Cihangir is one of those neighborhoods that most travelers don’t typically visit on their first trip to Istanbul. They might pass through on the way from Taksim to Galataport (maybe even glance into a concept shop window) but few ever pause long enough to see what makes it so magnetic.

Often nicknamed the SoHo of Istanbul, Cihangir has long been a refuge for free spirits. It doesn’t boast grand palaces or headline-grabbing landmarks like Sultanahmet, but that’s precisely its charm.

(In fact, when researching this guide, all of the guidebooks we consulted only gave Cihangir 3 pages at best… but we digress. 🥲)

We like to think that life here unfolds in small yet cinematic moments: a cat napping on a pile of antique luggage bags, the distant bellowing of a ferry, or the chatter of friends hanging outside the latest cafe. 

We often find ourselves coming here whenever we want to slow down and chill out. To wander without purpose, to peek into antique shops in Cihangir (Ms. Kedi has been eyeing a beautiful mother-of-pearl side table for years), and to linger in a cafe that could easily double as someone’s living room.

Perhaps you, too, want to escape the annoying insistent carpet sellers of Sultanahmet or the bustling crowds of Istiklal Avenue. Maybe you’re craving a little productive sightseeing without the pressure — and Cihangir will do just that. 

After all, it’s a neighborhood that rewards curiosity and one where you could spend hours discovering hidden treasures among its side streets and courtyards. Speaking of which, Cihangir is famous for its historic bathhouses (hamams), curio shops where you can travel back centuries, art galleries, and characterful locals.

If you like beautiful 19th century buildings, off-the-beaten path neighborhoods, and copious amounts of delicious food and drinks (both of the caffeine and grape varieties), then you’ll love Cihangir. 😉 

In this Cihangir neighborhood guide, we’ll show you what to do in Cihangir, where to eat and drink, some interesting local lore, and plenty more. Let’s go! 

Where is Cihangir, Istanbul Located? 

Sandwiched between Taksim/Istiklal Avenue to the north and Karaköy/Galataport to the south, Cihangir is part of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district on the European side.

It’s central yet peaceful, known for its hilly streets, views of the Bosphorus, and easy access to nearby attractions like Galata and Taksim Square. 

Cihangir may be small, but it punches well above its weight as Istanbul’s arts and culture district. The atmosphere here feels like it took a little hipsterness from Kadıköy, a little European charm from Galata, and a little elegance from Nişantaşı. The perfect recipe, don’t you think? 😉

What’s the difference between Çukurcuma & Cihangir?

Before we dive in, we want to break down the difference between Cihangir vs Cukurcuma.

Although they sit right next to each other in the “bigger” Beyoğlu district, Cihangir and Çukurcuma have slightly different personalities. They share the same creative spirit, but each has their own unique charms.

Cihangir is the livelier and bigger of the two, a bohemian hillside neighborhood known for its third-wave cafes, brunch spots, art galleries, and leafy (and steep) streets with Bosphorus views. Cihangir is also where Istanbul’s writers, expats, and creatives live, so it feels more local than touristic. 

Çukurcuma, just a few minutes downhill, feels like stepping back in time. It’s full of antique shops, vintage furniture stores, and houses that are reminiscent of Old Istanbul (kind of like those in Kuzguncuk). The cobbled streets here are quieter, the pace slower, and the atmosphere more nostalgic.

For first-time visitors, exploring both in one go is ideal. Start your day in Cihangir with breakfast or coffee, explore the area (check out our list of things to do in Cihangir below!) and then walk down to Çukurcuma for antique hunting and slow meandering.

A Short History of Cihangir

The story of Cihangir started around the mid-1500s during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. One of his sons, Şehzade Cihangir (Prince Cihangir), was born with a disability and was a frail child. 

To ease his health and lift his spirits, Prince Cihangir’s caretakers often took him to spend time in this area, which, at the time, was nothing more than a patch of hunting ground. The fresh air and peaceful views brought him comfort, and he grew fond of the spot.

When Cihangir died young, Sultan Suleiman was heartbroken and, in his memory, ordered Mimar Sinan to build a small mosque on the prince’s favorite hill. That mosque (Cihangir Camii) gave the neighborhood its name.

By the late 1800s, as nearby Galata and Pera (modern-day Beyoğlu) became crowded and more expensive, many European residents began moving over to Cihangir. They built elegant homes on its Bosphorus-facing hills and eventually turned what was once a quiet slope into one of the city’s most beautiful residential quarters.

Over the years, Cihangir’s character kept evolving. By the 1970s, it had taken on a new life as a creative enclave where artists, writers, filmmakers, free spirits, and bohemes lived side by side. Sometimes we like to joke that our friends who live in Cihangir are “Bosphorus Bohemians.” 🙂 

The neighborhood perfectly reflects the spirit of its residents with secondhand bookstores, independent art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and even third wave cafes that wouldn’t look out of place in Williamsburg. With all of this, it’s no wonder why Cihangir is one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul to explore!

⭐️ Fun fact: In 2012, The Guardian ranked Cihangir as one of the best places to live on earth, among Maui in Hawaii and Tenerife in Spain. Nowadays, it’s also one of the most popular Istanbul neighborhoods for digital nomads and expats. 

What to Do in Cihangir, Istanbul

Go Antique Shopping in Çukurcuma

Let’s start with the most popular thing to do in Cihangir: hunting for antiques! 

Okay, slight correction: If you’re wondering where to go antique shopping in Cihangir, you’ll need to look a little west, as most of the “Cihangir antique stores” are actually centered around Çukurcuma Caddesi (📍 location). 😄

You can find anything and everything here, from traditional Anatolian rugs and retro cameras to ceramic bowls and vases, jewelry, copper trays, paintings, glassware, mirrors, furniture, postcards… One time, we even saw a store that sold alem (the metal rod that’s on top of mosque domes)!

Whether you’re an antique collector, treasure hunter, or just someone who likes to look at cool stuff, you can easily spend a few hours happily getting lost among the shelves and stacks of goodies.

You might just need a second suitcase just to fit all of your new treasures (which, thankfully, they also sell here 😁).

… Or Shop Local at Cihangir’s Coolest Stores

Not into antiques? No worries, there’s plenty more in store (pun intended 😀).

One thing you’ll quickly realize when exploring Cihangir are the copious amount of boutiques, concept stores, and pop-up stores on practically every corner. 

From locally-designed jewelry to sustainable fashion, handcrafted ceramics, and minimalist decor, shopping here feels less like a chore and more like a fun adventure. Who knows what kinds of cool things you’ll find? 

If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend Boğazkesen Caddesi (📍 location), which is easily one of the best Cihangir shopping streets. It’s easy to navigate (it’s one large avenue) and lined with small boutiques and independent stores on both sides. Perfect for wandering and shopping at your own pace! 

Whenever we travel to Cihangir, every window display seems to pull us inside and tempt us to check out their cool wares. 🙂 

You’ll probably find your own cool spots along the way, but just in case, here are some of our favorite Cihangir boutiques and Cihangir concept stores to get you started:

🧳 Vitruta: Stylish multi-brand store featuring local and international design labels
🧳 Miniko Vintage: Lovely selection of carefully-curated goods at reasonable prices
🧳 Aydan Öner Istanbul: Charming specialty store with a focus on nazar (🧿) and Turkish cultural items
🧳 Muhsin Kitap Sahaf: Secondhand books with a cute cat 🙂 
🧳 Carpetnhome by Serkan Güney: Beautiful, colorful rugs and inspired items, like boots with rug motifs!
🧳 Yaşam Antik The Old Curiosity Shop: Eclectic and interesting souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else 
🧳 Opus3a: If you’re looking for (new) records, vinyls, CDs, or DVDs, this is the place!

Get Inspired At Cihangir’s Art Galleries

With so many artists, designers, and filmmakers calling Cihangir home, it’s only natural that the neighborhood ended up full of art galleries  — you could probably find one on every other street if you tried. 😉

Here are some Cihangir art galleries to check out:
🖼️ Anna Laudel 
🖼️ PILOT Gallery
🖼️ C.A.M. Gallery
🖼️ Gama Gallery
🖼️ Büyükdere35

Note: Be sure to check each gallery’s website ahead of time, as some might be closed between exhibitions!

Marvel at the Architecture Along Cihangir’s Most Beautiful Streets

Cihangir’s charm lies as much in its atmosphere as in its architecture. The neighborhood’s narrow streets and alleys are lined with elegant 18th- and 19th-century apartments, colorful facades, and beautifully restored buildings.

We recommend strolling along Turnacıbaşı Caddesi (📍 location) — be sure to stop by house number 37, which is a striking example of late Ottoman architecture with its intricate balconies and wooden shutters. Nearby is the Sadık Pasha Mansion (📍 location), another highlight that perfectly captures the neighborhood’s grand past.

Don’t miss Faik Paşa Caddesi (📍 location), one of our favorite streets in Cihangir. The entire lane is full of tall and graceful old buildings and flower-filled balconies. There’s even a boutique hotel, Faik Pasha Design Suites, that’s preserved many of the original architectural details and furniture pieces!

Visit the Museum That Was Inspired By a Love Story

While wandering around and looking at Cihangir’s architecture, you might stumble onto this burgundy building that looks straight out of a novel — and you’d be right, because it is. 🙂 

The 19th-century building is home to the Cihangir Museum of Innocence, which was created by Orhan Pamuk (the first Turkish writer to win a Nobel Prize in literature!) as a companion to his novel of the same name. 

The novel tells the story of Kemal, a wealthy Istanbulite, and his obsessive love for Füsun. Inside, you’ll find thousands of real objects that trace their fictional relationship (like perfume bottles, cigarette butts, trinkets, and photos) all carefully arranged like fragments of memory in 83 “chapters.” 

Fun fact: the Museum of Innocence was the first museum in the world to be inspired by a novel, earning it the title of European Museum of the Year in 2014.

It’s easily one of the top things to do in Cihangir, especially if you love literature, art, or an interesting love story told through everyday objects. 

🖼️ Istanbul has way more quirky and unusual museums than most people realize! Click here to check out our list of 10+ Unique Museums in Istanbul→ 

See the Neighborhood’s Namesake: Cihangir Mosque 

Remember our story about Cihangir’s history in the beginning of this guide? Like many Istanbul neighborhoods, Cihangir also takes its name from a local landmark — in this case, a mosque built in Prince Cihangir’s honor.

The Cihangir Mosque (Cihangir Camii) was originally commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and completed in 1559, six years after Prince Cihangir’s death. 

It was designed by Mimar Sinan, the legendary Ottoman architect behind iconic masterpieces like the Süleymaniye Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, and Rüstem Pasha Mosque (among many others — more than 350 works, actually!)

However, what you see nowadays isn’t what the mosque looked like when it was first built. The mosque was rebuilt 5 times (!) over the centuries due to earthquakes and fires. The current version dates back to 1890 and is rumored to be the work of architect Balyan (the same family who designed the Ortaköy Mosque, which is why they look so similar!) 

Inside, the mosque is known for its 39 magnificent calligraphy panels created by master calligraphers of the late 1800s. Outside, the view of the Bosphorus from the terrace is absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset. 🙂 

Visit Hagia Triada Church

While we’re on the topic of religious landmarks, don’t miss the Hagia Triada Church (Aya Triada Kilisesi), which is one of Istanbul’s most interesting churches.

Built in 1880, Hagia Triada is unique thanks to its twin bell towers, interesting neo-Gothic façade, and large central dome. It also holds a special place in history as the first domed Christian church permitted in Istanbul after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, marking a new era of religious coexistence during the late Ottoman period.

When you step inside, be sure to look up — the ceiling is a masterpiece! Twelve windows encircle the dome to represent the twelve apostles, and like in Hagia Sophia, there are also murals of six-winged seraphim angels.

The church is open daily (with shorter hours on Sundays). 

Discover the Old French Orphanage 

If you love uncovering the lesser-known layers of Istanbul, the Old French Orphanage (Eski Fransız Yetimhanesi) is exactly the kind of place that will catch your attention.

In 1869, Sultan Abdülaziz granted this hillside plot to a local group of nuns on the condition that it be used to care for children in need. That same year, the orphanage and school opened their doors and worked until 1937.

After the orphanage later relocated to Bebek, the building found a second life as a plaster workshop, where a father and son produced the decorative details for many of Istanbul’s historic buildings.

Although the original structure has long been closed due to age and ownership disputes, the surrounding garden was recently renovated with a small public park and cafe (Tophane Mekan). It’s definitely an interesting spot to wander around, check out the architecture, and imagine what it was like a century ago.

