Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Arnavutköy, one of Istanbul’s rare historical districts, offers wonderful places to enjoy delicious food, from charming cafes to exquisite restaurants and traditional fishmongers.
Recently, Arnavutköy has grown into one of Istanbul’s most popular districts. Streets once known for modest restaurants and fishmongers now buzz with new and exciting venues. In this post, you will discover the 20 best places to visit in Arnavutkoy.
Table of Contents
Visiting Arnavutkoy: Essential Tips
Arnavutköy sits on the Bosphorus between Ortaköy and Bebek. It’s calm, pretty, and great for a slow walk by the water. Think old wooden houses, small cafés, and fish restaurants.
Quick Basics
- Easy plan: walk the waterfront, take photos of wooden houses, stop for tea or fish.
- Weekends get busy. Weekday sunset is ideal.
Sunrise by the Water
Start at the small pier. Fishermen set up early, ferries pass, and the light is soft.
Close to: pier, fish stalls, side streets with old houses
How to get there: Coastal bus; or M6 Etiler then walk downhill 15–20 min; taxis work but traffic can be slow
Where to stay: Nearby areas like Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı, or Bebek
Pro tip: Wear shoes with good grip—the stones can be slippery.
Long Lunch → Sunset
Have mezze and grilled fish by the water. If tables are full, try a side-street meyhane (often cheaper and cozier). Walk to Bebek after.
Close to: Bebek (15–20 min walk), Ortaköy (25–30 min walk)
How to get there: Walk the flat coast path
Where to sit: Ask for a spot protected from wind (“rüzgârdan korunaklı”)
Pro tip: Ask “Bugün taze ne var?” (What’s fresh today?) for the best fish.
Getting Around
- Walk the shoreline—flat and scenic.
- Buses run along the coast; expect delays at rush hour.
- Taxis are good for the steep hill up to Etiler; avoid peak seaside traffic.
- Metro link: Use M6 Etiler if traffic is heavy.
Pro tip: Save a map pin for pickup points—street names repeat.
Photos & Architecture
- Best facades are on the small streets just behind the waterfront.
- The gentle Akıntıburnu curve gives classic Bosphorus views.
- Morning = soft colors; blue hour = nice reflections.
Pro tip: Step into doorways to frame photos safely off the road.
Eat & Drink
- Breakfast: Simit + menemen with a view.
- Mezze: Aegean greens, fava, lakerda; then grilled sea bream/sea bass.
- Dessert: Ice cream or kazandibi on the walk to Bebek.
- Coffee: Small cafés on parallel streets are quieter.
Pro tip: Ask for half portions of mezze to try more dishes.
Best Times
- Weekday mornings for quiet walks.
- Sunset for the nicest light and lively terraces.
- Skip sunny weekend afternoons if you dislike traffic and crowds.
Pro tip: On windy days, the north end (toward Bebek) can be calmer.
Logistics
Close to: Bebek, Ortaköy, Etiler (uphill), Beşiktaş (short ride)
How to get there: Coastal buses; M6 Etiler + walk/taxi; rideshare late at night
Where to stay: Beşiktaş/Nişantaşı for easy transport; Bebek for waterside hotels
Best Places to Visit In Arnavutkoy
1. Arnavutkoy Beach
Arnavutköy is located on the Bosphorus coast of Istanbul, so the coastline is quite beautiful and popular. Especially in the morning or evening, a pleasant walk with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus can be a wonderful experience. If you like taking photos, the riot of colors on the Arnavutköy coast during sunset will offer you fascinating moments. You can often see fishing boats on the Arnavutköy coast. You can also be sure that sitting on the benches on the coast and sipping your drink while watching the sunset will offer you a unique pleasure.
To reach Arnavutköy, you can take ferry services departing from Eminönü, İstinye, and Çengelköy. To come by IETT, you can use public vehicles 22, 22 RE, 25 E, 40, 40 T, 42 T passing through Arnavutköy stop.
Author’s Note: We recommend that you stop by Sur Balık, one of the oldest restaurants in the district, located on the coastline, and try shrimp with kadaif.
2. Pile Road
Arnavutköy used to be a neighborhood where Greeks and Jews lived. One of the legacies they left to the area is the historical Greek mansions, which are decorated like lace, made of wood, and whose balconies you would dream of sitting on. We are sure that you will not be able to resist taking photos of these colorful mansions in pastel tones while walking along the coast.
3. Arnavutkoy Streets
The streets of Arnavutköy offer a unique atmosphere and historical and cultural richness. The most distinctive features of Arnavutköy streets are its narrow streets paved with cobblestones, historical wooden houses and structures dating back to the Ottoman period. As you walk through the streets, you will feel surrounded by Arnavutköy’s historical heritage and impressive architecture. In addition, the stalls of local tradesmen, cafes and restaurants will attract you with the liveliness of the streets. As you walk along these streets, you will experience a fascinating Istanbul district that brings together the beauties of the past and the present. You can immortalise your memories by taking lots of photos here and buying gifts for yourself and your loved ones from the shops here.
Author’s Note: If you get hungry while walking the streets of Arnavutköy, we recommend that you enjoy fish at Adem Baba.
4. Aya Strati Taksiarhi Greek Orthodox Church
Built between 1896 and 1899, the Aya Strati Taksiarhi Greek Orthodox Church was dedicated to the archangel Michael, who, in the 16th century, was believed by Greeks to have healing powers. For this reason, the neighborhood was once called the ‘Village of Angels’. The Aya Strati Taksiarhi Church is the largest in Arnavutköy and dates back to the time of Constantine the Great. It was restored in 1677, then renovated in 1796 and 1799 after it burned down. The 1894 earthquakes finally destroyed it. It was rebuilt between 1896 and 1899 and has survived to this day. This church, which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, is one of the most beautiful structures in Arnavutköy. The church, which has 19th-century architectural features, has a bell tower on its western axis. The bell tower reads “Come to me” from the mouth of Jesus. The church, which adds value to the cultural texture of the neighbourhood, adorns the Bosphorus with all its splendour.
5. Izzetabad Pavilion
The İzzetabad Pavilion, which is currently the headquarters of Bayraktar Holding, has been demolished and rebuilt several times throughout its history and has served various purposes. Sultan Selim III, who first came here on September 7, 1797, later had fun by participating in the saz-singing moonlight celebrations and having the aghas throw spears and bullets here. It was demolished in 1890 and added to Çiftesaraylar, and twin wooden mansions were built in its place. It was used as a school where many students were educated, and it was known as Boğaziçi High School between 1931 and 1944. After 1944, it was used again as a tobacco warehouse. It hosted many prominent figures, including Selim III, Mahmud II, Belgin Doruk, and Recep Zühtü Soyak. It was rebuilt in 1992 by the Bayraktar family, who purchased the land on August 1, 1989, and made it the Holding’s headquarters.
6. Robert College
Robert College, one of the most established and prestigious high schools in Türkiye, which began providing “American-style” education in the Ottoman Empire in 1863, is spread across a vast area in the Arnavutköy hills. It was first established in Bebek in 1863 to provide education to boys. American Girls College was opened in Gedikpaşa in 1871. In 1971, Robert College began co-educational education at its campus in Arnavutköy. Although it may not be seen for visiting purposes, we would like you to know that it is for the purpose of viewing it from the outside.
7. Tevfikiye Mosque
Tevfikiye Mosque, also known as “Arnavutköy” and “Akıntıburnu Mosque”, is located next to Arnavutköy Police Station on Arnavutköy coastal road and is situated on a large plot of land. A historical structure from the Ottoman period, this mosque was built by Sultan Mahmud II in the name of his son Şehzade Tevfik. Its construction began in 1832 and was opened for worship in 1838. It underwent extensive restoration, and its doors were reopened to visitors in May 2023.
8. Bebek Arnavutköy Caddesi
Akıntıburnu is a protrusion extending into the sea on the Arnavutköy coast. There is a continuous surface current here from the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea, with speeds of up to 12 knots per hour. This causes whirlpools to form in the sea, creating a dangerous situation for sailors.
