Samatya is one of those places where Istanbul feels close, familiar and full of memory. It sits quietly along the coastal road after Yenikapı, yet it has a presence that stays with you long after you leave. This is one of the oldest Greek neighborhoods in the city, shaped by centuries of shared life between Armenians, Greeks, Turks and countless others who walked these same narrow streets.
When you step into Samatya, the pace slows. The smell of grilled fish floats from small taverns, elders chat in front of corner shops, and the sea breeze mixes with the aroma of fresh bread from neighborhood bakeries. It feels lived in, warm, and unpolished in the best way.
Here, you’ll find historical gems from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, quiet squares, traditional restaurants, and hidden cultural spots that speak to the neighborhood’s layered story. We share how to get here, where to walk, where to eat, and how to make the most of your visit, whether you come for an hour or an entire day.
“Samatya is one of those places where you feel Istanbul through people instead of landmarks. It’s simple, honest and comforting.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Samatya at a Glance
Samatya’s roots go deep into Istanbul’s past. Long before the Ottoman Empire, long before the Byzantines built their great walls, people lived here. Excavations during the Marmaray project uncovered traces of settlement as early as 8,500 years ago, making this area far older than most visitors imagine.
Its name comes from the Greek “Psamathion”, meaning “sandy”, a reminder of the days when the shoreline was a soft strip of beach along the Sea of Marmara.
Over centuries, Samatya grew into a close community shaped by Armenians, Greeks and Turks living side by side. You feel that mix in its architecture, its churches and mosques, and its cozy backstreets filled with small workshops and family kitchens.
Samatya is known today for its fish shops, meyhanes, old-school taverns, and the famous Develi restaurant, a landmark of traditional Turkish cuisine. But the neighborhood offers more than food. It carries the charm of a place that never tried to impress anyone. Its beauty lies in its authenticity.
Many visitors say Samatya feels like a museum without walls. Byzantine and Ottoman structures appear around quiet corners, while the sea glows just a short walk away. This is a neighborhood that invites you to slow down, look around, and enjoy the simple, everyday rhythm of Istanbul.
“If you want to feel Istanbul without filters, Samatya is where you go. It’s a gentle mix of history, community and good food.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Samatya is one of those neighborhoods where history doesn’t sit behind museum glass. It lives quietly in the streets, in the small squares, in the sound of fishermen calling out their morning catch. Every corner reflects a different layer of Istanbul’s past, and exploring it feels like walking through a living archive.
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Start your visit in Samatya Square, the natural heart of the neighborhood. It’s a small, unpretentious place filled with locals chatting at tea tables, children running between pigeons, and small shops that have been part of the community for generations. It sets the tone for everything that follows: warm, simple and full of character.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find some of the most important religious buildings of the area. The Surp Kevork Armenian Church, dating back to the 13th century, is one of Istanbul’s oldest Armenian churches. Its quiet courtyard and graceful architecture offer a peaceful break from the city noise.
A little further, the Aya Nikola Greek Orthodox Church welcomes visitors with its beautiful Byzantine touches, including mosaics that echo the spiritual history of the area. The nearby Agios Minas Church adds another layer to Samatya’s multicultural story.
Samatya’s connection to the sea is part of its identity, and you really feel it at the Fish Museum near the fisherman’s shelter. Created by local fishermen, the museum showcases more than 300 species from the Marmara Sea.
It’s small, quirky and full of heart, and it gives you a real sense of the maritime culture that shaped this neighborhood. It’s open daily between 10:00 and 17:00.
Right beside it, the historic Samatya Fish Market bursts with color from early morning to sunset. Fresh seafood lines the stands, mixed with mountains of produce and the smell of grilled fish drifting from small eateries. It’s one of the best places to feel the daily rhythm of Samatya.
As you wander deeper into the backstreets, antique shops and handmade-goods stores appear like pleasant surprises. Many visitors say these streets feel like a small open-air bazaar, offering everything from vintage pieces to simple crafts made by locals.
And if you want a quiet moment, head toward the coastal strip. The sea opens in front of you, calm and wide, with space to sit, breathe and watch the Marmara light shift through the day. It’s perfect for photos and slow walks.
“Samatya rewards people who explore slowly. Every street gives you something small but meaningful to carry home.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Where to Eat and Drink in Samatya
Food is at the heart of Samatya. It always has been. This is a neighborhood where meals spill onto the streets, where tables fill with locals before tourists even discover them, and where fishmongers, grill masters and meyhane owners all greet each other by name. If you want to taste a more authentic side of Istanbul’s food culture, Samatya is the place.
The neighborhood is especially famous for its fish restaurants. Many of these places are family run, with recipes passed down for generations. You’ll find everything from grilled sea bream to buttery shrimp casserole, all cooked in a simple style that lets the freshness speak for itself.
