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Things to do in Karaköy, Istanbul

Our most recommended things to do in Karaköy, Istanbul

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1. Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Enjoy magical views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus on this dinner cruise. Sail on a yacht and watch a show with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Enjoy dinner and drinks while seeing sights like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.  Choose from a cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off from Istanbul via an air-conditioned van or meet directly at the port. Enjoy drinks like Turkish coffee, tea, unlimited soft drinks, and unlimited alcoholic drinks (depending on option selected). Pick between a standard meal or a VIP option. Savor an appetizer plate with options like a seasonal salad or hot starters. Choose a main course like mixed grilled meat, seasonal fish, or a vegetarian menu. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert.  Dine on your tasty food while watching live entertainment like Turkish folk dancing, Latin flamenco dancing, and a DJ. Gaze out the window at the imposing Galata Tower and Maiden's Tower, which has stood since the medieval Byzantine period. Enjoy shows such as live music, Dervishes, Turkish dances, Latin dance, flamenco, Sirtaki, and belly dance in the middle of the Bosphorus. Capture pictures of the Baroque Revival architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque. Admire the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges which span the Bosphorus strait. Take in the waterside Ottoman architecture of the Beylerbeyi Palace. Vip Menu Starters: • 10 types of mixed Turkish appetizers or mixed seafood appetizers • Vegetable pastrami pie • Fish pastry • Shrimp stew • Fish meatballs • Grilled squid Main Dishes: • Mushroom beef stragozate • Beef medallion • Mixed grill plate (meatballs, lamb skewers, steak, chops) • Vegetarian vegetable casserole • Seasonal seafood grill • Italian pasta types • Salad • Mediterranean Turkish salad Desert and Fruit: • Mixed Special Turkish desert or fruity chocolate cake • Unlimited local and non-alcoholic beverages

Istanbul: Galata Guided Walking Tour and Tower Entry

2. Istanbul: Galata Guided Walking Tour and Tower Entry

Meet your guide in front of the exit of the Tünel funicular station and start strolling through the backstreets of the Pera district. See the first luxury hotels of Istanbul which have hosted kings, queens, and world-famous writers and artists. After exploring the backstreets of Pera, follow your guide to a historic fish market and one of the most famous bar streets of Istanbul. While here, have the chance to try some local street food. Reach Istiklal Avenue and see people from all around the world, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and many historic buildings. Walk by some of the oldest consulates and churches from the 18-19th century Ottoman Empire. From Istiklal Avenue, find yourself in the neighborhood of Galata. On your way to the Galata Tower, pass through a cobblestone street full of music shops. The go-to street of every musician in Turkey, see shops specialized in hand-made ethnic instruments and equipment. After a few minutes of walking, find yourself in front of one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, Galata Tower. Listen to its stories and legends and head inside to access the elevator of the tower. Your guide will assist with your entry. From the tower's terrace, witness an impressive view of the city. See Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus Strait, the Bosphorus Bridge, Marmara Sea, both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Golden Horn, and even the Prince Islands. Your tour will end in Galata Tower, and here you are free to spend as much time as you want to take incredible pictures of Istanbul.

Istanbul: Fener and Balat Private Walking Tour

3. Istanbul: Fener and Balat Private Walking Tour

Start your tour with a ferry ride along the Golden Horn and see the skyline of Istanbul from this famous waterway. Learn from your guide as they explain the history of Constantinople, the conquest by the Ottomans, and the introduction of Jewish culture. Visit the extraordinary church of Mary Blachernae, and see the Ahrida Synagogue. Walk through the streets and markets of Balat through the splashes of color and the vibrancy of its street life. Take a break in this vibrant neighborhood and enjoy watching people in their everyday activities. End your tour in Fener after seeing the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an essential part of this tour, as it is the most sacred site for the Orthodox people.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Dinner

4. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Dinner

Discover the romance of Istanbul on a sunset cruise on the Bosporus strait. Dig into locally-prepared appetizers and a freshly-prepared, multi-cuisine buffet. Toast with champagne outside the Maiden's Tower lighthouse. End your dinner with on a sweet note with fresh seasonal fruits and baklava. Board the boat and start with a welcome cocktail and a selection of finger foods. Learn about the history and legends of Istanbul from your guide as you journey up and down both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.  Admire the glow of the sunset over the city from the water. When dusk sets in, soothing breezes arrive from the Sea of Marmara and the city lights up for the night. Hear the The muezzin calls from a towering minaret as you see majestic palaces and villas.  Breathe in the legacy of ancient Byzantium, Constantinople, and the mighty Ottoman Empire with each breath of fresh, salty air. Kick back and ride gentle waves in the comfort of a boat. Watch the city and its iconic landmarks pass by, a perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Glide by the Dolmabahce Palace and Golden Horn while enjoying a freshly prepared dinner. Stop for a champagne toast at the he Maiden's Tower. Listen to music played by a live DJ. Return to your starting point after your tour.

Istanbul: City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferries

5. Istanbul: City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram & Ferries

Experience Istanbul stress-free with a pre-charged travel card for public transport networks throughout the city. Travel on the metro, trams, buses, and ferries to experience the city like a local. Using your ticket is easy: simply swipe it at the entrance machines at each station of tram, metro, or public ferry boat. Your ticket will be validated upon each use and can be used for 5 or 10 rides depending on the option you book. Pick your card up at the airport or at the Istanbul Welcome Card offices in Istanbul. After booking, check your email for a city map and an e-booklet with discounts for attractions and activities in Istanbul.

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

6. Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

Discover every corner of Istanbul with this unique sightseeing tour combination. Travel around the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour with stops in both European and Asian parts of town. Navigate down the scenic Bosphorus Strait on a cruise and upgrade your experience with an insightful walking tour. Hop-on hop-off Bus Tour Travel aboard a double-decker bus and enjoy a hassle-free tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. Explore a looping route with 11 strategically placed stops close to must-see sights. Jump off at any of the stops or stay onboard for a relaxing ride through the vibrant streets. Pass by the famous Galata Bridge with fishermen lining the railing and Galata Tower soaring into the sky. Admire the view as you cross the legendary Bosphorus Bridge from Europe to Asia. The sightseeing route offers the following stops: 1. Sultanahmet 2. Eminönü 3. Karaköy 4. Galataport 5. Dolmabahce Palace 6. Istanbul Naval Museum 7. Beylerbeyi Palace 8. Beşiktaş Çarşısı 9. Taksim Square 10. Şişhane 11. Spice Bazaar 12. Sultanahmet Bosphorus cruise Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and navigate past spectacular palaces, mosques, and mansions from different empires along both shores of the Strait. Start out in the Old City, then navigate along the European side until the second Bosphorus Bridge, then return along the Asian coast. See the city from a whole new perspective as you sail past historical landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Ciragan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, and many more. Learn about the history and culture of Istanbul with the onboard audio guide. Optional walking tour Set foot on the Asian side of Istanbul by selecting the activity option with an included walking tour. Discover the famous local food market of Kadıköy, learn about Turkish food culture, and visit the backstreets of a local residential neighborhood.

Istanbul: Eurasia Bike & Boat Half-Day Tour

7. Istanbul: Eurasia Bike & Boat Half-Day Tour

Meet your tour leader in the historical neighborhood of Balat, in the European side of the city. Choose your bike for the day then board the public boat to Uskudar. From the boat, admire views of the city skyline and take photos of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Maiden Tower, Süleymaniye Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and more. Arrive in Uskudar, which is on the Asian side of the city. Hop on your bike and pedal to Fenerbahce Park, stopping along the way to take in the sights and listen to your guide share information about the area. Once you’ve worked up a sweat from the bike ride, enjoy a refreshing cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local cafe and admire the view of Princes’ Islands while you relax. Jump back on your bike and pedal to Kadıköy Pier for a boat ride to Karakoy. Next, cross over the Golden Horn Bay via the Metro Bridge then head back towards the tour’s meeting point in Balat. Tours usually finish around 2 PM, depending on the group’s cycling tempo. Afterwards, spend the day exploring the vibrant streets of Balat at your own leisure, and enjoy some fresh, local cuisine from one of the many street-side food vendors. During the experience all of the metioned monuments are only to be seen from outside.

