Welcome to the Besiktas area of Istanbul, Turkey. This desirable district has always maintained prestige, from the famous football club to historical attractions and daily vibes attracting expats and property buyers. It continues to provoke curiosity in all newcomers. They aren't disappointed either, and over the last decade, Besiktas's impressive reputation has gone from countrywide to global fame. So, here is what you need to know whether you plan to visit or live here.
Guide to The Besiktas Area of Istanbul
1: The Colourful History
The first settlement was during Constantine the Great's reign in ancient times. In Byzantine times, the main city centre was Fatih, on the other side of the Golden Horn and within the city walls. Smaller villages were located inland and on the Bosphorus shores. Pirates from the Black Sea constantly attacked the villages, but once the Ottomans took over the rule, life became somewhat safer.
Beşiktaş is historically a district that saw the establishment of Ottoman royal palaces, such as Dolmabahce, and was once a more rural area outside the bustling city centre. By the 19th century, the population had risen to 28,777 people, including several nationalities. Over the decades, Besiktas developed into the central district today, with a booming population.
2: What are the Neighbourhoods?
Altogether there are 23 neighbourhoods. Lesser-known neighbourhoods include Abbasaga, Akatlar, Balmumcu, Cihannuma, Dikilitas, Gayrettepe, Konaklar, Kurucesme, Kultur, Levazim, Mecidiye, Muradiye, Nisbetiye, Tukali, Ulus, Visnezade, Yildiz and Sinanpasa. Its busy neighbourhoods, such as Ortaköy, Arnavutkoy, and Kuruçeşme, are popular for their vibrant cafes, nightlife, and stunning Bosphorus views.
Meanwhile Arnavutkoy Bosphorus village attracts day-trippers from other areas who flock to seaside restaurants and stroll the cobbled streets with old Ottoman mansions. Neighbouring Bebek, features waterfront cafes and restaurants, ideal for a promenade stroll and watching the world go by. Etiler central neighbourhood maintains upmarket vibes with trendy cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and street restaurants. Image is big business in Etiler, hence the hairdressers, gyms, and shopping malls.
Levent business district maintains professional vibes with swish and swanky offices that deal with nationwide and global businesses. While Ortakoy historical neighbourhood is most famous for the waterside square, where locals hang out. The 18th-century mosque is the subject of publications' travel photos. Ortakoy is the best place to get a jacket potato and is home to Galatasaray University.
3: Where is Besiktas?
Beşiktaş is on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, north of Beyoğlu and south of Sariyer, with the waterfront area being a lively hub of activity. Known for its central location, Beşiktaş connects to various other districts through the ferry terminals, bus routes, and proximity to major roads.
Besiktas includes, in part, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the 15th July Bridge, which lead across to Asian Istanbul. It sits next to neighbouring Beyoglu, the heart of new Istanbul and Istiklal Avenue, Turkey's busiest shopping street. In terms of convenience, Besiktas scores 100% because it provides everything for daily life, and its strategic location makes getting around easy.
4: Besiktas Stadium and Arena
Besiktas is home to Vodaphone Park, and Besiktas football team. The Vodaphone Park replaced the old Inonu Stadium, which had operated since 1947. These days, in addition to hosting home football matches, the 42,000-seater arena hosts numerous music and fashion shows, while restaurants inside the arena serve the finest of top-chef dining.
5: Shopping and Markets
Istanbul excels in shopping malls, of which Besiktas has two: Zorlu, with 136 shops, and Almerkez, with 106 shops. Both offer shopping, dining, and kids' entertainment under one roof. Otherwise, you will never be short of choices since brand names and single-owned shops appear everywhere. First, however, visit the Saturday market, which has earned a stellar reputation among travellers for souvenir shopping and locals for the excellent quality of fruit, vegetables, and dairy.
6: Best Bars, Restaurants and Nightclubs
Nightlife scenes are fantastic. Craft Beer Lab is known for its large selection of specialist beers, while 16 Bar has the perfect rooftop setting. Trip Advisor says the best dinner restaurants include Garden 1897 and the Summit Bar and Terrace. However, most locals agree that Besiktas Carsi is the best place for the nightlife scene. For simplicity, head to the fresh fish market on Köyiçi Street and order amazing sandwiches of seasonal catches, or to the Ortakoy district and the famous Kumpir avenue that sells delicious baked potatoes.
7: Green Parks and Spaces
Most people consider Istanbul a concrete jungle with nothing for weekends and families to enjoy Mother Nature's power. While this is true of some districts, green parks and areas for families and kids in Besiktas include Abbasaga, Bebek Park, Naile Sultan, Ulus, Yildiz, and Dilek Sabanci, to name but a few. Out of all, Yildiz is the best.
