begüm If you want to escape the busy pace of Istanbul and dive into the magical world of books, I want to introduce you to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Libraries. In recent years, especially under the İBB Heritage project, restorations have brought unique spaces to the city that offer not only books but also history, architecture, and peace.
Thanks to these projects led by Mahir Polat, Istanbul’s historic buildings have come back to life, providing us with a quiet place to meet culture and knowledge.
In this article, I will introduce these special libraries and also share different places in Istanbul where you can work outside your home. Some of them are my personal favourites!
Istanbul Libraries and Study Spaces Map
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Popular Workspaces in Istanbul
Federal Coffee – Galata
If you are looking for a comfortable and enjoyable place to work in Istanbul, Federal Coffee – Galata is perfect for you! Located just a few steps from Galata Tower, it has a great location. We sat on the balcony, but both indoor and balcony seating options are available. The staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel at home.
Their brownie is amazing, definitely a must-try! Prices are quite reasonable, offering excellent value for money. And of course, don’t miss the Matcha Latte – it’s really delicious! The atmosphere is very pleasant; light music plays in the background, making it an ideal environment for productive work.
Address: Şahkulu, Küçük Hendek Cd. No:7, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Phone: (0212) 245 09 03
Minoa Pera
For those who want to enjoy both working and relaxing in Istanbul, I have a great café recommendation: Minoa Pera. This charming café is a paradise for book lovers! Minoa Pera is located in Beyoğlu, very close to Istiklal Street. When you step inside, you are greeted by a warm atmosphere and plenty of books. It offers a perfect environment for both working and reading your book.
Sipping your coffee while exploring the books around is a wonderful experience. The staff are very helpful, and soft music plays in the background, which makes it easier to concentrate on work. If you want something sweet, I recommend trying their cakes—they are really delicious! Prices are also quite reasonable. So, it’s an ideal place for both working and enjoying a pleasant break.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Neighbourhood, Meşrutiyet Street No:65, Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 292 90 09
Nove Coffee Eatery Göktürk
If you are looking for a quiet café in Göktürk, Nove Coffee Eatery could be a perfect choice! Despite being right in the centre, it offers a peaceful environment away from the crowds. There is no indoor seating, but with the winter garden setup and heaters, you can comfortably spend time here. It is an ideal place to focus on work, providing a calm, quiet, and relaxing atmosphere. The menu is quite varied, and although the prices are a bit high, it is satisfactory in terms of value for money.
If you want to enjoy a pleasant break or work productively in Göktürk, I definitely recommend Nove Coffee Eatery!
Address: Göktürk Centre, Belediye Street No:21, 34077 Eyüpsultan/Istanbul
Phone: 0536 306 59 26
Petra Roasting – Bebek
Petra Roasting is a perfect place in Bebek for a pleasant coffee break or to get some work done. It is ideal both for coffee lovers and for those who want to work in a calm atmosphere. Located on one of Bebek’s charming streets, it offers a relaxing environment where you can sip your coffee while catching up on your tasks. The menu has options to suit every taste, and in terms of price and quality, it is quite satisfying.
This spot is a great choice whether you want to work or simply enjoy a relaxing break.
Address: Bebek, Küçük Bebek Street No:38, 34342 Beşiktaş/Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 356 10 57
Books & Coffee Karaköy
In Karaköy, there is a wonderful place where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while diving into books: Books & Coffee. Located very close to Tünel, this cosy café offers a charming atmosphere with its interior design. Although it is small, there is also an upper floor, providing a quieter and more comfortable space to spend time. The staff are very attentive, and the background music is pleasant, making it a perfect spot to work or relax while reading.
If you would like to spend time in a calm café surrounded by books, I definitely recommend Books & Coffee.
Address: Arap Cami, Teğmen Hüseyin Sofu Street No:13, 34431 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 251 32 49
Vakkorama Cafe
If you are looking for a stylish and enjoyable spot in Beyoğlu, Vakkorama Cafe Tomtom is a great choice! We tried the ice cream and lemonade here, and they were truly delicious. The ambience is also very pleasant, offering a comfortable atmosphere where you can spend time with ease. During the summer months, escaping the hot weather outside and relaxing inside with air conditioning feels much more refreshing. The service was also quite satisfying.
It is worth mentioning that the prices are a bit higher than average. Still, if you want to enjoy something tasty in a chic setting, Vakkorama Cafe is just the place!
Address: Kemankeş Kara Mustafa Paşa Street No:42, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Kahve Dünyası – Atatürk Cultural Centre
Located in Taksim, one of the city’s popular meeting points, Kahve Dünyası – Atatürk Cultural Centre is a well-loved spot thanks to its delicious coffee and comfortable setting. If you are walking around Taksim and looking for a place to rest, this is an excellent option. You can sit back in its spacious interior and enjoy your coffee while having a pleasant time. With both Turkish coffee and a variety of other options, there is something to suit every taste. Their desserts are also highly recommended.
Address: Gümüşsuyu, Metro, Taksim, 34437 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 256 28 90
Meet Lab Coffee – Caddebostan
For a peaceful coffee break in Kadıköy, Meet Lab Coffee is just the place you are looking for! Located on a charming street in Caddebostan, this café stands out with its calm atmosphere and delicious coffee. Whether you want to relax with a cup of coffee or need an ideal spot to work, this place has everything you need. The interior is modern and comfortable, and the staff are extremely friendly.
