How to Reach Famous Istanbul Municipality Restaurants? (Detailed Guide)
The Istanbul Municipality Social Facilities (IBB Sosyal Tesisleri) chain is the premier destination for tourists and residents seeking high quality, charming views, and affordable, subsidized prices. However, in a huge and crowded city like Istanbul, the most important question facing our visitors remains: "How do I get to the Istanbul Municipality restaurants?".
Instead of bearing the trouble of traffic congestion and exorbitant taxi costs, we at Skyline Tourism and Travel have prepared this comprehensive and updated guide for 2025. We will explain to you precisely how to reach the most important branches of the municipality restaurants using the public transportation network such as the Metro, Marmaray, and ferries.
If you are still hesitant about choosing the most beautiful branch, we advise you to read our article: Top 10 Istanbul Municipality Restaurants and Cafes with Charming Views to choose your destination first.
1. How to get to Florya Restaurant (Florya Sosyal Tesisleri)
This branch is considered the "icon" of the municipality restaurants, with its location right next to the sea and its magnificent wooden walkways. It is located in the Florya district on the European side.
- The Best Option (Marmaray): The fastest method is taking the "Marmaray" train (which connects Asia to Europe). You must get off at "Florya Akvaryum" station. Upon exiting the station, you will be inside the coastal park, and the restaurant is about a 5-7 minute walk to the left (opposite the direction of the Aquarium).
- Alternative Option (Bus): You can use bus number BN1 which runs between (Halkalı - Eminönü) and passes through the Florya area on the coastal road. You can get off at the "Sosyal Tesisler" stop near Florya Park.
2. How to get to Çamlıca Hill Restaurant (Çamlıca Sosyal Tesisleri)
Located on the highest hill in Istanbul on the Asian side, it offers an unforgettable panoramic view. Accessing it was previously difficult, but it has become easier now.
- Via Metro (M5):
- Take the M5 metro line (Üsküdar – Çekmeköy). You can reach its first station (Üsküdar) via Marmaray or the ferry.
- Get off at "Kısıklı" station.
- The restaurant is located inside Çamlıca Park. The walking distance from Kısıklı station is about 15-20 minutes, or you can take a taxi from the station exit for a very small cost due to the short distance.
- Via Buses: From the Üsküdar bus terminal, you can take any of the following buses: 11A, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G and get off at the "Turistik Çamlıca Tesisleri" stop.
3. How to get to Arnavutköy Restaurant (Arnavutköy Sosyal Tesisleri)
It is distinguished by its classic white wooden building and its direct view of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge on the Bosphorus.
- There is no metro line that reaches the restaurant door directly; the ideal solution is buses from Taksim or Beşiktaş.
- From Taksim: Take bus number 40T or 42T.
- From Beşiktaş: Take bus number 22, 25E, or 40B.
- Get off at the "Arnavutköy" stop. The restaurant is located exactly opposite the station on the seaside.
4. How to get to Haliç Restaurant (Haliç Sosyal Tesisleri)
This quiet restaurant is located on the banks of the Golden Horn and stands out as an ideal rest point away from the city noise.
- Via Tram (T5): Use the new T5 tram line (Eminönü - Alibeyköy) which departs from the Eminönü area. Get off at "Ayvansaray" or "Feshane" station; the restaurant is located near the Haliç Bridge.
- Via Metrobus: If you are coming from distant areas (such as Beylikdüzü or the Asian side), take the Metrobus and get off at "Ayvansaray" station. After getting off, you will need to walk about 10 minutes downhill towards the sea.
5. How to get to Beykoz Restaurant (Beykoz Sahil Sosyal Tesisleri)
The pearl of the Asian side on the Bosphorus, it is characterized by extreme calmness compared to the European side.
- Via Sea Ferry (The Most Beautiful): You can take the ferry heading to "Beykoz" pier (check the schedule via the Şehir Hatları website). The restaurant is located directly next to the pier.
- Via Bus from Üsküdar: From the Üsküdar area, take buses bearing the number 15 and its derivatives (such as 15, 15F, 15BK, 15P). The route is a bit long but it runs along the entire Bosphorus. Get off at the "Beykoz Belediyesi" stop.
6. How to get to İstinye Restaurant (İstinye Sosyal Tesisleri)
It is located near the famous İstinye Park Mall and overlooks a small bay in the Bosphorus.
- Via Metro + Minibus: Take the M2 metro (Yenikapı-Hacıosman) and get off at "İTÜ Ayazağa" station. From there, you can take a minibus (Dolmuş) heading to the İstinye coast.
- Via Bus: From Beşiktaş, take bus number 25E or 40B and get off at the "İstinye İskelesi" (İstinye Pier) stop.
Tips for a comfortable trip:
- Indispensable Apps: Use the "Otobüsüm Nerede" app belonging to the municipality to know bus timings accurately, and the "Google Maps" app to determine your location.
- Istanbulkart: It is the only payment method for all the transportation mentioned above. Make sure to top it up in advance.
- Istanbul Municipality restaurants do not accept cash payments; you can pay via Istanbulkart or bank cards.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Transportation (especially Metrobus and buses) is very crowded between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Try to go for lunch or an early dinner.
In conclusion, reaching Istanbul Municipality restaurants is not just a means of saving money, but it is part of the pleasure of exploring the city as if you were one of its locals. Whether you choose to ride the ferry in the Bosphorus breeze or the fast metro, the destination is worth the effort.
