Galata is a beautiful neighborhood in the apex of Beyoğlu district. It used to be a sanctuary for Turkey’s Greek, Armenian, Italian and Jewish communities. This diversity made the area very interesting and unique, with glances of different eras and cultures. Today Galata has become one of Istanbul’s foremost antiques. Along with threadbare architecture, it is on the opposite side of the Golden Horn, with a picturesque view of the Bosphorus, making it a gem for art centers, stores, hubs, boutiques, and funky Bohemian cafes!
If Galata is not yet your favorite area in Istanbul, it should be. Here is a list of some of the places that you can visit to enjoy the Galata vibes, while getting things done and being productive.
Payidar Galata
Payidar Galata is located in a building just next to the Neve Şalom, the biggest Jewish Synagogue in Istanbul. It used to be home for a Jewish family before it was turned into a cafe, and you can still see the old photographs of this family on the walls of the cafe. Under the management of Vildan Salale, the service staff is very kind and the atmosphere is warm in this boutique cafe with vintage decoration indoors and aesthetic seats outdoors.
Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Cd. No:35, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Mavra Cafe
It is a cozy cafe, that offers yummy desserts and delicious non-local food as well! The best part of this cafe is that it is open until midnight, unlike many cafes in the area. It is always a pleasure to head to Mavra Cafe when you have to work late or have urgent deadlines and need to work until midnight! It has music but the servers are kind enough to turn it down if you just ask them.
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. 31/A, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Lattas
Lattas is just adjacent to Mavra, they have a similar style in design, both with seats outside in the street and more study-adequate tables inside. They offer great hot drinks and desserts, with an atmosphere that feels like home. Let their piping hot chocolate motivate you to get more productive.
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:29, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Art Smyrna Cafe & Gallery
An interesting, artistic and spacious cafe, with some good food and desserts, located just at the beginning of Tatar Beyi Sokak, a beautiful street full of cool cafes. It also has shops, beautiful houses, arts hubs, and of course awesome cafes!
Smyrna Cafe’s colorful exterior and soft music invites you in for a peaceful study/work session accompanied by some good quality coffee and delicious snacks.
Address: Müeyyedzade Mahallesi, Tatar Beyi Sk. No:3, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Old Java (aka Old Coffee)
As the name suggests, it offers great (if not the best) coffee in town! So if you are a caffeine addict, and prefer to study/work in places like Starbucks or Nero, but you want to be in Galata – then Old Coffee is your place! It blends the traditional Galata spirit with its cool & modern interior.
Adress: Müeyyedzade Mahallesi, Tatarbeyi Sokak. Ali Hoca Aralık No:8, 34425 Beyoğlu
Willy Wonka Chocolate
Do you have a sweet tooth? Can you not study/work well before you get your daily chocolate doze? Then Willy Wonka should be where you study next time. Imagine a cute, boutique style cafe on a very calm street that offers chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!
Address: Müeyyedzade Mahallesi, Tatar Beyi Sk. 24a, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Şirin Fırın | Bakery
A greenish, unique, and vintage bakery, just beside Galata Tower. With its charming decor, it also has a beautiful display of multicolored desserts and pastries! It is open from early morning until 23:30, making it an ideal place for breakfast, a cup of a hot drink in the afternoon, or an evening dessert accompanying your study session.
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Cd. No:16/A, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Papadopolous
Out of all these suggestions, this is the cutest one. It is teeny tiny, and the homemade pastries/desserts they offer are tinier, but nonetheless so delicious. It is named after the building it is located in, which housed Greek expats for many decades. The staff is friendly and hospitable, making you feel at home.
Adress: Müeyyedzade Mahallesi, Lüleci Hendek Caddesi, No 46/A, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Federal Cafe Company
If you are one of those who can’t focus at home because you get distracted easily, you will enjoy this cool place to study/work with fast internet connection! Being a somewhat hidden cafe makes this place quiet and calm, the perfect environment to focus and tackle that big project that has been waiting for ages to get done. It is great for breakfast, coffee and desserts. Do not miss out their specialty Red Velvet Cake!
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Küçük Hendek Cd. No:7, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Latife Türk Kahvesi
A lovely cafe, best suitable for dates. Who says you can’t date your books and laptop? Internet connection is fast and there are many accessible plugs. Their Turkish coffee is highly praised.
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Galip Dede Cd. No:85, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
SALT Galata
SALT is the highest reviewed place to study/work in Galata, if not in all Istanbul. Its interior is fascinating, and its very well equipped as a library, cafe, and a gallery. Once you go there, it will be the place you would always find yourself going back to finish some work! Check their website to keep posted with their monthly film screening and exhibitions.
Address: Arap Cami Mahallesi, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Türk Alman Kitabevi
It is a place where people head to finish what they have to do, whether it is a book or a big project! It is warm, motivating to work in, and has a big selection of drinks and desserts. Their huge library also includes books in English, German and Turkish languages. If you don’t speak a word of Turkish, fret not, waiters can speak English very well.
Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Istiklal Cd No:237, 34431 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat
Newly renovated, it is now fascinating! The architecture is picturesque. It is located on Istiklal Street, close to Şişhane Metro. Beside being a library, it also offers almost 250 different cultural and artistic activities each year.
Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Comment below and let us know your favourite places to study in Galata neighbourhood!
Pictures are courtesy of Farah Hallaba.
This article was originally published on December 26, 2017, by Farah Hallaba.
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