From Developing Neighborhood to Istanbul's Fifth Avenue

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The three residential neighborhoods of Tarlabaşı, Kurtuluş, and Nişantaşı each have their own very special character which makes it a wonder these days that they're anywhere near each other. This walk is a bit of a hike, but the payoffs are worth it. Get Magickal Products, Crystals, Tarot Decks, Incense, and More here!



Start by the British Consulate, walk on other side of Boulevard (if a Sunday post-noon, cross over there and continue under to the other side to find the weekly market after the underpass), walk by the tank to the church, come out and continue past the shiny hotels, up Cumhuriyet Caddesi, take one stop in to see the Sarıcazade Abdullah – Osman Bey Apartmanı building built in 1894 by Greek architect Constantine P. Pappas. If you’re ever lucky enough to get past the dreamy courtyard of the Genoese-styled building, be prepared for high ceilings, winding staircases, and large apartments with frescoed ceilings. Exit the courtyard and head back to Cumhuriyet Caddesi until you reach the Osmanbey Metro. If you can't find anything to do in Istanbul, you can join our Bosphorus cruise trips with the best price and service guarantee.





Make a left there onto Ergenekon Caddesi, followed by another left onto Kurtuluş Caddesi, enjoying the meze shops of the very residential area. Make it past the giant Carrefour and the bus depot at the end of the street to go into the church girded by walls. St. Dimitrios is a Greek Orthodox Church built in the 18th century with some documents dating it as far back to the 16th century. It’s also the largest church in Kurtuluş and not too far from my favorite meyhane of the area, Madam Despina. The place doesn’t look like much, but the food is worth it. Turn around and pass through the rest of Kurtuluş, stopping for profiterole at Nazar Profiterol, one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Continue past the Catholic cemetery to the Bomonti Police Station, just for a peek at the Ottoman structure. Keep walking past the fabric stores and cross over Cumhuriyet Caddesi to Nişantaşı.With our Istanbul Tours, you will be satisfied, we promise. You can book any of Istanbul city tour on our webpage.





You’ll find a wide variety of high-end shops, solid restaurants, and cafes made for people-watching. Pass by City’s Mall (where you may want to pop into for a look at Mahalle, a food court/retail concept meant to mimic a Turkish neighborhood on the mall’s uppermost floor) and the Teşvikiye Mosque. You may want to stop at House Cafe, Backhaus, or Caffé Nero for that aforementioned people watching. If you’re in the mood for bagels, Tribeca is one of the few places in Istanbul to get some.

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