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Things to do in Istanbul: Underrated Istanbul attractions
Wondering what to do in Istanbul, Turkey? Discover iconic places like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar in our guide on things to do in Istanbul.
Some of the best things to do in Istanbul are beyond the famous landmarks. While locations such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar remain iconic, you’ll also find neighborhoods, cafes, and views that showcase the real spirit of the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul soon, this guide covers authentic districts, creative spaces, and hidden spots that few tourists know about. Grab an unlimited data eSIM for your travels and navigate in a new country with peace of mind.
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What to see in Istanbul: the essentials
- The soul of the neighborhoods: Visit Balat and Kuzguncuk to experience authentic Istanbul life. Balat’s cafés in old hans and Kuzguncuk’s alleys lined with Ottoman houses are perfect for those who love local culture.
- Authentic flavors: Taste traditional food in the small family restaurants of Kadıköy and at the city’s neighborhood markets.
- Art in the city: Discover Istanbul’s creative scene, including street art in Balat and galleries in former hammams. Ideal for art lovers and photographers.
- Secret spots: Some of the best things to do in Istanbul are to find hidden viewpoints over the Bosphorus, artisan workshops, and courtyards that most guidebooks skip. Holafly’s research on the best cities for UK remote workers reveals Istanbul as one of the destinations. Head to an underrated cafe to work like a true and well-versed local.
Istanbul’s iconic neighborhoods
The best way to experience Istanbul is through its neighborhoods, where local life blends with centuries of history. Here are our favorite discoveries.
Balat & Fener: Bohemian districts
Cobbled streets with colourful buildings are the essence of these neighborhoods. Source: Shutterstock
Once home to Jewish and Greek communities, Balat is now a hub for artists and creatives. You’ll see colorful houses, small cafés, and art galleries in old buildings here.
How to explore:
- Best time: Visit the Merdivenli Yokuş stairs early in the morning for quiet streets and great photos.
- Local cafe: Stop at Cafe Naftalin K for tea in a vintage setting, a local favorite.
- Hidden gem: Visit St. George’s Church, one of the area’s lesser-known historic sites.
Kuzguncuk: A preserved village
Vibrant houses in the Kuzguncuk neighbourhood, Istanbul, Turkey. Source: Shutterstock
Across the Bosphorus on the Asian side, Kuzguncuk feels like a small village in the city, but it’s calm and perfect for slow-paced exploration. While visiting Kuzguncuk is a cool thing to do in Istanbul, you won’t find any souvenir shops here!
How to visit:
- Morning walk: Start at Kuzguncuk Bostanı, a local garden where residents grow vegetables.
- Eat like a local: Try İsmet Baba, known for seafood and a family atmosphere.
- Cultural stop: Visit the synagogue and Armenian church to learn about the area’s diverse history.
Moda & Kadıköy: The creative hub
Kadıköy and Moda are among the top places to visit in Istanbul, especially for young travelers. This area mixes old traditions with modern creativity and is full of cafes, bookshops, and street art.
Must-sees:
- Tea near the sea: One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to join locals at Moda Çay Bahçesi for tea with a view of the Sea of Marmara.
- Kadıköy food market: Explore Kadıköy Market and try local pide and lahmacun.
- Street art: Walk around Karakolhane Caddesi, an open-air gallery, to see colorful murals.
Istanbul’s historical monuments: The city’s hidden treasures
Beyond the touristy and crowded landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or Galata Tower, here are some lesser-known historical Istanbul attractions that give you glimpses into the city’s past.
The hans: Courtyards of wonders
The exterior of an old entryway in Istanbul’s hans. Source: Shutterstock
Istanbul’s hans, former Ottoman inns, are now home to artisans and small workshops. Here you’ll find artisans bent over their workbenches, wandering tea sellers, and cats dozing on century-old rugs.
What to do in Istanbul’s top hans:
- Büyük Valide Han: Climb the terrace for a 360° view of old Istanbul.
- Sünbüllü Han: Watch artisans crafting metal and wood, and stop for Turkish coffee.
- Zincirli Han: Known for its goldsmiths, some families have worked here for generations.
Secret mosques
Rustem Pasha mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Source: Shutterstock
The Blue Mosque remains one of Istanbul’s most-visited mosques. However, Istanbul’s smaller mosques offer serenity and architectural mastery. These small neighborhood mosques tell a more intimate story of Istanbul through their Iznik ceramics, ancestral calligraphy, and secret gardens.
What to see in Istanbul’s secret mosques:
- Rüstem Paşa Mosque: Famous for its blue Iznik tiles and quiet setting.
- Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Mosque: An architectural gem by Mimar Sinan with a calm courtyard.
- Ortaköy Mosque: Visit at sunrise for beautiful light over the Bosphorus.
The book district: Sahaflar Çarşısı
Between the alleys of the Grand Bazaar and the university courtyards lies a historic book market. Browse rare books and manuscripts under old plane trees. This is truly a reader’s and collector’s paradise.
Explore old books with yellowed pages, admire Ottoman calligraphy, or simply sit down at the local café to watch Istanbul’s intellectuals engaged in lively discussion.
Food in Istanbul: The best places to eat
Forget restaurants with menus printed in six languages. Instead, go for authentic Istanbul cuisine, often found in local markets and small restaurants.
Shopping in Istanbul
Various types of sweets at a local street market. Istanbul, Turkey. Source: Shutterstock
You’ll find various Turkish delicacies in the Grand Bazaar, but the true authenticity lies in the city’s lesser-known pantries.
What to do in Istanbul’s authentic food markets:
- Tarlabaşı Market: Visit on Sundays for local produce, olives, and cheeses.
- Kadıköy Market: Try Ali Baba’s 40-year-old beyaz peynir (aged cheese) or roasted spices from the Özcan family.
- Beşiktaş Fish Market: Go early for fresh catches and grilled mackerel sandwiches.
Top tourist fact: The çay ritual – the secret language of Turkish tea
Turkish tea (çay) is an essential part of Istanbul life. Learn the simple customs: never leave your glass empty, and placing the saucer on top means you’re done. Be careful not to pick up the teacup with your left hand, as it’s considered rude!
The legendary little restaurants of Fatih
Fatih is a historic neighborhood, home to long-standing eateries serving classic Turkish food. These recipes are passed down from father to son and offer a unique gastronomic experience.
Try:
- Fatih Karadeniz İşkembecisi: Open early, serving soups made from family recipes.
- Çiya Sofrası: Famous for traditional Anatolian dishes that change daily.
- Küçük Pazarı courtyards: Explore small alleys to find local pide and kebab spots.
Karaköy’s new culinary scene
Karaköy is one of the coolest places to eat in Istanbul. In this former port district, a new generation of chefs is reinventing Turkish cuisine.
Our favorites:
- The Hidden Mutfak: A hidden two-table restaurant offering creative dishes from market ingredients.
- The Özsüt Institution: Known for its kaymak (buffalo cream) since 1938.
- The Craftsmen’s Courtyard: A local canteen serving homemade meals.
Getting around like a local in Istanbul
To explore all the best things to see in Istanbul, it helps to travel like a local. Here are some valuable tips, especially for first-timers.
Essential transportation apps
- Trafi: Real-time routes and updates for buses and ferries.
- BiTaksi: Reliable taxi bookings with set prices.
- Moovit: Great for finding local minibuses (dolmuş).
Check out our guide on how to get around in Istanbul for more information.
Local routes
- Vapurs (ferries): Affordable way to see the Bosphorus. The best rides are just before sunset.
- Beyoğlu Tram: A nostalgic tram through historic streets.
- The Tünel: A 19th-century funicular connecting Karaköy to Beyoğlu, a quick alternative to climbing.
Stay connected
Having mobile internet in Turkey makes a big difference. You can navigate like a pro and communicate with locals without worrying about language barriers. To stay connected, you have three main options:
- A local Turkey SIM card: Available at airports or mobile shops in the city. It’s a good short-term choice, though the SIM registration process may take time and has specific tourist requirements. Plus, you’ll have to swap your home SIM for the new one, losing access to your home number.
- Roaming in Turkey: You can use your current home provider’s roaming features/add-ons to stay connected. Be cautious of any data limits and whether you’re on a roaming-inclusive plan to avoid racking up roaming charges.
- Holafly’s eSIM for Turkey: A faster and more convenient option for travelers. You can install this digital eSIM beforehand and activate data roaming as soon as you arrive in Istanbul. No SIM swaps or lengthy registration processes needed to use your phone in Turkey. Just scan the QR code and enjoy unlimited data at very affordable rates.
Get connected from anywhere
Buy your eSIM no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection.
The most beautiful sunsets in Istanbul
The locals have their favorite spots for admiring their city at sunset. Here are a couple of underrated places for evening views:
- The alleys of Cihangir: Around the corner from an Art Deco facade, the Bosphorus suddenly lights up. Our favorite spot: Sormagir Street around 7 p.m.
- Süleymaniye Library rooftop: Head up to the library’s rooftop at sunset for a peaceful and scenic view. You won’t find tourists, only students taking a break from studying!
- Yeldegirmeni cafes: Try Dem Cafe, nestled in a former bakery, for breathtaking views of the city.
Istanbul’s hidden tea gardens
Forget the touristy terraces. Check out the real çay bahçesi (tea gardens) for authentic tea experiences:
- The secret terraces of Pierre Loti: Everyone knows the main café, but only the locals know that a small terraces network is spread across the hill.
- The Münzevi in Kandilli: A hanging garden on the Bosphorus where local retirees have been playing backgammon for decades. Tea is served in mismatched glasses, adding to the local charm.
- Fethi Paşa Korusu. A hidden park in the hills above Üsküdar. Families picnic here on weekends with views of the entire city.
The Istanbul Tourist Pass: How to get the most out of it
At ~£120 GBP, the Istanbul Tourist Pass is definitely an investment. But it can save time and money if used strategically. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Learn more about the best time to visit Turkey and Istanbul to avoid tourist rush and enjoy good weather.
- Visit major attractions early, between 8 and 10 AM or after 4 PM, to avoid crowds.
- Take the included Bosphorus cruise at sunset for the best views.
- Use the skip-the-line access to make time for local experiences later.
- Take ferries instead of expensive tours for the same scenic views.
- Use a travel eSIM for Turkey to navigate and communicate with locals.
Explore Istanbul’s secret neighborhoods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Istanbul is full of many scenic and beautiful places; it’s hard to pinpoint a singular one. Here are a couple of favorites: The historic Sultanahmet district, the view from Pierre Loti Hill, or a terrace in Karaköy at sunset.
A minimum of 5 days is recommended to discover the essentials of Istanbul and explore the city at a leisurely pace. Check out our guide on how many days to spend in Istanbul for more details.
Each neighborhood has its own charm, but Karaköy strikes the perfect balance as it is strategically located between the historic center and modern districts.
The best walks combine history and authenticity: The walk along the Bosphorus from Karaköy to Ortaköy, the alleys of Balat and Fener, the trendy Kadıköy district, Princes’ Island for a peaceful escape,and the banks of the Golden Horn at sunset.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
