5-Day Autumn Route in İstanbul

İstanbul's atmosphere, layered in the city’s history, and the beauty shining from every corner are complemented by the vibrant backstreets. It offers a perfect city experience with architecture that tells stories from the past, restaurants that open new doors to traditional and modern flavours, and stunning walking routes.

Here are those wonderful routes where you can discover İstanbul's past and present:

20 Points

50 km

4 h

Route points

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Pierre Loti Hill, the first stop of the route, is the perfect place to experience all the beauty of İstanbul with its unique panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus.

The hill was named after the French writer Pierre Loti, who lived in İstanbul between 1876 and 1919 and was known as a great admirer of the city. He wrote his works while facing the hill's unique, breathtaking view, which inspired the hill's naming in his honour.

Just like Pierre Loti did, you can watch the city’s view with the red, gold, and orange colours of autumn from a quiet and peaceful hilltop. Also, visitors should taste traditional delicacies such as tea, Turkish coffee, and Turkish delight in the elegant and scenic places here.

Afterwards, visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb, an important religious symbol and structure in İstanbul. Then, continue to Miniatürk, a unique open-air museum that displays miniature replicas of the city’s most iconic buildings and gives a compact overview of İstanbul’s key sights. Eyüp district, one of the historical and cultural symbols of the city, is waiting for you with its atmosphere surrounded by the old and modern world.

The next stop on the route, starting in Eyüp, is Balat, where different architectural styles meet at the crossroads of a deep-rooted history. Chora is one of the first places to be seen, with its cultural and historical importance and its well-preserved, unique mosaics and frescoes.

After visiting this mystical and stunning church, wander around Balat’s traditional houses with oriel windows, see the works of art on the walls in the alleys, and walk on the streets.

Enjoy Balat with antique shops that create an authentic atmosphere among the colourful houses and boutique cafes that will attract you with the smell of hot coffee. Auctions in these antique shops enable you to discover interesting objects and rare items, and you can find out the dates of the auctions from social media accounts, as their days vary from one antique shop to another.

Sveti Stefan Church, more commonly known as the Iron Church, located on the shore of the Golden Horn and entirely made of prefabricated cast iron, attracts visitors with its impressive architecture and symbolises the district's multiculturalism. The last place, Phanar Orthodox College, which is fascinating with its bright red colour and aesthetic appearance, is a visual feast for photographers.

Karaköy is a district that makes visitors feel as if they are travelling through history with its deep-rooted history dating back to the Ottoman period and its historical architecture. Around Mumhane Street, you’ll find small boutiques to browse and chic cafés to dip into along the way. MICHELIN Stars and Guide Bib Gourmand dining, including Neolokal, Karaköy Lokantası and Ali Ocakbaşı Karaköy, is another reason to stay in the neighbourhood a little longer.

You can also see unique pieces of İstanbul street art hidden in the old alleys and streets of Karaköy while wandering the area. Bankalar Street, which was built in the early 1900s and where buildings with European architectural influences are lined along the road, creates a unique aesthetic appearance. This street and the famous Kamondo Staircase here are among the most remarkable spots for photographers.

Cihangir is a small neighbourhood where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. In the streets around Çukurcuma, where renowned antique shops and art galleries showcasing important works are concentrated, the area offers an excellent setting for new aesthetic discoveries.

When you come here, you should visit the Museum of Innocence, one of the rare and unique book museums in the world, where antique objects are exhibited in a red wooden house.

Apart from cultural venues, Cihangir stands out among the most popular places for tourists who want to discover new flavours with the frequency of boutique cafes and restaurants with unique concepts.

You can also explore İstanbul's nightlife, with a variety of entertainment venues offering live music and stylish interior designs. This corner of İstanbul offers a delightful and captivating experience for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the daily life of the city.

Beyoğlu is the last stop of this route, which visits historically and culturally remarkable areas in İstanbul. It is a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, with its historical architecture and vibrant atmosphere of trendy venues. Its unique architecture, shaped by diverse cultures and artistic movements, gives the district a visual richness that draws photography enthusiasts in.

The magnificent Galata Tower will enchant you with its historic exterior architecture and breathtaking view of İstanbul. St. Antuan Church along İstiklal Street is another beautiful structure with its mystical atmosphere and impressive stained glass.

With the theatres, cinemas, art galleries, and museums on the world-famous İstiklal Street, the heart of art in İstanbul beats here. Street musicians bring this amazing street to life, filling it with vibrant melodies that nurture the city’s spirit and energy. Apart from its cultural side, the variety of shopping venues on the street attracts shopping and fashion enthusiasts.

The famous Asmalımescit neighbourhood is waiting for those who want to make new gastronomic discoveries with its MICHELIN Guide-listed restaurants, famous taverns, and entertainment venues.