Yeniköy is one of my favourite neighbourhoods on the European side. It has a distinct beauty with its tree-lined road and lovely streets. It is also not as crowded as the popular neighbourhoods of Istanbul.
I usually arrive at Yeniköy by the Eminönü-Rumelikavağı line, which is within walking distance of İstinye Pier. As I leave the pier, the tree-lined road of Yeniköy feels like heaven on a sunny day. I enjoy walking under the shade of these big trees until I arrive at my favourite spot: MUA Gelato shop. After a short break here, I leave the main road, stroll between the streets of Yeniköy and take pictures of the lovely houses. Next, I stop for a cup of coffee, but since there are many coffee shops, it is hard to choose among those. Yeniköy Kahvesi, and Emek Kafe are the oldest ones with a view, while you can also find modern ones such as Voi, Marcel etc. If you feel hungry, Pero is a nice, tiny restaurant by the sea, and it offers delicious food and cocktails.
You’ll start walking by the seaside as you finish the tree-lined road. The walkway is broad, and it is not packed with many people as the more popular seaside neighbourhoods.
Yeniköy also houses one of the famous mansions; Sait Halim Paşa Yalısı. This mansion usually houses wedding-like events, but there are also activities open to the public, such as outdoor cinema by the Bosphorus, Sunday breakfasts with live jazz music, yoga etc.
