Besiktas

Besiktas – A Hip And Happening District

Everyone assumes that Taksim is the only major entertainment and nightlife district in Istanbul, but that viewpoint is a total fallacy. There are hotspots in every single district, and one of the hottest is certainly Besiktas.

Famous for its bars, restaurant, waterfront scene, busy nature, football club, and Dolmabahce Palace, Besiktas is fantastic place to visit, and one of the most vibrant too. You’ll notice instantly that this is a varied place in terms of visitors, but it is definitely a young place most prominently. You’ll see groups of youngsters out enjoying themselves and students milling around the many coffee shops that make up the district’s central point. Despite that however, you’ll also see plentiful every day life too.

The waterfront section, where the ferry leaves over to Uskudar, is packed with small eateries, and you simply have to try the gozleme stall. This is a flat bread with a delicious filling, usually savoury, and can be eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack, as you wait for the ferry over to the other side of the water.

On football match days, when Besiktas are playing at home, you’ll see an army of local supporters all walking in a long line down to the Vodafone Arena. It’s really a sight to see as they sing songs, laugh, enjoy the pre-match atmosphere together, and this is a group of all ages, including children.

So, what else can you see and do in Besiktas?

Head to the Open Air Market

You’ll find all manner of souvenirs to haggle for at the market which takes place daily, and there is also a huge fish market section too. If you’re staying in a self catering apartment, grab some fresh fish to take home and cook, or head to the street food section and have it already prepared for you, sandwiched in delicious fresh bread.

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Just across the road from the Besiktas football stadium you will find historic and beautiful Dolmabahce Palace. You can go inside for a small fee, and this is a must do if you want to learn more about the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, as well as checking out the beautiful architecture. Dolmabahce also has a strong connection to the legendary Ataturk.

There is a coffee shop on the banks of the Bosphorus, just outside the palace, where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a stunning view. Surprisingly, the prices aren’t too bad considering the location.

Catch a Football Game at Vodafone Arena

We talked about the supporters walking down from Besiktas to the stadium, but how about joining them and going to a match? You’ll need to purchase tickets from the Box Office of the stadium beforehand, and be aware that these are in high demand. The stadium is almost brand new so it’s a great place to visit, with a large club shop and a coffee shop on site too.

Explore the Turkish Naval Museum

Deniz Muzesi is home to the largest collection of artefacts from maritime and naval history in the whole country, and it is located in the Besiktas area, just off the main road. This is a large and modern museum and great for history fans to head inside and enjoy for a couple of hours.

Relax in Yildiz Park

One of the biggest and most popular green spaces in Istanbul, Yildiz Park is the ideal place to enjoy a spot of peace and quiet. There are beautiful views over the Bosphorus, and you can take a picnic and enjoy the sunshine during the warmer months. The park also features trees, plants, and flowers from all over the world.

Have Coffee and Cake at One of The Many Coffee Shops

From big named brands to smaller establishments, coffee fans won’t struggle to find somewhere to rest their feet and grab a cup of java! Enjoy a slice of cake to fuel you for the rest of your day’s sightseeing at the same time, and you’re onto a good thing.

As you can see, Besiktas is a great combination of old and new. You can easily wander around and find big named brand stores for your retail therapy, before heading to the market to check out a few bargains you can haggle for. There are many bars and restaurants around the main square, as well as the more traditional waterfront area, with cay tents and places to enjoy the scenic view over the water.

Put simply, Besiktas is a vibrant and beautiful district to enjoy, and it is easily connected by bus from the main areas of the city. You could also walk there quite easily from Taksim, simply heading down the hill and past Dolmabahce in less than half an hour. The walk is pretty, with flowers lining the road, and many pictures of Ataturk lining the walls, learning about his life as you walk.