🌊 Istanbul’s Changing Squares and Waterfronts: Projects and Their Stages

المسافر · Aug 29, 2026

Opening Istanbul back up to the sea

Despite Istanbul’s long coastline, access to the water has not always been easy. Car parks, bus terminals, major roads and enclosed facilities have separated some neighbourhoods from their waterfronts.

New square and waterfront projects aim to give more space to pedestrians, connect ferries with metro lines and buses, improve seating and planting, and remove barriers to sea views.

Progress varies. Some projects are complete, some have opened in phases, and others were still under construction in the August 2026 snapshot described here.

Kadıköy Square: a large, phased project

The square and transport interchange redesign covers a planned works area of roughly 107,000 m². It aims to reduce visual clutter, improve pedestrian movement, organise transport stops and strengthen connections to ferry piers and the heritage tram.

The published design includes:

Stone paving suited to the setting.
Additional seating and street furniture.
Reorganised kiosks and commercial units.
Improved bus and vehicle waiting areas.
Clearer links between the square and waterfront.
Integration of the heritage tram into the square.

The 2026 project update explains the scope, while the urban design page presents the broader vision.

Given its scale, expect phases and temporary pedestrian or transport diversions rather than a complete transformation at once.

Beşiktaş: the first phase is open

The first phase of Beşiktaş Square’s redesign was completed in 2023. Moving some bus stops and reorganising traffic improved the connection between the centre and coast.

A wider phase around the ferry piers covers a planned area of approximately 60,000 m², with greater pedestrian priority and better links to maritime transport.

An announcement that “Beşiktaş Square has opened” refers to the completed phase and does not necessarily mean all surrounding work is finished. Compare the opened square with the next phase’s scope.

Kabataş: an interchange delivered in stages

The first phase made part of the waterfront available for walking, sitting and enjoying Bosphorus views. The full plan includes an interchange connecting ferries, trams, the funicular and metro.

As of August 2026, Kabataş should be understood as partly operating and developing in phases. An open public square does not establish that every interchange component is complete.

The Kabataş project page explains its components and connections.

Eminönü–Unkapanı: reclaiming the Golden Horn waterfront

Completed environmental and public-space works between Eminönü and Unkapanı include walking and cycle routes, greenery and better links to trams and metro services.

The project added around 1,500 m² of green space and made it easier to follow the Golden Horn away from busy roads. See the official project description.

Üsküdar and Salacak: improving the Asian-side view

Mimar Sinan Square in Üsküdar opened in 2023, improving public space near the waterfront and transport stops.

A phase of the Salacak waterfront redesign opened in 2024. Facing the Maiden’s Tower and historic peninsula, it improves walking and seating along the shore. It does not eliminate Üsküdar’s crowds, particularly at weekends and sunset.

Maltepe: changes to the square and streets

Work in central Maltepe includes a square of approximately 4,500 m², alongside changes to Bağdat Caddesi, an underpass and pedestrian routes.

In August 2026, parts of the scheme still involved construction and traffic diversions. The routes available on the ground may therefore differ from design drawings. Check the central Maltepe projects page for updates.

Beykoz Onçeşmeler: a smaller completed example

Onçeşmeler Square covers approximately 11,000 m². It improves walking, seating and the link between central Beykoz and its shore.

Rather than creating a huge interchange, it focuses on the everyday relationship between the neighbourhood and waterfront. Details appear on the Onçeşmeler project page.

What changes for visitors?

The benefits include more walking space, easier ferry access, additional seats and sea views previously obstructed or poorly organised.

During construction, however, visitors may encounter:

Relocated bus stops.
Closed or narrowed paths.
Temporary ferry entrances.
Heavier traffic on surrounding streets.
Routes that differ from mapping apps.

Follow signs on site and allow extra time when transferring between a ferry and a metro or bus service.

What does “the square has opened” mean?

Before treating a project as complete, ask:

Has only the main public space opened?
Is this the first of several phases?
Is the transport interchange operating or still being fitted out?
Is the whole waterfront finished, or only part of it?
Have traffic diversions been removed?

This is particularly relevant to Kadıköy, Beşiktaş and Kabataş, where different components can finish at different times.

A waterfront changing in stages

Istanbul’s squares are gradually becoming more useful public spaces connected to the sea and transport. Changes are already visible in Beşiktaş, Eminönü, Üsküdar, Salacak and Beykoz, while work or later phases continue in Kadıköy, Kabataş and Maltepe in this dated overview.

There is no single moment at which every waterfront is complete. The picture is a changing mix of opened phases, ongoing work and planned improvements.

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🌊 Istanbul’s Changing Squares and Waterfronts: Projects and Their Stages

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