Flower Passage
Duration
3 hrs
Admission
Free
Best time
Evening
Budget
Free
About this place
The Flower Passage, or Çiçek Pasajı, is one of Istanbul's most storied and atmospheric historic arcades, located just off Istiklal Avenue in the heart of Beyoğlu. Built in 1876 as the grand Cité de Péra apartment building, it was transformed over the decades into a lively hub of flower sellers and meyhanes. Today its ornate iron and glass interior houses traditional restaurants buzzing with locals and visitors alike.
Tips
Step inside for a meal or a glass of rakı at one of the traditional meyhanes lining the arcade, where the atmospheric interior and lively crowd make for an unforgettable Istanbul dining experience. The Flower Passage opens directly onto the historic Balık Pazarı fish market, equally worth exploring for its colourful stalls of fresh fish, produce, and street food. The arcade is located just steps off Istiklal Avenue, making it an effortless addition to a walk along Beyoğlu's most famous boulevard. Visit in the evening when the meyhanes are at their most vibrant and the arcade fills with music and conversation.