Ortaköy Square
Ortaköy Square things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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As Director of TURKEY Tourism USA based in New York, I am on assignment in Istanbul to compile our 2025 guidebook. This means that I am evaluating so much in Istanbul to advise travelers who are planning journeys to the city. Ortaköy ranks high on my list of recommendations of "must-see" places in Istanbul. Nestled along the Bosphorus, Ortaköy is one of Istanbul's most picturesque and lively neighborhoods, making it the #12 must-visit site in the city. This charming area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, scenic waterfront, and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque, a stunning example of neo-Baroque architecture. The mosque, with its elegant minarets and intricate details, stands as a symbol of Ortaköy, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge, especially at sunset. Ortaköy is not just about its architectural gems; it's also a hub of culinary delights and local culture. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you'll encounter a plethora of cafés, artisan shops, and street vendors. A visit to Ortaköy wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Kumpir, a popular Turkish street food. These giant baked potatoes are loaded with a variety of toppings, from savory to sweet, making them a must-try for anyone exploring the area. Spend around two to three hours in Ortaköy to fully soak in the neighborhood's unique charm. After visiting the mosque, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, savoring the flavors of Kumpir, and perhaps browsing the local handicrafts at the weekend market.
Kenneth VásquezKenneth Vásquez
00
Ortaköy Square, often humorously referred to as "Potato Square," turned out to be quite a letdown for me. The first thing that hit me upon arrival was an unpleasant smell of sewage, which lingered throughout the area. The square is bustling with people and various stalls, mainly selling baked potatoes and other street food, but the overall cleanliness left much to be desired. The atmosphere felt more like a functional, service-oriented space rather than a well-maintained tourist spot. Another issue I encountered was the lack of visible pricing, which led to some surprises when it came time to pay. This lack of transparency, combined with the general lack of cleanliness, really diminished my experience. On the positive side, the Ortaköy Mosque is a stunning piece of architecture and definitely worth a visit. Its beauty is in stark contrast to the rest of the square, offering a peaceful and visually pleasing escape from the surrounding area. Overall, my rating for Ortaköy Square is quite low due to the smells, cleanliness issues, and lack of clear pricing, though the mosque itself is a gem in an otherwise disappointing location.
Ibrahim NIbrahim N
00
I visited in August 2019 on a Friday. we were 2 adults one 2 year old and an infant. The place is beautiful to take lot's of photos. you can see the bridge connecting the Asian and European part of Turkey. There is also a beautiful grand white mosque and they were performing Friday prayers. you can walk up all along the sea side for different views (unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time) There is a small but loveley play ground for kids to play while you enjoy their famous baked potatoes. There was a man who sells bird feed and you could feed hundreds of pigeons. The area is stroller friendly but some uphill walking if you wanted to reach different parts of the sea view areas, which was fine. there are many cafes, baked potatoe kushks and ice cream shops. Many hand craft stalls where you can purchase souvenirs. I wish we had more time to explore the whole area better. I will definiteley visit again when the weather is cooler. highly recomended.
zainab alsayeghzainab alsayegh
10
An absolute favorite stop on any trip to Istanbul. Ortaköy Square offers a great spot for Turkish foods both restaurant style and street food, views of the Ortaköy Camii (Mosque/ Masjid) and Bosphorus bridge and also a point of embarking/ disembarking the ferry which connects the neighboring cities across the Bosphorus strait . As you walk through the alleyways surrounding the square you can find many small shops ranging from local souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, coffee & tea shops, bars/ lounges, nargile (hookah/ shisha) ice cream and spices. The area is usually busy with locals and tourists. Generally I felt safe in this location and police presence can be seen. There is not much parking at the square however the walk from the designated parking lots around aren’t to bad. There is generally a welcoming atmosphere as the Turks are really friendly. This location is great for the solo traveler, a group of friends or family day outdoor.
Kevin ApacheKevin Apache
00
uring my unplanned ferry trip from Eminonu in Istanbul, I stumbled upon Ortakoy Square in Turkey. Ortakoy Square offers a delightful blend of market stalls, mouthwatering food, and stunning views of the Ortakoy Bridge. The ferry ride, costing 15 Turkish lira, led me to this hidden gem. The square's bustling market and food stalls are renowned for their famous potato dish, Kumpir, which is a must-try. The open Bay Area invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy the sea breeze and witness the local fishing culture. It's a tranquil spot to relax and soak in the ambiance. From here, the picturesque view of the Ortakoy Bridge adds a touch of charm to the overall experience. In summary, stumbling upon Ortakoy Square was a delightful surprise during my unplanned ferry journey. With its vibrant market, delectable food, open Bay Area, and scenic views, it offers a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Rohit VishwakarmaRohit Vishwakarma
00
The Ortakoy Sqaure is a famous and one of the most touristic ones in Istanbul, located in Ortakoy neighborhood of Besiktas district, nearby the beautiful Bosphorus. The excellent location makes it a very popular and lively places full of young people and all Istanbul sightseeing takers. Strolling around the Ortakoy Sqaure, watching the crowd, having a rest and drinking tea or coffee at the various cafes and restaurants nearby the sea in the company of Bosphorus is one of the best things to do in Ortakoy. You can also take the boats for a Bosphorus cruise, from the Ortakoy coast, near the Ortakoy Mosque. There are variety of cafes, restaurants and shops at the square. Many tourists prefer to buy baked potatoes (Kumpir) from numerous cafes and eat it by the beautiful views of the Bosphorus. The lively nights at the weekends are also fantastic.
Hani Al-Maashari هاني المعشريHani Al-Maashari هاني المعشري
20
Nearby Attractions Of Ortaköy Square
Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Yıldız Park
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü
15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge
Malta Köşkü, Beltur
Küçük Mecidiye Mosque
The Stay Bosphorus
Harbi Adana Ocakbaşı
Bosphorus Bridge
Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
4.8
(13.9K)Click for details
Yıldız Park
4.7
(13.4K)Click for details
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
4.7
(4.7K)Click for details
15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü
4.6
(4.7K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Ortaköy Square
Beltaş Rest Cafe
Feriye Lokantasi
Konyalı Ferdi Usta Ortaköy
Visorante Kitchen & Bar Ortaköy
The House Cafe
Sortie
Ortaköy Kumpir
Ali Baba Nargile Restaurant Ortaköy
RUBY
Dürümce Ortaköy
Beltaş Rest Cafe
3.8
(2.8K)$$
Click for details
Feriye Lokantasi
4.4
(2.1K)Click for details
Konyalı Ferdi Usta Ortaköy
4.5
(1.2K)$$
Click for details
Visorante Kitchen & Bar Ortaköy
4.4
(1.2K)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Mecidiye, İskele Sk., 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
attractions: Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque), Yıldız Park, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Malta Köşkü, Beltur, Küçük Mecidiye Mosque, The Stay Bosphorus, Harbi Adana Ocakbaşı, Bosphorus Bridge, restaurants: Beltaş Rest Cafe, Feriye Lokantasi, Konyalı Ferdi Usta Ortaköy, Visorante Kitchen & Bar Ortaköy, The House Cafe, Sortie, Ortaköy Kumpir, Ali Baba Nargile Restaurant Ortaköy, RUBY, Dürümce Ortaköy
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