Best Routes to Visit in Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Sep 24 928 read

Best Routes to Visit in Istanbul

Walking is the greatest method to explore historically significant cities throughout the globe. No matter how appealing it may seem to board a double-decker bus or public transportation to visit tourist attractions, unless you explore the streets by strolling with a map in hand, certain things will be missed. From the perspective of an expert, this article details the finest walking paths in Istanbul.

Walking tours in Istanbul are just as important as walking tours in places like Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Paris. Furthermore, as someone who has visited these places, I can tell you that seeing Istanbul by foot is much more essential.

Istanbul differs from other cities in the world in that it is situated on two continents. However, stating it only as a geographical truth would be inaccurate. Istanbul is a prototype of Anatolia and a mix of both continents, serving as a link between the West and the East. In Istanbul, you don't have to go far to find European and Asian (particularly Middle Eastern) motifs. Even a simple stroll from Sultanahmet to Galata Tower and back would demonstrate this.

Ortakoy-Bebek

Ortakoy is one of the most popular weekend activities among Istanbul residents. Ortakoy, home to the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge, serves a delicious breakfast and kumpir (baked potato with different fillings).

After breakfast at Ortakoy, take a stroll in the direction of Bebek to enjoy the wind and fresh air from the Bosphorus. You will pass through Arnavutkoy on your way from Ortakoy to Bebek (where you will see many people fishing). This strolling path also doubles as one of Istanbul's finest slow-paced jogging courses.

Fener-Balat

Walking excursions that include Fener and Balat have become very popular in recent years. These excursions often begin in Cibali in front of Kadir Has University and finish in the Balat area. It's also worth noting that this trip is a fantastic weekend activity in Istanbul. Alternatively, you may go on a Fener Balat walking tour by yourself. You may begin your trip at Kadir Has University by walking around the ancient city walls and photographing the city gates. Then you may go to Fener Greek Orthodox Church, the route's most significant landmark.

Furthermore, you may stop for a lunch at one of the cafés and restaurants that line the streets that encircle the Patriarchal Church and snap some beautiful photographs. During the Ottoman Empire, one-third of Istanbul's population was non-muslim. The Fener-Balat path is one of the finest walking tours in Istanbul for seeing Ottoman-era cosmopolitan architecture.

Sultanahmet-Sirkeci

You may visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Divanyolu Street, Cemberlitas, and Grand Bazaar if you start walking from Sultanahmet Square. Then take Uzun Carsi Street in the direction of Sirkeci. Local eateries and dessert stores may be found in Sirkeci. As a result, you may stop here for a lunch and then go to Eminonu's Spice Bazaar.

You will, in general, have seen works of Ottoman Classical Era architecture up to that moment. When you cross the Galata Bridge, though, you will find yourself in Beyoglu, which is known for its European architecture.