Explore Çukurcuma Istanbul

Art nouveau at Faik Paşa St.

Zeynep from Istanbul

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. ...
"As you walk from Galatasaray to Karaköy, prepare for a nostalgic journey with a contemporary vibe with cobblestone streets and art nouveau-style buildings."

Çukurcuma, my favorite neighborhood is located in the heart of Istanbul. As you walk from Galatasaray to Karaköy, prepare for a nostalgic journey with a contemporary vibe. Its cobblestone streets and art nouveau-style buildings - like Zenovitch Apartments steal my heart on every visit.

The neighborhood is home to treasured art galleries - like C.A.M Gallery and antique shops. It's a delight to wander through the galleries, discovering pieces and engaging with the artists themselves. Each shop is like a museum, filled with beautifully selected items from different eras. Whether you're searching for vintage glass, antique jewelry, or unique curiosities, you'll find something truly special here.

But Cukurcuma is not just about art; it's a place where the senses come alive. Charming cafes are hidden in every corner, like - Nørre. Dining options are equally diverse, with restaurants serving up Turkish and international flavors. I always end up at Çukurcuma 49 Pizzeria.

Çukurcuma has a rich history dating back five centuries, making it one of the oldest districts in Istanbul. One notable figure from the area's history is Faik Pasha, originally named Francesco Della Suda. Born into a poor Italian family in Greece, Francesco came to Istanbul and opened the Grand Pharmacie Della Suda, one of the city's first pharmacies, on Istiklal Street in 1844. One of my favorite streets is named after him - Faik Paşa Caddesi.

I can't recommend Çukurcuma enough if you are an art enthusiast, antique lover, and/or looking for an authentic cultural experience.

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Istanbul Spotter Zeynep

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. You’ll often find me walking by the Bosphorus with my lovely dog, chasing moonrises, or admiring murals tucked into alleyways. I’m drawn to places that feel alive—where nature, art, and people ...

About this spot

Faik Paşa Cd.Beyoğlu/İstanbul

TL

free

Nov 21, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 252 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Taksim Tünel Tramvay

Nostalgic Red Tram Ride

My suggestion is to take the route from Taksim Square to Tünel and continue exploring nice neighborhoods like Çukurcuma, Asmalı Mescit, or Galata.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Nørre Coffee Shop

Nordic Style in Istanbul

This Scandivanian-style, two-floor café has a simple yet tastefully decorated interior. And the small open kitchen adds a touch of warmth and authenticity.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Karaköy Lokantası

Wow experience

"Karaköy Lokantası" in Istanbul is a beautiful, modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant. I like their hummus with pastrami -- it's a must taste!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Mediterranean

Monumental sculpture of a woman

"Mediterranean" or Akdeniz is a beautiful sculpture in Istanbul, in the Yapı Kredi Culture Art building. I fell in love with it on first sight...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Dec 3, 2025

A Bit of Eggo

Because breakfast matters

"A Bit of Eggo" is my final destination for a high protein, organic egg breakfast on my favorite walking route in Istanbul. I love the cute outdoor area!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Sensus Galata

Time to wine down!

"Sensus Galata" is a dark red heaven for Istanbul's wine lovers. Come here and discover why this wine region is one of the world's most underrated...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Yirmibir Ocakbaşı

House o' flames

"Yirmibir Ocakbaşı" is a meeting point for me & my circle in Istanbul. It's a grill restaurant with an open fire pit in the middle. Great for kebab & raki

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi

Lovely breakfast

"Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi" is my favorite place in this neighborhood of Istanbul. Like the name suggests, this restaurant is famous for its breakfast...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Kubbe-i Aşk

Coffee break in old town

"Kubbe-i Aşk" in Istanbul means 'Dome of Love', and it's in Suleymaniye. I like going there in wintertime to see Istanbul under a white snowy cover...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Yucel

Babadag

Dec 3, 2025

Gabfoods

Healthy & delicious

"Gabfoods" is the first Paleo healthy restaurant in Istanbul. Located on the Bosphorus waterfront, these guys have put the taste back into healthy eating.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Pide-Sun

Never had a better pide

"Pide-Sun", located between Istanbul's Kadıköy and Moda, is the secret restaurant of the Anatolian side. The portions are big and the pides are fully...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Sütiş

Breakfast by the sea

"Sütiş" Istanbul is a restaurant in the narrow streets Arnavutköy. Its breakfast and desserts gather locals from far and wid. I recommend the milk ones...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Dec 3, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

252 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

252 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters