Kuzguncuk Istanbul
A neighborhood with unique beauty
Kuzguncuk is situated between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side and it is not like any other place in Istanbul. Its unique beauty with old and colourful houses, friendly shopkeepers and lively atmosphere attracts many visitors.
Historically, it has been home to people with different religions; you can see a church and a mosque next to each other across the Kuzguncuk Pier. There are also two synagogues in Kuzguncuk. They all stand as a good representation of living together in peace for years.
Kuzguncuk houses lots of lovely coffee shops and local restaurants. In the last couple of years, many cafes replaced by new ones as they become more and more popular among visitors from the outside. But along the streets of Kuzguncuk, you can still feel the well-connected community. The tree-lined road, Icadiye Street, is enjoyable to walk on but gets crowded on the weekends, and the cafe tables and the people make it challenging to walk at your own pace.
The streets of Kuzguncuk are mainly covered with cobblestones. On Simitçi Tahir Street, you can find the famous, colourful mansions of Kuzguncuk, where everyone takes pictures in front. Kuzguncuk Orchard where locals grow vegetables, is a nice place to sit and drink your takeaway coffee when you can't find a seat at your favourite coffee shop.
You can also visit "Refikadan", our famous chef's store of kitchenware and spices, "Off the Record" for the vinyl collection, "Homemade Aromaterapi" for natural products and "Nail Bookstore.
About this spot
Kuzguncuk
TL
no-price
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Müz Botanik & Kahve
Muses dancing all around
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
Arzu
Damli
Bord İstanbul
Fine dining at the museum
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
Arzu
Damli
Helvetia
Just like your mum's cooking
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
Arzu
Damli
Craft Beer Lab
Fancy a pint?
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Sobremesa Coffee
Mi casa es tu casa
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Nail Kitabevi & Cafe
Bookstore around the corner
"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!
by
Vildan
Ay
Dem Kadıköy
Cheesecake heaven
"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.
by
Vildan
Ay
Firuze İKSV
Sunset dinner at the Golden Horn
"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!
by
Arzu
Damli
Maezae
Local design store
"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...
by
Seyda
Vardar
Jacqueline Cookies
The best cookies I've ever had
"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.
by
Vildan
Ay
Misk
A lovely taste experience in a flower garden
"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.
by
Arzu
Damli
Cuma Cafe
See you at brunch!
"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.
by
Arzu
Damli
Heading to Istanbul?
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 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:
