Istanbul has an overwhelming variety of sights, and the attractions of this metropolis will surely fascinate you as they do most tourists who come to admire the many monuments and sights of Istanbul. Being a city with a special atmosphere, Istanbul is a great economic and political centre and a tourist city. The sights and attractions here are so numerous that it will be hard to choose what to visit in Istanbul if you don’t have enough time. From museums and palaces that showcase fragments of the millennial history of empires that were fearsome powers hundreds of years ago to some less history-laden but no less impressive attractions such as the Miniature Park.

Istanbul is a historic city that retains a special fragrance and has been best captured in the writings and novels of Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel Prize-winning writer born in 1950 in an Istanbul neighbourhood. Pamuk has depicted the city with melancholy and sensitivity in his novel Istanbul, where he writes an apologia for it, fascinated by its past and present, its slums, and the immense spiritual and cultural heritage of the once-great empire.

Istanbul is known to be a city at the confluence of many cultures. This has left its mark on its very old history and its entire development over the centuries. The various civilisations that have left their mark on Istanbul have gone a whole series of sights and historical monuments that can be admired today by the thousands of tourists who choose to spend a few days in Istanbul. Below we present some of these sights that make Istanbul a place worth exploring and discovering in its splendour.

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and the fifth-largest in the world, is considered European, but it spans two different continents. Part of Istanbul is in Europe and part in Asia. The European side of Istanbul is separated from the Asian side by the Bosphorus Strait, a 31 km long waterway linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and forming a natural border between the two continents.

Two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus – the Bosphorus Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also called the Bosphorus Bridge II – connect the two sides. Still, many tourists prefer to visit only the European side of Istanbul because of its historical significance. The European side is also the city’s commercial centre, with banks, shops, and corporate offices, as well as being home to two-thirds of the population. The Asian side looks more relaxed, with wide boulevards, residential neighbourhoods, and fewer hotels and tourist attractions.

That’s why the question always arises: what to visit in Istanbul? Apart from the famous Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, you should also allow enough time to explore other sights and museums in Istanbul. Many sights are located close to the Old Town and Sultanahmet, but there are plenty of other interesting things to see and do in areas a little further afield. 

If you’re one of those who haven’t enjoyed Istanbul before, we recommend exploring the Bosphorus Strait for a few days. And to make it easier for you, in this article, we will focus on the lesser-known but equally beautiful places to visit when in Istanbul.

For a pleasant walk

In the centre of Istanbul, you’ll walk until you set new records for the number of everyday steps. But there are other parts of the city where walking can become less alert and perhaps a little more enjoyable. Here are 3 of them:

Fener and Balat

The former upper-class Greek neighbourhood (Fener) and the Jewish quarter (Balat) are characterised by neglected yet beautiful row houses and countless historic churches and synagogues. These Istanbul’s neighbourhoods are currently filled with trendy cafes and restaurants operated by young, talented entrepreneurs. Among the colourful houses are washing lines strung between buildings, children play in the streets, and Jewish, Armenian, and Orthodox communities are still visible.        

Teşvikiye

The Teşvikiye area is one of the four neighbourhoods that make up the Nişantaşi quarter in Istanbul’s Șişli district (together with Maçka, Osmanbey, and Pangalti). 

New shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are constantly opening in Teşvikiye, the neighbourhood known for its charming historic apartments. In addition to the Vesaire florist, the Ela Cindoruk jewellery shop is one of the best places to explore behind the Teşvikiye mosques.  

Yeniköy

With beautiful yali (waterfront mansions), fish restaurants, hidden historic churches, and synagogues, Yeniköy has much to explore on foot. The Greek Orthodox Elementary School and the Yeniköy Panagia Greek Orthodox Church are notable remnants of what was once a mostly Greek neighbourhood. 

In Yeniköy, the sea is at its cleanest, and you can hear the currents flowing across the Bosphorus from a shallow point.   

For museum lovers

Museum-lovers have plenty of such places in Istanbul to satisfy their passion. The most popular are the Topkapi Palace, the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Pera Museum. Besides these, however, look out for these three less common and less-visited local gems:

Bariş Manço Museum

Bariş Manço pioneered the Anatolian Rock movement in the 1970s – it was a confluence of traditional Turkish folk and arabesque with western rock influences. The former home of Manço, one of Turkey’s most beloved musicians, has been converted into a museum, displaying everything from his Steinway piano to his iconic stage costumes.  

Türvak Museum

In 1966, Turkish director and producer Turker İnanoglu founded TÜRVAK (a charitable foundation) to preserve the 100-year history of Turkish cinema. It offers a comprehensive insight into the world of Turkish theatre and cinema through films, filming equipment, costumes, decorations, posters, and photographs.

Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum

This museum displays more than 60 beautiful vintage cars from the 1920s to the 1970s. The bar is inspired by the classic American diners of the fifties and is the perfect place to grab a drink after admiring a 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider or a 1965 Ford Mustang.  

For fantastic photos

Who doesn’t want to take unique photos of places that not everyone uses for this? These three places in Istanbul will get you the applause you crave from your social media followers.

Rumeli Feneri Castle

A fishing village located at Istanbul’s northernmost tip, Rumeli Feneri offers casual seafood eateries completely detached from city life. Sultan Murad IV’s 17th-century Rumeli Feneri Castle overlooks the vast open sea, so if you end up here, you’ll also catch an exciting spot in your photos.

