Discover Beylerbeyi: A Hidden Oasis by the Bosphorus 🇹🇷🌉
Looking for a peaceful escape with breathtaking Bosphorus views? Beylerbeyi is your spot! This historic neighborhood is home to Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans. Imagine sipping your morning coffee inside the palace gardens, where emperors once relaxed, surrounded by century-old trees and the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus. Yes, you can have breakfast inside the palace!
While you’re here, don’t miss Kuzguncuk, one of Istanbul’s most charming and colorful neighborhoods. Just a short stroll away, this area is packed with cozy cafés, art galleries, and beautifully preserved Ottoman houses. A true hidden gem that feels like a small village in the heart of the city.
✨ Bonus Fact: Beylerbeyi Palace was so luxurious that Sultan Abdülaziz ordered the floors to be covered with imported Egyptian straw mats—to reduce the noise of high heels on its precious marble floors!
📍 Ready to explore? Don’t forget your camera—this is one of Istanbul’s most picturesque spots!
✨ Bonus Suggestion: If you ask me where is the best to eat İpek? I’ll say it is Metet in Kuzguncuk (If there is no long queue 🙂 ) Here is your plan; go to Beylerbeyi in the morning, have your breakfast in the palace and walk around. There are very nice parks to sit and enjoy the view (You can also walk). After a walk you will be hungry, take a bus or taxi, go to Metet Döner enjoy your döner here and have a tatlı in another shop in Kuzguncuk neighborhood. Afiyet olsun. 🙂
My Go-To Food Spots on the Asian Side of Istanbul
Every time I visit the Asian side of Istanbul, these are the places I always stop by for a delicious and satisfying meal. They are clean, serve amazing food, and never disappoint.
These recommendations are 100% based on my personal experience—no ads, no sponsorships. In fact, these restaurants don’t even know I’m writing about them! Just honest, tried-and-true favorites from someone who loves good food. 😋
Çiya Sofrası 📍 Kadıköy
🌯 Tatar Salim 📍 Caddebostan / Ataşehir / Kadıköy
🌯 Metet Döner 📍 Kuzguncuk
🌯 Bayramoğlu Döner / 🌯 Dönerci Ali Usta / 🌯 Dönerci Celal Usta
Dürümcü Emmi 📍 (Don’t leave this place without trying “beyran çorbası”) Kadıköy
Park Balık 📍 Çekmeköy
Tepsi Et 📍 Caddebostan Kadıköy
A very important “döner” suggestion : Don’t Try Döner Just Anywhere!
If you end up at the wrong place, you might think döner isn’t that great—and that would be a shame! Stick to the spots I recommend, because honestly, I wouldn’t eat it anywhere else. 😏🔥 I put a 🌯 emoji at the beginning of the döner restaurants I recommend you to eat döner.
My Go-To Spot for Jewelry in Istanbul! 💎
If you’ve ever noticed my horseshoe necklace in my Instagram videos—yep, it’s from here! This place is where I personally shop for jewelry, and if you’re looking for a truly special gift from Istanbul (for yourself or a loved one), this is the spot. ✨ They have both gold and silver pieces, and trust me, you’ll find something unforgettable.
The shop is in Nişantaşı. The name is Ados Kuyumculuk 🧿🪩
👉 Also, check this out! La Fete Jewelry It’s a brand by a stylist who once styled me. Her chain designs are absolutely stunning! Highly recommended.
If you want to have skin care in a professional place in istanbul, here is the salon Lu Estetik, which I always go to and trust.