Bakirkoy Seafront Sunset Walk: A Couples' Evening Plan

For a sunset walk on the Bakırköy (Bakirkoy) seafront, set off just before the sun goes down so you are by the water for sunset; the walk from our apartment in Zeytinlik to the seafront takes about 14 minutes. Sunset time changes with the season, so check that day's time in a weather app and adjust your departure accordingly.

This article is designed to help couples plan a calm late afternoon by the sea. It gives you a practical framework for shaping the walk around your own pace.

How do you get to the seafront?

We are in Zeytinlik, Bakırköy. The Bakırköy seafront and İDO ferry pier are about 1.1 km away, or roughly a 14-minute walk. If you want a break on the way, Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) is about 6 minutes from the apartment; from the square you can also walk down to the seafront. The easiest way to check the route is in the map app on your phone. Other distances are on the location page.

How do you time it?

The sky stays colourful for a while after the sun goes down; stay a little longer. The evening's most memorable photos often come from this window.

Where should you stop?

The Bakırköy seafront is a long shoreline with a walking and cycling path. When choosing your spot, we suggest looking at these criteria:

• A place where you can clearly see the western direction of the setting sun. The point where the sun sets changes between summer and winter; when you first arrive, look to see where it is setting that day.
• A corner away from the cycling path, where you are not blocking people walking.
• A return route that is well lit and has other people around once it gets dark.

Choose the length of your walk

Bear in mind that the further you go along the seafront, the longer the walk back will be.

What should you bring?

• A light layer: It can cool down by the sea in the late afternoon.
• Comfortable shoes: For the walk there and back and for strolling along the seafront.
• A fully charged phone: For photos and maps.
• A small surprise: A short note, a photo or a small gift. If you are thinking of a marriage proposal, take a look at our marriage proposal plan article too.
• A small bag: Take your rubbish with you and bin it on the way back.

A few photo tips

• When you shoot into the sun, faces come out dark; try photographing people with light coming from the side.
• The short window of light after sunset gives softer photos.
• If you want a silhouette, put the sun directly behind you and adjust the pose against the sky.
• Be considerate and keep the people around you out of the frame.

If the weather turns

If it is windy or rainy, shorten or postpone the walk. As a plan B, you can sit in the cafés around İstanbul Caddesi or spend time at Capacity shopping mall, about a 9-minute walk from the apartment. If the weather looks better the next day, you could consider extending your stay to two nights to move the walk to the following evening.

After the walk

On the way back from the seafront, you can have dinner around Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı); booking ahead at the weekend makes things easier. For the rest of the evening, see our evening plan for couples article. When you return to the building, which has an elevator and security cameras, the One-bedroom apartment (1+1) has a separate living room: a comfortable space to look through the day's photos and talk.

If you want a different seafront

Yeşilköy beach and Florya beach are also well-known walking areas. Florya beach is 15–20 minutes away by car; taking the Marmaray to Florya station is another option. Yeşilköy can also be reached by Marmaray. Check current service information from TCDD Taşımacılık / Marmaray sources.

To plan a stay that includes sunset, message us on WhatsApp in English or call 0532 655 43 32; just tell us your dates and number of guests.

Common questions