Istanbul's Hidden Gems: A September Escape from the Crowds
September is the perfect time to explore Istanbul. The oppressive summer crowds are gone, and the weather is mild and bright. There is no better season to venture beyond the city's most photographed squares, hidden behind stone walls, to the hidden courtyards marked in guidebooks. Today we will take you to the back streets of Beyoğlu, the Haliç quay, and the quiet bays of the Bosphorus.
Aynalıkavak Palace, on the Haliç quay, is an oasis preserved from the hustle and bustle of the modern city. This 17th-century palace, away from the grandeur of Topkapı, attracts attention with its simple yet elegant architecture. As you walk through the extensive gardens, you can gaze at the blue of Haliç from the windows of this courtyard, once the resting place of the sultans. Especially in the morning hours, sitting under the trees in the garden, away from the visitor flow, is a unique Istanbul experience.
As you walk towards Azapkapı, Saliha Sultan çeşmesi (Saliha Sultan's Fountain) appears before you. This elegant 18th-century fountain is still a living piece of history, meeting the water needs of the neighborhood today. The fountain's finely crafted marble and decorations are among the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture. Take a break here and sit in the small square in front of the fountain to observe the flow of urban life.
Climbing up from Haliç, getting lost in the back streets of Tümnel is another pleasure. These historic underground tunnels, built in 1875, are the world's second oldest metro. Even today, this short journey connecting Karaköy and Beyoğlu is like a nostalgic time travel. If you exit Tümnel and turn into the side streets, you will discover a very different Beyoğlu from the touristy Istiklal Avenue, filled with antique shops, old bookstores, and small tea houses.
At the end of your journey, you can head towards Emirgan Park. Located upstream of the Bosphorus, near Sarıyer, this vast park is one of Istanbul's largest green areas. In September, the trees' leaves have not yet turned yellow, and the weather has started to cool down. You can get lost in the winding paths within the park, sit on the hills overlooking the Bosphorus, and watch the sunset. This is a truly hidden paradise, feeling like being away from the city while still being in it.