Besiktas (Beşiktaş) is a large district of Istanbul, which is the business, commercial and cultural district of the city.
The Ortakoy district is part of the Besiktas district and one of the most famous Istanbul neighborhoods.
The name "Besiktas" is translated from Turkish as "lullaby stone", where the word "beşik" means "cradle" and "taş" means "stone".
Besiktas is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait.
The district borders in the north with the districts of Sarıyer and Sisli (Şişli), in the west with Kâğıthane and Shishli, in the south with Beyoglu (Beyoğlu), and in the east the coast of Besiktas is washed by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait. Across the Bosphorus Strait, opposite the Besiktas district, on the Asian side of Istanbul stretches a beautiful green Uskyudar district (Üsküdar).
View of Besiktas from the waters of the Bosphorus and from the Uskyudar area
The Besiktas district has been one of the centers of the city's palace life since the time of the Ottoman sultans.
Today, significant sights of Istanbul have been preserved in the area, as well as sultan palaces, museums, mosques, parks, thanks to which Besiktas attracts attention with its green spaces, shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, bars and accommodation facilities (hotels, apartments) 
Besiktas district includes smaller interesting districts of Istanbul, such as Ortakey, Levent, Arnavutköy and Bebek (Arnavutköy, Bebek).
Attractions, palaces, museums and parks of the Besiktas (and Ortakoy) district
Dolmabahce Palace with Clock Tower
Dolmabahce (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) is a magnificent palace complex of the 19th century, which served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans, and today is the main attraction of the Besiktas district and one of the most visited sights of Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1843-1853 by order and for Sultan Abdul-Majid I, who considered the Topkapi Palace operating at that time to be out of date, and wanted to erect a new palace for permanent residence, which in architecture and luxury would not be inferior to the exquisite European residences of influential people.
Today, the Dolmabahce Palace is a Museum where you can visit the garden overlooking the waters of the Bosphorus Palace rooms, consisting of: official public part of the "Selamlik" (Selamlık) with function hall (Tören Salonu), Harem (the Harem), or the family part of it; and the clock Museum and the Museum of painting and sculpture (Resim ve Heykel Müzesi).
Entrance to the palace is paid.
Palace address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Dolmabahce Palace website: dolmabahce-sarayi. More about Dolmabahce Palace...
Near the current tourist entrance to the Dolmabahce Palace (in general access - without payment), there is a Clock Tower (Dolmabahce Saat Kulesi), which was commissioned by Sultan Abdulhamid II and designed by the court architect Sarkis Balyan in the period from 1890 to 1895.
The clock tower was made by the French watch house of Jean-Paul Garnier and installed by the court watchmaker Johann Mayer.
Near the Clock Tower there is a cafe with views of the Bosphorus.
Museum of Palace Collections
The Museum of Palace Collections (Saray Koleksiyonları Müzesi) is located in the building of the former kitchens of the Dolmabahce Palace and was created by transferring about 20,000 items that the visitor could not see in the furnished rooms of the Dolmabahce Palace.
The main theme of the Museum of Palace Collections is to identify original objects that were used in everyday life in the Ottoman palaces of the 19th century, especially in the Dolmabahce Palace, and in the inventory of national palaces, and make them open to visitors.
Among the exhibited objects: clothing princes and princesses, toys, Handicrafts, stationery used by the sultans, print, epitaphs, samples writing utensils used in the Parliament and the first Grand national Assembly of Turkey, medication, dentist office, shaving sets of silver belonging to the sultans, equipment for cleaning and maintenance of Valide sultans, dishes made of crystal, porcelain and silver, manuscripts of the Koran, carpets Hereke, porcelain Yildiz, watches, porcelain furnace, books from the Palace library, drawing tools and materials belonging to the Caliph Abdulmecid Efendi, a collection of oil paintings, lighting and decorative tools.
Entrance to the museum is paid. It is paid separately from the entrance to the Dolmabahce Palace.
Museum address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Museum website: saray-koleksiyonlari-muzesi.
Dolmabahce Mosque
Dolmabahce Mosque (Dolmabahçe Camii) was built according to the project of Garabet Balyan in 1853-1855 and commissioned by the queen mother of Sultan Abdul-Majid I - Bezmlialem-Sultan.
The influence of Baroque and Rococo styles is noticeable in the interior of the mosque.
This elegant Ottoman-style mosque has two minarets and is located near the Dolmabahce Palace.
Address Mosques: Ömer Avni, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:34, 34427 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey.
Vodafone Park Arena Stadium
Vodafone Park Arena is a multifunctional stadium and the home arena of the Besiktas football club.
The stadium was built from 2013 to 2016 on the site of the former Inenyu Club stadium, which had the status of a historical monument.
The opening ceremony of the stadium took place on April 11, 2016. In the opening match, Besiktas hosted Bursaspor in the Turkish Super League and beat it with a score of 3:2.
In August 2019, the stadium hosted a match for the UEFA Super Cup, in which Liverpool beat Chelsea in a penalty shootout.
The capacity of the stadium is 41,903 spectators.
Stadium Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd. No:1, 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Stadium website: vodafonearena.com.tr.
Above the stadium is the Machka Park (which means Democracy Park), the central part of which is occupied by a wide staircase, a walk along which is accompanied by a tour of local attractions.
The park also has running tracks, places for walking and walking dogs, children's areas, recreation areas, decorative pools and cafes.
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
A gondola cable car passes over the park.
Besiktas Charshi
Besiktas Charshi (Beşiktaş Çarşı) is a quarter of the Besiktas district, which is the hallmark of the Besiktas football club and the old center of the Besiktas Municipality.
The quarter is famous for its narrow streets with many shops and cafes, as well as the sculpture of the Black Eagle (Kartal heykeli), which is the symbol of the Besiktas team. Ardent fans of the team gather on the square with the sculpture before and after the matches.
Naval Museum
The Naval Museum (Deniz Müzesi) is a museum of the history of Turkish navigation, where ships of the Ottoman era and ancient diving equipment are presented.
The museum is the most outstanding naval museum in Turkey, and by the richness of its collections it is one of the outstanding museums in the world.
Museum address: Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş Cd. No:6 D:1, 34353 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
The museum's website: denizmuzesi.dzkk.tsk.tr/en .
Mausoleum and Square of Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha
The mausoleum and the square of Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha (Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Türbesi) are one of the centers of the district.
A life-size bronze statue of the famous corsair and Ottoman Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa is installed on the square.
You can also see cannons on the square, and next to it is the bright mosque of the Ottoman Empire of Sinan Pasha (Sinanpaşa Camii), built in 1555. The mosque has a dome, a colorful interior and stained glass windows.
Bahcesehir University
Bahçeşehir University is a private educational institution in Istanbul and attracts tourists by being located near the waters of the Bosphorus, where there is a park walking area and a cafe.
Chiragan Palace - 5-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Hotel
The Chiragan Palace or the Chiragan Palace (Çırağan Sarayı) is a former Ottoman palace located near the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The Chiragan Palace with the adjacent park was built between 1863 and 1872 by Sultan Abdul-Aziz.
Once there was a functioning bridge that connected the Chiragan Palace with the neighboring Yildiz Palace through Yildiz Park. More about the Chiragan Palace...
Today, the beautiful (Baroque) 5-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Hotel is located in the renovated palace and on the adjacent territory.
At the hotel: a territory with a garden and a panoramic pool overlooking the waters of the Bosphorus, a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a gazebo, a Turkish bath, free private parking and Wi-Fi.
The room rate includes: breakfast or breakfast + dinner. Link to the hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Near the Kempinski Hotel there is another chic 5-star hotel Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, also located in a restored Ottoman mansion of the 19th century by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait and having a garden, a view of the Bosphorus, panoramic outdoor and indoor pools, a bar and a spa. Link to the hotel
Yildiz Palace and Park Complex
Yıldız is a large Sultan's historical palace and park complex of the 19th century, which includes the palace of the same name and a park with pavilions.
The Yildiz Palace (Yıldız Sarayı, which translates as "Star Palace") was first built by Sultan Selim III for his mother Mihrishah Sultan (Gyurju Gyuzeli).
The palace was used as the main palace of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of the last sovereign ruler of the Ottoman Empire - Sultan Abdulhamid II (since 1889), after the Sultan left the Dolmabahce Palace due to dramatic events and for security reasons.
Now the palace is used by the president (perhaps someday the palace will be reopened to visitors and then the palace can be classified as the best palaces in Istanbul; we recommend checking the information on the official websites).
Yildiz Palace website: yildiz-sale.
Yıldız Parkı is located near Yıldız Palace, which was previously adjacent to the palace and was part of the ensemble of the palace, and today it is one of the largest public historical parks in Istanbul with lush vegetation, historical pavilions, gazebos, playgrounds and sports grounds, toilets, places for recreation and walking, reservoirs, artificial ponds with fountains, bridges, waterfalls, sculptures and cafes.
Among the buildings of Yildiz Park , the following stand out in particular:
- The Chadir Pavilion (Çadır Köşkü), built in 1871 at the request of Sultan Abdulaziz;
- Malta Pavilion or Maltese Pavilion (Malta Köşkü), which was designed by architect Sarkis Balyan and which now houses a cafe.
On the outskirts of Yildiz Park there is an active historical porcelain factory Yildiz (Yıldız Çini Ve Porselen Fabrikası), which was opened in 1895 and produced ceramics to meet the needs of the upper class in the European style. The factory produced bowls, vases and plates, which often depicted a view of the Bosphorus. The building had a look reminiscent of medieval castles.
Entrance to the museum-factory is paid. Museum website: yildiz-cini-fabrika-i-humayunu.
Entrance to Yildiz Park is free. More about Yildiz Palace and Park...
Yildiz Hamidiye Mosque
Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque (Yıldız Hamidiye camii) is an Ottoman imperial mosque built in 1884-1886 by order of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
The architecture of the mosque is a combination of Neo-Gothic and classical Ottoman styles. The mosque has one minaret.
The mosque is located near the Yildiz Palace and Park complex.
The Ylamur Complex
On the border of the Shishli and Besiktas districts there is the complex Ihlamur (Ihlamur Kasrı) - the former summer residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, used for recreation, and built in 1849-1855 by order of Sultan Abdul-Majid I.
It was a small palace complex consisting of two buildings: a ceremonial or ceremonial (Merasim Köşkü, Merasim) and private chambers or harem (Maiyet Köşkü, Mayet).
Bright features and spectacular neo-Baroque decorations are visible in the architecture, which makes the complex one of the most elegant examples of Ottoman buildings of the 19th century.
Today it is a museum with an interior palace decoration with halls and rooms and the surrounding garden and forest area with a lake.
Entrance to the park and museum is paid.
Address of the complex: Teşvikiye, Nişantaşı Ihlamur Yolu Sk., 34357 Şişli/Istanbul, Turkey.
Museum website: ihlamur-kasirlari.
Ortakoy district
Ortakoy (Ortaköy, "Middle Village") is a small historical district (quarter) in Besiktas, located near the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
Until the middle of the 20th century, significant communities of Greeks, Jews and Armenians lived in the area.
Today, the Ortakoy district attracts attention with an abundance of cafes and restaurants, beautiful streets and some attractions.
The main square of the district is Ortakoy Square (Ortakoy Meydanı) near the waters of the Bosphorus, with a historical wall fountain. And from the variety of streets, Bulgurcu Sokak Street attracts attention, which is distinguished by residential buildings that have been preserved since the 18th century.
There are several significant historical and cultural monuments in the Ortakoy area:
- Ortakoy camii Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Medjidiye (Büyük Mecidiye Camii), which is a very popular mosque in Istanbul and primarily due to the fact that it looks like a small sultan's palace and is located near the waters of the Bosphorus Strait, which makes the mosque one of the most photographed attractions in the city.
The mosque was built in the Ottoman Baroque style in 1853-1854 by decree of Sultan Abdul-Majid I.
The mosque has two minarets.
Mosque address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Köprüsü Sk. No:1 D:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey. Learn more about Istanbul mosques...
- Feriye Sarayı Palace Complex is a former imperial palace complex, which has now been transformed into school and university buildings.
The Feriye Palace was built for the family of Sultan Abdul-Aziz by the famous architect Sarkis Balyan and commissioned in 1871. The palace was built for the needs of a large sultan's family as an addition to the Dolmabahce and Chiragan palaces. The palace was named "Ferie", which means secondary or auxiliary. The palace was a complex consisting of: three main buildings located on the Bosphorus embankment, a building for concubines, a two-story building for servants in the courtyard and outbuildings.
On May 30, 1876, Sultan Abdul-Aziz was deposed from the throne by his ministers, after which, together with his wives and children, he was imprisoned as a state criminal. The Sultan voluntarily moved to the Feriye Palace, however, four days later he was found dead and was believed to have committed suicide. After the death of Abdul-Aziz and even after the abdication of the next sultan, when they received freedom, the family of Abdul-Aziz continued to live in this palace.
Subsequently, the palace buildings were empty, then they were restored and transferred to educational institutions and various administrative offices.
Today, educational institutions and a restaurant are located in the buildings of the former palace. More about the palaces of Istanbul...
- Esma Sultan Mansion (Esma Sultan kasrı) is the former mansion of one of the daughters of the 32nd Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz I - Esma, who received the palace as a wedding gift in 1889.
The mansion remained in the possession of the Ottoman dynasty until 1915. Subsequently, the building was used first as a tobacco warehouse, and then as a coal warehouse, which was destroyed by fire in 1975.
