Visiting the Colorful Umbrella Streets in Istanbul
Istanbul, Türkiye has not 1 but 3 amazing umbrella streets! If you know me by now, you will know I love colorful umbrella streets. I look for them in every city I visit! I even have a post on the most colorful umbrella streets in the world! Now read on to learn where to find these cute little streets in Istanbul. I’ve linked the exact address and map so you won’t have to hunt for them and get lost. In fact, the first time I visited Istanbul years ago, I couldn’t find the umbrella streets at all. I left disappointed so hopefully this guide will have you better prepared.
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Map of the Umbrella Streets in Istanbul
You can open this map on your phone and find all the exact locations in the post pinned.
*Links take you to google maps location:
The Umbrella Sky Project
Umbrella streets around the world are definitely a thing and it was all started by the Umbrella Sky Project. I absolutely love that they have rolled out this across many cities around the globe. It all started in Portugal in a town called Agueda. This town has nothing much to it at first but now it’s an open-air art museum. That’s thanks to the Umbrella Sky Project who launched the first umbrella street in Agueda, Portugal. The town is also decorated with art and murals on multiple streets.
It was first brought about to shade the hot streets in the summertime. It also is to showcase all the creativity of the cute little town. Due to it’s success in driving tourism and really making the town come to life, many new umbrella streets all over the world have emerged.
The first umbrella street in Istanbul launched in 2013.
Where are the Umbrella Streets in Istanbul?
There are 3 main umbrella streets in Istanbul and they are in Karakoy, Balat, and Kadikoy.
Address of the Umbrella Streets in Istanbul:
1. Karaköy Umbrella Street on Hoca Tahsin Street
Located in the heart of the Karaköy district, this is arguably the most famous umbrella street in Istanbul. The street, adorned with colorful umbrellas floating in the air, creates a beautiful canopy that instantly lifts your spirits.
This spot is located only a 10-minute walk from Galata Tower which you will surely visit on your Istanbul travels!
Karaköy itself is a lively area with an eclectic mix of cafes, galleries, and shops, making it the perfect place to explore or have dinner after enjoying the umbrella street.
📍Address of Karaköy Umbrella Street in Istanbul: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hoca Tahsin Sk. (Google Maps Location)
2. Balat Umbrella Street at Dimitrie Cantemir Museum Café
This umbrella street is actually within a cafe called Dimitrie Cantemir Museum Café. If you want to take a picture here, you will need to order something whether it be a drink or a meal.
In my opinion, this umbrella street was a bit cheesy compared to the one in Karaköy but if you can go early and get it empty, it is still quite nice to see. There’s a cute car parked inside as well as colorful huts to eat your meal.
Plus, it’s located in the Balat neighborhood which is one of the most colorful places in the world. Balat is a 200 year old neighborhood full of vibrant colors and inhabitants from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim people.
📍 Address of the Balat Umbrella Street: Merdivenli Mektep Sk. No:2, 34087 (Google Maps Location)
Colorful Stairs and Cafe in Balat:
Don’t miss the other colorful streets around the corner from this umbrella street. Those include Istanbul’s rainbow stairs next to the İncir ağacı kahvesi cafe. This cafe also has a colorful facade and seating as pictured below.
While you’re in Balat, you can either eat at İncir ağacı kahvesi cafe or where we chose instead! It was a beautiful cafe called Velvet Cafe. Here, I enjoyed Turkish Breakfast and it was not only super aesthetic, but delicious! Be sure to reserve ahead if you want a spot in the back-covered garden area.
Take this tour with a local guide which will take you to many of the colorful places in Balat as well as the Old Greek and Jewish Quarter.
Colored Houses of Balat:
Then there’s also the famous colored buildings of Balat. This is quite a busy spot now full of tourists taking a photo here so come early if you want it clear.
📍Address of the Colored Houses of Balat: The exact coordinates are: 41.029537, 28.947645. Kiremit Cd. No:34, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye (Google Maps Location)
3. Kadikoy Umbrella Street
On the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadıköy has its own version of an umbrella street. This charming area, already known for its bohemian vibe and artistic flair, is the perfect setting for such an installation.
The Kadıköy Umbrella Street is a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll or a quick coffee break. The neighborhood is also home to a bustling market, delicious street food, and a wonderful arts scene.
📍Address of the Kadikoy Umbrella Street: Osmanağa, Ziya Bey Sk. Devel iş hanı k4, 34714, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye (Google Maps Location)
