Taksim Square is a place that is planned into almost every trip to Istanbul, one way or another. The name “Taksim” means “division”, from the days where the square held a stone reservoir to distribute water to the other parts of the city. Having been the scene of other forms of division and protests since, the Square is now a vibrant meeting point for thousands of people every day, and largely considered to be the centre of Istanbul and a hub for tourists and commuting Istanbullus alike.
As well as the famous Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street, to commemorate the War of Independence in 1923), the streets around Taksim are full of quirky cafes, bakeries, chocolateries, bookshops, art galleries and bars – plenty of which help you escape the throngs of people, if you know where to look. If you’re in Istanbul for work, or a longer stop-over, then there might be times you need to combine your sightseeing and wandering with a bit of office time. Here are some of the best homely havens around Taksim if you need to factor in a bit of office time, or if you just want to escape the tourists and see modern Istanbul through the eyes of its residents.
Tea or Coffee
Tea or Coffee is a real hideaway on the tree-lined streets of Cihangir, just ten minutes from Taksim Square. It is small, but rarely full, and the stools in the window are perfect for quiet typing with excellent opportunities (read: distractions) for people watching. On a sunny day, the seating outside is perfectly situated for working in the warmth of the sun in full range of the WiFi. This is an excellent place for coffee (and one of the few places to serve a matcha latte, if that’s your thing), but what makes them stand out is their breakfast granola – a towering bowl of fruit, yoghurt and a small, cork-topped side bottle of honey, should you wish. The perfect place for a quiet morning of work before heading in to see the rest of the city. Or, just go for the granola and coffee, and leave that deadline for another time!
Address: No:A, Cihangir Mahallesi, Oba Sokak No:17, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Journey
Journey is one of the city’s most loved laptop spots, and it’s obvious why. Situated in the heart of Cihangir, known as the expat district of Istanbul, it has many regular customers who set themselves up with their laptops here from 9 to 5. The WiFi is strong, the coffee delicious, and the variety of food on their menu is a delight for any freelancer. For breakfast, try the pancakes: not just pancakes, but essentially pieces of cake – a glorious surprise when you have a deadline looming. Get there before lunch and you could have the whole place of seating to choose from, including the larger table upstairs. Alongside magazines on the tables, bookshelves line their walls with various novels by international authors, so there really is something for everyone here.
Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi, Akarsu Ykş. 21/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Şimdi
If you find yourself near Istiklal Caddesi on your wanderings in need of a quick work stop, then consider popping into Şimdi – a large café hidden away on Asmalı Mescit Sokak, a quiet side street. Look for the large clock on the building to show you’re in the right place. Once in the building, rather than a door, a billowing curtain takes you into this large space full of low-key décor and a very homely ambiance. The staff are attentive and the food portions more than ample enough – and delicious – to get you through some work. The pasta dishes are very special indeed.
Address: Mescit Mahallesi, Asmalı Mescit Sok. Atlas Apt. No:5, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Ara
Another gem hidden away on a side street half way down Istiklal Caddesi, this café is named after the photographer Ara Güler, known as the “Eye of Istanbul” for his photographs of the city which now adorn the café’s walls. Prior to his death a few months ago, he could often be seen sitting at his usual corner table amongst the black-and-white pictures that made his name. Ara offers plenty of space and in summer months there are many options to sit outside. Get there before lunch to have a seat inside on the mezzanine for breakfast – their menemen is one of the best in Istanbul and comes served in a sizzling skillet. For lunch, their salads are ample and varied, but the balık ekmek (fish sandwich, but better) is another dish you must sample, before making your way back out for shopping, Or, indeed, more eating and drinking.
Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, Ara Güler Sk No:2, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Soho House Allis
Tucked away from the road on Meşrutiyet Caddesi (parallel to Istiklal Caddesi), Soho House’s lounge and café, The Allis, is open to the public and provides a swish space for meetings and laptop lunches. It offers a range of cakes and breakfast options, as well as coffee, and has a spectacular buffet option for lunch. There is a soothing buzz here of workers, meetings, and groups lunching, so it may not be a place for full concentration, but a wonderfully homely space nonetheless. Get there for breakfast to grab a sofa, or the larger table if there are many of you. In the summer months, their leafy green outdoor seating is pretty popular with customers and instagrammers alike.
Address: Evliya Çelebi Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:56, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Salt Beyoğlu
A 19th Century, four story building, this is the slightly smaller sister of SALT Galata, that many people miss as it sits subtly on Istiklal Caddesi. SALT is a holy grail of work spaces – for when you require absolutely no distractions. SALT is a research library, museum, art gallery and café and is a bright, airy building with many spaces. The workspaces have a mixture of students, workers and academics, all respectful of the atmosphere – if you want to talk, then set up your laptop in the café, which is also a brightly ambient spot with a bit more talking.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi, İstiklal Cd. No:136, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Any other suggestions of places near Taksim to get in some productivity? Please let us know in the comments!
