Neve Shalom Synagogue
Neve Shalom Synagogue
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Istanbul’s most famous street, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), throbs day and night and offers a fantastic array of architectural sights, shops, treats, and throngs upon teeming throngs of people. At the avenue’s northeastern end is expansive Taksim Square, thought by many to be the very heart of the city, with many of Turkey’s most renowned restaurants and some of Europe’s most happening nightlife in close proximity. In striking contrast, Beyoglu’s less trafficked areas – such as the affluent Cihangir and the antiques district of Cukurcuma – exude Old World charm and provide contemplative calm and splendid diversion via an assortment of cozy cafes, attractive boutiques, and quiet lanes.
How to get there
- Şişhane • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,935 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,193 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
28 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
aliceann1
boston, mass.308 contributions
Jan 2020
After having toured the Hagia Sofia museum and several Mosques in Istanbul (and loving every minute of it), we thought it was appropriate to recognize and appreciate another major religion which had its' presence in Turkey for centuries. So, we decided to go to the Jewish Museum/Neve Shalom Synagogue. We were certainly glad that we did. Located just a short walk from the Galata Tower on a main pedestrian street, one could easily walk right by this attraction. Like several synagogues in Europe, it is necessary to present ID when you enter (through steel protected doors) and there is a small admission fee which we were glad to pay to ensure the upkeep. It is a lovely, albeit small, museum which depicts the history of Judaism in Turkey and the contributions made by Turkish Jews to society. Also, the inter-religious relationships which were cultivated over the years. You will learn a lot and be glad that you went.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aliceann1
boston, mass.308 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Visiting Istanbul is a unique cultural experience for those of us who live in an East Coast urban setting in the United States. The city is fascinating and full of museums. mosques, palaces and ancient structures. Not to mention the markets and waterfront! Much to our surprise, while meandering the streets, we came across a sign for a synagogue not too far away. To complete our cultural tour, we decided to visit and were pleasantly surprised with the experience. In addition to a beautiful synagogue, there is an accompanying museum depicting the history of Turkish Jews and the relationship to other religious/cultural groups. We learned quite a bit and were very happy that we visited. The synagogue is protected by barriers and there is a security presence. Very interesting gift shop.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
junior1907
Istanbul, Türkiye1,96,143 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
Neve Şalom Synagoge is located at Karaköy area of Beyoğlu district in İstanbul and it is the biggest&newest and the main Synagoge of the Jewish community in İstanbul.Very easy to reach at this place by public transportation and tram with Karaköy station and then a short walk to the Synagoge.This one is also the most active one with Şabat ceremonies,
veddings,death ceremonies and other religious gatherings.Always good to see it if you are in and around Karaköy.
veddings,death ceremonies and other religious gatherings.Always good to see it if you are in and around Karaköy.
Written 29 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail Goldman
Hartsdale, NY1,084 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Despite the 1986 and 2003 murderous attacks, the synagogue continues to function. This is a beautiful shul with the Sephardic touch. The stunning chandelier was a loan from the Buenos Aires Jewish community to show solidarity since they also sustained brutal attacks.
You must be vetted before you go and there are many television monitors for security.
It was inspiring yet heartbreaking to see how the Turkish Jews are trying to maintain their community in a sea of Anti-Semitism and hatred.
You must be vetted before you go and there are many television monitors for security.
It was inspiring yet heartbreaking to see how the Turkish Jews are trying to maintain their community in a sea of Anti-Semitism and hatred.
Written 30 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AhuvafromWA
Washington306 contributions
Oct 2015
If you're Jewish and you want to be welcomed, stop by Neve Shalom. Don't be put off by their security consciousness. You will need your passport to visit. BUT, you will be rewarded. The caretaker is charming and happy to share all about the synagogue and the community.
Written 20 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan B
5 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
This little gem could easily be overlooked, but its well worth a visit if you're interested in a centuries-old jewish presence in a centuries-old ottoman culture. only a few minutes walk from the heart of modern Istanbul, Istiklal cd., the synagogue has preserved the bullet holes and bomb blast damage from two terrorist attacks in which several worshippers were killed. and theres a really nice museum explaining the history of the jewish presence in turkey. Takes about a half hour to see everything. Contrary to reviews on other travel sites you do NOT need an advance appointment ... but there is Turkish security outside inspecting who goes in, and there are metal detectors inside, and also you'll need your passport.
Theres a small gift store/book store, (although its mostly in Turkish). When I went there were two caretakers-museum curators there and they were quite friendly and helpful.
Theres a small gift store/book store, (although its mostly in Turkish). When I went there were two caretakers-museum curators there and they were quite friendly and helpful.
Written 18 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yeshol
Petah Tiqwa, Israel29 contributions
May 2018
An excellent pearl of a Jewish museum, teaching of the long history of Jews in Turkey. The exhibitions have descriptions in English, but we had a guide who spoke excellent English and knew the material well. Afer the Museum one can visit the Synagogue. Services are held Shabbat and Holidauys.
Written 24 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murat B
Istanbul, Türkiye598 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Neve Salom, a.k.a. Neve Shalom, is located in the Galata region of Istanbul. It's literally a minute's walk from the popular Galata Tower. If you decide to visit the synagogue, it'll be on your left coming from the tower. Due to two bloody terrorist attacks in the past, security is tight, not unlike the one at JFK Airport. You need to have a passport or ID card if you want to visit. The synagogue doesn't look that charming and isn't really noticeable from the outside, but once you enter the building you'll admire the architecture and atmosphere of the place. I was there all by myself on a weekday afternoon and found the staff helpful and friendly. I'm also attaching some photos to give you an idea of what you can expect.
Written 12 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,723 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
The Neve Shalom Synagogue is the kind of place I would like to go if I went to temple: intimate, unpretentious, attractive (on the inside, at least) without straining to impress, and all about community. It's the newest of the major synagogues in Istanbul and the largest. But, unfortunately, the community it serves has largely vanished, having fallen prey to a series of disasters. To get in, one must surrender one's passport and go through security screening (there was a bomb attack several years back). And the whole place feels like it's been wedged in and partially hidden within the surrounding cityscape.
Written 18 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCW703
Jerusalem District, Israel3,144 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A very interesting (almost hidden) museum on the history of Sephardic Jews both on the Iberian Peninsula as well as in Istanbul. Along side the multi-floor museum is a working synagogue.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
שלום. רוצה לבקר ביום שלישי ה 15.10 בבית הכנסת. צריך להזמין ביקור מראש?
Written 11 October 2019
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing