By Justin Mays:
Everyone knows that Istanbul is the city of a thousand contrasts. The Turkish metropolis mixes the old with the modern, the traditional with the disruptive, the luxurious with the most modest... And the Bebek neighborhood is a clear example of this. Located in the bustling district of Beşiktaş, Bebek is known for awaiting the homes of Turkish actors, footballers, politicians and other celebrities. It has privileged views of the Bosphorus and stands out for having an elite urban life.
The main meeting point for people who live or pass through Bebek is its seafront, which offers a perfect skyline of the Asian coast that is on the other side of the Bosphorus. But it is also famous for its cafeterias, its restaurants and its luxurious and quality establishments. And even so, it is a place acclaimed by many, regardless of their purchasing power, since there are a lot of plans that you can make in Bebek without spending a fortune.
Already in the Ottoman Empire, Bebek was one of the most popular neighborhoods in Istanbul, and it remains so to this day. Although there are currently some that stand out above the rest, such as Balat, Kadıköy and Üsküdar, among many others, Bebek remains one of the favorite options for those looking for something different.
Although there is indeed no option to get to Bebek by metro, you can get there by bus or taxi. Keep in mind that it is a neighborhood that usually fills up during the weekend, so if you want to visit it, you will need to calculate the time well. To give you an idea, if your journey starts from the north of Şişli, it will take about 40 minutes to reach Bebek.
That being said, here are some plans you can do in this beautiful area of Istanbul. We hope you like them!
Walk along the coast of the Bosphorus, from Bebek to Ortaköy
If you like to walk, you have to do the walking route that takes you from Bebek to Ortaköy. The path is about six kilometers long and is maintained along the coast of the Bosphorus. You will be able to enjoy the sea breeze and the tranquility that this area of the Istanbul seaside always offers.
Throughout this walk, you will pass near historical and popular areas such as the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hatice Sultan Palace. You will end your walk right next to the Bosphorus Bridge, which is always illuminated in red and blue colors at night. If you still have energy, once you arrive in Ortaköy, you can go to its mosque, one of the most popular in Istanbul.
Visit the Rumeli Hisarı fortress
Rumeli Hisarı Fortress is one of the most important monuments in Bebek. Sultan Mehmet II was the one who ordered its construction before conquering Constantinople. Later, the fortress became a checkpoint, and also a prison. Currently, Rumeli Hisarı is a museum and cultural center where concerts and events are held. If you go up to the fortress, you can enjoy privileged views of the Bosphorus, so don't miss it!
Make the mandatory stop for coffee
After this long walk and this cultural visit, we imagine that many of you will want to enter a cozy place, sit down and enjoy a delicious coffee. If this is your case, we recommend you stop at Café Bebek, Grandpa Coffee Eatery, Cup of Joy or Hidden House. Some of these places overlook the Bosphorus and others offer traditional Turkish breakfasts. We hope you enjoy Bebek!
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