Famous for their lively city life, tourist zones, and beautiful sights and sounds of the city, the Galata, Karakoy & Tophane neighborhoods are one of the most popular tourists areas in Istanbul. Here you’ll find a quick guide to explore Galata, Karakoy & Tophane with top things to do and see plus insider advice.
Belonging to the Beyoglu district, those three neighborhoods are situated by the Bosphorus, on the mouth of the Golden Horn, and within walking distance from each other.
Galata, Karakoy & Tophane at a Glance
Galata
Galata is a lovely neighborhood of Beyoglu district, rich for its historical and cultural heritage. It is situated downwards Beyoglu, and surrounded by the Azapkapi and Karakoy neighborhoods by the Golden Horn and the famous Galata Tower.
Famous for its fantastic Galata Tower, that is topped with a witch’s hat roof, the Kuledibi (means “bottom of tower”) area with its sweet narrow streets housing variety of lovely cafes and restaurants, the name of Galata neighborhood comes from the Greek word “gala” which means “milk”, and stands for the milk market that was once on the site.
Karakoy
Situated on the mouth of the Golden Horn, downwards Galata, Karakoy is famous for its lively city life, banks, inns, extraordinary cafes, patisseries by the shore, street art, historic studios and boutique shops.
Tophane
Situated on the Bosphorus coast after Karakoy, the Tophane neighborhood is the oldest industrial district in Istanbul during the Ottoman period. Tophane means “Cannon Foundry” or “Arsenal” in Turkish and took its name after the Ottoman Empire’s cannon foundry that were operated here.
Today, Tophane attracts both domestic and foreign visitors with its hookah cafes, fantastic shops and the American market.
Galata For a Day: Our Best Itinerary
Make the most of your day in Galata with our easy-to-follow itinerary.
Morning: Iconic Views & Cultural Stops
- Start with breakfast at a rooftop café near Galata Tower. Enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Visit Galata Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Explore the historic Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum, home to dervish culture and Sufi traditions.
Midday: Explore the Streets & Hidden Gems
- Walk down Galip Dede Street, browsing music shops, art galleries, and antique stores.
- Visit Pera Museum to admire Ottoman and contemporary art collections.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in Karaköy, with options ranging from seafood to international cuisine.
Afternoon: Shopping & Waterfront Walk
- Stop by Arap Mosque, one of the city’s most unique historical mosques.
- Explore the boutiques and vintage shops along Serdar-ı Ekrem Street.
- Take a scenic stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the Bosphorus views.
Evening: Sunset & Nightlife
- Grab a drink at a rooftop bar in Galata or Karaköy, watching the sunset over Istanbul.
- Experience live music or a jazz club—Galata is known for its vibrant nightlife.
- End the day with dinner at Galataport, enjoying a stylish seaside setting.
Tip: If you have extra time, walk to Istiklal Street for more shopping, cafés, and late-night entertainment!
Best Things to Do & See in Galata, Karakoy
Galata and around
Climb Galata Tower for the Best Views of Istanbul
No Regrets Booking Advice
Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a luxurious restaurant at the top. Traveler may enjoy the excellent panoramic views of Istanbul, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
✔️ Best panoramic view of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and city skyline.
✔️ Historical significance – Built in 1348 by the Genoese as a watchtower.
✔️ Sunset is magical – Arrive early to get the best photo spots.
Explore Kuledibi, Galata’s Charming Streets & Hidden Alleys
Kuledibi is the area near the Galata Tower and travelers may also spend great day out of its recently restored small square, along the couple of lovely outdoor cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
What to See?
✔️ Serdar-ı Ekrem Street – Famous for its chic boutiques and vintage stores.
✔️ Kamondo Stairs – A unique Art Nouveau staircase perfect for photos.
✔️ Galata Mevlevi Lodge – A historic Sufi monastery with whirling dervish performances.
Best Walking Route: Start at Galata Tower → Walk down Serdar-ı Ekrem Street → Visit Kamondo Stairs → Explore Karaköy.
Shop for Unique Finds in Galata’s Boutiques
Galata is home to independent boutiques, artisan workshops, and vintage stores.
Best Shopping Spots:
✔️ Atölye 11 – Handcrafted jewelry and home décor.
✔️ Vintage Istanbul – A must-visit for retro fashion lovers.
✔️ Kağıthane – A paradise for book lovers and stationery fans.
Best Shopping Streets: Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, Galip Dede Street
Walk Along Galip Dede Ramp
From the Galata Tower square, if you go upwards through the Galip Dede Ramp leading Istiklal Street, you can find variety of lovely craft, souvenir and music shops as well as a couple of art galleries.
Serdar-i Ekrem Street
Located very close to the famous Galata Tower, the beautiful pebbled Serdar-i Ekrem Street is one of the best places for strolling around and make shopping in Istanbul.
The region is very popular for its unique boutiques selling stylish clothes, souvenirs and antiques. You’ll also see many authentic coffee shops and patisseries offering delicious homemade chocolate cakes.
Galata Mevlevi Lodge & Museum
The Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Galata Mevlevihanesi) is a lively place located at the end of Galip Dede ramp, on 6,800 square meters of this vast territory that variety of Turkish calligraphic art items, music items and items belonging to the Mevlevi culture are exhibited. You can visit the museum and also see whirling dervishes show there.
Beyoglu (British Seamen’s) Hospital
Many people wonder about the building with an unusual tower located just in front of the Galata Tower. Yes this fantastic building with a tower looking like a large egg cup really takes the attention of the travelers. It is the Beyoglu Hospital building located in the Camekan Street. The building dates back to 1904 and originally used as British Seamen’s Hospital.
The egg shaped tower was to offer a good view out to the sea, to let the incoming ships could signal if they need a medical treatment. In 1924, the British donated the building to the Red Crescent and today it serves as a hospital belonging to the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Arab Mosque
Arab Mosque is a lovely Gothic style mosque located on the Kalyon street of Galata. The mosque was built by the Arabs during the siege of Istanbul. It is the only mosque in Istanbul that doesn’t look like a mosque.
There was a church Mesa Domeniko on the current foundation during the Byzantine period, and later on it was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul and called as “Galata Mosque”. And than in 1942, when the Andalusian Arabs have expulsed from Spain into Istanbul, they settled around the mosque and it is called Arab Mosque.
Karakoy and around
Enjoy a Bosphorus View at Karakoy Pier
The Karakoy waterfront offers some of the best views of the Bosphorus.
What to Do?
✔️ Watch ferries cross between Asia and Europe.
✔️ Enjoy Turkish tea at a waterfront café.
✔️ Take stunning photos of the city skyline.
Have a Fun Day Out at Galataport
Galataport Istanbul is a world-class waterfront destination offering shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. It’s a perfect place to spend a day exploring.
✔️ Enjoy seaside cafés and restaurants with breathtaking Bosphorus views.
✔️ Visit top museums, including the Istanbul Modern and The Painting and Sculpture Museum.
✔️ Stroll along the scenic promenade, perfect for sunset walks.
✔️ Browse luxury and boutique shops in this stylish shopping district.
Location: Karaköy, just a short walk from Galata
Istanbul Modern Art Museum
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is the first private museum of Turkey to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions. A great place for modern art lovers. The museum hosts a broad array of interdisciplinary activities that include permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, a photography gallery, and spaces for educational and social programs.
Walk Across Galata Bridge & Try Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
The Galata bridge is situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn and connects Karakoy and Eminonu neighborhoods. There are several cafes and restaurants under the bridge. Walking through the bridge with great views of the city is a great attraction.
Kamondo Stairs
Located by the Bankalar and Banker Street towards Karakoy, and was built in the 1850s, the Kamondo stairs is a fantastic place where you can take great photos with its art nouveau architecture.
Ottoman Bank Museum
Osmanli (Ottoman) Bank Museum is located at the banks street in Karakoy. The museum offers great collections of official archives of the Ottoman era.
Visitors may enjoy the Ottoman banknotes, orders of the palace officers and the photographs of the bank branches. In addition; the exhibition of the bank workers’ registry files with 6000 photos is a great historical source. Open every day between 10am and 6 pm.
Saint Pierre Church
Located downwards Galata Tower, the Saint Pierre Church was built in the years between 1841-1843. After the seizure of the Dominican priests of Galata, which is now the Arab Mosque (read above), the church moved here.
With its Basilica style and four-sided altar, the rear walls of the church are built within a section of the old Genoese walls of Galata.
Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church
Located in the Kemeralti Sakizcilar street, the Surp Krikor Lusarovic Church is oldest Armenian Orthodox Church in Istanbul that was built in 1431. It is also the oldest known church in Istanbul.
The domes and the bell tower is very elegant that there are few churches in Istanbul that has that kind of domes. The name Krikor stands after the Patriarch Krikor II of Kayseri, that was buried next to the church wall in 1635.
Tophane and around
Tophane Fountain
The Tophane Fountain is a beautiful baroque style one located between Kilic Ali Pasa and Nusretiye Mosques in Tophane. It was built in 1732 by Sultan Mahmut I. also has a great architecture with marble walls ornamented with flowers.
Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque is a lovely mosque located on Tersane street, on Tophane Square. The mosque was built by the architect Mimar Sinan in 1580.
Tophane-i Amire
The Tophane-i Amire building was first established in the 15th century during the Byzantine period. After the conquest of Istanbul, the building became the center of artillery and military cannons.
Since 1992, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University has been serving as the Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center.
The building has three domestic and international exhibition halls: Tophane-i Amire Five Domes, Tophane-i Amire Single Dome and Tophane-i Amire Cisterns.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
The Guney Restaurant near the Galata Tower, Neolokal Restaurant, Nola Restaurant, Velvet and Konak Cafe in the Galata region;
The Mukellef Tavern, Karakoy Restaurantant and Karakoy Gulluoglu (desserts) in the Karakoy region;
The Muhit Karakoy, Pas Coffe House, Zanaat Workshop Cafe & Restaurant and Falls in Galata in the Tophane region, are the popular places to visit and enjoy your meal or drinks.
Best Restaurants in Galata & Karakoy
✔️ Neolokal – Michelin-starred modern Turkish cuisine with Bosphorus views.
✔️ Pera Thai – One of Istanbul’s best Thai restaurants.
✔️ Sensus Wine & Cheese Boutique – Great for Turkish wines and fine cheeses.
✔️ Karakoy Lokantası – Famous for traditional Turkish mezes and seafood.
✔️ Mükellef Karakoy – Offers modern Turkish cuisine with rooftop views.
✔️ Ferida Karakoy – A Balkan-inspired steakhouse with a great ambiance.
Best Street Food Spots
✔️ Karakoy Güllüoğlu – The most famous baklava shop in Istanbul.
✔️ Balıkçı Lokantası – Try the classic balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwich).
✔️ Dönerci Şahin Usta – One of Istanbul’s best döner kebab spots.
Best Cafés in Galata & Karakoy
✔️ Coffeetopia – Perfect for specialty coffee and cozy ambiance.
✔️ Federal Coffee Company – A hipster café with great lattes and breakfast.
✔️ Velvet Café – A hidden gem with antique décor and delicious Turkish coffee.
✔️ Federal Coffee Company – Great for specialty coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
✔️ Brew Coffeeworks – A small café with high-quality espresso and pastries.
✔️ Dem Karakoy – Offers over 60 types of tea in a stylish setting.
Best Bars & Rooftops in Galata & Karakoy
✔️ Zelda Zonk – A rooftop bar with cocktails and stunning views.
✔️ Nardis Jazz Club – The best live jazz spot in Istanbul.
✔️ Finn Karaköy – A stylish cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Go Shopping in Galata & Karakoy
Galata and Karakoy is a shopper’s paradise, filled with boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and local designer stores. Whether you’re looking for handmade jewelry, vintage finds, or Turkish souvenirs, this neighborhood has it all.
- Serdar-ı Ekrem Street – A fashionable street lined with designer boutiques, vintage stores, and stylish cafes.
- Lunapark Galata – A concept store featuring handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and Turkish textiles.
- Robinson Crusoe 389 – A legendary bookstore with Turkish and international literature, art books, and travel guides.
- Atolye 11 – A local design collective selling handmade bags, home decor, and accessories.
- Grand Pera Pasajı – A hidden arcade with art shops, traditional Turkish goods, and textiles.
- Souq Karaköy (on weekends) – A pop-up market featuring independent designers and handmade crafts.
- Istanbul Modern Gift Shop – Located inside Istanbul Modern Museum, this shop has art-inspired gifts and books.
- Atelier 55 – A high-end boutique featuring Turkish and international designers for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Tip: Many stores in Galata and Karakoy sell one-of-a-kind items, so if you see something you love, grab it before it’s gone!
Galata & Karakoy by Night
Galata and Karakoy transforms into a trendy nightlife spot as the sun sets. With cozy rooftop bars, jazz lounges, and stylish cocktail venues, it’s a great place for a relaxed but sophisticated night out.
- Nardis Jazz Club – A must-visit jazz venue offering live performances in an intimate setting.
- Flekk – A hidden cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and cozy ambiance.
- Cihangir Terrace Bar – Offers incredible views of the Golden Horn with chill DJ sets and drinks.
- Kozmonot Bomonti – A hip gastropub with craft beer and fusion-style food.
- Galata Tower at Night – Visit the iconic Galata Tower in the evening for panoramic city views.
- Mitte Karakoy – A stylish cocktail bar with signature drinks and live DJ performances.
- Alexandra Cocktail Bar – Known for its creative cocktails and rooftop seating with views of the Bosphorus.
- Naif Karakoy – A relaxed bar with Turkish mezes, local wines, and live jazz nights.
- Goya Lounge – A trendy rooftop bar with DJ sets, cocktails, and a great city view.
- Finn Karakoy – A cozy cocktail bar serving craft drinks and small bites in an intimate setting.
Tip: Many Galata and Karakoy bars and restaurants have rooftop terraces, perfect for enjoying a drink with a view of Istanbul’s skyline.
How to Get to There?
Public Transportation
Getting to Galata, Karakoy and Tophane region is very easy as they are one of the most popular hubs for both tourists and locals in Istanbul. For intercity transportation, you may find many transportation options. It is possible to access Galata, Karakoy and Tophane;
* From Kadikoy and Bostanci; by public ferries to Karakoy.
* From Taksim, you may take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) from the Kabatas and drop off at Karakoy stop. To get to tram stops; from the Taksim Square, you may take the Taksim-Kabatas funicular (F1 line), get to Kabatas tram stop.
* And from the end of the Istiklal Avenue, on the Tunel Square, you may walk downwards or take the Tunel-Karakoy funicular (F2 line) to get to Karakoy.
* From Sultanahmet and Eminonu, take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) and drop off at Karakoy stop, or walk the Galata Bridge.
You may see the public bus routes and timetables as well as make a route/station search from the Istanbul Municipality Public Busses website. Also check the Istanbul Railway Network Map for the Tram stops and Istanbul Ferry Lines Map for ferries.
From Istanbul Airports
For getting to Galata, Karakoy and Tophane region of Istanbul;
- from New Istanbul Airport (IST) (41 km. to Galata & Karakoy and takes about 90 mins.) – you may take Havaist Airport Shuttle to Taksim and than to Galata, or take a taxi or take a Private Shuttle which is the best of all and we recommend.
- from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) (38 km. to Galata & Karakoy and takes about 80 mins.) – you may take Havabus Airport Shuttle to Taksim and than to Galata, or take a taxi or take a Private Shuttle again which is the best of all and we recommend.