5. Kat

A favourite among the Cihangir neighbourhood’s intellectual crowd since 1993, 5 Kat (5th Floor) is owned by Turkish actress Yasemin Alkaya. Locals keep coming back for the fantastic Bosphorus view and live musical performances on the terrace, so this would be an unmissable opportunity to behave like a local.

Christ Hill – Burgazada

From Burgazada’s viewpoint, with its panoramic view of the sea and horizon, you are inundated with a profound sense of serenity. Among the pine trees, you will find the fascinating Greek cemetery amid the ruins of the Hristos Tepesi (Christ Hill), which was once home to a Byzantine monastery.

For the foodies

Turkish cuisine is one of the most colourful and intensely flavoured in the world, with a rich history centred on the fusion of Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian cuisines. Turkish gastronomy is, in turn, an influence on other cuisines, and it has characteristics drawn from every region of Turkey. 

Of course, in Istanbul, you’ll find restaurants with thousands of options for when you get hungry. But real foodies should seek out these three restaurants with traditional Turkish dishes:

Hünkar

It’s a modern esnaf (tradesmen’s) restaurant with daily-made dishes that are typical of Turkish homes. With a longstanding commitment to excellence, Hünkar has become an establishment where regulars enjoy slow-cooked lamb wrapped in eggplant or kadnbudu köfte (egg-battered meatballs). Address: Harbiye Mh. Mim Kemal Öke Cd. 21

Mahir Lokantasi

In a busy street near the Osmanbey metro, you would never notice this restaurant hidden in an apartment building. This cosy neighbourhood restaurant offers warm service, fresh home-cooked-style regional dishes from all over Turkey, and homemade lahmacun (made to order). Address: Cumhuriyet Mh. Tavukçu Fethi Sk. 28-B

Haci Abdullah

Avoid the touristy Istiklal Caddesi restaurants and head to a popular Turkish eatery in Taksim that serves home-cooked meals. In a cafeteria-style display beneath a dome of colourful glass, you can choose from the daily-made specials. Address: Hüseyinağa Mh. Atıf Yılmaz Cd. 9-A

For the shopping fever

After sightseeing, the day comes when you look forward to a shopping session. In Istanbul, the first thing you think of is the Grand Bazaar. But in addition to the bazaar, consider these three special places:

A Hidden Bee

Aylin Erel created this mindful clothing brand and creative design studio in 2017 to serve women who appreciate authentic clothes. Locally produced fabrics are used for every item, emphasizing natural and responsible products. You can find this store at the address: Tomtom Mh. Kumbaracı Yokuşu 30-B.

Feriköy Flea Market

Feriköy Flea Market is always a treasure hunt for the visitors, no matter when they arrive. Dealers set up tables in this covered market every Sunday, rain or shine. Other antique dealers and pickers take advantage of the early morning hours to score the best finds. Every local knows that Sundays at the market are fantastic because the market runs all day. And you can also enjoy delicious gözleme (a thin crepe filled with herbs and potatoes, cheese, or meat, depending on your preferences) made by ladies using traditional irons. Address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Semt Pazarı No.8.

Homemade Aromatherapy

Located in Kuzguncuk, the Homemade Aromatherapy shop sells organic and cold-pressed herbal oils. The fragrant oils are not the only indulgences you’ll find at this store; you’ll also find lavender water, goat’s milk soap rose and geranium natural deodorant, and coconut oil, just to name a few. Address: Kuzguncuk Mh. Üryanizade Sk. 5.

For an excellent Turkish tea (with a view)

Although tea, with a history of 5,000 years, came into Turkish life late in life, it has managed to create a unique culture in Turkish society. A species of black tea grown in the Eastern Black Sea region and the province of Rize is popularly called “Turkish tea”. However, the term ‘Turkish tea’ refers to a particular method of brewing and serving tea specific to Turks. 

In Turkey – one of the largest black tea markets – serving black tea is an integral part of the Turkish lifestyle and culture. At the same time, tea culture is one of the most important symbols of Turkish communal life and hospitality. Discover 3 best places to sip a cup of Turkish tea in Istanbul, all with a fantastic view:

Tarihi Çinaralti Çay Bahçesi

There are traditional çay bahçeleri (tea gardens) throughout Turkey, but Istanbul has the advantage of having a waterfront location. The locals enjoy sitting in the Tarihi Çinaralti Çay Bahçesi with Turkish tea and buying börek from the bakery next door, so when in Istanbul… do what istanbulians do. Address: Çengelköy Mh. Çınarlı Camii Sk. 4

Dolmabahçe Kafetarya

This tea garden near the Dolmabahçe Palace is unknown to most tourists, but it’s right by the Bosphorus and close to the palace. There is nothing better than sipping tea with the ferries gliding by and a fresh sea breeze on your face on a warm day. Address: Vişnezade Mh. Dolmabahçe Cd. 2

Moda Aile Çay Bahçesi

Among Kadiköy locals, the Moda Aile Çay Bahçesiis one of the most popular places to hang out on the weekends. Located on the European side, this tea garden is a family-friendly cafe where you can observe local life and enjoy Turkish tea with a view of the boardwalk and the Bosphorus. Address: Caferağa Mh. Park İçi Yolu

These are just a few of the “secret” reasons you should include Istanbul on your list of destinations. Even put it at or near the top of the list so that you should buy a plane ticket to Orhan Pamuk’s city as a matter of urgency.

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