The ruins, consisting only of the exterior walls of the building, were acquired in the early 1990s by the Marmara hotel chain. After reconstruction with additions, the mansion was opened as a multifunctional event venue.
Receptions, weddings and celebrations are now taking place in the building and on the adjacent territory. The name of the pavilion is "The Marmara Esma Sultan". Website: themarmarahotels.com/mekanlar/esma-sultan.aspx .
Pavilion address: Yıldız, Muallim Naci Cad. & Yalı Çıkmazı No:20, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey;
- Hammam Hüsrev Kethyuda (Tarihi Hüsrev Kethüda Hamamı) or hamami Ortakey (Ortaköy Hamamı) is a historical Turkish bath, which is now not used for its intended purpose and is an architectural monument of the 16th century.
The hammam was built in 1565 in the name of Khusrev Kethuda, by the manager of the Grand Vizier of Kara Akhmet Pasha, Mimar Sinan.
The building was used for its original purpose until the 1980s.
After that, it was restored and today it is the building of the municipality of Besiktas, where events are organized, as well as a cafe-restaurant.
The address of the hammam is: Ortaköy, Muallim Naci Cd. 21/A, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Website: beltas.com.tr/tarihi-husrev-kethuda-hamami .
Ortakoy also notable: the Orthodox Church of St. Phocas (Ortaköy Ayios Fokas Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi), the Armenian Catholic Church (Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Kilisesi), synagogue Etc-Chaim (Etz Ahayim) and former historic waterfront mansion of Sultan Hatice (Hatice Sultan Yalısı), named after its original owner Hatice Sultan, who was an Ottoman Princess, daughter of Sultan Mustafa III and his wife Adilshah Kadyn also half sister of Sultan Selim III.
Martyrs' Bridge on July 15 (Bosphorus Bridge)
The Martyrs' Bridge on July 15 (15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü), formerly known as the Bosphorus Bridge (Boğaziçi Köprüsü) is the most famous of the bridges across the Bosphorus, which is located closest to the historical center of Istanbul and connects the Besiktas district (Ortakey) with the Uskyudar district on the Asian side of the city.
It was the first bridge across the Bosphorus Strait. The laying of the bridge was carried out on February 20, 1970, and the opening of the bridge took place on October 29, 1973, on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Then the bridge was called the "Bosphorus Bridge".
After the attempted military coup on July 15, 2016, the official name of the bridge was changed to "Martyrs' Bridge on July 15".
This is a suspension bridge that has three spans: 2 coastal and 1 central navigable. The length of the bridge is 1560 meters, and its width is 33 meters. The height of the bridge supports is 165 meters above the water.
The bridge is an automobile bridge. Learn more about bridges across the Bosphorus Strait...
Ulus Park
Park Ulus (Ulus Parkı) is a small quiet park on a hill from which beautiful views of the Bosphorus open.
The park has panoramic cafes, places for walking and relaxing.
Entrance to the park is free. Learn more about Istanbul parks...
Arnavutkey and Bebek districts
Bebek and Arnavutköy are two historical districts (quarters), which are elite and one of the most picturesque areas of Istanbul and are part of the Besiktas district.
Arnavutkey and Bebek border each other (one area flows smoothly into another) and are located along the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The districts attract attention with elegant low historical buildings, narrow streets and an abundance of catering.
Arnavutkoy can not boast of attractions, but the main attractions Bebek include: mansion of Ali Pasha or Walid Pasha (Âli Pasha Mansion, now the Consulate of Egypt), which was designed by Raimondo D Aronco; mosque Bebek (Bebek Camii), built in 1913; and the Museum of Asian (Aşiyan Müzesi) - the house of famous Turkish poet Tevfik Fikret, built in 1906 and was later converted into a Museum.
Since the districts are located on hills, in the warm season they are surrounded by greenery, which makes them even more picturesque. Especially beautiful views of the districts open from the waters of the Bosphorus, when the districts look like tiny fairy-tale villages, whose houses come close to the water. Learn more about the districts of Arnavutkey and Bebek...
At the northern border of the Bebek district, this is already outside the Besiktas district, notable:
- Rumelihisar (Rumeli Hisarı) - a medieval fortress, which is surrounded by defensive walls with towers and gates and from the territory of which panoramic views of the Bosphorus open. Today it is a museum. Read more about Rumelihisar Fortress…
- Doatepe Park (Dogatepe Parki), which is not particularly remarkable in itself, but since it is located on a hill, there is a platform in the park that offers beautiful views of part of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus Strait, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Asian side of the city.
