Route

From Cihangir to the Shore: Çukurcuma and the Tophane Descent

From the art-filled streets of Cihangir to nostalgic Çukurcuma, a step-by-step Beyoğlu walk that reaches the Tophane waterfront without climbing a single slope.

Stops
22
Distance
3.6 km
Duration
120 min
Difficulty
Easy
From Cihangir to the Shore: Çukurcuma and the Tophane Descent route
The line is approximate: stops are joined as the crow flies.

Stops

  1. 1
    Sıraselviler Avenue

    Our route starts on Sıraselviler Avenue, just off Taksim Square. From here on, the road only goes downhill.

  2. ~1 min · 70 m
    2
    Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church

    With its dome part of the Taksim skyline, Hagia Triada is one of the grandest reminders of Beyoğlu's multicultural past. If the gate is open, step into the courtyard.

  3. ~3 min · 220 m
    3
    Aslan Yatağı Street

    Welcome to Cihangir.

  4. ~1 min · 100 m
    4
    Cihangir Avenue & 22

    Our Cihangir tour begins! 22 is a delightful spot by day and by night.

  5. ~3 min · 250 m
    5
    Cihangir Avenue

    Some neighbourhoods have a view, some have a story; Cihangir has an aura. An artistic spirit stretching from old Yeşilçam cinema to today's film sets, from theatre to music, meets handsome apartment blocks, stairways down to the sea, Bosphorus views and one-of-a-kind venues. Istanbul's bohemian, cool side has lived here for years.

  6. ~1 min · 70 m
    6
    Lenger Street

    On our right is Cihangir Park... Don't be surprised to see plenty of cats and dogs around :)

  7. ~1 min · 70 m
    7
    Güneşli Street

    We walk toward the mosque along one of Cihangir's quiet side streets.

  8. ~1 min · 110 m
    8
    Cihangir Mosque

    Don't miss the magnificent view from the garden of Cihangir Mosque, with the Bosphorus Bridge on one side and the Historic Peninsula on the other.

  9. ~2 min · 130 m
    9
    Susam Street & Emily's Garden

    From the outside, Emily's Garden barely gives itself away; with its lovely garden, very cool atmosphere and tasty menu, it's a spot waiting to be discovered.

  10. ~2 min · 150 m
    10
    Akarsu Yokuşu Street

    A very cool street where the food, drink and nightlife spots that define Cihangir take centre stage... When the night gets going, don't be surprised if a famous face walks past while you sit at a table or stroll down the street!

  11. ~3 min · 210 m
    11
    Ağa Hamamı Street

    We head toward Turnacıbaşı Street through the quarter of the historic Ağa Hamamı, which gives this street its name.

  12. ~2 min · 170 m
    12
    Turnacıbaşı Street

    Enjoying some of Beyoğlu's loveliest streets.

  13. ~1 min · 40 m
    13
    Faik Paşa Slope

    The famous Faik Paşa Slope is a must for anyone who loves being photographed... It captures Cihangir's cool, artistic spirit perfectly.

  14. ~1 min · 50 m
    14
    Corinne Hotel

    A wonderful spot I love both walking past and sitting down for a coffee at; photography lovers should never skip it...

  15. ~1 min · 120 m
    15
    Zografyon Greek High School

    The imposing building of the Zografyon Greek High School is one of the finest street-side reminders of Beyoğlu's multicultural past.

  16. ~1 min · 80 m
    16
    Kartal Street

    Socialising in the shape of one long street :)

  17. ~2 min · 140 m
    17
    Yeni Çarşı Avenue

    We glide past Galatasaray High School toward Çukurcuma. A little guide's secret: on our routes we never climb, we only go downhill! Every plan we make is built around that comfort.

  18. ~3 min · 270 m
    18
    Cezayir Sokağı (Fransız Sokağı)

    A colourful street full of venues built around steep stairs leading down... A truly unique atmosphere. Enjoy the cafés here if you like, or carry on with the route from where we left off.

  19. ~1 min · 40 m
    19
    Yeni Çarşı Avenue & Limonlu Bahçe

    Pay no attention to the tourists panting their way uphill; you can take a break at Limonlu Bahçe on your right. Then keep gliding down this lovely avenue.

  20. ~2 min · 150 m
    20
    Boğazkesen Avenue

    The fine main street of a one-of-a-kind quarter, full of antique shops and bohemian spots...

  21. ~1 min · 70 m
    21
    Old French Orphanage

    You can have a drink in its garden and soak up the courtyard atmosphere. Having come this far, you really should see it.

  22. ~4 min · 300 m
    22
    Meclis-i Mebusan Avenue

    And that completes our route! If you still have the energy and appetite to explore, you can lose yourself in Galataport right across the road or in the streets of Karaköy, and enjoy some food and drinks. Because this is Istanbul, and there is always something to do here!

Times between stops are rough estimates from straight-line distance.

We drew the path. Leave the rest to Istanbul.