Discover our locals' 249 hidden gems in Istanbul

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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!

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Istanbul

✓ No AI, No Spon. Only great spots by real people!

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249 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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Istanbul app Home
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Istanbul app Home

Heading to Istanbul?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Our latest Spots in Istanbul

Demeti Cihangir

Dining At The Balcony

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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Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 25, 2025

Tünel Geçidi Pasajı

Arcade in Taksim

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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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

The Church of St. Mary Draperis

Church in Taksim

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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Art & culture

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Black Mustache

Bookstore in Moda

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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Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Sayla Mantı

Turkish Dumpling Restaurant

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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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Yoğurtçu Park

Park in Moda Kadikoy

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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Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Cherrybean Coffees

Roastery in Moda Istanbul

Cherrybean Coffees' humble porch hides a cavernous, living-room-cozy haven with in-house roasted brews and irresistibly delicious pastries.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Moda Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens in Moda Istanbul

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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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Moda Pier

Coastal café in Moda Istanbul

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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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Petra Bebek

Cozy Garden Café

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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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 23, 2025

The Bench with a poet

A Poetic View of Istanbul

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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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Yenikoy Kitapcisi

Book Coffee Affair in Istanbul

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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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

249 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

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.

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Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
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