Nail Kitabevi & Cafe Istanbul
Bookstore around the corner
Vildan from Istanbul
Kuzguncuk, a neighborhood where a church, a mosque and a synagogue stand side by side, is a cosmopolitan mix of Istanbul’s many cultures. Here, on a charming corner you'll find Nail Kitabevi & Cafe in a 19th century baroque and rococo style building, originally designed by famous Armenian architect brothers, Nikoghos and Karapet Balyan. It was a family that worked on over 150 buildings in Istanbul, including Dolmabahçe Palace. Publisher Erhan Nailoğlu converted this historic building from a barber shop after two years of restoration and now it is a place where I come for peace of mind, fine art and a good book.
The two-story bookshop has an extensive collection of books on art, architecture, history, philosophy, literature, music, etc... If you like some caffeine with your Kafka or Orhan Pamuk, do not forget to try their Julius Meinl branded coffee. Grab a coffee and take your pick to the second floor, where a bay window, a picture-perfect reading nook, awaits. Sink into the cushioned seat, lose yourself in your book of choice. In such an inspiring environment, time will rapidly flow through the pages.
Istanbul Spotter Vildan
About this spot
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 253 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
The Museum of Innocence
Beauty of Storytelling
This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Batard Bomonti
French Bistro in Istanbul
Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Lokal Makers Shop
Slow shopping in Istanbul
At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
3rd Culture Store
Design store in Istanbul
From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Perili Köşk
The haunted mansion
Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Boter Kalamış
Coffee & bake shop
Boter Kalamış in Kadiköy, Istanbul, is a bakeshop in one of my favorite spots. I love getting a buttery pastry & a coffee and sitting in the park nearby
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sour and Sweet Artisan Bakery
Sourdough heaven
Sour and Sweet Artisanal Bakery in Istanbul makes US-style sourdough creations. Great for filling my stomach before hitting the Caddebostan seaside...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Akıntı Balık
Just one foot from the Bosphorus
Akıntı Balık is a fish restaurant in Istanbul. It has a view over the Bosphorus and that makes it really special. They have good Turkish mezes...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Guten Morgen
Berliner in Kadikoy
Guten Morgen in Istanbul is a very quiet, simple place to have a coffee together with a delicious coffee, despite its busy location. Perfect in summer!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Corner Irish Pub
Good beer, cosy atmosphere
Corner Irish Pub is hidden really close to Istiklal St in Istanbul. They have very good beer varieties, burgers and a cosy inner atmosphere.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Istanbul Modern
Art museum
Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sakura Cafe
Japan in Moda
Sakura Cafe in Istanbul's Moda is a small and cozy cafe that's very quiet compared to the rest of the busy neighborhood. They have great coffee and cakes
by
Yucel
Babadag
Heading to Istanbul?
253 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
✓ 253 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:
