Catherine & Mehmet
Things To Do/Neler yapabiliriz
Ferry across the Bosporus
Board the public transit ferry from Beşiktaş (Hayrettin Iskelesi Sk. 6 34022 Beşiktaş Istanbul Türkiye) and ride to Kadikoy! It’s the perfect way to spend time mid-morning and enjoy a fascinating view of Istanbul. All while being able to claim you went to Asia for lunch!
Climb Galata Tower
A stunning view of the city awaits! Galata Tower is an ancient watch tower used during the Ottoman Period, legend has it that man’s first flight was off the tower when Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi glided in 1638 with artificial wings from Galata Tower to Üsküdar. Warning: only climb the tower with your true love, as couples to make it to the top are destined to be engaged <3
Take a rest at Thales Bistro
Stop by Thales for a refreshing drink, or two! For non-alcoholic options, we recommend a Churchill (a classic lemon-tonic citrus beverage). As for alcoholic options, explore their creative coctails.
Share a meal at Çıtır pub
Pub for a quick bite. Make sure to sit upstairs for some tranquility and a peak at the Bosphorus.
Visit Beşiktaş neighborhood’s Eagle Statue
Neighborhoods throughout Istanbul are associated with an animal, which essentially is their mascot. For Beşiktaş it is the Eagle. It is at the center of Beşiktaş downtown and serves as a perfect meeting spot or people watching perc.
Walk down Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal is the most popular street of not only Istanbul but entire Turkey. Everyday approximately 2 million people walk along it. Well, you can be one of them, while seeing some of the historical buildings, such as churches, embassies, and apartments. Fun story: This was where Mehmet took Katie for shopping in Turkey during her first trip to Istanbul.
Explore Caferağa (Kadıköy Pubs District)
If you want to explore life in Anatolian side, Caferağa will give you a glimpse. It is full of bars, book stores, antique shops, and street vendors. We recommend walking around, and if any place catches your eye, just stop by!
Step Back to Ottoman (and even Roman) Life at the Historical Peninsula
Istanbul was the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman (Fun fact: modern Turkey's capital is not Istanbul). You can find the remanents of each of them. Make sure to visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Gülhane Park. For history buffs, there are extensive stories/historical backgrounds for each place.
Have some drinks at Mentalist Pub Beşiktaş
They have a nice back patio if you want to take a moment from chaos of Beşiktaş and enjoy one of their seasonal coctails.