Beyoglu walking tour is a history, culture and food tour that gives you the chance to observe the architectural transformation of Istanbul during the Ottoman period (between the 15th and 20th centuries).
Covering popular places in Istanbul such as Karakoy, Galata, Istiklal Street and Taksim Square, this tour starts with a 16th-century classical Ottoman mosque and allows you to see the architecture that has become Westernized over time.
During the Beyoglu walking tour, we talk about the history and culture of Istanbul in detail. We also get to know some great local restaurants and Turkish dessert shops along our route.
Highlights of the Beyoglu Walking Tour
This tour lasts 3 to 4 hours and allows you to explore places that the average tourist has never seen. The buildings you will see during this tour will show you how cosmopolitan Istanbul was in history.
In the lines below, you can see the highlights of the Beyoglu walking tour. If you would like to book this private tour, you can contact me via the form on the contact page.
1. Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque is a structure built for an admiral in the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak.
Like many historical monuments in Istanbul, the story of this building is quite interesting. Because the person who built the mosque was actually a man of Italian origin known as Occhiali.
Since the person who designed the mosque was Sinan, the most famous architect of the Ottoman history, Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque becomes the most important stop of our walking tour.
2. Karakoy
Karakoy was the main port of the city on the Golden Horn during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
The Venetians and Genoese, Italian trading colonies in Constantinople during the Byzantine period, were stationed here. In addition, one end of the famous chain that prevented enemy ships from entering the Golden Horn was also here.
Today, Karakoy is under great development with the influence of Galataport (Cruise Terminal). During gentrification in recent years, wonderful restaurants and cafes have opened in the area.
3. Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate
Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate stands out as one of the hidden gems we will see while exploring the back streets of Karakoy.
A large part of the Orthodox community in Anatolia is affiliated with the Greek Patriarchate. However, Orthodox Turks established their own patriarchate during the Republic period.
Inside the church there are many wonderful icons that reflect the Orthodox Christian tradition of Istanbul. For this reason, this is one of the interesting stops of our tour.
4. Galata neighborhood
Galata neighborhood has become the fastest developing place in Istanbul in recent years. The district has the most beautiful Airbnb apartments in Istanbul.
In the Galata district, there are wonderful houses built by families living in the area in the 19th century and the famous Galata Tower.
We will find great photo spots during our walk through the streets surrounding the tower. The city’s best jazz bar (Nardis) and wine house (Sensus) are also located in this area.
5. Neve Shalom Synagogue
Neve Shalom Synagogue is the largest Jewish house of worship in Istanbul. The story of Turkish Jews is told in the museum inside this synagogue, very close to the Galata Tower.
Since entrance to synagogues requires prior permission, we see this place from the outside. However, we do not forget to mention the Jewish community, which has an important place in the history of Istanbul.
6. Mesrutiyet Street
Mesrutiyet Street is one of my favorite places in Istanbul. There are hotels on the street where Westerners who came to Istanbul on the Orient Express in the 19th century stayed.
The most famous of these hotels, Pera Palace, is still one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul. We pay a short visit here during our walk on the street.
There is also the British Consulate building and St Helena Chapel (an Anglican church) on the street. We should point out that Mikla, one of Istanbul’s first Michelin star restaurants, is also here.
7. Church of St. Anthony of Padua
Church of St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most important stops of the Beyoglu walking tour. Because this church is the most important Catholic church in Istanbul, known for its Orthodox tradition.
The architecture of this church and the buildings surrounding it has always been found interesting by Istanbulites, as it reminds them of Venice, Italy. For this reason, it is one of the most popular photography spots in Istanbul.
8. Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street has been the most popular walking street in Istanbul for 150 years. This street, which was shaped in the 19th century, depicts the story of Westernization in Istanbul, which is the theme of the Beyoglu walking tour.
There is the best street food in the city on Istiklal Street. Here I will be introducing you to the best representatives of local dishes such as kokorec and doner kebab.
There are also reflections of the city’s shopping culture, which has remained unchanged since the 19th century. There are great options for clothing shopping and souvenirs in the passages on Istiklal Street.
9. Church of the Three Altars
Church of the Three Altars is one of the hidden gems that will surprise you on our tour. This was the church of the Armenians, one of the largest communities in Ottoman Istanbul.
One of the most famous figures who grew up in the Armenian community was Ara Guler, one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. His works can be seen at the Ara Guler Museum in Sisli.
10. Taksim Square
Taksim Square is literally the heart of Istanbul. Most of the tourists coming to Istanbul stay in Taksim Square and its neighboring streets. Surrounded by many tourist attractions, Taksim Square is the last stop on the Beyoglu walking tour.
Conclusion
Many people have joined my Beyoglu walking tour so far and they found this experience far beyond their expectations. They were very impressed by being able to witness hundreds of years of history, away from the tourist crowds.
There is information about my references on the about page of this site, but if you wish, you can also read reviews about me on TripAdvisor. Although some of these comments are about other tours, a significant part of them are feedback about my Beyoglu (including Karakoy, Galata, Taksim) tour.
If you want to go on this historical journey depicting the architectural change in Istanbul over the centuries, you can contact me by filling out the form on the contact page. As a licensed tour guide in Istanbul, I am ready to share with you all I know.
Written by Serhat Engul
Hi Serhat,
Can you please let us know if you are available in October as we are planning a trip and what are your charges for the private tours.,
Thanks
Hi Anu, I received the email you sent yesterday. I will write a detailed answer to your request as soon as possible.
Hi Serhat,
I am interested in the Walking Tour of Beyoglu. Please can you contact me.
Thanks
Dear Olegario Meneses, thank you for reaching out. I have sent an email regarding the availability and options.
Your walking tour description (described above) is very intriguing. We are coming to Istanbul in early May. Do you provide this tour in the morning or afternoon and how much is it please? We are party of two.
Dear Corinne Roe, yes I have days available at the beginning of May. Beyoglu tour is a private walking tour that takes about 4 hours. It is normally recommended to do it between 10:00 in the morning and 14:00 in the afternoon. But it can also be arranged in the afternoon. I will send you an e-mail for details.
I’m travelling with my mom this May 26-29. My mom has knee problems and couldn’t do long walks, she needs a ride every now and then. Any suggestion for us? I want to combine sultahnamet+ beyoglu in one day. She can walk but on her own pace
Hi Rhys, I think your request arrived in my inbox yesterday. In my reply to you, I stated that I was not available between 26th and 29th of May. I also shared the contact information of a travel agency that can help you.
Even if I were available, I wouldn’t recommend combining Sultanahmet and Beyoglu tours. Because half-day tours are quite intense and may require a lunch break and an afternoon rest afterwards.
On top of that, you need to consider your mother’s knee problem. Filling your whole day by combining such compressed tours will make you very tired.
For this reason, if you are going to organize a half-day tour, I recommend that you do half-day tours alone and do relaxing activities in the afternoon.
Hello. I’m from Mauritius Island and I’m interested in the Beyoglu walking tour…
Are you free on Tuesday 15 November 2022?
It’s for 1 adult and 1 kid
What are your fees please?
Thanks for replying 🙏
Dear Fidou Leelodharry,
Thank you for your interest in Beyoglu tour. I have sent the relevant information to the email address you noted while posting the comment.
Kind regards,
Serhat
Hello Mr Serhat,
We are a party of two considering traveling to Istanbul next month. We were wondering if you are able to tailor a tour for us to make us see the most of Istanbul history, culture and beauty in 3-4 days?
And please can you share the fees cost?
Many thanks in advance.
Dear Pat, first of all thank you for your request. I will write a detailed reply to the email address registered in the system. Good day.
Hi Serhat, we are two active seniors from Australia. We are returning to visit Istanbul after twenty years. We are enquiring of doing a private walking tour in Fener & Balat, as well as Beyoglu on the 8 June. Is this do-able? What would be the cost for a private guide for the day?
Alternatively we can do one tour on the 8th and another one in the morning of the 9th before we join our cruise.
Though we would prefer the one day tour.
Thank you.
Can you please reply me in my email address. Thanks.
Hi Shirley, thank you for your request. First of all, let me say that it is not possible to do two tours on the same day.
In my opinion, the Beyoglu walking tour and the Fener Balat walking tour should be done on two separate days.
I will send you the remaining details about these tours via your personal email.
Hello, Serhat! Are you available morning of October 26? It is going to be one or two people, not sure yet. I have been to Istanbul several times before, but this time decided to stay on Beyoglu side and interested in walking tour of the area on the morning of October 26
Thank You in advance!
Hi Yelena, yes I am available for October 26th. You can book a private guided Beyoglu walking tour that day. Please write to me on the contact page when you have made your final decision.
Hi, would be interested in a private tour for myself and my wife for Galata and surrounding areas. Please let me know!
Would be for July 8th or 9th!
Dear Evan, thank you for your request for Beyoglu walking tour. However, I am not available on 8 and 9 July.
Hello,Serhat. I’m Ivan from Ghana. Currently in Istanbul, Beyoğlu to be precise. I came across your Beyoğlu walking tour and I want to asked if I can be part of it. Thank you.
Hello Ivan, yes I do private Beyoglu walking tours. However, now the tourist season is over in Istanbul and the weather is cold and rainy. For this reason, I took a break from my tours to rest for a while.