Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage)

The basics

Synonymous with the Orient Express era of Istanbul, Cicek Pasaji, which means “Flower Passage” in Turkish—is one of the best places in the city to soak up the glamorous atmosphere of the last few decades of the Ottoman Empire. The site was originally home to the acclaimed Naum Theater. After a fire ravaged the wooden building in 1870, the shopping arcade we see today was constructed. Designed as luxurious apartments and shops, it’s now a bar and restaurant hub.

Things to know before you go

• Admission is free, although one of the best ways to experience the Old World vibe is by grabbing a meal or drink at one of the on-site bars or restaurants.

• The building is called Cité de Pera—City of Pera, in French—and that’s the name you’ll find inscribed above the grandiose entranceway. But because of the arcade’s floral history, the Flower Passage nickname has still stuck, despite there being no flower-sellers currently and it being more than a century since the original ones set up shop.

• For the whole Cicek Pasaji experience, visit at different times of day and evening. During the day, light streams in from the restored ceiling of the arcade, and you’ll find a more peaceful ambiance. By night, live music, a buzzy crowd, and colorful lights make this a great place to experience Istanbul’s 24-hour culture, especially in summer.

How to get there

Cicek Pasaji is easy to find. It’s located in the hustle and bustle of Beyoglu, at Istiklal Avenue Saitpasa Passage 176/6. If coming from Sultanahmet, you can take the T1 tram to Tophane and continue on foot for under 20 minutes. You'll find plenty of buses if you’d prefer not to walk. Taksim is the closest stop if coming by metro, and Cicek Pasaji is just a 9-minute walk from there.

When to get there

Cicek Pasaji is always open, so deciding when to come is a matter of figuring out what you’re in the mood for. Do you want to browse the shops and take photographs of the architecture? Then plan on coming in the early morning, when you’ll find the fewest people in your frame. Interested in partaking in Istanbul’s nightlife? Then linger over a Turkish meal and enjoy some cocktails in one of the city’s most iconic modern settings.

Istanbul’s Orient Express Era: Pera Palace Hotel

Located just an eight-minute walk from Cicek Pasaji, this iconic turn-of-the-century luxury hotel is where famed mystery writer Agatha Christie penned one of her bestselling novels, Murder on the Orient Express. Room 411—the Agatha Christie room—is where the writer stayed; visitors can splurge to sleep there, too. Otherwise, simply pop in for a cold drink or tea to experience the serene Old World aesthetic.