Best coffee in Sultanahmet can be enjoyed in many unique settings, making this historic district a dream for coffee lovers. Sultanahmet is the historic center of Istanbul and one of the most visited places in Turkey.
Table Of Content
- Poika Coffee – Cozy Specialty Café
- Peyk Away Coffee – Trendy Grab-and-Go
- Harab’be Cafe & Hookah Lounge – Lively Local Vibe
- Kybele Café & Restaurant – Magical Lamp-Filled Spot
- Çiğdem Pastanesi – Classic Turkish Pastry Shop
- Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Edebiyat Kıraathanesi) – Historic Dessert Café
- Evvelâ Cafe – Cozy Dessert & Coffee Spot
- Seven Hills Restaurant (Rooftop Café) – Best View in Sultanahmet
- Final Tips for Coffee Lovers in Sultanahmet
- Related posts
With landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace drawing millions of visitors each year, it’s also an area where you’ll often find yourself needing a break.
Exploring centuries of history can be exhausting, and there’s no better way to recharge than with a strong cup of Turkish coffee or a silky flat white.
Fortunately, Sultanahmet is home to an excellent mix of traditional coffee houses, modern specialty cafés, and rooftop spots with unforgettable views.
In this guide, you’ll find the best coffee places in Sultanahmet – handpicked for tourists who want quality, atmosphere, and a taste of local culture.
Poika Coffee – Cozy Specialty Café
Why Visit: Just steps from Sultanahmet Square, Poika Coffee has become a haven for travelers looking for both authentic Turkish coffee and third-wave espresso drinks. The café’s minimalist Scandinavian design creates a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. The baristas are known for their warm hospitality and often strike up friendly conversations with tourists, making you feel at home immediately.
- 📍 Address: Hacı Tahsin Bey Sk. No: 7/A, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- ☕ What to Try: Flat white, Turkish coffee brewed in a traditional cezve, and their famous all-day Turkish breakfast platters with olives, cheeses, simit, and jams.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Bright, modern, quiet, and laptop-friendly. Perfect for reading, planning your day, or writing postcards.
- 🌍 Best For: Travelers who want a calm retreat from busy streets while enjoying specialty coffee at international standards.
Peyk Away Coffee – Trendy Grab-and-Go
Why Visit: Small but stylish, Peyk Away Coffee sits on the ground floor of Peyk Hotel. It may not have lots of seating, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in skill. Their latte art is award-winning, and the baristas pride themselves on delivering rich, balanced espresso-based drinks. This spot is particularly popular with tourists on the move who want a quick but high-quality caffeine fix.
- 📍 Address: Peykhane Cad. No: 10/A, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- ☕ What to Try: Cappuccino with signature latte art, iced lattes on hot summer days, and homemade granola bars for a healthy snack.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Bright, clean, and modern with limited seating; designed more for takeaway than lingering.
- 🌍 Best For: Sightseers who need great coffee on the go, or travelers staying nearby who want an early morning caffeine boost.
Harab’be Cafe & Hookah Lounge – Lively Local Vibe
Why Visit: Harab’be is as much a cultural experience as it is a coffee stop. Known as one of the best hookah lounges in the area, this café combines Turkish coffee with vibrant music, colorful décor, and a youthful atmosphere. Open until late at night, it’s a popular gathering place where locals and tourists mingle.
- 📍 Address: Ticarethane Çıkmazı Sk. No: 4/B, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
- ☕ What to Try: A traditional Turkish coffee, fresh juices, or explore their wide range of flavored hookahs if you want to immerse yourself in local customs.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Warm lighting, oriental carpets, eclectic decorations, and upbeat energy. A place that feels alive well into the night.
- 🌍 Best For: Evening relaxation, cultural experiences, and tourists curious about Istanbul’s social scene.
Kybele Café & Restaurant – Magical Lamp-Filled Spot
Why Visit: This is easily one of the most visually stunning cafés in Istanbul. The ceiling is covered with hundreds of colorful Turkish lamps, and the walls are lined with antiques and vintage prints. Many tourists come here just to take photos, but the food and drinks also receive high praise. It’s both a café and a full restaurant, so you can stay for a coffee or enjoy a traditional meal.
