Timeline
16:30
Grab a drink and a bite at Leb-i Derya. This cafe-restaurant offers a splendid view of the Bosphorus and Topkapi Palace, perfect for settling in before the walk.
17:30
Walk to Maçka Park. The 30-minute stroll takes you away from the bustle, allowing you to find a spot on the avenue or the valley sides to wait for the light.
18:00
Watch the sunset. On 15 January, the sun sets at 18:00 toward the WSW, casting a final warm glow over the city.
18:45
Head to Zeytuna for dinner. This Lebanese kitchen serves familiar favorites like falafel and hummus alongside offbeat dishes like mutabal eggplant. The atmosphere is lively with signature cocktails named after Lebanon cities.
19:30
End the night with live music at Mektup Bar. Enjoy authentic performances in a relaxed setting. Note that a cover charge of approximately 15 TL applies if there is a band playing.
Local tip
The walk from the Museum of Innocence area to Maçka Park is steep. Take your time and enjoy the views. Zeytuna is closed on Mondays, so check the days if you plan a Monday evening.
Check before you go
- Mektup Bar is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings (20:00-24:00).
- Zeytuna is closed on Mondays.
- Leb-i Derya opens at 16:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).