Discover the Ortakoy neighborhood of Istanbul with our local guide. We’ll explore the secrets of this beautiful neighborhood of Besiktas on the shores of the Bosphorus, including the best things to do, attractions, historical sites, places to see, eat, drink, stay, restaurants, and give you all the info you need to plan your visit.
Situated beneath the European leg of the Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy is one of the favorite neighborhoods of Istanbul, with its magnificent Ortaköy Mosque, which is a symbol of the district, its beautiful and colorful bazaar located in the triangle of churches, mosques, and synagogues, and its vibrant atmosphere.
The neighborhood stands out with its popular nightlife venues, bars, the lively square facing the sea, where you can find beautiful cafes and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops, handicrafts, and interesting object stores, and baked potato stalls. It has become one of the most popular meeting points for Istanbulites.
Throughout history, Ortaköy has been shaped by the interaction of different cultures, which has resulted in the neighborhood having a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Looking back at the history of Ortaköy, formerly known as Arkheion in ancient times and Klidon during the Byzantine period, we see that the region was inhabited by Jewish, Greek, and Muslim communities, and the area was also famous for its taverns in ancient times.
While wandering through the narrow streets of the neighborhood, you may encounter churches dating back to the Ottoman period and witness the traces of the past while experiencing the modern texture of present-day Istanbul.
The historic structures, colorful markets, and breathtaking views of Ortaköy enchant its visitors and turn it into a place where everyone would want to come back again and again. Today, there are also popular entertainment venues along the Ortaköy coastline.
And Ortakoy Mosque is without a doubt, one of the popular photo taking spots and symbols of Istanbul.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Strolling around the Ortakoy Sqaure, watching the crowd, having a rest and drinking tea or coffee at the various cafes and restaurants nearby the sea in the company of Bosphorus is one of the best things to do in Ortakoy. You can also take the boats for a Bosphorus cruise, from the Ortakoy coast, near the Ortakoy Mosque.
Ortakoy Square and Ortakoy Mosque is the heart of Ortakoy. The street markets are also vert popular in Ortakoy. They are held in every weekend. Visitors may enjoy and buy variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, second hand books, various great items and more.
Summer nights are very lively here as Ortakoy is a popular entertainment and nightlife spot of Istanbul with its variety of night clubs, pubs and bars.
Ortakoy Square & the Coast
Ortakoy Sqaure is popular with the young people and Istanbul sightseeing takers. There are variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops at the square. The lively nights at the weekends are also fantastic. The Damat Ibrahim Pasha fountain and historic Esma Sultan Mansion, dating back to 18th century, are worth a see.
Ortakoy Mosque (Buyuk Mecidiye)
Ortaköy Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque, with an elegant architecture, is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built by Sultan Abdülmecit in the 19th century and gives an impression of standing on the water. It is also one of the most important symbols of Istanbul.
Esma Sultan Mansion
The Esma Sultan Mansion, which dazzles with its magnificence right next to Ortakoy Mosque, is a vert attractive building that was built for Esma Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulaziz, as a wedding gift after her marriage to Cerkez Mehmet Pasha. After the death of Esma Sultan in 1848, the mansion was given to the daughters of Sultan Abdulhamid II in various periods. Finally the mansion was purchased by The Marmara Collection in the 90s, and has been restored and is now used as a wedding, meeting and event venue.
Churches and Synagogues
A Byzantine Greek Orthodox Church named Ayios Fokas dating back to 1856, the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Catholic Church (located in Dereboyu street and was built in 1839) and Etz Ahayim (Tree of Life) dating back to the 14th century are the best known churches and synagogues in Ortakoy.
Historic Ortakoy Hammam
It is the first artifact that was built after the settlement of the Turks in Ortakoy. It was built as hammam (Turkish Bath) by famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1570s with the request of Hüsrev Kethüda, the housekeeper of Sokullu Mehmet Pasha. After the restoration of the Turkish bath, it now serves as an authentic restaurant.
