Beyoğlu District

On the European side of Istanbul lies the Beyoğlu district, one of the city’s most vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods, where walking through its streets sometimes feels like being in Europe, and other times in Asia. In the Middle Ages, the district was a possession of the Genoese Republic and was known as Pera, whilst the Turkish name Beyoğlu was assigned some years later.

Beyoğlu, in fact, is believed to derive from Bey Oğlu, which literally means “son of the lord” in reference to Lodovico Gritti, the illegitimate son of Andrea Gritti, who was ambassador of the Venetian Republic to Constantinople during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II (1481-1512). It appears that Lodovico Gritti played a significant role in improving relations between the sultanate and the Venetian Republic, and this area was subsequently named in his honour.

Several centuries ago, this district was chosen by various Western nations for opening embassies, commercial activities and banks, which brought the dynamic atmosphere of Europe’s major capitals to the area. Thus Beyoğlu transformed from a peripheral district into a neighbourhood inhabited mainly by foreign diplomats and merchants, becoming a thriving zone filled with churches, shops and buildings of Western architectural style.

Today it is known as one of the city’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, featuring art galleries, cultural societies, upmarket shops, restaurants, cafés and nightlife venues. The main thoroughfare of Beyoğlu is undoubtedly Independence Avenue (or Istiklal Caddesi), a long pedestrian street stretching nearly 1.5 km and connecting Taksim Square with Tünel Square.

What to See in Beyoğlu District

Beyoğlu was among the first neighbourhoods to have telephone lines, electricity, tram lines and an underground railway line, the Tünel, which opened to the public in 1875. Beyond being an important shopping hub and a cultural area rich in art galleries, theatres and exhibition spaces, Beyoğlu is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. The neighbourhood is home to numerous restaurants as well as pubs and nightclubs that stay open until dawn. One of the must-do experiences in Beyoğlu is undoubtedly to ride the historic red tram that runs the length of Independence Avenue and admire the historic palaces visible through the windows, such as the French Palace, Dutch Palace and Venetian Palace.

The area also boasts two distinctive churches: the Neo-Gothic Church of St Anthony of Padua and the Armenian Church of Üç Horan. The neighbourhood is also home to the Pera Palas, a building constructed in 1892 that was the city’s first hotel to have electricity and has hosted many celebrated figures including Greta Garbo, Hemingway, Mata Hari and Agatha Christie. Indeed, it is said that Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” in room 411 of this hotel.

The recommendation is to explore the quieter areas away from Independence Avenue, where you’ll discover various covered and open passages and cobbled side streets brimming with market stalls, pastry shops and street musicians. Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Pera Museum, where you can admire masterpieces of Oriental art by various artists, including emerging talents, whilst Petit-Champs is the area featuring luxury hotels and refined restaurants.

Those wishing to explore a new and particularly lively zone can pass through the Tünel Passage, opening onto an intricate network of side streets that wind through Asmalımescit and lead to the Tepebaşı neighbourhood. Here you’ll find craft shops, market stalls, galleries, small taverns and cafés. The area has become increasingly popular in the evenings thanks to its pubs, lounge bars and various nightlife venues.

How to Reach Beyoğlu District

The Beyoğlu neighbourhood is connected to Istanbul’s older districts via the Galata Bridge, Atatürk Bridge and the Golden Horn Bridge. You can reach the area via the M2 metro line to Taksim Square and then take the vintage tram or walk. Alternatively, there is the historic Tünel funicular (F2) which connects Karaköy station, in the lower part of the city, with Beyoğlu station, situated at the top of the hill.

Recommended hotels in Beyoğlu District