Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul

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I love Istanbul, Turkey. Apart from its architectural beauty, it’s also the only city in the world that straddles two continents– Europe and Asia. The Asian side does have its share of attractions– especially the food stalls and cafes in Kadiköy Market. However, the majority of the well-known tourist attractions are located on Istanbul’s European side. Most first-time visitors want to see the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. But don’t skip Istanbul classics like taste testing in the spice market or wandering around the Tophane near the river.

Istanbul’s European Side

Most people come to the European side of Istanbul for the big sights—the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace—but there’s so much more if you wander a bit. In Cukurcuma, you can poke around antique shops and stop for tea in little courtyards tucked between the buildings. Balat and Fener feel like stepping back in time, with their colorful old houses and cobblestone streets. Tophane has its own charm with art spaces and old coffeehouses, while Karaköy and Beyoğlu mix busy main streets with quiet little lanes where life moves slower. This side of the city isn’t just about history—it’s about the way people live it every day.

1. Cukurcuma 49

Cukurcuma was a nice introduction to istanbul and my Turkish pizza. The restaurant sits in a pretty, split-level building with exposed brick, glass, and wood. It’s a great spot for people-watching in a busy part of the European side, and I think the prices are reasonable for a tourist area.

The thin-crust pizzas are made with fresh Turkish ingredients, and the homemade wine—bottled on the small Aegean island of Bozcaada—isn’t bad either. I don’t have any other place to compare it to, but I’m convinced they have the best bruschetta in Istanbul!

The atmosphere is fun, and I loved walking over the see-through floor to peek down into the wine cellar. It’s the kind of detail that makes the visit just a little more memorable.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/49cukurcuma
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zrvghqgHJeuLrZbD9

2. HUQQA Kuruçeşme

On the European side of Istanbul, hookah cafes are part of everyday life. People meet to play backgammon, enjoy fruit-flavored tobacco, sip strong Turkish coffee, and snack on fresh fruit or roasted nuts. HUQQA takes that idea and makes it modern and stylish.

It sits right on the Bosphorus, with beautiful terrace views. You’ll find one of the biggest shisha menus in the city, with flavors like rose, pistachio, and more. The food is fresh, tasty, and served in big portions. Coffee and pastries are also worth trying, and the drinks menu has plenty of options. Prices are higher than average, but the quality makes it worth it.

The space is open and airy, so you don’t feel surrounded by smoke. The music adds to the lively atmosphere, with DJs playing popular hits in the evenings. It’s a place where you can easily stay for hours, enjoying the view, chatting with friends, and relaxing. Parking can be difficult, so it’s best to reserve a table—especially at night when it’s often full.

Website: https://www.huqqa.com/kurucesme-huqqa/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGiZRvMbq34XTSM6A

3. Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is open seven days a week and has been a bustling center of taste and trade since 1664. While it’s a favorite spot for selfies and Instagram stories, it’s also a sensory experience you won’t forget. The scent of freshly ground spices fills the air, blending with the sound of vendors calling you into their stalls in every language imaginable.

This is the best place in Istanbul to shop for dried fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, olives, Turkish delight, and essential oils. Don’t rush through—vendors often offer free cups of fragrant apple tea or sage to welcome you. It’s all part of the experience. You can sample sweets and compare textures and prices before buying. Turkish delight comes in dozens of flavors—rose, pomegranate, pistachio, and even clotted cream.

Spend time browsing, tasting, and chatting. You might come for the photos, but you’ll leave with your hands full and your senses delighted.

4. Cağaloğlu Hamam

This place was so beautiful, I wish I could have taken pictures inside. Cağaloğlu Hamam is one of Istanbul’s most iconic bathhouses, offering separate spaces for men and women. Female attendants serve female guests, and male attendants serve male guests. Please note: there are no couple of services offered.

The hammam offers a range of treatments, from a simple soak and scrub to luxurious rituals that feel fit for royalty. Prices start at 90 EUR for a traditional Turkish bath and go up to 400 EUR for the full-body Elixir of Cağaloğlu Hammam.

Popular options include:

• The İstanbul Dream – 90 EUR: A classic hammam experience in a 300-year-old setting
• Tip to Toe – 125 EUR: A full-body refresh that helps you slow down and recharge
• Ottoman Luxury Service – 220 EUR: A luxury ritual rooted in royal Ottoman traditions
• Sultan Mahmud the First – 280 EUR: A premium service honoring the hammam’s founder
• Bridal Bath – A traditional ritual still loved by brides-to-be today

Built in 1741, Cağaloğlu Hamam is the last major bathhouse built during the Ottoman Empire. The marble fountains, domed skylights, and historic göbektaşı (central stone platform) make it one of the most atmospheric hammam experiences in the city.

Website: https://cagalogluhamami.com.tr/en/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DXFMgTvya2GRVbYM6

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