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Ortakoy
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Ortakoy

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Ortakoy
4.5
About
Ortakoy is a charming neighborhood by the Bosphorus river in Istanbul. The area has an array of restaurants, bars, and pubs where you can dine while enjoying the picturesque view. You can also treat yourself to some tasty Kumpir (baked potato with toppings) or waffles. Ortakoy also boasts the 19th-century Grand Mecidiye mosque, Ayios Fokas church, a historic hammam, and the ornate Esma Sultan Mansion. After dusk, the district comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Be sure to catch the sunset here or hop aboard a dinner or sunset cruise to get a unique view of the area. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Besiktas
In Besiktas, skyscrapers compete with palaces for space in an upscale vista replete with hilly green parkland filling in the margins. Step into this rather wealthy neighbourhood and discover a rich mix of opportunities to shop, dine, and be entertained. For folks in search of urban buzz, not to mention a constant reminder of just how important Istanbul’s waterways are to its rich history, there's the frenetic Besiktas ferry terminal or the city’s most vibrant fish market to explore. For a timeout of metropolitan proportions, head to the bucolic Yildiz Park or the chic Bosphorus-side fishing village of Ortakoy. Attractions such as the grandiose Dolmabahce Palace and a bevy of other stately residences await admiration. To be sure, this large and not overly touristy swath of Istanbul yields plenty of pleasure for all.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3,479 within 5 kms
Nite
54
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • International • Turkish
Bond Coffee Co.
14
0.3 km$$ - $$$
Bizce Ortakoy Kuru Fasulyecisi
26
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Turkish • Grill
Pizano Pizzeria
50
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian friendly
Mahizer Baklava Kuruçeşme
60
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Turkish
Nhà Ginza Ginza Restaurant
67
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Sushi • Asian • Vietnamese
Muessese Ortakoy
43
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • European
Şekerci Cafer Erol Ortaköy
11
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert
Banyan
508
0.7 km$$$$ • Asian • Vegetarian friendly • Vegan options
Borgo Kitchen+Bar
8
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Vegetarian friendly
See all
Attractions
1,164 within 10 kms
Buyuk Mecidiye Cami
112
0.8 kmReligious Sites
Bosphorus Bridge
1,916
1.1 kmBridges
Ortakoy Cultural Center
2
0.5 kmCivic Centres
Yildiz Park
238
1.1 kmParks
Suleymaniye Mosque
12,707
Religious Sites
Beylerbeyi Palace
538
1.7 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Sultanahmet District
16,809
Neighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
ETZ Ahayim Synagogue
5
0.6 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Zorlu Center
508
1.7 kmShopping Malls
Basilica Cistern
32,188
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • Mohamed Sami
    Alexandria, Egypt1,714 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    European architecture
    Also called the Megidiye mosque as it was built at the time of Sultan Abdul-Mejid in the 19th century in the place of an older ruined small mosque. The architects were a father and a son from an Armenian family called Balyan. The mosque is not very big but it is unique in its architecture reflecting the background of the architects. The mosque of course is located in Ortakoy district very famous of kiosks selling Kumpir, the Turkish stuffed potatoes.
    Visited October 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 September 2023
  • Nermin
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit when you are in Istanbul
    This is a must visit when you are in Istanbul. The mosque is a beauty by itself situated in a perfect location. Once you enjoy the beauty of this mosque, you can stroll around the street for souvenir shopping, enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurants nearby and then definitely try out their Baked Potato before you leave. There is paid parking available close to this location.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 December 2023
  • Matt L
    London, United Kingdom3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views of the Bosphorous
    Spectacular views of the Bosphorous stretching over to the Asian side of Istanbul, with the stunnungly ornate Ortakoy Mosque in the foreground. This is a fashionable, pretty district of Istanbul where you can relax and tuck into the local speciality: baked potatoes served with a multitude of toppings. You can also take a one-hour cruise of the Bosphorous. Especially buzzing on a summer night but a lovely spot any time of the year.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 March 2024
  • Sumi628
    London, United Kingdom74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kumpir & beautiful mosque
    The cutest mosque waterfront mosque We visited this beautiful mosque after seeing it during a boat trip on the Bosporus It's very small but beautiful inside. There are separate prayer rooms for men & women Outside there is also a very clean area/room to perform ablution (wudu) A must when you visit Ortakoy is to eat Kumpir ( giant jacket potatoes) There are lots of stalls lined next to each other all vying for your attention. Each sell the same thing. The potatoes are humongous with unlimited filling depending. It was seriously the BEST jacket potato I have ever eaten Great views and beautiful area
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 May 2024
  • deejay90210
    New Delhi, India2,132 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Landmark of Istanbul
    This small but beautiful mosque is one of the landmarks of Istanbul. Beautiful setting for the rising Sun, located just beside the Osphorus river against the Bridge uniting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. A small market with many shops selling food and souvenirs add to the atmosphere.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,864 reviews
Excellent
1,072
Very good
606
Average
134
Poor
27
Terrible
25
SmokingBacon
4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Ortakoy pier visit during sunset
Sept 2023 • Friends
Came to see Ortakoy Mosque to lite up during sunset, it actually only lit up around 7.45pm, long after all other building lit up. If your boat leaves any earlier you don't get to see it.

Also the kumpir at Ortakoy pier is way overcharged, 200tl for a potato.

Otherwise nothing much to see around the pier for a short visit. Souvenir are similar as any places.

Only recommending 1 shop with an old lady selling handmade items, I bought a hand painted evil eye tree, its pretty and afforable.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jak H
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Disgusted
May 2022 • Friends
Oasis night club in Ortakay scams will try and Rob you with a large bill even If its only a shisha you are going for most taxi drivers will recommend as they get commission. Don not go or trust them. They will try and lure you with girls that work there who are all actors.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gulay G
Palo Alto, CA13 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Not the old Ortaköy, unfortunately...
Aug 2023 • Family
The view has always been amazing. This used to be the most beautiful neighborhood in Istanbul, but is now horribly crowded, especially on weekends. The prices at restaurants have gone sky high due to the popularity for tourists. The best time to go is on a weekday, early before the crowds, to enjoy breakfast or brunch. Make sure to check for an itemized check.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,219 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Atmospheric!
Nov 2021 • Solo
Love this area in Istanbul. Take a bus from Taksim Square which takes around 45 minutes. Traffic can be bad especially in the rush hour and on weekends. The area is all about atmosphere! Filled with local Turkish families relaxing and enjoying the views of the Bosphorus and the bridge. It can get windy. Avoid standing too close to the edge if taking photographs as the tide can sometimes be high and you will get soaked! There is a man selling bird food which you can buy and feed the many birds if you like! There are many restaurants, coffee shops and food stalls. 'Kumpir' is very popular to eat. There are a few shops and a small market selling anything and everything from handicrafts to souvenirs. Some of the items are nice but others can be tacky! Apparently the market is not there everyday but it always seems to be on everytime I come! Having said this, there are more stalls on certain days. The small mosque is worth a visit. Go inside but dress modestly or you can't go in.
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,677 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Visit the mosque!
May 2022
Ortakoy is a must! The neighborhood is really lovely, there are many local cafes and restaurants, it is not so touristy, especially if you go more inside the streets instead of staying only in the street that is by the sea (where the mosque is). Plus, you should really go inside the mosque instead of only taking pictures of it from outside. The inside is beautiful, our favourite mosque of Istanbul!
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumi628
London, UK74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Kumpir & beautiful mosque
Feb 2024 • Couples
The cutest mosque waterfront mosque

We visited this beautiful mosque after seeing it during a boat trip on the Bosporus
It's very small but beautiful inside.
There are separate prayer rooms for men & women
Outside there is also a very clean area/room to perform ablution (wudu)
A must when you visit Ortakoy is to eat Kumpir ( giant jacket potatoes)

There are lots of stalls lined next to each other all vying for your attention. Each sell the same thing. The potatoes are humongous with unlimited filling depending.
It was seriously the BEST jacket potato I have ever eaten

Great views and beautiful area
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohamed Sami
Alexandria, Egypt1,714 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
European architecture
Oct 2022 • Family
Also called the Megidiye mosque as it was built at the time of Sultan Abdul-Mejid in the 19th century in the place of an older ruined small mosque. The architects were a father and a son from an Armenian family called Balyan. The mosque is not very big but it is unique in its architecture reflecting the background of the architects. The mosque of course is located in Ortakoy district very famous of kiosks selling Kumpir, the Turkish stuffed potatoes.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arzanstudio
Mumbai, India350 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Casual Bosporous side area one can loiter around
Jan 2020 • Family
You’ll be surrounded by a thousand choices in food in this area. Right from the standing stalls that flank the entranceway inside, to the banks of the Bosporous. Beautiful eateries, offering you open air or heated glass cubicles to cozy yourself in. Benches along the banks let you laze around the area longer, getting a good view of the harbour, the pigeons being fed, the mosque, and the blue waters. Nice place to spend your morning, ending with lunch
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy
Nashville, TN1,225 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Kumpir
Nov 2020
Kumpir was the primal purpose to be there. We thought there were only one kumpir stall there, and others are something else. When we arrived, there were dozens of same kumpir stalls by different company, everybody was asking us to get one from them. It is really something to see. Besides that, Ortakoy had a lot of small shops. Those may not be too different from those in Istanbul, but one good thing is they don't call you in to come to see their store. So you can go in only to those you feel like.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,438 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nice area before the bridge
Sept 2020
Ortakoy is a neighborhood right by the Bosphorus Strait on the European side. It's just around the famous bridge connecting two continents.
The main attraction here is the same name Mosque, very ornate. However, I found it more interesting to walk the side streets further to feel real local life.
There's also a water taxi station nearby to cross on the other side with great views of the bridge.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ortakoy - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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