Private collection of exemplary Turkish art and latest traveling exhibitions from around the world, at the far end of the Bosphorus. You can always rely on their taste, because in latest years they were hosting exhibitions of David Hockney, Marina Abramovich, Ai Wei Wei, Juan Miro etc. Held in a renowned mansion, with a great view over the water, and a restaurant worth taking a trip, besides visiting the museum. Highly recommend to take a ferry trip from Besiktas, having a refreshing walk back to the city by the Bosphorus shore after exploring the collections.

Flipping pages of a long desired book while sipping a good cocktail? Enjoying brunch in a shade of trees on a tiled terace, after being lost for hours in a greatest selection of books from around the world? Best bookshop in Istanbul, especially if you are looking for a latest publications, carefully picked by a team of extraordinary readers. Was awarded as Best Bookshop in the World by a London Bookfair in 2023.

Historical building of a former british post office, reimagined. Four floors, occupied by the local projects with an emphasize on urban and sustainable initiatives. A cafe with a menu of dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients; an organic shop with a produce from independent farmers. Another shop with a nice selection of gifts and books and periodicals on city urbanistics. Coworking space, library, space for events (check their agenda, if you are into urbanistics, independent arts, gender and political studies). And as a cherry on top, a rooftop with an open garden and view on Shishane rooftops and Galata tower.

One of the first specialty coffee shops and roasteries in town, still staying low-key and refusing to expand. Great music. No unnecessary distractions such as WI-FI.