Besiktas is a lively and historic district located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. It’s known for its beautiful waterfront location, bustling streets, historical landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The neighborhood offers a mix of traditional Turkish charm and modern attractions, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Must-Visit Landmarks
Dolmabahce Palace: This magnificent palace is a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur. Take a guided tour to explore its opulent interiors, beautiful gardens, and stunning waterfront views.
Besiktas Square: The heart of the neighborhood, this bustling square is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and people-watch.
Ortakoy Mosque: Situated on the Bosphorus shore, this charming mosque showcases a unique blend of architectural styles. Enjoy the picturesque views of the bridge and waterfront from here.
Yildiz Park: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle by visiting this serene park. Stroll along its paths, enjoy a picnic, and admire the beautiful flora.
Akaretler Row Houses: This historic street is lined with beautifully restored 19th-century Ottoman houses. It’s now home to trendy shops, boutiques, and cafes, offering a perfect blend of history and modernity.
Shopping and Dining
Besiktas Fish Market: Head to this vibrant market to experience the local culinary scene. You’ll find an array of fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes.
Barbaros Boulevard: This lively street is a shopper’s paradise, offering a mix of high-end stores, local boutiques, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to indulge in some retail therapy.
Bazaar District: Explore the winding streets of the bazaar district to find an assortment of shops selling textiles, ceramics, spices, and more. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices!
Nightlife and Entertainment
Besiktas Sahil (Besiktas Waterfront): The waterfront promenade comes alive in the evening with lively cafes, bars, and restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Nevizade Street: Known for its lively nightlife scene, this street is packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. It’s the perfect place to experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife.
Besiktas JK Stadium: If you’re a football fan, catch a match at the iconic Vodafone Park Stadium, home to Besiktas JK. The electric atmosphere during the games is a memorable experience.
Nearby Attractions
Taksim Square: Just a short distance away, Taksim Square is a bustling hub known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Galata Tower: Visit this medieval tower in the nearby Galata district to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul from its observation deck.
Topkapi Palace: A short journey from Besiktas, Topkapi Palace is a must-visit attraction. Explore its stunning architecture, intricate interiors, and historical artifacts.
Nisantasi: Located adjacent to Besiktas, Nisantasi is a chic and upscale neighborhood renowned for its high-end fashion boutiques, designer stores, and trendy cafes. Stroll along the elegant Abdi Ipekci Street and explore the stylish shops, or relax in one of the many fashionable cafes. Nisantasi is also home to art galleries, luxurious hotels, and exquisite dining options, making it a favorite spot for Istanbul’s affluent residents and fashion enthusiasts.
Transport links
Besiktas is well-connected to various transport options, providing convenient access to different parts of Istanbul and beyond.
Ferry Terminals: Besiktas boasts two ferry terminals, making it an excellent transportation hub for crossing the Bosphorus. The Ortakoy and Besiktas ferry terminals offer regular ferry services to various destinations along the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands. These ferries provide a scenic and enjoyable way to explore Istanbul and its surrounding areas, offering stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.
M7 Metro Line: Currently under construction, the M7 metro line will significantly enhance the transportation network in Besiktas. The new metro line will have stations at Fulya, Yildiz, Besiktas port, and Kabatas port. Once completed, the M7 metro will provide quick and convenient access to various parts of Istanbul, connecting Besiktas with other major neighborhoods and transportation hubs. The expected completion of the M7 metro line is planned for 2024, offering an efficient and modern transport option for residents and visitors alike.
Bosphorus Bridge: Besiktas provides quick access to the Bosphorus Bridge, also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. The bridge connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, offering a vital transportation link between the two continents. With easy access to the bridge, Besiktas allows travelers to explore both sides of Istanbul effortlessly. The bridge is accessible by various modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, and private vehicles.
So, why invest in Besiktas property?
Investing in Besiktas can be an attractive opportunity for several reasons:
1. Prime Location: Besiktas enjoys a prime location on the European side of Istanbul, strategically positioned along the Bosphorus Strait. This central location provides easy access to major transportation hubs, business districts, cultural landmarks, and entertainment areas. The neighborhood’s proximity to key attractions and its connectivity to other parts of the city make it highly desirable for investors.
2. Strong Real Estate Market: Besiktas is known for its vibrant real estate market, offering a range of properties from historic Ottoman houses to modern luxury apartments. The demand for real estate in the area remains consistently high due to its prime location, picturesque waterfront views, and proximity to commercial and business centers. Investing in Besiktas real estate can offer good potential for rental income and long-term property appreciation.
3. High Rental Demand: Besiktas is a sought-after residential area with a high demand for rental properties. The neighborhood attracts a diverse population, including professionals, expatriates, and students. Its proximity to universities, business centers, and entertainment options makes it an ideal location for those seeking rental accommodations. Investing in rental properties in Besiktas can provide a steady income stream and attractive rental yields.
4. Thriving Commercial Sector: Besiktas is home to a thriving commercial sector with numerous businesses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The neighborhood offers a mix of traditional markets and modern shopping districts, attracting both local and international visitors. Investing in commercial properties or retail spaces in Besiktas can tap into the vibrant local economy and benefit from the steady flow of customers and tourists.
5. Cultural and Historical Significance: Besiktas boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and Akaretler Row Houses. The neighborhood’s historical charm combined with its modern amenities and lively atmosphere appeals to both residents and tourists. Investing in cultural or historical properties in Besiktas can provide unique opportunities for preserving heritage and attracting tourism.
6. Infrastructure and Development: Besiktas has witnessed significant infrastructure development in recent years, with ongoing projects such as the construction of the M7 metro line. These infrastructure enhancements improve connectivity, accessibility, and overall quality of life in the neighborhood. Investing in an area with ongoing development projects can lead to increased property values and improved amenities for residents and businesses.
The idiom, location, location, location, is absolutely true for Besiktas – this is real Istanbul which will always have demand from all parts of the world.