From Kuruçeşme to Bebek
As you journey from Kuruçeşme to Bebek, you embark on a delightful journey accompanied by the magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Your first stop along this journey could be Aşşk Kahve, where you can indulge in the serene atmosphere of the neighborhood while enjoying a delicious coffee amidst the tranquil backdrop of the Bosphorus. It offers the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
If you’re looking to take a historical and cultural break along the way, you can turn your route towards Aya Dimitritos Church. This historic church, dating back to the Byzantine era, dazzles with its architecture. With its majestic dome and meticulously crafted details, it offers visitors a chance to journey into the past.
The final destination of your journey could be Köfteci Ali Baba. This establishment is one of the famous culinary stops in Arnavutkoy, renowned for its exquisite meatballs. Here, as you savor the delicious meatballs, you can also relish the pleasant atmosphere and warm hospitality of the neighborhood.
Dining Options in Ortaköy
Ortaköy also offers a rich selection of dining options. The restaurants along the neighborhood’s coastline are famous for their fresh seafood and local delicacies. Especially, enjoying dinner with the unique backdrop of the Bosphorus offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Additionally, you can sample local flavors and enjoy a pleasant coffee break at the cafes and pastry shops scattered throughout the neighborhood’s streets.
Ortakoy is also famous for its coastal tea gardens, cafes and bakers overlooking Bosphorus. Many locals prefer to buy baked potatoes from numerous cafes and eat it by the beautiful views of the Bosphorus. The House Cafe is a popular place to enjoy its summer garden and brunch on Sundays.
See the best restaurants in Besiktas
Shopping in Ortakoy – What to Buy?
Ortakoy is popular not only for its historical and cultural richness but also for its vibrant shopping opportunities. Along the streets that stretch along the coast, you can find a wide variety of products, from handmade jewelry to antique items. Particularly, the Ortakoy Market is a major attraction where local artisans showcase their handcrafted products. Here, you can find unique pieces such as handmade jewelry, decorative items, and custom-designed clothing.
Additionally, there are plenty of options for those looking for souvenirs in Ortakoy. You can find beautiful mementos like tea sets with Bosphorus views, Ottoman-themed miniatures, and magnets adorned with the symbols of Istanbul to take home to your loved ones. In the small boutique shops scattered around the streets of the district, you will also come across rare finds like vintage clothing and antique objects.
Nightlife in Ortakoy
Ortakoy nights are quite colorful. There are quality and popular nightclubs on the coast of Ortakoy and neighboring Kurucesme coasts. Entertainment continues throughout the night at the luxury nightclubs, where celebrities and foreign tourists frequently visit.
The Sortie club, located right next to the Bosphorus in Kurucesme and consisting of 6 restaurants and 3 bars, the Ruby and the House Cafe are the most popular places for lively nights in Ortakoy.
Where to Stay?
Accommodation options in Ortakoy are quite varied. There are numerous alternatives that cater to different budgets and tastes, from luxury hotels with Bosphorus views to boutique hotels. Hotels located close to the Ortakoy shoreline are preferred due to their walking distance to both historical sites and popular dining venues. They offer an ideal accommodation option for those who want to wake up to the unique view of the Bosphorus and enjoy being in the heart of Istanbul.
For those seeking a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, the small boutique hotels and guesthouses situated in the side streets of the district can be a wonderful choice. These hotels offer a peaceful accommodation experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city and allow you to closely experience the cultural texture of Ortakoy. Additionally, some boutique hotels are restored old Istanbul houses, providing guests with the opportunity to stay in a historical setting.
How to Get to Ortakoy?
Getting to Ortakoy is very easy. For intercity transportation to Ortakoy, you may find many transportation options. It is possible to access Ortakoy;
- From Kadikoy and Uskudar; by public ferries or boats (only from Uskudar) to Besiktas,
- From Taksim, via yellow shared taxis (dolmus) or public bus to Besiktas,
- From Besiktas; within 20 mins. walking or public buses following the coastal line, (Note: Besiktas is also on the route of Big Bus Istanbul Hop on Hop Off Tourist Bus)
- From Sultanahmet and Eminonu, by Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) to Kabatas (last stop) and than from Kabatas by public buses following the coastal line.
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.