Istanbul's Hidden Gems: A September Away from the Crowds
September is the ideal time to explore Istanbul. The oppressive summer crowds are gone, and the weather is mild and bright. There is no better season to venture into the city's lesser-photographed squares, hidden behind stone walls, marked with dotted points in guidebooks. Today, we will take you to the backstreets 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 stroll through the expansive garden, you can gaze at the blue of Haliç through the windows of this palace, once a resting place for sultans. Especially in the morning hours, sitting under the trees in the garden, without encountering the visitor flow, is a unique Istanbul experience.
As you walk towards Azapkapı, Saliha Sultan 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 intricate marblework and decorations of the fountain 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.
As you climb up from Haliç, getting lost in the backstreets 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 feels like a nostalgic time travel. If you exit Tümnel and wander into the side streets, you will discover a very different Beyoğlu from the touristy Istiklal Avenue, filled with antique shops, old bookstores, and cozy cafes.
At the end, you can head towards Emirgan Park. Located above the Bosphorus, near Sarıyer, this vast park is one of Istanbul's largest green spaces. 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.