- 📍 Address: Yerebatan Caddesi No: 35, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- ☕ What to Try: Turkish coffee served in ornate cups, paired with a slice of homemade cake or a meze platter.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Cozy, nostalgic, and filled with warm lighting from the hanging lamps. Feels like stepping into a fairytale.
- 🌍 Best For: Instagram-worthy moments, romantic coffee breaks, and travelers who love unique interiors.
Çiğdem Pastanesi – Classic Turkish Pastry Shop
Why Visit: A beloved pastry shop and café right on Divanyolu Street, Çiğdem Pastanesi has been serving fresh desserts and coffee for decades. Locals swear by its simit, börek, and baklava, and tourists love the authentic vibe. This is the kind of place where you can grab something quick yet unforgettable.
- 📍 Address: Divanyolu Caddesi No: 62, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- ☕ What to Try: A cup of Turkish coffee with baklava, or start your morning with a simit fresh from the oven.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Simple, no-frills, bustling, and very local. The focus is on the pastries, not the décor.
- 🌍 Best For: Budget-conscious tourists who still want quality, and anyone looking to taste traditional Turkish bakery culture.
Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Edebiyat Kıraathanesi) – Historic Dessert Café
Why Visit: Hafız Mustafa is one of Istanbul’s most famous dessert brands, and this Sultanahmet location offers a unique atmosphere inside a historic building. Here, you’ll find a huge variety of baklava, puddings, and Turkish delights paired with rich Turkish coffee. The tradition of quality dates back to the 19th century, and it remains a favorite for both locals and international visitors.
- 📍 Address: Divanyolu Caddesi No: 14, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- ☕ What to Try: Pistachio baklava, kazandibi (caramelized pudding), and lokum (Turkish delight). Pair with Turkish coffee brewed on sand.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Elegant, historic, and often busy with tourists taking photos of the dessert displays.
- 🌍 Best For: Dessert lovers and anyone who wants to experience Turkish sweets culture at its finest.
Evvelâ Cafe – Cozy Dessert & Coffee Spot
Why Visit: Just a short walk from Sultanahmet’s main square, Evvelâ Cafe offers a calmer, more intimate setting. It has an artsy, rustic-chic interior and is known for its desserts, brownies, and Turkish coffee. It’s a favorite among those who want to escape the touristic bustle and enjoy a slower pace.
- 📍 Address: Hoca Paşa Sokak No: 5/B, Sirkeci
- ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- ☕ What to Try: Chocolate brownies, spiced lattes, or their traditional Turkish breakfast served with colorful side dishes.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Warm, rustic, artsy, and inviting. A place where you feel like you could stay for hours.
- 🌍 Best For: Couples or solo travelers looking for a cozy corner to relax, write, or chat with friends.
Seven Hills Restaurant (Rooftop Café) – Best View in Sultanahmet
Why Visit: Seven Hills is not just a restaurant; it’s one of the most iconic rooftops in Istanbul. From here, you get a panoramic 360° view that includes both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It’s an unforgettable spot for coffee, breakfast, or even a glass of wine at sunset.
- 📍 Address: Tevkifhane Sok. No: 8, Sultanahmet
- ⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- ☕ What to Try: Turkish breakfast platter with dozens of small dishes, or enjoy Turkish coffee while soaking up the view.
- 🎶 Atmosphere: Upscale, open-air, and breathtakingly scenic. The terrace is especially magical at sunrise and sunset.
- 🌍 Best For: Tourists who want the ultimate “coffee with a view” experience in Istanbul.
Final Tips for Coffee Lovers in Sultanahmet
- ☕ For Turkish coffee enthusiasts: Çiğdem Pastanesi, Hafız Mustafa, and Harab’be will give you the most authentic experiences.
- 🌱 For specialty coffee fans: Poika Coffee and Peyk Away Coffee are the best places to find modern brewing techniques and excellent espresso.
- 🏮 For unique ambiance: Kybele Café offers stunning décor, while Seven Hills offers unmatched rooftop views.
- 🍰 For dessert lovers: Çiğdem Pastanesi and Hafız Mustafa are must-visits for sweets paired with coffee.
Whether you’re searching for an energizing espresso, a cozy hideaway, or a rooftop terrace with postcard-worthy views, Sultanahmet has something for every coffee lover. Take the time to explore a few of these cafés, and you’ll add another unforgettable layer to your Istanbul adventure.