Istanbul: Guided Instagram-Spots Tour

8. Istanbul: Guided Instagram-Spots Tour

In this full-day tour, you’ll get to visit some of the city’s lesser-known but still picturesque sites with a friendly guide who will assist you and leave you with lots of time to get your angles right for the perfect photo op. Make sure to come prepared with your phone, power bank, and camera too. The first stop is Kybele Hotel. This quaint hotel is known for its Ottoman-style design and colorful exterior. Head to the Henna Hotel rooftop next which is a great place for some cityscape photos. The next stop is the Sirkeci Station. The historic station is a central transportation hub that features a grand design and impressive facade that is definitely worth a snap or two (or more). From there, head to the Uskudar Coast Walkway, a seaside promenade overlooking the Bosphorus strait. Take in the lovely views and pose for some more shots before you head to the Kuzguncuk area. Once you arrive, wander along Icadiye Street, and marvel at the colorful shophouses and other beautiful residential homes. Next, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a ferry to Ortakoy. This lively waterfront square is abuzz with people taking advantage of the open-air and social atmosphere. The last stop of the day is Karakoy, a harborside area known for its entertaining nightlife and brightly lit nightscape.

Private and Guided Istanbul Food Tour - Tastes of Istanbul

9. Private and Guided Istanbul Food Tour - Tastes of Istanbul

After being picked up from your hotel, begin your tour with a walk around the Spice market. See where locals have been buying their spices for hundreds of years. Walk from Galata bridge to Karakoy and enjoy a Turkish breakfast that includes Turkish menemen, sucuklu omlet, kaymak, and honey. Catch a metro up to Pera and walk along the famous Istiklal street. Make a tea stop at a local tea house. In the afternoon, catch a ferry from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side in Kadikoy. Taste authentic Turkish cuisines or Mersin's tantuni, or if you are feeling adventurous, maybe try a liver wrap. Continue to the fish market and sample stuffed or fried mussels and pickles. Visit a shop that only sells pickles. Complete your tour by sampling Turkish coffee and desserts. After indulging, catch the ferry back to the European side of Istanbul, where the tour will conclude.

Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels

10. Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels

Go on this tour and explore the city instead of waiting at the airport during your layover. With your friendly local guide, feel like you have done a lot in a short amount of time. Your itinerary will be redesigned according to your landing time and your guide will confirm the best itinerary for you when you meet at the airport. If your flight lands before 4:00 PM, you will be able to go inside the sights but if your flight lands after 4:00 PM, you will not be able to go inside the sights but you will see Istanbul at night. The sights you can see included the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Bridge, Bosporus Bridge, Bosporus to Kadıköy cruise, Maidens Tower, Kadıköy food market, Karaköy neighborhood, Taksim Square, and Istıklal Avenue. You can choose the additional activities of a Turkish bath for 50 Euro, dinner at a local restaurant for between 10 and 20 Euro, or a baklava tasting for between 5 and 10 Euro. 

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What people are saying about Karaköy, Istanbul

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,021 reviews

The Bosphorus Dinner cruise was an excellent value and a beautiful evening. The information and communication was excellent. The staff was attentive and the food enjoyable. You can be inside or outside on the boat and the views were amazing. The entertainment was really enjoyable and the timing worked so that you could enjoy the dance and yet have conversation or go outside in between.

Highly recommended to take the full package, including all the drinks and hotel transfers. Food and entertainment is very good and the tour is well organised.

The boat show was fantastic. Good food, a lovely boat, and entertaining dance and music acts. I really like the atmosphere, we had good fun!

Nice experience! The food was relatively ok. The view worth all the money. I recommend it!

A very nice experience. It was a surprise for my parents and they love it