Water pipes,
backgammon & baked
potatoes

Why locals love it

This popular square is full of fancy waterfront cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs. Young locals often come here to smoke “nargile” (Turkish water pipes) and play backgammon and card games. Many people also come here to eat “kumpir” (stuffed baked potatoes).

Why you should visit it

Stop by Ortaköy Square to soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the hip young couples spilling out of the cafés. There’s also a beautiful baroque mosque perched on the waterfront – it’s one of the finest examples of work by the famous Balyan family of architects. This recently renovated masterpiece is definitely worth seeing.