[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Kamondo Stairs (Updated Jul)

📍 Location: Karaköy sits along the northern shore of the Golden Horn, at the foot of historic Beyoğlu (formerly Pera) on Istanbul’s European side . 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Anytime—charming by day with cafés & shops, and buzzing at night in art galleries and bars. 🌟 What Makes It Special? • Cultural Fusion & Layers of History: Once the Genoese-founded Galata and later Ottoman financial hub, Karaköy weaves Genoese, Jewish, Greek, and Ottoman heritage into its streets and architecture. • Creative Energy Hub: A growing arts district with Istanbul Modern (move-in-progress), Salt Galata, and boutique galleries bringing vibrant creativity. • Historic Funicular: Ride the nostalgic Tünel (opened 1875)—the world’s second‑oldest subway—to effortlessly ascend from Karaköy to Beyoğlu in just 90 seconds. • Architectural Gems: Explore striking Neoclassical façades along Banks Street, ornate Camondo Stairs, and hidden treasures like the subterranean Yeraltı Mosque and Neve Shalom Synagogue. 🍽 Food & Drink Highlights • Karaköy Güllüoğlu: A must for baklava lovers—legendary pistachio and walnut layers fresh from the region’s first baklava factory. • Karaköy Lokantası: Bib Gourmand listed family-run eatery known for delicious, traditional mezes and Turkish home-cooking. • Artistic Cafés: Cozy spots like FilCafe, Dem, and Wom combine artisanal coffee with books, local design, and laid-back ambiance. 🎯 Why Visit? • Perfect Blend of Old & New: From Byzantine-era port vibes to sleek contemporary art venues, the district brims with contrasts and character. • Vibrant Street Life: Alleyway galleries, vibrant street art, indie shops, and buzz-worthy bars line every corner. • Gateway Convenience: Seconds from the ferry, tram, and funicular, connecting easily to the Old City, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, and beyond. ✅ Tips for Visitors • Start early in Karaköy for fresh simit at Galata Simitçisi, then coffee at FilCafe before the crowds. • Don’t miss funicular ride: It’s a quick, nostalgic journey and a fun way to reach Beyoğlu. • Balanced exploration: Wander both Karaköy’s bustling streets and Beyoğlu’s charming alleys—stop by the Museum of Innocence, Galata Mevlevi Lodge, or a jazz club at night. #旅行灵感 #旅行酷体验 #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #trip

Visiting Istanbul, how can you miss the various niche museums? Here are a few free museums, all located in the European side. Just walk around, and in half a day, you can get it all done with a full harvest! IBB casa botter: Free all day, closed on Mondays. It's currently hosting a special exhibition by the female artist Selma Gurbuz, which is incredibly creative. There are various silhouette shapes mixed with oriental design elements, truly an eye-opener. Kamondo Steps: Said to be an Instagram hotspot, there were quite a few people taking photos when I visited. The layered steps indeed make for great pictures. Salt galata: Ottoman Bank Museum, established in 2002, is part of the Ottoman Bank Archives and Research Centre. It's the first museum in Turkey founded by a private bank. The building was designed by Levantine architect Alexandre Vallauri in 1892, served as the headquarters of the Ottoman Bank, and was transformed into Salt Galata in 2011. Cat museum: As a city that loves cats, how can you not visit the cat museum here? Although it's small in size, it's free, and it's very close to the Galata Tower. There are also quite a few design shops nearby to browse. After half a day of touring today, it felt pretty good. You can feel the city's new vitality. If you encounter bad weather, I highly recommend visiting these museums.

These stairs serves as an easy access to the Galata area. It was said that these stairs were made for the grand children of a rich banker who used to live in the area. It was also made in such design just in case one of the children fall they dont fall too far along the stairs. 📍 Bereketzade, Bankalar Cd. NO:10, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey #scenicspotguide#historicculture#summervacation#urbanexplorer