There are many things to see in Beyoglu, as it can be considered the other historical heart of Istanbul, and also its other great tourist area. While the most symbolic and monumental core is the Ancient Peninsula, with the main mosques and the most famous bazaars, Beyoglu is not far behind with historical constructions and, in addition, offers a modern and lively beat for Istanbul residents and tourists. Here we tell you what you should know about this area that you should visit during your trip.
What exactly is Beyoglu
Beyoglu is, literally, “the neighborhood on the other side.” Centuries ago it was called Pera, in Greek, which could be translated as “other side” or “beyond.” It was an easy way to refer to the part of the city that was located on the other side of the Golden Horn, the waterway that today separates this neighborhood and the Ancient Peninsula. The connection with the historical heart is made by several bridges, but also by small ferries.
In reality, it is worth clarifying that it is not exactly a neighborhood, but a district. That is, a larger geographical demarcation, which encompasses different neighborhoods. Therefore, there is sometimes some confusion when locating certain monuments. Within the Beyoglu district there are eight neighborhoods, the most famous and touristy being Kadikoy (often known as Galata). That raises the resident population here to more than 220,000 people.
What to see in Beyoglu
Some of the great tourist attractions of Istanbul are located precisely here, so there are many things to see in Beyoglu. We have already discussed some of these attractions in this blog, but we list them again so that you can get an idea of how to configure your program in this part of the city.
Galata Tower
It is the most prominent monument in the district, as we told you in this post. And we say ‘prominent’ also because of its prominence: it reaches up to
Istiklal Caddesi
It is the most lively and commercial street in the city, around which are grouped bars, restaurants, shops, theaters and many other entertainment venues. It is, therefore, a meeting point for all Istanbul residents and for all tourists who want to take the pulse of this metropolis… which is very accelerated.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani, in Turkish) is the true popular heart of Istanbul, and the starting point of the aforementioned Istiklal Caddesi. It does not have monuments as old and imposing as Sultanahmet Square, but the Taksim Mosque stands out on one of its sides (with an Ottoman and modern silhouette, but controversial due to its visual impact) and the Monument to the Republic, which makes it the epicenter of demonstrations and patriotic events.
Istanbul Modern
It is the main museum of modern art, inaugurated in 2003 and a place of exhibition of the main Turkish artists of the last century, such as Hoca Ali Rıza or Nuri Iyem, as well as other foreign creators, both in the permanent collection and in temporary exhibitions.
Galataport
It is one of the pillars of the new tourism of Istanbul: inaugurated in 2021 very close to the Istanbul Modern, it is more than the city’s cruise port. In its surroundings, a fashionable neighborhood has emerged, with great evening entertainment, full of bars and restaurants aimed at the medium-high profile public. By the way, don’t look for the terminal building, you won’t see much… the terminal is underground!
