14 Places to Visit in Istanbul on International Women’s Day

This year, March 8th falls on a Saturday. Whether you’re spending the day with your mum, your friends, or treating yourself, we’ve put together a list of places from across Istanbul. From a morning coffee to a panoramic view, from a historic hammam to an island escape, here are 14 options for different budgets and tastes.

1. Emaar Skyview, 50% Off for Women’s Day

Located on the 47th and 48th floors of the Address Hotel, accessible through Emaar Square Mall in Üsküdar, Skyview offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul. This weekend, a special 50% discount is available for all women visitors on 7 and 8 March. A great excuse to come with friends or your mum and see the city from a completely different angle.

👉 Click here for the Women’s Day campaign and tickets

2. Morning Walk Along Bebek Waterfront

Bebek is one of the city’s most peaceful spots in the morning hours. Walking along the shore, grabbing a coffee from one of the small kiosks, and watching the Bosphorus is a lovely way to start the day. A fish sandwich from Bebek Balıkçısı makes for a perfect addition.

3. A Historic Experience at Cağaloğlu Hammam

In service since 1741, Cağaloğlu Hammam is one of Istanbul’s most historic bathhouses. Book early in the morning and plan to leave by midday for a genuinely different kind of Saturday. It’s also within walking distance of Sultanahmet.

4. Breakfast or Dessert at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Güllüoğlu in Karaköy is widely considered one of Istanbul’s best baklava shops. Worth a visit for breakfast or an afternoon dessert break. The small cafés and boutiques nearby in Karaköy are also well worth exploring.

5. Istanbul Modern, Tophane

Istanbul Modern in Tophane is Turkey’s first private modern art museum. Its Bosphorus-view café is particularly lovely. Exploring an exhibition, sitting at the café, and walking along Tophane Pier makes for a great afternoon.

6. Antiques and Small Shops in Çukurcuma

The streets of Çukurcuma, leading into Cihangir, are full of antique shops, design boutiques, and small galleries. Perfect for an aimless wander. Stopping at the cafés in Cihangir on the way down is a nice way to round off the visit.

7. Kadıköy Market and Moda Waterfront

Browsing the Kadıköy market, sampling cheese from the deli, wandering through the spice stalls makes for a lovely morning. In the afternoon, walking to Moda Waterfront to sit by the sea or spending time in one of Moda’s cafés is a natural continuation.

8. Pera Museum, Tepebaşı

Pera Museum in Beyoğlu hosts quality exhibitions throughout the year. It’s worth checking what’s on over the March 8th weekend in advance. The cafés in Asmalımescit and Galata just around the corner are a great follow-up.

9. A Day Trip to Büyükada

Reachable by ferry from Kadıköy or Kabataş in around 1 to 1.5 hours. The island is quiet in March, and the sea views are beautiful when the weather holds. You can rent a bike from the ferry pier, explore the island, head up to Yücetepe, or stroll past the old mansions around Splendid Hotel. The fish restaurants around the pier square are a good option for lunch.

10. Çemberlitaş Hammam, Sultanahmet

Built by the architect Sinan in 1584, Çemberlitaş Hammam is one of Istanbul’s most iconic historic structures. The atmosphere and architecture are genuinely impressive. Easily combined with a visit to Sultanahmet.

11. Lunch by the Bosphorus in Arnavutköy

A short mini bus ride or walk from Beşiktaş, Arnavutköy offers a very different side of Istanbul with its fish restaurants lined along the Bosphorus and its historic wooden houses. A quiet and pleasant spot for lunch.

12. SALT Galata, Karaköy

Housed in a former Ottoman bank building, SALT Galata is an engaging cultural space with exhibitions and a library. Entry is free. A good starting or finishing point for a day in Karaköy. The vault in the basement is also worth a look.

13. Breakfast and Bosphorus Views in Ortaköy

Ortaköy square is lively on weekend mornings, with waffle and kumpir (stuffed baked potato) stalls and breakfast spots. Sitting right at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge with a coffee is a great way to start the day. The small boutiques in the surrounding streets are also worth a browse.

14. Colourful Streets and Small Cafés in Balat

Balat has become one of Istanbul’s most explored neighbourhoods in recent years, with its vivid building facades and narrow streets. The neighbourhood carries traces of its Greek, Armenian and Jewish heritage, and its small cafés and proximity to Fener make it a perfect Women’s Day morning destination.

Emaar Skyview is offering 50% off for all women visitors on 7 and 8 March. For tickets and details: emaarskyview.com/kadinlar-gunu-kampanyasi