Mark Wiens in Beyoğlu, İstanbul: 10 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Istanbul

Must-try foods in Istanbul

• Cağ Kebabı
  Cağ KebabıOriginating from Erzurum but a major 2026 trend in Istanbul, this 'horizontal kebab' consists of marinated lamb stacked on a spit and cooked over wood fire. It is sliced off in small skewers and served with lavaş bread and spicy ezme salad.
• Balık Dürüm
  Balık DürümA modern evolution of the classic fish sandwich, this wrap features grilled mackerel seasoned with secret spice blends and pomegranate molasses, tightly rolled in a thin lavaş. Local favorites like those in Karaköy are frequently cited as the city's best street food.
• Midye Dolma
  Midye DolmaThese aromatic stuffed mussels are a quintessential Istanbul night snack. Mussels are filled with herbed, spiced rice (often featuring currants and pine nuts) and served with a essential squeeze of fresh lemon juice from street-side trays.
• Menemen
  MenemenThe ultimate Turkish breakfast staple, this is a scramble of eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. Locals insist on eating it straight from the small copper pan (sahan) with crusty white bread to soak up the juices.
• Lahmacun
  LahmacunOften called 'Turkish pizza,' this is a paper-thin, crispy dough topped with a minced meat, tomato, and pepper paste. In 2026, the trend remains to load it with fresh parsley and lemon, then roll it up like a wrap.
• Kokoreç
  KokoreçA bold, savory street food made of spiced lamb intestines wrapped around sweetbreads and grilled on a horizontal spit. It is finely chopped with tomatoes and green peppers, then served in a toasted half-bread or quarter-loaf.

Trip guide

• About Istanbul
  About IstanbulIstanbul 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.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Istanbul are the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), which offer mild temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C–24°C) and blooming tulips or golden light. Summer is the peak tourist season with hot, humid weather and high prices, while winter (December to February) is the off-peak period, providing the best deals and smallest crowds despite being cold, wet.
• Getting around
  Getting around Istanbul

  • Air Travel & Airport Transfers Arrive via Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). From IST, take the M11 Metro to Gayrettepe or use Havaist shuttle buses for direct, luggage-friendly transport to major hubs like Taksim and Sultanahmet.
  • Istanbulkart & Rail Network Purchase a rechargeable Istanbulkart to access the extensive metro, T1 tram, and Marmaray undersea train. This card offers discounted fares (approx. 27-30 TL per ride) and is essential for bypassing the city's heavy.
  • Public Ferries (Şehir Hatları) Use official ferries to travel between the European and Asian continents. They provide a scenic, traffic-free alternative to bridges and are fully integrated with the Istanbulkart system.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an Istanbulkart for seamless travel across the city's metro, tram, and ferry networks, as it offers significantly lower fares and easier transfers than individual tickets.
  • Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered to respect local religious customs.
  • Use official yellow taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber to ensure fair pricing and safety, especially when traveling from major tourist hubs.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Istanbul

  • Night Museums Project: Extended evening access (until 11 PM) to major landmarks like the Galata Tower and Istanbul Archaeological Museums to avoid daytime heat and crowds.
  • Istanbul Modern 2026 Season: Major retrospectives and lens-based exhibitions like 'Panorama: Dreams and Places' at the Renzo Piano-designed waterfront museum.
• Go Türkiye↗
  Go TürkiyeThe official travel guide for Beyoğlu, a vibrant cultural district in Istanbul, provided by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.