Entrance to the park is free. Learn more about the observation decks of Istanbul...
Levent district and Sapphire observation Deck
Levent is a part of the Besiktas district, which is the business district of Istanbul with skyscrapers and modern architecture.
The famous Istanbul Sapphire AVM skyscraper is located almost on the border of the Levent district, which houses: a shopping center, an observation deck with a panoramic restaurant and a helicopter flight simulator.
The Sapphire Observation deck is the highest and most impressive observation deck in Istanbul, which is located on the top - 54th floor of a skyscraper, at an altitude of 236 meters.
This 360-degree observation deck (Sapphire Observation Terrace 360°) gives stunning panoramic views of Istanbul.
Entrance to the shopping center is free (free of charge). The ascent to the observation deck is paid, through the shopping center.
Sapphire's address: Emniyetevleri Mh. Eski Büyükdere Cd. No:1 Kağıthane-Istanbul. Learn more about the Sapphire and the viewing room with photos...
The Bosphorus in Besiktas
In the Besiktas area, near the waters of the Bosphorus Strait, there are walking embankments, there are also small park areas and exits to the waters of the Bosphorus.
From the embankments and exits to the Bosphorus, there are wonderful views of the waters of the Bosphorus and the opposite - the Asian part of Istanbul.
Transport of the Besiktas district
The Besiktas area can be reached by public transport, car or taxi.
Buses, trams and metro run from public transport to and around the district.
In addition, ferries run from the ferry berths of the district both through the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn Bay, and along Besiktas - from the pier to the pier of the district.
Istanbul ferries are public transport (Istanbul transport cards are valid).
Tourist buses
You can also visit the Besiktas area by taking a tour on the Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off tour bus.
There are tickets for 1, 2 or 3 days.
In the Besiktas area, buses make stops near the Dolmabahce Palace.
Tickets for the Istanbul sightseeing bus can be purchased here →
Museum and tourist maps of Istanbul (and Besiktas district)
Some museums and sites in Istanbul, including those located in the Besiktas area, have museum and tourist cards.
There are different types of maps in Istanbul. Some of which give the right to visit certain museums, while others, in addition to the main museums, include excursions, as well as some shows and entertainment, public transport rides and discounts on airport transfers.
The classic and most common is the museum card "Museum Pass Istanbul" (Museum Pass Istanbul), which gives the right to enter some museums of the city. There are also more extended Istanbul E-Pass and Istanbul Tourist Pass cards, which give the right to visit museums, attractions, guided tours, an aquarium, shows, cruises along the Bosphorus, trips outside the city, etc. Learn more about museum and tourist maps of Istanbul...
Hotels in the Besiktas area
There is a large selection of accommodation facilities in the Besiktas area, ranging from 5-star boutique hotels with panoramic terraces and apartments (full-fledged apartments with all amenities), ending with budget guest houses and hostels.
There are also hotels near the waters and with views of the Bosphorus, for example,
Shangri-La Bosphorus 5-star Hotel, Istanbul with indoor pool, spa, restaurants, lobby lounge, free Wi-Fi and parking.
The hotel has rooms and suites with views of the Bosphorus, the city or the courtyard.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
The 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is located in a restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The hotel has its own garden, views of the Bosphorus, panoramic outdoor and indoor pools, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi and private parking. Link to the hotel
5-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, located in a renovated Ottoman palace.
The hotel is a complex by the waters of the Bosphorus with a territory with a garden and a panoramic pool overlooking the waters of the Bosphorus.
At the hotel: swimming pools, spa and wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar, lounge, gazebo, Turkish bath, free private parking and Wi-Fi.
Luxury bed linen is provided in the hotel rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. All rooms have a balcony with views of the garden or the Bosphorus.
The room rate includes: breakfast or breakfast + dinner. Link to the hotel
The Stay Bosphorus Hotel combines late 19th century architecture with modern design.
The hotel has a fitness center, a business center and free Wi-Fi.
The rooms are equipped with a TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a coffee machine, air conditioning, a safe and free toiletries.
The hotel has rooms, penthouses, suites and family suites with views of the Bosphorus.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
The 5-star Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul features a garden, a swimming pool with a sun terrace, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a children's playground, a 24-hour front desk and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has family rooms and rooms with views of the Bosphorus.
Breakfast may be included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
Bebek Hotel By The Stay Collection -Adults Only with a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi throughout, room service.
The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle/coffee machine, a safe, a minibar, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. All rooms have a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
The hotel has rooms and suites with views of the Bosphorus or the city. Link to the hotel
All accommodation facilities in the Besiktas area can be viewed and booked here
Besiktas district on the map
