Karakoy is the oldest trading center in Istanbul. Its convenient location at the mouth of the Golden Horn made it ideal for craftsmen to sell their goods around the world throughout the history of the city. As the city grew to be more and more developed, Karakoy became the financial center easily connecting to Eminönü, Beyoğlu, and Şişhane. The remains of old financial and insurance buildings are still seen today but have much different tenants.
Today Karakoy is the place where people can find wholesale electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment.
Ok, ok, there is much more to the area than just this.
Karakoy is one of the more artistic districts in Istanbul where you’ll be able to find unique exhibitions and one-of-a-kind artisan goods. There are also a lot of vintage shops that will have interesting additions to your wardrobe.
This post will give you an overview of the best things to do in Karakoy.
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Karakoy Pier
The Karakoy Pier is actually the only floating pier in Istanbul. The ferries connect to the Asian side of Istanbul, Uskudar and Kadikoy.
The ferries have a regular schedule throughout the day so you can easily catch a boat at whatever time suits you.
Just be sure to pick up your IstanbulKart to access all the public transportation in the city. These cards can be found at the yellow kiosks just in front of the pier. Cards cost 35TL. I suggest putting at least 50TL onto the card.
Historical Sites | Best Things to do in Karakoy
Kılıc Ali Pasa Hamam and Mosque
The Kılıc Ali Pasha Hamam and Mosque is part of the Kılıc Ali Pasha complex in Karakoy. It was named after a very successful Ottoman Naval Officer.
Both structures were designed by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century.
The hamam was neglected for quite some time but was recently restored and renovated into one of the top hamams in the city. Reservation to use the hamam is required. Starting cost is around 1,000TL (~$55 USD).
Right next to the hamam is a shop selling robes, slippers, and accessories from the hamam as souvenirs.
Yeraltı Camii
Yeraltı Camii is a hidden underground mosque in Karakoy. It is said to have been the former crypt of the Castle of Galata. The ancient chain that was used to block ships from entering the Golden Horn was also rumored to be anchored at this location.
Side Note: You can actually see part of the chain inside Galata Tower.
The mosque was created after the Ottoman conquest. It has a low vaulted ceiling. In the chapel area, there is a tomb of two Arab soldiers on display with an eerie green glow.
Ottoman Bank Museum
This museum is located at the bottom of SALT Galata. SALT Galata is a modern art musuem and research center.
The building itself was the home to the Imperial Ottoman Bank from 1892-1999. The building is most well known for its contrasting architectural styles, neoclassical and oriental, blending together.
The Ottoman Bank was founded in 1856 in partnership with British and French banks. All the information is throughout the various floors of the building, you’ll find very comprehensive documentation of the bank’s history.
If you have a keen interest in Ottoman history, this museum would be a great place to stop by.
The entrance is free and while you’re there, you can also check out the recent art exhibition, browse the bookstore and have a coffee from the cafe. There is a nice garden area to relax in or if you want to get some work done or study, there are plenty of desks.
St. Gregory Lusavorich Orthodox Armenian Church
This church was built in the 14th century and is the only church in Istanbul built using traditional Armenian architecture. Throughout its life, it had a history of nearly being burned to the ground completely a number of times. The church nearly escaped the Galata Fire of 1660.
In 1958 it was actually torn down by the city to construct a new road. The church had to shrink in size to nearly half of what it was. Because of the tight space limitations, a basement was built for the grave of Patriarch Hovhannes Golod who served as the leader of the church for many years.
Best Places to Eat in Karakoy
Galata Simitçisi
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. 47/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Arguably the best place to get a simit in Istanbul.
It’s best to go in the morning right when they’ve just taken a batch out of the oven. You just can’t beat that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
The simit is best eaten with a variety of jams or as a sandwich with tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese.
Seating is limited to outdoors.
FilCafe
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hoca Tahsin Sk. No:25, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Doubling as a bookstore and cafe, this is one of my personal favorite cafes in the city. There are 2 floors plus outdoor seating. The interior is cozy and comfortable with plush seating and pillows to relax in with your coffee.
I particularly like getting lavender coffee. They do have a small food menu for sandwiches and snacks as well as some cakes.
Karaköy Güllüoğlu
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:67, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
This shop is special to the Karakoy area. You could say that they shaped the baklava culture in Istanbul.
Before opening his store in Gaziantep in 1843, Hacı Mehmed Güllü went to Aleppo and Damascus to learn the art of baklava. He then took this knowledge and shared it with his son, who also has the same name as his father, and also became trained in making baklava. Then the first son had his own 4 sons who also followed in their father and grandfather’s footsteps.
Mustafa Güllü, one of the sons, brought baklava to Istanbul and they opened their shop in Karakoy in 1949. This was the first baklava shop in the city. At the time, people were hesitant to try baklava from the Güllü family because baklava didn’t have a good reputation. It was a lot of work trying to change people’s minds, but all the work paid off.
Today, Karaköy Güllüoğlu makes 2.5 tons of baklava every day inside the world’s first baklava factory. It is always packed inside and sometimes hard to find a table. But it is definitely worth the wait and one of the best things to do in Karakoy.
Karaköy Lokantasi
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:57, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Karaköy Lokantasi started in 2000 as a small family restaurant. Over the years, they have proven themselves as a culinary hot spot in Karakoy.
Recently, they made it onto the Michelin Guide of Istanbul which is quite an accomplishment. This is the first time that a Michelin Guide was created for Istanbul and Karaköy Lokantasi made it onto the very first list. They received the Bib Gourmand award which is the best value for money. How cool is that?
