Ayhan Mortepe in Beşiktaş, İstanbul: 5 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Istanbul

Must-try foods in Istanbul

• Simit
  SimitThe quintessential Istanbul street snack, often called a 'Turkish bagel.' This circular bread is encrusted with toasted sesame seeds and molasses, offering a crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Best enjoyed fresh from the iconic red street carts, often paired with a glass of Turkish tea (çay) or a wedge of cream cheese.
• Balık Dürüm
  Balık DürümA modern, trending evolution of the classic fish sandwich (Balık Ekmek). While the traditional version is served in a bun, the 'dürüm' (wrap) version—pioneered by local legends like 'Balıkçı Tufan' or 'Mario' in Karaköy—features charcoal-grilled mackerel, secret spice blends, onions, and greens tightly rolled in a thin lavaş bread and toasted.
• Cağ Kebabı
  Cağ KebabıOriginating from Erzurum but a massive trend in Istanbul for 2026, this is a horizontal rotisserie kebab. Slices of marinated lamb are stacked on a spit, grilled over a wood fire, and then shaved off onto small skewers. It is prized for its high fat content and smoky flavor, typically served with thin lavaş and spicy ezme.
• Midye Dolma
  Midye DolmaStuffed mussels that are a staple of Istanbul’s late-night food culture. These are mussel shells filled with a fragrant mixture of herbed rice, pine nuts, and currants. Locals eat them by the dozen at street stalls, using the top shell as a spoon after a heavy squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• İskender Kebab
  İskender KebabA decadent classic consisting of thinly sliced döner lamb laid over pieces of warm pide bread. The dish is drenched in a rich tomato sauce and finished tableside with a dramatic pour of sizzling melted butter. It is always served with a dollop of thick, tangy sheep's milk yogurt on the side.
• Lahmacun
  LahmacunOften mistakenly called 'Turkish pizza,' this is a thin, crispy round of dough topped with a minced meat mixture (usually lamb or beef), tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. The local way to eat it is to top it with fresh parsley and sumac-onions, add a squeeze of lemon, and roll it up into a tight wrap.

Trip guide

• About Istanbul
  About IstanbulIstanbul, Turkey, is a transcontinental city located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Historically known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, the city served as the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires over a period exceeding 1,500 years. The architectural landscape features structures from various historical periods.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Istanbul are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot and humid with heavy crowds, while winter is chilly and often rainy but offers the lowest prices. For the best balance of manageable crowds and ideal weather, aim for late spring or early autumn to avoid the peak summer tourist rush.
• Getting around
  Getting around Istanbul

  • International Aviation (IST & SAW) Most travelers arrive via Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, both serving as massive global hubs with frequent direct flights from major international cities.
  • Public Transit (Istanbulkart) The city features an integrated network of metro lines, trams, and nostalgic funiculars accessible via the rechargeable Istanbulkart.
  • Intercontinental Ferries Public ferries are a scenic and essential transport mode for crossing the Bosphorus Strait.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an Istanbulkart for all public transport as cash is not accepted on buses and trams, and one card can be used for multiple passengers.
  • Always carry Turkish Lira in small denominations for tips and street food, as credit card machines rarely allow adding gratuities to the bill.
  • Use official ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber to ensure transparent pricing and avoid common taxi fare disputes.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Istanbul

  • 2026 UEFA Europa League Final at Beşiktaş Park.
  • Transformation of historic Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci stations into major cultural hubs and archaeology parks.
• Beşiktaş Municipality↗
  Beşiktaş MunicipalityThe official visitor portal of the Beşiktaş Municipality, providing information on historical sites, museums, and local services for tourists in Istanbul.