If you’re heading to Istanbul and want to discover some of the city’s best cafes, this post is for you! When travelling, we all need a place where we can pause and plan our next adventure. So put these seven wonderful cafes in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district on your must-visit list.
This is your guide to the seven MOST amazing cafes to visit in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district.
While most of Istanbul’s best-known historic sites are in Sultanahmet, I would highly recommend visiting Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Located on the European side, it has some of the city’s best cafes, Art Nouveau architecture, great shopping, Taksim Square and the iconic Galata Tower.
Patisserie de Pera
The Patisserie de Pera at the Pera Palace Hotel is one of my favourite cafes in Istanbul to visit. It’s a gorgeous jewel box where you can sit under their dreamy pink crystal chandeliers and enjoy excellent coffee, tea and divine pastries.
I felt so sophisticated sipping my Turkish Coffee from the delicate pink and white china cup and couldn’t resist their macarons. Your biggest challenge will be figuring out what to eat. On my second visit, and yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that I went back; I had one of their oh-so-pretty eclairs.
This is the kind of place that you’ll be reluctant to leave, but it is definitely worth taking a stroll through the historic lobby of the Pera Palace Hotel. With glistening chandeliers and ruby velvet drapes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a far more glamorous time.
Mandabatmaz
Near the Pera Palace Hotel, Mandabatmaz has a totally different vibe. This tiny cafe is just up a narrow street off İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s pedestrian shopping street.
Sit outside on one of the low chairs and tables like the Turks do. When you order Turkish Coffee, you’ll be asked if you want sugar, as it is added while brewing.
Suggest that you order your coffee “az şekerli,” which means slightly sweet. But you can also have it plain “sade” or sweet, which is “şekerli.”
Mandazbatmaz has been in business since 1967. It was the first place that I tried Turkish Coffee, and it is one of the best!
Bohem’s Coffee
Bohem’s Coffee is an adorable little cafe on a side street, just a short walk beyond Taksim Square. Not many tourists know about or venture this way, but you should!
Not only is this a cozy spot where you’ll want to settle in, but the coffee is delicious, and the service is so friendly that you’ll feel right at home!
If you want to find a hidden gem cafe in Istanbul, Bohem’s Coffee is the place!
Federal Coffee Co.
Federal Coffee Co. has two cafes that you can visit in Istanbul. If you’re heading to the Galata Tower, stop by their location at Küçük Hendek Cd. No:7.
The inside is cozy with brick, wood and window seats. My seat overlooked Büyük Hendek Caddesi, which is the street filled with people taking selfies, as this spot is one of the best locations to capture the Galata Tower.
And the guys at Federal Coffe Co. are serious about their coffee and even sell their own blend of beans. Great cappuccino and people-watching make this place a winner.
Müz Botanik & Kahve
If you love plants and coffee, then Müz Botanik & Kahve might become your little corner of heaven in Istanbul.
This green-filled shop somehow manages to feel both fresh and cozy. And the perfect rest stop after a busy day of exploring Istanbul.
All of the green inspired me to have a Matcha Latte. And then, I sat by the window and watched the world slowly pass by.
You won’t want to miss this cafe on a small street in the Çukurcuma area of Beyoğlu. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Çukurcuma Antiques & Cafe
Çukurcuma Antiques & Cafe is a quirky and delightful spot to enjoy a coffee or a good Turkish breakfast. Located in the Çukurcuma area of Beyoğlu, which is known for its antique shops. Even if you don’t like antiques, this area is a fantastic photo spot.
The cafe doubles as an Antique store, so you can sip and shop amongst their eclectic merchandise.
Astrolabe
If you’re near Galataport or visiting the Istanbul Modern Museum, Astrolabe is your go-to cafe. I just love their blue mugs and their slogan, “As long as there’s coffee, how bad can things be?”
While I loved sitting in the cafe with its wood and blue accents, it’s located beside the Bosphorus. So grab a takeaway cup and stroll along the water. On a clear day, you can see across Asia and over the Golden Horn to Topkapi Palace.
But even if the weather keeps you inside, the friendly atmosphere and excellent coffee will ensure that Astrolabe is a place that will draw you back for a second visit.
Want to do a little shopping while in Istanbul but don’t know what to buy? Check out this post on 21 Incredible Turkish Souvenirs to Buy in Istanbul. Or discover “What to Eat in Istanbul: Seven Unbelievably Delicious Turkish Foods.”
