Discover our locals' 239 hidden gems in Istanbul

Search *

City Guide made by Locals from Istanbul.

Hadi! Explore Istanbul like a local with Spotted by Locals! From hidden tea gardens in Sultanahmet to vibrant bazaars off the tourist path, our Spotters guide you through the city’s rich mosaic of cultures.

Our Spotters from Istanbul:

Our Istanbul Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Istanbul like a local.

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Istanbul through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Istanbul

Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Our latest Spots in Istanbul

Firuzan Hanım Çiftliği

Longevity Bites

Firuzan Hanım Çiftliği in serves farm-to-table breakfasts with homemade jams, olives, and olive oil. Enjoy this warm, wholesome spot full of love!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 15, 2025

Minoa Pera

A Literary Haven

The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Sep 10, 2025

CRR Concert Hall

Istanbul's Cultural Hub

From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Cemre

Sandal

Sep 9, 2025

Kandilli Suna'nin Yeri

Bosphorus's maritime gem

Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 9, 2025

Homemade Aromaterapi

Natural and vegan products

"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cemre

Sandal

Sep 8, 2025

Kuzguncuk

A neighborhood with unique beauty

"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Sep 8, 2025

Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque

Enlightenment

The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Sep 3, 2025

Primitif Birahane

Beer garden experience

With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Sep 2, 2025

Lil Bake

Lovely spot for a sweet snack

Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 30, 2025

Forno Balat

Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn

"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Banyan

High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy

"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Vogue Restaurant Bar

Molecular cocktails & sushi

"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

239 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Istanbul?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters
Price
Price