A Peaceful Walk along the Hillsides of Anadolu Fortress in Istanbul

On my many visits to this city, I love visiting this area because there are many cafes along the water. Also, walking up the Setüstü streets from the Anadolu Fortress will provide amazing views and lovely houses. On one of my recent visits, we found that the road ends up as a walking path, which provided a natural experience on this hillside. Here is the overview of my walking tour in this historic area.

This tour starts near the Anadolu Fortress on the Asian side. Boats come there, and also to Küçüksu. When we visit this area, we have breakfast along the Bosphorus and then walk toward the Fortress. Here is my walking tour map below.

Anadolu Hisarı is the first Ottoman fortress built in Istanbul, and it is fairly simple but nice. Here is some spolia that I found in one of the towers. This shows that previously there was some type of Byzantine building on this location. This is located next to the Telgrafhane 1855 cafe, which formerly housed a telegraph office.

The walk up the hill is on Setüstü, but just before that are these fun phone booths.

The walk up the hill is on Setüstü, but just before that are these fun phone booths. Above this walled area is the street you want to walk up.

When you walk up, look for Oba Street – there is a street sign at the corner. Don’t go down this yet.

Once you get to the end of the walking path, turn back around and come down this pleasant walkway. This will go to a corner water fountain, take a right from there to return towards the fortress.

At the end of your walk, stop in at the Gelato place (Buontalenti Gelateria) for some refreshments, or you can stop at the store next door for other options.

As you enjoy the beauty of nature and the views of the Bosphorus, remember, “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” (Nehemiah 9:6, ESV)

Here are more views from this walk…