Discover the Art of Karagöz Puppetry

Here’s something you probably won’t find in a typical Cihangir guide for tourists: the Karagöz Puppet Foundation! 

Located on a quiet side street, the Istanbul Karagöz Puppet Foundation (İstanbul Karagöz Kukla Vakfı) is both a workshop and small museum dedicated to preserving the art of Karagöz shadow puppetry, a beloved Ottoman tradition performed in coffeehouses and courtyards usually during Ramadan.

Karagöz (the mischievous one) and Hacivat (his rational friend) have been making audiences laugh since the 16th century with their cheeky shows that poked fun at daily life, politics, and everything in between. Today, this little museum keeps that spirit alive with handmade puppets and the occasional workshop or show.

If you’re nearby, be sure to stop by and ask if it’s possible to visit and see the puppets up close. If you’re visiting in October, then definitely stop by for a visit, as that’s when the International Karagöz Puppet Festival happens in the city! 

Relax at an Authentic Hamam

Did you know that Cihangir has not one, but two hamams? If visiting a Cihangir hamam is on your itinerary, then you’re spoiled for choice (both are fantastic!)

Let’s start with Ağa Hamam, which coincidentally also happens to be Istanbul’s oldest hamam (it was built in 1454!). The interior has been restored since that time, and it’s also one of the few co-ed (mixed gender hamams) in Istanbul — perfect if you want to experience a hamam with your partner. You can click here to check availability and book online →

A short stroll away is Çukurçuma Hamam, an elegant boutique-style hamam with beautiful white marble slabs, natural light, and private cabanas to relax after your treatment. 

We also love this hamam because there’s limited entry (🎫 click here to book online!), which means you’ll get personalized treatment and won’t be rushed.

Either are worth a visit, especially after a long day of exploring Cihangir. 🙂 

🫧 Not sure which hamam is right for you? Our Complete Istanbul hamam guide compares prices, experiences, and treatments between 11 hamams so that you can choose the perfect one! →

Take in the Views at Cihangir Park

If you need a breather after exploring, head to Cihangir İBB Sanatkârlar Parkı (or as some locals still call it, Roma Bahçesi / Roma Park).

This beautiful park offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s historical peninsula (including the skyline of Topkapi Palace), Galataport, and even the Asian side of Istanbul.

On a clear day, you can spot ferries gliding across the Bosphorus and seagulls circling over the domes.

If you follow the road to a steep set of stairs, you’ll also arrive at our next Cihangir landmark… 🙂 

Cihangir’s Stairs with a Secret

Did you know that you can admire an artwork by one of the most famous Ottoman artists, Osman Hamdi Bey, for free and at any hour of the day?

(Well… sort of! It’s a replica, but a beautiful one 😄)

One particular staircase in Cihangir is “home” to Osman Hamdi Bey’s painting Woman with Mimosa, which was painted by students from the nearby Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 2020. 

Fun fact: This particular work stands out among Hamdi Bey’s other art because it’s in a distinct European style, rather than his usual orientalist theme.

The Stairs With Portrait (📍 location) is definitely one of those cool Cihangir hidden gems that’s easy to miss — after all, how often do people turn around and look at the stairs that they’ve just descended? 😉 

Chill Out With the Locals 🙂 

And by that, we mean the cats of Cihangir!

Besides antique stores and cafes, one thing that Cihangir is famous for are its cats! From chilling on a window ledge to warming up a cafe chair, sunbathing on parked scooters, or sleeping on old stone walls, they’re everywhere. If you ask a local, they’ll even tell you their favorite neighborhood cat. 🙂

Speaking of which, the 2016 documentary Kedi, which follows the lives of seven street cats living in Istanbul, was mostly filmed right here in Cihangir. We highly recommend watching it (it’s one of our favorite films, as you can probably tell 😺). 

Find the Perfect Brew at These Cihangir Cafes

Cihangir takes its coffee (and matcha, and chai lattes…) very seriously. You’ll find everything from independent roasteries to neighborhood classics, and modern cafes that double as coworking spots for freelancers. 