Arnavutköy used to be a place where Greeks lived, and its old Greek name was Mega Revma (Big Current). Since the old days, especially in foggy weather, sailors who have technical problems or lose their route do not see this cape and can crash into the land. Various arrangements have been made along the coast of Akıntıburnu in recent years, including a fantastic walking route from Ortaköy to Bebek and an area where fishing enthusiasts can easily cast their lines. The lighthouse here also adds a different beauty to the place.
You can take a pleasant walk along the long coastline from Ortaköy to Bebek during the week or on the weekend, and occasionally sit on the benches on the beach and count the fish on the fishermen’s rods. When you reach Akıntı Burnu, you can sit in the cafes here and sip your tea, looking at the lighthouse.
Author’s Note: In the past, the Greeks living here used to make a living from fishing. They used to sell the fresh fish they caught at Akıntı Burnu to taverns run by Greeks. Don’t leave here without following this tradition and setting up a pleasant dinner table at one of the fishmongers along the line from Akıntı Burnu to Ortaköy.
9. Ayazma Park
Ayazma Park, which is small but has a magnificent view, is a neighborhood park and has children’s areas where children can have fun. You can sit peacefully on the benches facing the Bosphorus view and enjoy the unique view.
10. Arnavutköy Sosyal Tesisleri
Arnavutköy Sosyal Tesisleri, located on the coast of Arnavutköy, one of Istanbul’s most beautiful districts with its historical texture, a uniquely beautiful Bosphorus view, and narrow streets leading to the coast, offers its visitors enjoyable moments. With its architectural structure integrated with the neighborhood texture of Arnavutköy, delicious food, and fantastic Bosphorus view, you can choose Arnavutköy Sosyal Tesisleri to spend enjoyable hours with your loved ones in a comfortable and stylish environment.
After wandering around the streets of Arnavutköy and taking a nice walk on the beach, you can have a delicious breakfast facing the Bosphorus, sip your coffee or enjoy ice cream at the cafeteria of Arnavutköy Social Facilities. You can try the tasty dishes on the menu accompanied by the breeze in the restaurant section, which you will prefer during lunch and dinner hours.
Prices
- ₺₺
Opening hours
- Every day 08.30-23.00
11. Halet Çambel Mansion
One of the oldest mansions on the Bosphorus, the Halet Çambel Mansion was built between 1820 and 1830. It has hosted many families throughout history. It was last used by Prof. Dr. Halet Çambel and her family in the early 1930s. Prof. Dr. Halet Çambel and her husband Nail Çakırhan, who won the Aga Khan Architecture Award, lived in this mansion for many years. They donated this mansion to Boğaziçi University in 2004. Like the mansion itself, its garden is also very magnificent and spacious. There are 335 trees in the garden. Another striking aspect of the garden is its “serdap” (cooling area), one of its Persian-origin garden design features. The fact that the mansion and its garden have been preserved to this day makes the mansion even more special.
Boğaziçi University is working to restore the mansion without losing its original texture and transform it into the “Halet Çambel and Nail Çakırhan Archaeology and Traditional Architecture Research Center”.
12. Arnavutkoy Pier
Arnavutköy Pier, which is the first place where those who reach Arnavutköy by sea set foot, greets its visitors like a naive swing swinging on the sea. The first location of Arnavutköy Pier was next to the Police Station. It underwent a significant renovation in 1890, and in 1894, a separate section was built just for women passengers. When the coastal road was constructed in 1980 to pass in front of the mansions along the coast, the existing pier was demolished because it was too far back, and a new one was built on the newly constructed piled road in 1988. Since then, the pier has continued to operate at its current location.
Author’s Note: If you want to come to Arnavutköy by sea or set sail from here, you can take the ferries that stop at Arnavutköy Pier and enjoy the Bosphorus on the ferry. For this, you can check the hours of the Bosphorus round-trip ferry trips between Rumelikavağı – Eminönü and Çengelköy – İstinye.
13. Art House By Sedef Gali
Designer Sedef Gali’s studio Art House, which hosts special art events, exhibitions and workshops, is a place where art lovers meet in Arnavutköy. You too can share the magic of the unique world of art by following the events organized here.
14. Ayvazpasazade Mansion
One of the most popular aspects of Arnavutköy is the magnificent mansions lining its shore. One of these is the Ayvazpaşazade mansion, built in the early 20th century and located on Arnavutköy Kuruçeşme Street, the most enormous mansion in Arnavutköy. It is said that the first owner of the Ayvazpaşazade mansion was an Armenian banker. It is also noted that there was a coinage area and an elevator that worked with water in its garden. It was purchased by Cretan Ali Vafi in 1915. It burned down in 1919 and was rebuilt in 1980 to its original design. Behind it is the Ali Vafi Grove. Today, this mansion can be rented.
Best Places To Eat in Arnavutkoy
Any
Any Pub is one of the favorite places preferred by Arnavutköy residents and those visiting from outside. While Abrakadabra certainly made its mark, Any is known as the place that kicked off the new generation movement in the neighborhood. Opened in 2014, Any provides a delightful atmosphere at any time of the day.
With its dark tones, this two-story venue exudes a spacious and modern London-style pub vibe. The menu includes snacks and various starters ideal for those wanting a drink. Be sure to try their “buffalo wings,” a rare treat in Istanbul, served with a special cheese sauce. Additionally, Any offers a diverse menu with burgers and healthier options like salads and salmon.
Bebek Arnavutkoy St. No: 1/A Arnavutkoy
Alexandra
One of the first names that comes to mind for cocktail venues lately is Alexandra. It operates in the historical mansion across from Any. Ideal for those who want to have a drink after their meal, the venue fascinates its guests with its cocktails and view.
Arnavutkoy Neighborhood, Bebek Arnavutkoy St. No:50, 34345 Besiktas
Hide Arnavutkoy
Located among the greenery, Café Hide opened its doors in Arnavutköy in 2020. It has a secret garden where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They offer their flavors best by changing their brunch menu seasonally. You can experience the unique flavors in the brunch menu, taste the fresh bakery products, and sip your coffee.
Arnavutköy Neighborhood, Arnavutköy Dere Street No:8, 34345 Beşiktaş
Arnavutkoy’s Classical Places
Arnavutköy is home to some venues that have stood the test of time. Here are the classic places you shouldn’t miss:
- Ali Baba: A beloved neighborhood meatball restaurant that has remained a favorite over the years.
- Adem Baba: Famous for its fish dishes, including a must-try fish soup. Located just past Ali Baba.
- Galeri Selvin: Situated on Dere Sokak, this gallery was founded by artist Selvin Gafuroğlu and has hosted sculpture and painting exhibitions for many years.
- Jaquette by Elvan: A boutique known for its unique, modern jackets and kimonos. It’s located further down from Galeri Selvin.
- Kolaylar Tarım: The best place to find high-quality vegetables and fruits. Chefs from different neighborhoods come here to shop for unique herbs and fresh produce.
- Muskat: A well-known pastry shop where buying fresh cakes and desserts has become a local tradition.
- Arnavutköy Cheese Shop: Renowned for its delicious cheeses from all over Turkey.
While exploring Arnavutköy, you’ll also encounter:
- Akıntıburnu: The iconic protrusion of the Bosphorus extending from Arnavutköy to the sea. Enjoy the sight of people fishing along the shore.
- Greek Houses: Hidden within the steep side streets, these historical homes offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past.
Sur Balik
Sur Balık has been operating in a historical mansion with a unique view for seven years. In the summer months, you can watch the magnificent view of the Bosphorus from the restaurant’s large terrace or balcony. The place has a high-quality standard in fish meze. They serve one of the most delicious lakerda in Istanbul, and the mackerel marina is no less. We recommend trying the artichoke fava and seasonal fish among the cold mezes.
Antica Locanda
Antica Locanda is one of Istanbul’s distinguished Italian trattorias. We recommend calling before you go, as the restaurant’s opening and service hours may vary. Italian chef Gian Carlo Talerico serves his magnificent dishes ‘a la minute’. While enjoying homemade seafood pasta in the garden decorated with colorful marble, you will be amazed by Antica Locanda’s unchanging style for years and the chef’s talent for seafood.
Arnavutköy, Sales Square Street No. 12, 34345 Beşiktaş
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