1- Nail Bookstore & Cafe
Occupying a historic building in the Kuzguncuk neighborhood of Üsküdar on the Asian side, Nail Bookstore and Cafe has a rich selection of books on various subjects from politics to history. The double-story bookshop has become a favorite spot for book and workshop sessions with the participation of Turkey's renowned authors. Remember to take your Julius Meinl coffee while browsing the shelves.
Foursquare rating: 9.4 / 10
2- Minoa Bookstore
At Minoa, each wall is covered all the way down in books. Situated in Akaretler in Beşiktaş, this bookstore promises to become one of your favorite destinations after the first visit. A large collection of English-language books are available at the bookstore with a cafe section serving breakfast. Customers can also find music and stationary items, making this bookstore a good choice for the start of a weekend joy.
Foursquare rating: 9.2 / 10
3- FİL
FiL is a space dedicated to photo books, artist talks and workshops in Karaköy. It is also a collaborative space and a hub for arts that focuses mainly on photography. FiLBooks offers a selection of spirited works ranging from self-published books, children's books, monographs, signed and limited edition books and artist publications. Make sure to have a cup of coffee when you head to this wonderful bookstore in Karaköy.
Foursquare rating: 9.2/10
4- Akademi 1971
Having opened its doors in 1971 in Nişantaşı, Akademi 1971 has had regular guests from the Turkish literature scene like late author Aziz Nesin and Vedat Türkali. In 2013, the bookshop reopened after 20 years of being in Kadıköy. Open every day, the bookshop has a cozy cafe section and garden for bookworms and researchers.
Foursquare rating: 9.2/10
5- Tasarım Bookshop & Cafe
Located in Kadıköy in Istanbul's Asian side, Tasarım Bookshop & Cafe has a large collection of books both in English and Turkish with a specific focus on architecture, art and design. Either you can buy the books or read them while sitting in the cafe. If you are a home office person, this place is where you can freely work.
Foursquare rating: 9/10
7- MOC (Ministry of Coffee)
Located in Istanbul's elegant Nişantaşı district, MOC is where coffee lovers can taste some of the best coffee in town. With a cozy atmosphere, MOC is where you can sip coffee and spend your working hours with your computer. The cafe's upper floor is covered with books in different genres and languages.
Foursquare rating: 8.8 /10
8- Page Cafe Gallery
If you crave for some Julius Meinl coffee, you must visit Page Cafe Gallery in Kadıköy. As understood from its name, the cafe offers three things for its guests: coffee, book and art. Also serving as a gallery, the place has a small library for bookworms.
Foursquare rating: 8.7/10
9- Fahriye Cafe
While walking along Moda, this cafe will surely attract you. Most of the shop walls are lined with books, but the cafe's interior design reminiscent of an old living room sets the mood for tempted bookworms. The cafe offers regular coffee shop menu items like filtered coffee and espresso-based drinks.
Foursquare rating: 8.7/10
10-Pages Bookstore
Pages Bookstore Cafe is the first Arabic bookstore in Istanbul. Located in the historical district of Fatih, the bookstore caters to Arab and Syrian people of the city. Spread over three floors, with one floor entirely dedicated to children's books, the store also acts as a library, offering books on loan. It is also where you can take a sip of your coffee in a quiet environment.
Foursquare rating: 7.6 / 10