Here are just some of our favorite cafes in Cihangir: 
☕ Norm 
☕ Cafe da Giovanni
☕ Mundo Novo Cafe Cihangir 
☕ Le Oba Coffee House
☕ Jupiter
🍵 Härman (for matcha)

If you’re hunting for the best cafes in Cihangir, you’ll quickly realize there’s no shortage of great options! After you’re done exploring, we’d love to know your favorite cafe (be sure to write it in the comments below!)

Chill Out at Cihangir’s Bars

While Cihangir might sit right next to Taksim, its nightlife has a completely different atmosphere. There’s no blaring music or packed clubs here — instead, you’ll find cozy speakeasies with soft lights, casual streetside bars, and festive meyahanes (tavernas). 

Here are some to check out:
🍸 Kiki: A longtime favorite in the Cihangir nightlife scene, Kiki draws a loyal crowd for its easygoing vibe and excellent vodka-based cocktails.

🍸 Geyik: By day, Geyik is a cozy cafe making specialty coffee with beans from El Salvador and Honduras; by night, it transforms into one of Istanbul’s best cocktail bars.

🍸 Flekk: If you’re curious about what makes the bars in Cihangir so unique, start with Flekk. This beautifully-designed bar has some seriously good cocktails and a wonderful ambiance (if you’re from Scandinavia, the menu might make you do a double take 😉). On weekend evenings, there’s also a DJ!

Where to Eat in Cihangir

Cihangir might be small, but its dining scene spans continents — you’ll find Turkish breakfasts, Mediterranean meze, Italian wood-fired pizzas, and vegan versions of Turkish classics.

Van Kahvaltı Evi: Probably the most famous of Cihangir restaurants, this spot specializes in the legendary (/traditional) Turkish breakfast! 

Sa Va Anatolian Breakfast House: Another great pick for breakfast in Cihangir with a similar menu to Van Kahvaltı above. It’s open until 6 PM, so come early for the full spread.

Journey: One of the best cafes and brunch spots in Cihangir (literally — it doubles as a cafe and as a restaurant!)

Kaktüs Cihangir: Just like Journey above, this is another place that does double duty: in the morning it’s a popular spot for a traditional Cihangir brunch, but when night falls, it also turns into a bar with a loyal crowd. 😉 

49 Cukurcuma: One of the best restaurants in Cihangir for a casual dinner. From thin-crust pizza to house-made wine, friendly employees, and a relaxed candlelit vibe, it’s all here.

Vegan İstanbul: A delicious and budget-friendly vegan restaurant in Cihangir that does amazing vegan baklava, lahmacun, and meze spreads! 

Zeytuna: Fantastic Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. The setting alone (inside a magnificent 100-year old building) makes it worth a visit. Don’t miss their homemade lemonade and desserts!

Kanatci Dayim: If you’re craving some typical Turkish food, pop over to this place, which has some of the best grilled meats and wraps in the neighborhood. We usually stop by whenever we’re hungry in Cihangir. 😉 

Where to Stay in Cihangir

If you love neighborhoods with character, Cihangir is one of the best places to stay in Istanbul: it’s central yet peaceful, full of independent hotels, stylish apartments, and Bosphorus views around almost every corner. If we weren’t living in Kadikoy already, we would live here! 😅

Here are just a few of the best places to stay in Cihangir: 

Be Mate Casa Di Bava: From the spacious rooms to the cleanliness, new furniture (it was renovated in 2024), excellent service, and kind employees, it’s no wonder why this place is one of the best Cihangir hotels (they have an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating!) Check availability & book here →

Faik Pasha Hotel: If you love staying in historic accommodations, this is an excellent choice. It feels as if you’re sleeping in a museum, with tons of beautiful paintings and artifacts (many were curated from the antique shops in the area!) Check availability & book here →

The Soul Hotel: This is just an absolutely beautiful, gorgeous, stunning hotel! This is a boutique hotel in Cihangir in every sense, as there are only 24 rooms with original frescoes and charming bay windows. Check availability & book here → 

Still deciding where to stay? Don’t miss our full guide to the best hotels in Cihangir — there are some absolute gems you’ll want to book before they sell out! Just click the link below to read the full post. 🙂 

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  Ask any local about Cihangir, and they’ll likely mention one of three things: cute antique shops, cozy coffeehouses, or a neighborhood of bon vivant artists. However, we’d like to humbly add a fourth category: the effortlessly cool hotels that offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and a local atmosphere!…

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