Karaköy District, Istanbul

About the area

By the 20th century, the area had become the financial center of Istanbul - banks and financial institutions were opened here, which are still operating today. Branches of all banks and insurance companies in Turkey can be found in the Karakey area.

In the late 90s, many cafes and restaurants, daily parties and trendy shops began to attract young people, including creative ones.

Graffiti began to appear on the walls, which became the hallmark of the area, houses began to be painted in bright colors, and the apogee was the appearance of the Museum of Modern Art.

How the Karaköy district is changing

Every year the area is being transformed more and more. In 2021, Galataport was opened — a large modern complex with a promenade and a port for cruise liners.

The old part of the district is being rebuilt - old buildings that have no historical value are being demolished - modern hotels appear in their place, which are very lacking in Istanbul.

Historical buildings are being reconstructed while preserving the appearance of 19th century buildings.

But the most important thing is that the first and second floors of buildings are given back to cafes and shops, which guarantees the preservation of the image of the area as the most fashionable and attractive in the city.

The reconstruction work will be carried out for several more years, so we highly recommend that you have time to feel the very flavor that was part of the culture of the last century.

Graffiti

It's worth paying special attention to. Most of the "free" walls are painted by different authors. You can look at the wall painting all day.

What to do

First of all, this is one of the best places in the city where it is just very pleasant to spend time: you can relax in pleasant cafes, listen to live music, look at incredible graffiti and go shopping.

Where to stay

Several of the most modern hotels in the city have already opened: Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, Karakoy, The Haze Karakoy and many others. However, before choosing, we recommend reading the reviews, as there may be noisy construction work nearby.

How to get

This area starts from the famous Galata Bridge in the Golden Horn Bay, connecting the historical part of the city and the center. From Sultanahmet district by tram T1, or by a variety of buses, from Taksim Square you can go down by funicular or buses. From the eastern part of Istanbul - by river ferries to Eminü or by metro to Sirkeci station.