At the restaurant, you can try a variety of traditional home-cooked Turkish cuisine.
Where to Shop in Karakoy
GalataPort
Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
The newest addition to the coastline of Istanbul is the mega-project, GalataPort. An all-in-one outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment center, the project was estimated to cost $1.7 billion USD and takes up 1.2km. A total of three ships can dock here at one time. They even made a full underground cruise terminal to handle all the passenger traffic so that the view of the Bosphorus is not blocked.
There are 250 dining and shopping options at Galataport. Many of the shops cater to foreign customers so you’ll find many high-end Turkish boutique shops and international brands. This is one of the best things to do in Karakoy because anyone can enjoy the fresh sea air of the unobstructed Bosphorus views.
Entrance to GalataPort is free, however, there is a security check at all entrances. So even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s still worth it to walk along the promenade and take in the views of the Bosphorus.
Kagithane House of Paper
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Fransız Gç Sokağı, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
This unique gift shop is located in the French corridor of Karakoy. Inside the shop, you’ll find interesting items mostly made of paper. There are postcards, calendars, notebooks, magnets, bags, and porcelain plates and whistles.
It’s definitely worth browsing around. They even have simit-themed wrapping paper and coasters.
Graffity Karaköy
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. No:47 D:G, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Graffity is a vintage sunglasses shop. It is small but their collection is a fairly good size. There are 4 locations in Istanbul; Karakoy, Balat, Galata, and Cihangir.
They source their collection from all over the world. All the sunglasses in the shop are original.
At the time that I visited, they had a nice selection of vintage RayBans from the 1960s. Other brands include Cartier, Gucci, Dior, Hugo Boss, Roman Rothschild Of Switzerland, and Jaguar.
Special Note: If you’re visiting the Karakoy location, the pin on Google maps is incorrect. It shows their old location with the same address. However, you can find it nearby Galata Simitçisi and Design Market.
Design Market
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. No:41/B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
The Design Market is a cute shop where you can find some unique pieces for your wardrobe. There is a large selection of jewelry in silver and gold designed by local Turkish craftsmen. If you fancy something cool for your kitchen, you can find glassware and ceramic mugs.
They have a location on one of the main streets in Karakoy as well as a new location inside the Old Post Office in GalataPort on the first floor.
Turkish Soap
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. No:57, 34425 Galataport/İstanbul, Turkey
This store opened in 1923 and specializes in natural handmade soaps with no preservatives.
The founder was Aunt Ayse who blended natural ingredients from the Aegean and Mediterranean regions to create soothing and enriching soap products for the skin.
Her granddaughter, Ebru Hanım, continues the legacy today.
The soaps that I like are charcoal, donkey milk, honey milk, and volcanic pink clay.
Where to Stay in Karakoy | Best Hotels in Karakoy
P. Galata Boutique Hotel
Address: Müeyyedzade, Aynalı Lokanta Sk. No:6, 34052 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
This budget-friendly hotel is located very close to the tram, ferry and funicular stop. It is easily accessible from many different areas of the city like Galata Tower, Taksim, and the Old City.
The rooms are basic and comfortable. They feature a mini fridge, mini bar, kettle with tea and coffee, and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a terrace.
The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about the city.
The Haze Karakoy
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Necatibey Cd. No:36, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
The Haze Hotel is located on the corner of a fairly busy intersection in Karakoy. However, don’t let that deter you because the rooms are soundproof.
The hotel occupies a building that was once a bakery and bobbin factory. The architecture is neoclassical with high ceilings.
This mid-range boutique hotel features cutting-edge custom furniture, rain shower, flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels.
Mükellef Karakoy is the hotel’s restaurant that features modern Turkish cuisine from its award-winning chef. The restaurant is located on the rooftop which offers great views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Nabu Hotel
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Murakıp Sk. No:13, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Nabu Hotel is a mid-range hotel located on the main street of Karakoy. There are many dining options right at your doorstep.
This hotel features contemporary furniture and a calm and ambient atmosphere. Nabu has their own gastropub and bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
The rooms are a generous size and feature an electric kettle with complimentary coffee and tea, hair dryer, robes and slippers.
Novotel
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:57-59, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Novotel is a 5-star hotel offering comfort in a modern and stylish atmosphere.
Rooms choices vary from Bosphorus or Galata views with twin, queen or king bed options depending on availability.
Inside the hotel, guests can take advantage of the indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, steam bath, Turkish bath, and massage services.
Mürver Restaurant is located on the terrace floor and is one of the popular and exclusive restaurants in Karakoy. They specialize in cooking over open fire with charcoal.
JW Mariott Istanbul Bosphorus
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:26, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
The JW Marriott is a 5-star hotel located just steps away from the Bosphorus. It is directly across the street from the Old Post Office which is now a shopping mall.
The overall vibe is modern, luxurious, and spacious. The hotel has a 24/7 fitness center, Turkish bath and spa.
There are many room and bed options available with the choice of Bosphorus view or Galata Tower view. Of course, these options vary depending on availability.
There are 6 restaurants on-site. I like going to the Sky Lounge because it’s located on the roof with a nice view. The other restaurants are Octo, Wine Cellar, Skull and Bones, Galata Lounge and Istanbul Baking Company. All the restaurants offer international cuisine.
More things to do in Istanbul
Go cafe hunting with my cute Instagram-worthy cafe guide.
Explore the Asia side of Istanbul.
Be sure to check off all these activities from my Istanbul bucket list.
Visit the top 4 palaces in Istanbul.
