Haydarpaşa Railway Station Istanbul

Mesmerizing structure

Zekeriya from Istanbul

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is...
""Haydarpaşa Railway Station" is one of the most important and grand symbols of Istanbul. The feeling this old building gives me is just mesmerizing..."

Haydarpaşa is one of the most important and grand symbols of Istanbul. It's a railway station adjacent to the Kadıköy wharf. This is a unique architectural pleasure representing German Renaissance style. It is a must visit for any tourist and also for locals. The feeling you get in this lovely building is mesmerizing. It takes you from 1908, when it was officially opened, to our time like a time machine.

It is the main station that connects Anatolia to Istanbul. Unfortunately the building is not operational at the moment as it's undergoing a renovation and is expected to be reopened in two years' time. There were rumors that it would be converted into a hotel but recently this has been corrected and Haydarpaşa will remain as it is (THANK GOD).

You can visit the building, enjoy the wharfs on the Asian side while staring at Europe. You can take fabulous pictures and spend at least a couple of hours here. Mind you it's one of the most recognized symbols of the city.

002-building
Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is unique... Athens, Alexandria, Antioch, Rome, or those that have come after, such as Baghdad and Damascus... These are cities with mono-culture, cities that do not host a historical continuity o...

About this spot

Haydarpasa

TL

free

Oct 29, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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