Besiktas Istanbul: Everything You Need to Know About the Area

Besiktas is one of the most important tourist areas. It is considered one of the most active neighborhoods in the center of Istanbul.
Located on the European side of Istanbul, Besiktas is known for its lively and vibrant street life, bazaars, fish markets, arts and culture and student nightlife, shopping malls, historic buildings and football clubs, restaurants on the beach and the ferry terminal and entertainment venues.

It is one of the most famous and valuable neighborhoods at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Here's a quick guide to exploring Besiktas with the best things to do and the best sights, plus insider tips.

Besiktas is considered the artistic, cultural and educational center of Istanbul, but it can also be the largest and most important area on the Bosphorus, including Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Kuruchesme and Bebek areas. Besiktas is also a great place to learn about life in Istanbul in the best possible way and one of the main transport hubs.

Besiktas also has Ottoman heritage, culture and art, including Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace and Yildiz Palace.

Best Tourist Attractions in Besiktas

Strolling around Besiktas Square, admiring the view, enjoying an afternoon break at one of the many seaside cafes near the Bosphorus, enjoying a coffee or tea is the most enjoyable activity you can do in Besiktas one.

Besiktas Square and Besiktas Market District are the heart of Besiktas. There are many great restaurants and cafes here with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Passing through the Kabatas district far from Besiktas, there is a chance to visit the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the Palace Museum of the Palace Collection and the Museum of Painting and Sculpture in Istanbul, followed by the famous Dolmabahce Palace and explore. Through the Ortakoy area, you can drive to the Ciragan Palace and visit it.

Other notable historical sites worth exploring and visiting include Yildiz Palace and Yildiz Park on the upper Barbaros Avenue.

Besiktas Square

Besiktas Square has many cafés as well as restaurants, shops and the busy life of Istanbul. Very relaxing to sit on a square surrounded by cafes and restaurants, overlooking the Bosphorus and admiring the stunning Bosphorus images from the coast of Besiktas. The world famous Naval Museum and the Tomb of Barbaros Sea Reading Pasha are located in Besiktas Square near the beach.

Besiktas Market Area

The market district of Besiktas is a busy hub and the beating heart of the city. It is also the headquarters of the famous Besiktas support group Carsi.
You can find plenty of bookstores, designer stores, designer shops, fish market supermarkets and cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, restaurants and much more in the area.

Historic Besiktas Marina

The architectural design of the historic Besiktas ferry terminal is definitely worth a visit. Designed by designer Ali Talat Bey (1869-1922), the tiles on the pier-facing facade look both beautiful and impressive. The terminal is used for the Uskudar and Kadikoy public ferry services.

Naval Museum

The Naval Museum is an incredible museum in Besiktas with a collection of over 20,000 pieces of Turkish naval history. Of most interest are the beautifully decorated ships of the Ottoman sultans. The museum is located on the Istanbul Big Bus route. After visiting the museum, you can spend the day exploring Besiktas, strolling and relaxing in one of the many roadside cafes along the Bosphorus.

Dolmabahce Palace Museum

Dolmabahce Palace is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions, built in 1853 under the rule of Ottoman Sultan Abdel Messed. The palace is located on the shore of the Bosphorus. The palace is decorated with an impressive phantom, adorned with white marble. It also has an aesthetic European Baroque architecture with oriental accents. Inside, the layout of the palace reflects the grandeur of that period.

Yildiz Palace

The beautiful Yildiz Palace sits on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus between Besiktas, Ortakoy and Balmuku. It covers an area of ​​550,000 square meters. The palace consists of 19th-century pavilions and villas set in lush gardens.

Yildiz Park and Grove

Yildiz Grove is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul with beautiful swimming pools, waterfalls and ponds, as well as stunning landscapes and trees. Many of these trees are over 40 years old. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul. It was a great day out in the park, strolling in the gardens, enjoying refreshments at the restaurants and cafes and it felt very peaceful.

Ciragan Palace

Located in the middle of Besiktas, between Besiktas and Ortakoy, the Serragan Palace is one of the most famous palaces, attracting attention with its stunning beauty, with the Dorma Bakhce Palace is similar. The palace was built in 1974 during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. Cirag Palace is an elegant hotel that can host various events. Breakfast is served on Sundays.

Ihlamur Pavilion

The site is located at the foot of Ilamur Valley, between Yildiz and Nisantasi neighborhoods between the hills behind Besiktas, Ilamur Pavilion is one of the most beautiful pavilions in Istanbul, Its design is impressive. We recommend you to visit the Ihlamur Pavilion, which was used as a private garden by Sultan Ahmed III. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast in the café.

Ortakoy

Ortakoy near Besiktas is one of the most desirable coastal towns in Besiktas, with its colourful bazaars, narrow and lovely streets full of shops and cafés, and vibrant Famous for its ambience. Ortaköy is also one of the most common meeting places for locals and tourists alike, known for its nightlife, bars, pubs and clubs. A plaza overlooking the Bosphorus and a variety of cafes, restaurants and baked potato shops.