Reading is always pleasing but some places make it even better. Tiyop Cafe Bistro is one of the best reading spots in İstanbul.
It's located in Galata, famous for its tower and the bridge over the Golden Horn, and also my favorite neighborhood, especially on rainy and snowy days. The place itself has a peaceful atmosphere in a quiet street. The plainly designed interior that is always smells of coffee makes it a great spot to open a good book or have an enjoyable conversation. Having snack or enjoying a good coffee while being surrounded by leafy plants and blooming flowers is one of the most peaceful things I can think of.
They also have a wide range of global and local coffees. Besides Turkish coffee, there are so many different types of traditional coffees here in Turkey and you can try them here in Tiyop.
For example, The Menengic coffee which is made from the terebinth berry. Or Dibek Kahvesi. The word “Dibek” refers to mortar and all the ingredients in their coffee are ground by hand using a mortar and pestle. It's an old cooking Ottoman-style tradition: they made it in the cup, putting it directly in the oven.
To sum up, all of them are worth a try and I should add that I have tasted the best bread I have eaten in my life in Tiyop.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
by
The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
by
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips