Eminonu and its adjoining district, Sirkeci, are also one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as one of the ancient peninsula’s most lively, bustling, and tourist-friendly neighbourhoods. The area is also known as the Oriental District. The neighbourhood is also one of Istanbul’s major transportation hubs. Here’s a concise guide to Eminonu & Sirkeci, complete with great things to do and see as well as insider tips.
Things to See in Eminonu & Sirkeci
One of the greatest things to do in Eminonu is to stroll around the Eminonu Square, taking in the market area and bustling city ambiance in the company of historic buildings, taking a walk by the sea, watching the ferries, and resting at the variety of restaurants and cafés nearby. The primary sights of Eminonu and Sirkeci include the historical Egyptian Spice Bazaar, the Sirkeci Train Station, and the Yeni Mosque. Cheap electronic products and low-cost restaurants can be found on the back streets of Eminonu & Sirkeci.
Egyptian Spice Bazaar
The mediaeval Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), also known as the Spice Market, is a vibrant and magical covered spice market lined with spice booths located near Eminonu Square. Along with the famous Grand Bazaar, it is also one of the most famous covered markets in the world. Also known as the Egyptian Spice Market, it is a renowned tourist attraction and a great site for travellers to complete their Istanbul vacation by buying for mementos for their loved ones before departing the city.
♦ 5 Days Turkey Tour – Istanbul Cappadocia Tour
Eminonu Square
Eminonu Square, situated between Galata Bridge and the New Mosque (Yeni Camii), is the primary attraction area of the Eminonu neighbourhood, where you can see a lot of inhabitants and tourists every day. The tram stop, ferry docks, Yeni Mosque, and Egyptian Spice Bazaar are all located near the square.
One of the best things to do around the Eminonu Square is to stroll through the market area and enjoy the bustling city environment in the company of historic buildings, go for a walk by the sea, watch the boats, and take a break at one of the many restaurants and cafés nearby.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park (Rose Garden), sited between Sultanahmet and Eminonu, is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful parks for both tourists and locals. The park is quite large. There are numerous lovely gardens, trees, pools, and outdoor cafes with spectacular views of the Bosphorus. In the park, there is also a Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, which is a one-of-a-kind in the world and well worth seeing.
♦ 7 Days Turkey Tour Package – Highlights of Turkey
Yeni Mosque
The Yeni Mosque, which meaning “new,” is a prominent tourist attraction along the Eminonu coast. With its large courtyard with turquoise, blue, and white Iznik tiles, the mosque is worth seeing. The mosque has become one of the best things to see in Eminonu & Sirkeci. Numerous people take distinct sort of trips over there to enjoy the beauty and history of the Yeni Mosque.
Museum of Islamic Science and History of Technology
The Museum of Islamic Science and History of Technology, housed in the Imperial Stables building in Gulhane Park, showcases samples of tools and devices, some of which are surviving original pieces and others prepared by the University of Frankfurt’s Institute of Arabic and Islamic Sciences based on drawings and descriptions in reference books.