Besiktas Istanbul: All you need to know about this area
Besiktas is one of the most important areas visiting tourists after a division. It is considered one of the most active neighborhoods in the Istanbul Center.
Besiktas is located in the European side of Istanbul and is famous for its lively and vibrant street life, bazaar, fish market, students arts and culture and nightlife, shopping centers, historic buildings and football clubs, beachside dining and entertainment venues, as well as ferry Piers.
It is among the most well-known and valuable districts situated at the entry point to the Bosphorus. Here's a short guide to exploring Besiktas including the best activities and sights to visit as well as insider tips.
Besiktas is considered to be the center of art, culture and education in Istanbul however it can also be the largest and most important region in the Bosphorus with its Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Kurucesme and Bebek neighbourhoods. Besiktas is also a fantastic place to see the life of Istanbul in the best possible way and also is one of the major transportation hubs.
Besiktas is also home to the historic heritage of the Ottomans as well as culture and art by hosting Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan as well as Yildiz Palace.
Best touristic places to visit in besiktas
Walking around Besiktas Square while taking in the sights, taking an afternoon break and enjoying coffee or tea in the numerous cafes near the ocean with the company of Bosphorus is among the most enjoyable activities you can do while in Besiktas.
Besiktas Square as well as Besiktas Market Zone is the center of Besiktas. There are a variety of fantastic restaurants and cafes with stunning Bosphorus views.
While strolling through the Kabatas area, which is located from Besiktas there is the possibility to view and explore the Grand National Assembly of Turkey National Palaces Museum of Palace Collections and Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum and, after that the famous Dolmabahce Palace. Through the Ortakoy area, you could go to and visit the Ciragan palace.
Other notable and historic places to explore and see include The Yildiz Palace and Yildiz Park, situated in the upper part of Barbaros Boulevard.
Besiktas Square
Besiktas Square is great with many cafes as well as restaurants, shops and bustling Istanbul life. It's very relaxing to sit in the square that is surrounded by cafes and restaurants that overlook the Bosphorus and also to enjoy the breathtaking images from the Bosphorus from the Besiktas coast. The world-renowned Naval Museum, as well as the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Tomb, is situated in Besiktas Square, near the beach.
Read more: 5 best things to do in Istanbul
Besiktas Market Zone
The Besiktas market zone is a bustling hub and the beating heart of the city. It is also the headquarters of the well-known Besiktas supporters group Carsi.
It is possible to spend your time in the area with its plethora of book shops, designer shops, designer stores, fish market supermarkets and cafes, restaurants bars, pubs, restaurants, and much more.
Read more: The 3 most famous restaurants in Istanbul
Historic Besiktas Pier
The historical Besiktas Ferry Pier has to be worth visiting due to its architectural design. The tiles designed by the designer Ali Talat Bey (1869-1922) on the facade facing the front of the pier look beautiful and impressive. The pier is used for the Uskudar as well as Kadikoy ferry services for the public.
Naval Museum
The Naval Museum is an incredible museum situated in Besiktas and is home to the collection of more than 20.000 pieces of Turkish Maritime history. The beautifully decorated Ottoman Sultans' vessels are of the greatest interest. The museum is situated on the route of the Big Bus Istanbul. After you have visited the Museum, you could enjoy a wonderful day exploring Besiktas and stroll around and relax at one of the numerous outdoor cafes along the Bosphorus.
Dolmabahce Palace Museum
Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most frequented sights of Istanbul which was constructed under the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid in 1853. The palace is located on the banks of the Bosphorus The palace is adorned with an impressive appearance, that is adorned with white marbles. It also has an aesthetic European baroque architecture that has oriental accents. Inside, the Palace is furnished in a way that reflects the magnificence of the era.
Yildiz Palace
Yildiz Palace is a beautiful one that is situated on the hill that overlooks the Bosphorus between Besiktas, Ortakoy and Balmumcu It encompasses 550,000 square metres. The Palace is made up of kiosks and pavilions built in the 19th century, and villas located in lush gardens.
Yildiz Park & Grove
Yildiz Grove is one of the most stunning parks in Istanbul including beautiful pools, waterfalls and ponds and also stunning landscaping and trees. Many of these trees are over 40 years of age. It is among the most beautiful parks in Istanbul. It is a great day spent in the park, strolling through the gardens, and taking refreshments at the restaurants and cafes will leave you feeling very calm.
Ciragan Palace
It is located in the middle of Besiktas located between Besiktas and Ortakoy, Ciragan Palace is one of the most well-known and draws the attention of people with its stunning beauty similar to Dolmabahce Palace. The palace was constructed in 1974, during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. The Ciragan Palace functions as an elegant hotel that hosts a variety of occasions. Breakfast is available on Sunday.
Ihlamur Pavilion
The location is at the bottom of the Ihlamur valley, which lies between Yildiz and Nisantasi neighborhoods , which lie between the back hills of Besiktas and the Ihlamur Pavilion is one of the most gorgeous pavilions in Istanbul with an impressive design. We suggest you visit the Ihlamur Pavilion which has been utilized as a private garden by Sultan Ahmed III as a private garden. You can also enjoy an excellent breakfast at its cafe.
Ortakoy
Nearby Besiktas, Ortakoy is one of the most sought-after seaside towns of Besiktas and is well-known for its colourful bazaar, its narrow and sweet streets that are filled with shops and cafes, and an energetic vibe. Ortakoy is also among the most frequent meeting spots for locals and tourists alike and is known for its nightlife bars and pubs, as well as clubs. the square that overlooks the Bosphorus and a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and baked potato stores.