Of all the suburbs on the European side of Istanbul, Bebek is probably my favourite. It is one of the most affluent seaside residential neighbourhoods in all of Istanbul, with beautiful tree-lined streets along the Bosphorus and pretty wooden houses, exclusive villas and modern penthouse apartment with balconies which offer splenid views of the Bosphorus Straits.
Like all other exclusive leafy suburbs of Istanbul, Bebek is devoid of foreign tourists, but its marina is full of expensive yachts, while its elegant streets are a good place for some serious shopping for fashion-conscious visitors.
Bebek is a trendy place for well-to-do Istanbulites to have lunch or afternoon tea. The centre of Bebek has a good selection of cafes and bistros offering delicious western cuisines, pastries and cakes to discerning customers. The neighbourhood is also home to one of Turkey's most prestigeous universities and private high schools, lending the whole place a somewhat elite flaire.
There are several independent boutiques selling both foreign and turkish designer stuffs in Bebek. Unlike those high-street chain stores or shopping malls in downtown Istanbul, these little boutiques have eccentric tastes, and individuality is granted. It is unlikely that you will find yourself wearing the same tops or carry the same bags just like everybody else on the street.
Bebek is conveniently linked to downtown Istanbul by municipal buses and IDO ferryboats. I personally prefer the ferry, as it is the most scenic and romantic way to enjoy Istanbul on a beautiful sunny day. The next time you are in Istanbul, be prepared to spend at least one whole day wandering around these beautiful suburbs and soak up the poetic, cosmopolitan atmosphere these historic neighbourhoods have to offer.
Copyrights@2010. All text and photos by YC Cheng. All Rights Reserved.
Like all other exclusive leafy suburbs of Istanbul, Bebek is devoid of foreign tourists, but its marina is full of expensive yachts, while its elegant streets are a good place for some serious shopping for fashion-conscious visitors.
Bebek is a trendy place for well-to-do Istanbulites to have lunch or afternoon tea. The centre of Bebek has a good selection of cafes and bistros offering delicious western cuisines, pastries and cakes to discerning customers. The neighbourhood is also home to one of Turkey's most prestigeous universities and private high schools, lending the whole place a somewhat elite flaire.
There are several independent boutiques selling both foreign and turkish designer stuffs in Bebek. Unlike those high-street chain stores or shopping malls in downtown Istanbul, these little boutiques have eccentric tastes, and individuality is granted. It is unlikely that you will find yourself wearing the same tops or carry the same bags just like everybody else on the street.
Bebek is conveniently linked to downtown Istanbul by municipal buses and IDO ferryboats. I personally prefer the ferry, as it is the most scenic and romantic way to enjoy Istanbul on a beautiful sunny day. The next time you are in Istanbul, be prepared to spend at least one whole day wandering around these beautiful suburbs and soak up the poetic, cosmopolitan atmosphere these historic neighbourhoods have to offer.
Copyrights@2010. All text and photos by YC Cheng. All Rights Reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment