Located on the Asian shore of the Istanbul Bosphorus, Cengelkoy is a beautiful coastal neighborhood that comes after Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi when heading towards the Black Sea from Uskudar. It is a place where you can feel the traditional Bosphorus lifestyle, surrounded by centuries-old plane trees and impressive, charming mansions. The neighborhood, which belongs to the Uskudar district, got its name from the anchors (çengel) made here during the Ottoman period. Below, you can find information about popular spots in Cengelkoy, places to visit, activities, and transportation.
About Cengelkoy
Cengelkoy is famous for its historical buildings from the Ottoman era, the promenade adorned with plane trees, and its cafes with Bosphorus views. The neighborhood’s calm and peaceful atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists. Cengelkoy is also a unique neighborhood where modern life and historical texture coexist.
One of the most striking features of Cengelkoy is that it still preserves the old Istanbul neighborhood culture. Walking through its narrow streets, you can encounter wooden houses and historical mansions. The friendly and warm atmosphere of the neighborhood makes everyone who spends time here feel at home. Moreover, the magnificent view of the Bosphorus offers visitors unforgettable memories.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
In Cengelkoy Istanbul, a peaceful Bosphorus neighborhood, you can take walks in the charming streets, around the ferry pier, and along the shoreline, take plenty of photos, and enjoy food and drinks in cafes and restaurants with sea views.
One of the most common activities for visitors to Cengelkoy, which has become a sort of visitor routine, is buying börek from Çengelköy Börekçisi on the shore and eating it at Çınaraltı Tea Garden with a view of the Bosphorus and a cup of tea.
Cengelkoy is famous for its tea gardens, fish restaurants, and börek shops, offering many quality places to take a break. The shores of Cengelkoy are also quite popular among fishing enthusiasts. The shores are especially crowded on weekends and sunny days.
Among the must-see places in Cengelkoy, known for its traditional Bosphorus lifestyle and natural beauty, are:
- Streets surrounded by centuries-old plane trees
- The historical Çınaraltı Mosque
- The historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden
- The Çengelköy Fountain and the ferry pier
Before reaching the pier, you can see the grand and beautiful Sadullah Pasha Mansion, which fascinates visitors with its splendor.
In Cengelkoy Istanbul, not only the seaside but also wandering the charming narrow streets towards the hills is a pleasure. Among the places to see here are the Küçük Şeyh Nevruz Mosque and the Havuzbaşı Yokuşu, lined with wooden houses and mansions.
The Aya Yorgi Church and the Aya Pandaleymun Ayazması, said to have healing water, are also among the places recommended to visit in Cengelkoy.
Towards the hills, Vaniköy, known for its observatory, and Kandilli, and the famous Sevda Hill seen in many Turkish films, are also beautiful places to visit.
For those who want to stay in Cengelkoy, there is a boutique hotel called Sumahan-on-the-Water located by the sea.
The historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden in Cengelkoy Square is filled with visitors at all hours of the day. It is highly recommended to take a break and enjoy your drinks with a view of the Bosphorus when you come to Cengelkoy.
It is also ideal for having breakfast by the Bosphorus in the morning. Bringing outside food is allowed. It can be said to be the best resting spot in Cengelkoy.
Right at the entrance of Çınaraltı Tea Garden is Çengelköy Börekçisi, another popular spot in the neighborhood. Their böreks with minced meat, cheese, and spinach are very delicious and popular.
On the main street, you can also find Has Ekmek Fırını, a 150-year-old bakery where you can stop and buy breakfast items. You can eat the breakfast items you buy from here at the Çınaraltı Tea Garden.
Additionally, you can shop at the boutique stores and antique shops in the streets of the neighborhood, where you can find local products and handmade items.
Popular Places, Restaurants, and Cafes
Istanbul Cengelkoy offers a wide range of dining options for visitors. The cafes and restaurants located along the waterfront and streets of the neighborhood provide both delicious food and a warm atmosphere. Especially the places with Bosphorus views offer a delightful experience for every meal, from breakfast to dinner.
When you come to Çengelköy, some of the must-try delicacies include börek, kokoreç, fish, and tripe. The neighborhood, famous for its fish restaurants along the shore, allows you to spend an evening enjoying food and entertainment with a unique view of the Bosphorus.
Additionally, Cengelkoy is renowned for having the freshest and tastiest cucumbers in the world.
Historic Çınaraltı Tea Garden
One of the most popular spots in the neighborhood, the Çengelköy Çınaraltı Tea Garden, is a perfect stop for those who want to drink tea under the shade of historic plane trees. Here, you can sip your tea with a view of the Bosphorus and enjoy delicious snacks.
The Historic Çınaraltı Tea Garden is crowded with visitors at all hours of the day and is the best resting spot in Çengelköy. It is also ideal for having breakfast by the Bosphorus in the morning. Bringing outside food is allowed.
Çengelköy Börekçisi
One of the most popular breakfast places in Çengelköy. People usually buy börek from here and enjoy it with tea at the Çınaraltı Tea Garden right next to it, with a view of the Bosphorus.
Çengelköy Kokoreççisi
A popular spot in Çengelköy, famous for its Izmir-style kokoreç. People often buy sandwiches with kokoreç from here and enjoy them by the seaside.
Seval Patisserie
Serving since 1957, Seval Patisserie is famous for its ice cream, meringue, and cakes.
Erbap Cafe
Renowned for its meals and Sunday brunch buffet.
How to Get to Cengelkoy?
Located on the Anatolian shore of the Bosphorus Istanbul, Cengelkoy is about 5 km from Üsküdar, towards the Black Sea, after the neighborhoods of Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi.
The most practical and fastest way to reach Cengelkoy:
- getting Uskudar from Besiktas, Kabatas, and Eminonu; by public ferries (also boats operating between Besiktas-Uskudar),
- afterwards, getting any midibus or public bus going in the direction of Beykoz,
- or on foot along the coast.
You can also use the below public ferry lines to get to Cengelkoy directly by sea or by walking a short distance from the nearest pier:
- Cengelköy – Istinye line (Cengelkoy – Arnavutkoy – Bebek – Kandilli – Anadolu Hisari – Kanlica – Emirgan – Istinye)
- Anadolu Kavagi – Uskudar line (Anadolu Kavagi – Beykoz – Cubuklu – Kanlica – Anadolu Hisari – Cengelkoy – Beylerbeyi – Uskudar)
- Bosphorus line
Please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.