Istanbul in October: Two Enjoyable City Routes
Istanbul in October has a special atmosphere, with cooler days, seaside walks, nostalgic neighborhoods, and cultural events across both sides of the city. If you want to enjoy the season at a relaxed pace, these two routes offer a pleasant way to experience Istanbul through parks, waterfronts, lively streets, and local favorites.
Route 1: Emirgan-Karaköy
When you have your breakfast, just get your favorite book and take the path to Emirgan Park. Choose a pavilion with a pretty color and take a seat. Reading gives the biggest joy in this park, and do not forget to order tea, of course. Also excellent options for pleasure are Emirgan Sütiş and Çınaraltı Kahvesi. Sakıp Sabancı Museum is waiting for you to visit before taking a bus.
Now it is time to move to Bebek, an appealing seaside district renowned for its waffle shops, after enjoying the serenity. The delicious waffles of Kemal Usta can make you more energetic for the remainder of the day in Bebek. You can see Bebek Park and the historic Arab Republic of Egypt General Consulate as you walk.
Take a long walk by the sea and breathe the salty, fresh air after getting off the bus to Beşiktaş. Beşiktaş has very appealing alternatives like the Istanbul Naval Museum and the Beşiktaş Arcade. You can even find Beşiktaş football team supporters chanting slogans in their team uniforms if it is a match day. You can feel like a Beşiktaş club fan by visiting the stadium with a stadium tour. Feel rejuvenated by the sea view fronting Üsküdar.
You are heading to Beyoğlu by bus after Beşiktaş and starting your hike from Taksim Square. Walking down Istiklal Street and experiencing the hectic atmosphere, Galata Tower seems to reveal its centuries-old story. When you reach Karaköy, it is already evening. Karaköy is the Historical Peninsula's neighbor, with its historical origins showing themselves as you stroll along Bankalar Avenue and ancient office blocks. Karaköy was described by Italian writer Edmondo de Amicis as “a place where the whole of Istanbul goes from sunrise to sunset, in the form of a thousand colorful waves, as if it were a parade.”
Thinking you are getting hungry, Karaköy Restaurant is an ideal place to have a meal that gives you the chance to taste Turkish cuisine and experience it locally. Mükellef Karaköy offers a menu prepared by chef Arda Türkmen with a wide variety of tastes. Get yourself a drink at DiVine at the end of the day and feel calm with quality jazz music.
Route 2: Çengelköy-Bostancı
Nostalgia in Çengelköy is one of Istanbul’s musts, as the nostalgic atmosphere surrounds you and recalls your memories in the fall more than ever. The most popular locations to visit in Çengelköy are the streets of old pavilions as relics of centuries, chocolatiers, and creamery shops. If you want to drink tea and watch the sea view, the seaside benches are excellent options. The Church of Aya Yorgi welcomes you for a historic time lapse. Sutiş Abdullah Ağa Yalısı is popular for breakfast, especially with its omelette varieties.
Kadıköy provides its lengthy shoreline to Üsküdar and Maltepe if you want to get lost in the roads of the Asian Side. Kadıköy Pier is the first stop. Step into Kadıköy Arcade after getting off the ferry, where you can find a small bazaar, shops, cafés, and restaurants. You are welcomed as you go deeper by the renowned Bull Statue and Nostalgic Tram. Walk to the seaside toward Moda. Moda’s seaside is full of people, especially young adults during holidays and weekends. Now it is your time to enjoy the beauty after finding a place on the grass. Follow Kalamış and get to Fenerbahçe Parkı. You can rent a bicycle as an enjoyable transportation option.
Feeling refreshed, head for Baghdad Avenue. This avenue is renowned for its shops selling world-renowned products and for its long stretch across Kadıköy. The pier appears after leaving this appealing center and wandering to the seaside. The Princes' Islands can be readily reached, and your journey can be expanded.
Festivals and Events in Istanbul in October
- Film Ekimi
- Ekim Festivali
- Fazıl Say at Concert
- Sophie Zelmani
While choosing the locations and length of the routes as you wish, do not forget to experience Turkish culture with Whirling Dervishes.
Both sides host the history of Istanbul with their still-unknown mysteries. To explore more, you may also prefer Üsküdar and Kadıköy tours or Istiklal Street-Beyoğlu tours.
For broader travel information about the city, you can also check GoTürkiye and ferry updates from Şehir Hatları before planning your day.
Come enjoy Istanbul, the city that does not sleep!
