Arnavutköy on the Bosporus – historic houses and coastal views

Arnavutköy lies on the European shore of the Bosporus, between Kuruçeşme and Bebek, and is part of Istanbul's Beşiktaş district. Most of the houses you can see in Arnavutköy date from the early 20th century; some were built in the Art Nouveau style. The area also features waterfront palaces, other mansions, groves and impressive views of the Bosporus. When choosing a hotel for your stay in Istanbul, the coastal location and historic buildings give the area a distinct character.

Houses and historic buildings

The Tevfikiye Mosque is also known by two other names: Arnavutköy Mosque and Akıntı-Burnu Mosque. All three names refer to the same building. The present-day building of the Taksiarhis Church dates from 1899. The Arnavutköy Police Station is a two-storey masonry building constructed in 1843. Comparing the dates places two different buildings in context: the police station dates from earlier, while 1899 specifically refers to the present-day church building.

The Halet-Çambel Yalı, also known as Kızıl-Yalı, offers another historic connection. It was built by Sultan Mahmud II's chief court gardener, who was of Armenian descent. The Beyhan-Sultan Fountain is located on the coastal road between Arnavutköy and Bebek. It therefore lies along the coastal route connecting the two places. Sultan Selim III first visited the İzzetâbâd Pavilion on 7 September 1797, and returned repeatedly to take part in moonlit festivities accompanied by music. The date marks the Sultan's first visit; his later visits are also part of this historic connection.

Coast, views and walks

Arnavutköy's townscape includes waterfront palaces, other mansions, groves and impressive views of the Bosporus. Fishing is possible along the coast at Akıntı Burnu. This brings historic architecture and scenic impressions together with a specific activity by the water. If you are planning your stay around different interests, the neighborhood offers both buildings and views, as well as this opportunity to fish along the coast.

On a walk through Arnavutköy, you can look at historic buildings and shops that have been around for decades. A cultural sightseeing tour runs from Bebek to Arnavutköy and includes exploring historic sites and buildings. The two ways of exploring have different focuses: the walk draws attention to the neighborhood's buildings and shops, while the sightseeing tour leads from Bebek to Arnavutköy and centers on historic sites and structures.

Arnavutköy as a destination for your stay

To decide whether Arnavutköy is a good fit for your stay in Istanbul, you can weigh up the area's different features: its location on the European shore of the Bosporus, its early 20th-century and Art Nouveau houses, its historic buildings, or its coastal views and activities. The difference between taking a walk around the neighborhood and joining the sightseeing tour from Bebek to Arnavutköy may also factor into your plans. If you are looking for a hotel in Arnavutköy, check the specific location when making your final choice, taking into account the places and interests that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Esenyurt, Kumköy, Elbasan, Seymen, Şişli, Örnekköy, Çatalca, Silivri

For the overview of the wider area: Istanbul.