8: Dolmabahce Palace
As the Ottoman sultans' last home and administration centre before they disbanded, the fantastic palace displays everything that was wrong with their rule. The extravagant décor and design includes silk carpets and crystal staircases. You need to buy tour tickets to see the Selanik and harem sections, but they are well worth it to see the impressive collection of art and antiques. Dolmabahce Palace was where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Turkish Republic's founding father, died.
9: Yildiz Palace and Park
This ancient palace complex near Barbaros Boulevard is the last example of Ottoman architecture. The name translates into Star Palace, commissioned in 1880 by Abdulhamid the Second. Check before visiting because they sometimes close for renovation work. Although it pales compared to Dolmabahce, highlights include the theatre, opera house, and porcelain factory. Covering 200,000 square meters, only Ottoman sultans and their royal circles originally had exclusive access to the 18th-century park. Offering beautiful views of the Bosphorus Strait, and surrounding areas, Yildiz features Malta Kiosk, a former hunting lodge for Ottoman sultans.
10: Interesting Museums
First opening its doors in 1897, the Istanbul Naval Museum perfectly displays the old Ottoman navy in all its glory. Containing artefacts of maritime importance, one artefact is the Byzantine chain that hung across the Golden Horn to stop ships from entering. If you are a fan of museums, visit Asiyan Museum, the former home of Tevfik Fikret, the father of Turkish poetry. Also, visit Besiktas JK museum, Esma Sultan, Malta, the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, Cadir Museums and the Ihlamur. Be sure to check opening times before going since some close on Mondays.
11: Ferry Services
Ferry services, enable residents’ easy access to several shoreline destinations. Sehir Hatlari runs the Kadikoy services, which see departures roughly every 40 minutes. They also run a service to the Princes Islands, which is a popular day trip. Also jump onboard, scenic Bosphorus cruises, passing by iconic landmarks like Çırağan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Maiden’s Tower.
12: About Barbaros Square and Boulevard
Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha, the most famous naval commander in Ottoman history, has a significant connection. He was a key figure in the Ottoman Navy during the 16th century, known for his military exploits and for securing Ottoman dominance over the Mediterranean. In later years, he lived in Beşiktaş. Though the exact location of his residence is unclear, his legacy is deeply rooted. Barbaros Square (Barbaros Meydanı) features a large statue of him, and is a central point surrounded by major roads and transportation links.
13: About the Name Besiktas
The meaning dates from the district's early history. "Beşik" means "cradle" in Turkish, which refers to a baby’s cradle. "Taş" means "stone" in Turkish. Thus, the name translates to "Cradle Stone" or "Stone of the Cradle". There are various theories about how this name came to be. One theory is that the name comes from a stone monument or memorial that symbolised the birthplace or early foundations of the Ottoman Empire. Another theory suggests that the name refers to a stone monument or tombstone that marked the burial spot of a prominent Ottoman figure. Some historians speculate that "beşik" could symbolise protection or a sanctuary, with the stone as a marker of stability or safety.
14: The American Robert College - Most Expensive Education in Turkey
Founded in 1863 by Christopher Robert, an American philanthropist and educator, Robert College played a huge role in developing modern education. It has helped shape generations of influential Turkish and international figures. While initially catering to American and expatriate families, Robert College became more integrated into local communities, with Turkish students attending and becoming essential figures in Turkey’s political, cultural, and business life. With a reputation for academic rigour and high standards, the college is one of Turkey’s best preparatory schools for developing leadership skills and social responsibility.
Summary - Is Besiktas a good area in Istanbul?
Besiktas is a good area. Its lively atmosphere, stylish apartments, and bustling commercial district make it a highly desired place to live and work. Known as an affluent district before the 20th century, its prime Bosphorus location near the central Beyoglu district delivers abundant cosmopolitan atmospheres.
Apartment Living and Buying Property
Apartment living offers urban convenience from modern high-rises with luxurious amenities to historic buildings featuring Ottoman-era architecture. Most homes also boast stunning views and have links to excellent public transport links, schools, hospitals, and shopping centres, which add to the appeal. Living here means being close to bustling markets, trendy cafes, and iconic landmarks like Yıldız Park, offering residents an engaging mix of cultural and recreational opportunities. Whether in quiet residential areas like Akaretler or more dynamic neighbourhoods like Ortaköy, apartment living is popular for locals and expatriates. See our portfolio of homes for sale here, and use the contact details if you want to know more or arrange viewings.
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We are Turkey Homes, founded over 20 years ago, and we sell Turkish property to a global audience. Along with our head office in London, we have offices in Istanbul, Fethiye, Bodrum and other Turkish regions. We work with overseas buyers to help them find property in Istanbul by offering a comprehensive service. We provide independent, impartial, expert knowledge about Turkey and help homebuyers make informed investment and lifestyle property decisions. Contact us today to learn more about the Besiktas area of Istanbul, Turkey.
