Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 267

Enjoying a drink on the terrace of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel ( CLICK HERE
).
Exploring Beşiktaş to Kuruçeşme
This part of town has the largest concentration of Ottoman palaces and pavilions in İstan-
bul, so history and architecture buffs will find it satisfying to spend a day or two explor-
ing. Start by walking to Dolmabahçe Palace from the tram stop at Kabataş, and then walk
or bus your way down to Yıldız Park and Çırağan Palace. But be warned that getting back
to Kabataş or Taksim by bus or taxi is usually a slow process due to constant traffic jams
along Çırağan, Muallim Naci and Kuruçeşme Caddesis.
The waterside suburb of Ortaköy has considerable charm, particularly on warm summer
nights when its main square is crowded with locals dining at its waterside restaurants or
enjoying an after-dinner coffee and ice cream by the water. It's a good place to kick off an
evening of clubbing at the venues along the Golden Mile.
Local Life
» Picnic in the Park You don't need to organise a portable BBQ and folding furniture to
enjoy an al fresco lunch in popular Yıldız Park ( CLICK HERE ); although many locals do).
» İskele Idling Watch the ferries head in and out of dock while lingering in the cafes and
bars behind Bahçeşehir University next to the Beşiktaş İskelesi (ferry dock).
» Kumpir Join the crowds tucking into stuffed potatoes from the stands behind the Or-
taköy Mosque.
Getting There & Away
» Buses Lines 22, 22RE and 25E travel from Kabataş along Çırağan, Muallim Naci and
Kuruçeşme Caddesis and on to the Bosphorus suburbs. Lines 40, 40T and 42T travel from
Taksim.
» Ferries Run between Beşiktaş and the Asian shore. There are also commuter services
from Eminönü to Ortaköy at 5.50pm, 6.10pm, 6.40pm 6.30pm. Unfortunately no evening
services return to Eminönü.