There is one drink on the menu that I especially recommend trying, but if you enjoy discovering new tastes, make sure to explore the full menu. Meet Lab Coffee is a great spot where you can both enjoy quality coffee and spend time in a pleasant setting.
Address: Caddebostan, Selin St. No:6A/13, 34000 Kadıköy/Istanbul
Recommended Libraries for Working in Istanbul
Bulgur Palas Library
Located on Istanbul’s seventh hill in Kocamustafapaşa, the historic Bulgur Palas is one of the notable examples of 20th-century civil architecture. After remaining closed for many years, it was restored by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and opened in 2024 as a library and cultural centre.
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00
Monday: Closed
Taş Mektep Library
Built between 1870 and 1880 during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, Taş Mektep served as a school for many years before being abandoned. Restored by İBB Heritage, it has now been brought back to life as a library serving the people of Istanbul. Located on Kadıyoran Street in Büyükada, this historic building is an ideal stop for those who want to read in a peaceful environment.
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
Monday: Closed
Facilities:
Wi-Fi available
Trolleybus Library
The long-abandoned Trolleybus Power Station was restored by İBB Heritage teams and opened as a library on 1 March 2022. Located in Beyazıt, this special venue with a capacity of 150 people has become a popular meeting point for young people. Its wide collection of books covers history, philosophy, art, science, and technology.
The library also provides meeting tables for university departments and student clubs, along with spaces for events and exhibitions, making it a versatile cultural hub. Talks and cultural-art events are regularly held here.
Visiting Hours:
Every day: 09:00 – 21:00
Membership:
Readers can apply with a Turkish ID card, driver’s licence, or passport. Registration is also available via e-Devlet.
Atatürk Library
Established in 1924 by Osman Nuri Ergin within Istanbul Municipality, the library has been operating under the name “Atatürk Library” in its Taksim building since 1981. It serves as the central library of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Libraries and Museums Department, with all İBB libraries functioning as its branches.
Housing over 500,000 works, its rich collection includes Ottoman printed books, manuscripts, rare foreign publications, maps, postcards, and archival documents, making it a valuable reference point for both local and international researchers.
Visiting Hours:
Every day: 09:00 – 21:45
ArtIstanbul Feshane Naile Akıncı Library
Founded in 1827 as a fez production workshop, Feshane-i Amire has been transformed into one of Istanbul’s cultural and art centres. The library inside, named after Naile Akıncı, one of the first painters of the Republic era, is located within Art Istanbul Feshane.
With a collection of 13,000 books spread across an 8,000 m² space, the Naile Akıncı Library offers access to knowledge in the heart of contemporary art. It also hosts talks and various events.
Visiting Hours:
Every day except Monday: 10:00 – 20:00
Monday: Closed
Membership:
Applications can be made with a Turkish ID card, driver’s licence, or passport. Registration is also available via e-Devlet.
Baruthane Library
Ataköy Baruthanesi, one of the few surviving Ottoman gunpowder factories, has been carefully restored and repurposed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Cultural Heritage.
Now operating as Baruthane Library, the venue also includes a museum, viewing terrace, cultural event areas, social spaces, and a café.
Visiting Hours:
Every day: 10:00 – 21:00
Evliya Çelebi Library
Opened on 27 January 2022, the Evliya Çelebi Library is part of the renovation of Istanbul’s Grand Bus Terminal. Named after the great traveller Evliya Çelebi, the library redefines the traditional library concept of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality by also functioning as a cultural and educational centre.
İBB Wi-Fi service is available.
Visiting Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 17:00
Weekends: Closed
Turhan Selçuk Library
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality opened the Turhan Selçuk Library in Kadıköy as a new cultural, artistic, and social space. Named after Turhan Selçuk, one of Turkey’s most significant cartoonists, the library opened on 6 January 2025. It covers 136 m² and has a capacity of 145 people.
The library houses 10,000 works spanning literature, art, history, and architecture. It also offers a children’s book collection, making it easily accessible for families. Designed with a new-generation approach to libraries, it plans to host art events, workshops, and talks.
İBB Wi-Fi service is available.
Visiting Hours: Every day: 10:00 – 21:00
Kadıköy Pier Library
Witnessing Istanbul’s last century of journeys and encounters, Kadıköy Pier has been repurposed into a gateway to knowledge with its new library. Opened on 26 April 2023, this project reflects İBB’s vision of turning new-generation libraries into active living spaces across the city.
İBB Wi-Fi service is available.
Visiting Hours: Every day: 09:00 – 22:00
Beşiktaş Pier Library
Located in one of Istanbul’s busiest spots, Beşiktaş Pier gained a new community space with the opening of the Beşiktaş Pier Library on 26 April 2023.
Designed as a book café, the library reflects İBB’s “Living Istanbul” vision and aims to add value to the city.
İBB Wi-Fi service is available.
Visiting Hours:
Every day: 09:00 – 22:00
This concludes our article on Istanbul Libraries and Study Spaces. See you in the next article.
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