch the peace of this moment!
Enjoying Food in Historical Places of Istanbul
Istiklal Street
Located in the heart of Istanbul, it is a historical and cultural center of attraction. This road, where the old tram passes through the street, is full of modern shopping and cafes on one side, and on the other side, it brings Istanbul’s past to life with historical passages and structures. The end of the street leads to Taksim Square; this is one of the most famous squares of the city. Taksim is the center of both cultural events and social mobility, and the Republic Monument is also located here.
A walk in Istiklal accompanied by a light rain in the autumn months offers a wonderful experience to discover both the modern and historical texture.
Istiklal Street is a pedestrian street famous for its historical and cultural richness located on the European side of Istanbul. Known as Pera in the late 19th century, this street has become one of the busiest points of Istanbul with its cosmopolitan structure over time. Along the street are buildings with French, Greek and Italian architecture, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, stores and historical passages. While watching the historical tram pass by on one hand, you can also browse modern shopping spots on the other. In addition, structures such as Galatasaray High School and Çiçek Pasajı located on the street make important contributions to the historical texture.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square, located at the end of Istiklal Street, is where the social and cultural heart of Istanbul beats. The Republic Monument in the middle of the square symbolizes the foundation of the Republic of Turkey and is the most well-known symbolic structure of the square. Taksim hosts many demonstrations, celebrations and meetings. It is a meeting point for tourists and locals with hotels, restaurants and cultural venues around it. Taksim Square is a dynamic area that reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul and brings together people of all ages and cultures.
A walk on Istiklal Street in the fall offers a unique experience with the old tram gliding along the street and light rain in the historical texture.
Towards the Bosphorus: Journey from Kabataş to Beşiktaş
The walk from Kabataş to Beşiktaş is one of the most enjoyable routes along the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The first place that will greet you during the walk is Dolmabahçe Palace. This magnificent palace, which left its mark on the last periods of the Ottoman Empire, dazzles with its historical and architectural texture.
As you continue on your way, you will come across Dolmabahçe Mosque and Vodafone Park. After the park, as you approach Beşiktaş, you will reach Beşiktaş Pier and you can go to Beşiktaş Bazaar, where there are tea gardens and fish restaurants.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most magnificent structures built in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire. This palace, opened for use by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1856, bears the traces of European architecture. This structure, where Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles are blended with Ottoman traditions, is located on the shores of the Bosphorus and has a unique view. The most striking parts of the palace include the huge Crystal Chandelier, the magnificent Mabeyn Hall and the room where Atatürk spent his last days. The palace, which also served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, is known for its elegance and luxury.
You can see the exterior of the palace during your walk, or you can explore the interior with guided tours if you wish. The garden of the palace offers a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the autumn months, and is an ideal spot to relax.
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts Faculty, which you will come across as you proceed from Kabataş to Beşiktaş, is one of the most established art and design schools in Turkey. Founded in 1882, this faculty provides education in many branches of art such as painting, sculpture and architecture. The building attracts attention both culturally and aesthetically with its location overlooking the Bosphorus.
One of the greatest architects of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan left behind more than 300 works, most notably the Süleymaniye and Selimiye mosques. Sinan left his mark on history not only with his architectural talent but also with his skills in engineering and urban planning. This genius, who took Ottoman architecture to its peak, left his mark in every corner of Istanbul.
Places to Visit in Beşiktaş and Sea Route Options
Istanbul’s New Cafes and Restaurants
When you arrive in Beşiktaş, the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the district welcomes you. The Maritime Museum in particular is a must-see museum for those interested in Ottoman maritime and maritime history. Model ships, flags and many historical artifacts belonging to the Ottoman navy are exhibited in this museum.
If you wish, you can continue walking from Beşiktaş to Ortaköy, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, or you can take a ferry from Beşiktaş Pier to Üsküdar. Ferries offer a pleasant journey with a unique view of the Bosphorus and provide a quick transition between the two continents.
Enjoy Fish in Beşiktaş: Historical Beşiktaş Balıkçısı
One of the most ideal places to eat fish in Beşiktaş is Historical Beşiktaş Balıkçısı. Located in the bazaar, this place is a popular spot for local and foreign visitors with its fresh seafood and friendly atmosphere. In addition to delicacies such as sea bass, sea bream and whiting served daily, it is also very famous for its appetizers. You can both eat a delicious meal and feel the lively atmosphere of Beşiktaş.
Then walking along the beach or taking the ferry to Üsküdar is a great option for a pleasant autumn day!
Ortaköy Tour and Taste Stop
When you arrive in Ortaköy, you will be greeted by the Ortaköy Mosque, one of the most popular structures in Istanbul. Located right on the shores of the Bosphorus, this mosque was built in 1854 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. The mosque, which draws attention with its Baroque architecture and magnificent interior decoration, merges with the magnificent view of the Bosphorus Bridge at sunset and creates a fascinating scene. The bridge view from the mosque courtyard is like heaven for those who want to take photos.
When evening comes, you can fill your stomach with the famous flavor of Ortaköy, kumpir. This flavor, prepared with rich ingredients stuffed inside potatoes, is perfect for gaining energy after a walk. If you wish, you can visit one of the famous Ortaköy waffle shops for a sweet ending and try the waffle prepared with colorful fresh fruits and chocolates.
Enjoying kumpir and waffles on the shores of Ortaköy offers an unforgettable experience accompanied by the cool wind of the Bosphorus and the view of the bridge.
A Farewell to the Autumn Nights of Istanbul
The autumn nights of Istanbul make the city’s mystical atmosphere even more apparent. While the light cool breezes echo in the deep blue of the Bosphorus, the bridges shine brightly. The steps echoing on the historical streets are combined with the peace of a hot coffee on the Bosphorus shore. The dance between the city’s street lights and tree leaves in the late hours of the night makes you feel the enchanting autumn spirit of Istanbul. Every season is beautiful in a different way in this city, but autumn nights carry the elegance that suits Istanbul the most.
Autumn is one of the most enchanting seasons to explore the city in Istanbul. The air is slightly cool, the trees are covered in golden yellow, and the shores of the Bosphorus enjoy the tranquility. On such a day, it is inevitable to set out to discover the historical and natural beauties of Istanbul step by step. The surprises and beautiful stops waiting for you in every corner of the city allow you to fully feel the peace and magic of autumn.
