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.
249 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
Make sure you try the fried aubergines in tomato garlic sauce, zucchini fries, taramasalata, and mom's style fries. All are delicious!
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Tünel, İstanbul’s 1875 funicular, and its 1883 arcade offer bookstores, restaurants and wine bars amid historic buildings with a unique atmosphere.
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Discover a quiet, Byzantine-inspired sanctuary behind modest doors. The Church of St. Mary Draperis is an easy-to-miss yet unique and peaceful escape.
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Black Mustache is a modest place packed with rare, outstanding art and culture books, plus indie-designed stationery that makes you wanna browse on.
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The unassuming, small restaurant Sayla Mantı, serves delicious hand-made mantı in the İstanbul style. One of the most reliable spots for fresh mantı.
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Yoğurtçu Park is a lively and green escape with spots courts, playgrounds, a beautiful view over the canal and a crowd of friendly strays and locals.
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Cherrybean Coffees' humble porch hides a cavernous, living-room-cozy haven with in-house roasted brews and irresistibly delicious pastries.
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Overlooking the Bosphorus, Moda Tea Gardens is such a realaxing place. Enjoy the tea, sea breeze and sunsets beneath lantern-lit trees in Istanbul’s heart.
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Ready for a stunning seaside, history and excellent coffee? Moda Pier Café in Istanbul has it all, while life unfolds around you, from ferries to playful dogs.
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The outdoor area is perfect for warm or hot weather, with a mix of deck chairs, regular tables, and a shared table, all adding to its inviting atmosphere.
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The bench itself, though simple in design, provides a comfortable and inviting place to rest. Sit in silence, read a book, or watch the world go by...
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What sets Yenikoy Kitapcisi apart is that they proudly showcase lesser-known publishing houses, celebrating diversity & creativity of the literary world.
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249 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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!
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.
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?
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.