Even if you’re not in the mood for a full meal, walking past the historic Samatya Fish Market is enough to make you hungry. The sound of vendors calling out prices, the smell of the sea, the colorful display of seafood all create a lively backdrop to the area’s dining culture.
One of the most iconic culinary stops here is Develi, a legendary meat restaurant known city-wide for its kebabs, mezes and warm hospitality. It’s the kind of place where families gather for celebrations, and visiting once often leads to returning again. Their pistachio kebab and ali nazik dishes are especially loved.
If you prefer something more casual, the streets around Samatya Square are filled with small lokantas, cozy tea houses, and bakeries where you can grab simit, börek or freshly brewed Turkish tea. Many travelers enjoy taking a break in these simple spots, watching daily life unfold at a slow pace.
Samatya also has a growing number of meyhanes, atmospheric taverns where people gather for fish, meze, and long conversations. These places often fill up early in the evening, especially on weekends, and create a warm, neighborhood feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Coffee lovers will find a few small cafés tucked into the side streets, usually family owned, offering homemade pastries or a view toward the Marmara Sea. They may not be trendy or polished, but they are sincere, and that’s part of their charm.
“If you want Istanbul without filters, sit down for a meal in Samatya. The food is real, the people are real, and you feel instantly at home.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Perfect Half Day Itinerary: Samatya Walk with History, Food and Sea Views
A half day is enough to fall in love with Samatya. This route keeps things simple and slow, letting you enjoy the neighborhood at the pace it deserves. It works well in the morning or late afternoon, especially if you end with dinner by the sea.
Start at Samatya Square
Begin your walk in the heart of the neighborhood. Samatya Square is always lively, filled with fruit stalls, small cafés, and locals going about their day. Take a moment to feel the atmosphere. It sets the tone for everything ahead.
Grab a tea from one of the corner tea houses. It’s a classic way to settle into the neighborhood rhythm.
Visit Surp Kevork Armenian Church
From the square, walk a couple of minutes toward one of the oldest Armenian churches in Istanbul. Built in the 13th century, Surp Kevork carries centuries of stories in its stone walls and quiet courtyard.
If open, step inside for a few minutes. The silence contrasts beautifully with the busy streets outside.
Continue to Aya Nikola Greek Orthodox Church
A short walk brings you to Aya Nikola, another historic gem. Known for its early Byzantine mosaics and spiritual atmosphere, it highlights Samatya’s layered identity. Many visitors say this is where the neighborhood’s multicultural history feels most real.
Explore the Historic Streets and Antique Shops
Wander through the nearby narrow streets. This area is full of wooden houses, small antique shops, and local artisans selling handmade goods. It’s one of the best parts of Samatya for slow discovery and photography.
You’ll find plenty of little surprises: an open door revealing a workshop, a bakery with simit straight from the oven, a quiet street where time feels paused.
“Let yourself get a little lost here. Samatya’s charm lives in the side streets, not the main roads.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Stop by the Samatya Fish Museum
Continue toward the coast. At the fisherman’s shelter, you’ll see the small but fascinating Samatya Fish Museum. It displays more than 300 species of fish from the Marmara and beyond. It is unusual, local, and wonderfully honest.
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00, it takes only 10–15 minutes to explore.
Walk to the Waterfront for Marmara Sea Views
From the museum, stroll along the seaside. This stretch is one of the most peaceful parts of the area. You get open water views, ships passing, fishermen casting lines, and, on clear days, the Princes’ Islands on the horizon.
It’s an ideal moment to rest and breathe in the neighborhood.
End with Lunch or Dinner in Samatya’s Famous Restaurants
Finish your half day with a meal. You have two amazing options:
Seafood Route
Choose one of the classic Samatya fish restaurants. Fresh sea bass, shrimp casserole, fried calamari, and mezes are local favorites.
Legendary Develi
If you love kebabs, end at Develi, one of the most respected meat restaurants in Istanbul. It is famous for pistachio kebab, içli köfte, and warm hospitality.
Both options deliver an authentic Samatya experience.
How to Get to Samatya
Reaching Samatya is surprisingly easy once you understand its location. The neighborhood sits along the Marmara Sea coast, just after Yenikapı, on Istanbul’s European side. Most visitors arrive from Sultanahmet, Eminönü or Taksim, and each route is straightforward.
From Sultanahmet
This is the quickest and simplest route. A taxi from Sultanahmet takes 8 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. It’s very affordable for short rides in this area.
From Eminönü and Sirkeci
Take a Marmaray train from Sirkeci to Yenikapı. The ride is only 2 minutes. When you exit Yenikapı station, follow the signs toward the coast. Samatya begins right after the marina.
From Taksim and Beyoğlu
Take the M2 metro to Yenikapı. Transfer is inside the same complex, and Samatya is just a short walk from the station.