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If you’re looking for a neighbourhood in Istanbul that’s off the beaten path, certainly, Samatya is an excellent option. With its rich history dating back 8,500 years, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the city like a local. In this article, we’ll explore the hidden gem of Samatya and provide tips on the best places to visit.
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere, Samatya is a must-visit neighbourhood in Istanbul for anyone interested in experiencing Istanbul like a local, and discovering the hidden gems of this vibrant city. From the Samatya Fish Museum to the Matya Cafe and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not take a break from the usual tourist spots and explore the hidden gem of Samatya?
History of Samatya in Istanbul
Located on the European side, just after Yenikapı and an old Greek district, Samatya is a well-known neighbourhood in Istanbul for its fish markets, restaurants, taverns, and historical buildings. At the same time, its new name is Kocamustafapaşa.
Samatya has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Marmaray excavations revealed that the settlement in the region has been around for a very long time.
Places to Visit in Samatya
Here are some places we recommend visiting in Samatya:
- Samatya Fish Museum
- Matya Cafe
- Develi Steakhouse
- Ali Haydar Second Spring Kebab Shop
- Namlı Delicatessen
- Surp Kevork Church
- Aya Nikola Church
- Agios Minas Church
Exploring Samatya in Istanbul
Meanwhile, as you walk through Samatya, you’ll come across wooden mansions that have preserved the district’s historic character. One of these mansions is home to Matya Cafe, one of the oldest buildings in the square. The cafe’s located in a 165-year-old wooden mansion that used to house the staff of the Aya Nikola Church. The mansion has name tags at the entrance of each room for the church staff. Matya Cafe used to be the selling point of Olympos sodas in the past, and the front of the shop was always overflowing with people lining up for soda. During the restoration of the house, soda bottles from in the cellar began to be on display in the cafe. This cafe is more like the living room of a house where you can teleport back to the 70s.
How to Get to Samatya in Istanbul
To get to Samatya, you can take the train from Sirkeci at Kocamustafapaşa stop, the bus using the Yedikule – Eminönü, Yedikule – Beyazıt, Yedikule – Taksim, Yeşilköy – Eminönü or Atatürk Airport – Taksim lines, or your private car from the Eminönü-Bakırköy coastal road to the Yenikapı-Bakırköy direction.
If you enjoyed reading about the hidden gem of Samatya, be sure to check out our other articles on cool neighbourhoods in Istanbul. We have plenty of suggestions for off-the-beaten-path spots that will give you a glimpse into the city like a local.
Overall, with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere, Samatya is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Istanbul like a local. From the Samatya Fish Museum to the Matya Cafe and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not take a break from the usual tourist spots and explore the hidden gem of Samatya?
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