Discover Bebek, Beşiktaş's Modern and Luxury Beach Neighborhood

Everyone knows that Istanbul is the city of a thousand contrasts. The Turkish metropolis is a mix of the old and the modern, the traditional and the subversive, the luxurious and the understated... the Bebek district is a clear example. Bebek is located in the busy Beşiktaş district, known as the waiting home of Turkish actors, football players, politicians and other celebrities. It enjoys unique views of the Bosphorus and features elite urban living.

The main meeting point for people living in or traveling through Bebek is the seaside promenade, which offers a perfect skyline view of the Asian coast on the other side of the Bosphorus. But it is also known for its cafeterias, restaurants and luxurious and high-quality facilities. However, regardless of purchasing power, many people prefer it here because you can make a lot of plans in Bebek without breaking the bank.

Bebek was one of the most popular districts of Istanbul as far back as the Ottoman Empire and remains so until today. While there are currently a few that stand out from the rest, such as Balat, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar, among others, Bebek remains one of the most popular choices for those looking for something different.

While there's really no way to get to Bebek by subway, you can get there by bus or taxi. Keep in mind this is a neighborhood that is usually packed on weekends. So if you want to visit, you must plan your time well. To give you an idea, if your journey starts in the north of Şişli, you will need about 40 minutes to reach Bebek.

That being said, here are some plans you can make in this beautiful part of Istanbul. We hope you enjoy them!

Hike Along the Bosphorus Coast From Bebek to Ortakoy

If you love trekking, you must do the trekking route from Bebek to Ortakoy. The trail is about six kilometers long and is maintained along the shore of the Bosphorus. You can enjoy the sea breeze and tranquility that this part of the coast of Istanbul always offers.

On this walking tour, you will pass by historical and popular areas such as the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Palace of the Sultan of Hattis. You'll end your walk next to the Bosphorus Bridge, which is always illuminated in red and blue at night. If you still have the energy, after arriving in Ortakoy, you can visit the mosque, one of the most popular mosques in Istanbul.

Visit the Rumeli Hisari Fort

Rumeli Hisari Fortress is one of the most important monuments in Bebek. Sultan Mehmed II was the one who ordered its construction before the conquest of Constantinople. Later the fort became a checkpoint and prison. Currently, Rumeli Hisarı is a museum and cultural center hosting concerts and events. If you go up to the fort, you can enjoy a great view of the Bosphorus, don't miss it!

Must Stop for Coffee

After this long walk and this cultural visit, we think many of you would like to get into a cozy place to sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. In this case, we recommend stopping at Café Bebek, Grandpa Coffee Eatery, Cup of Joy or Hidden House. Some of these places overlook the Bosphorus, while others serve a traditional Turkish breakfast. Have fun at Bebek!