Discover our locals' 237 hidden gems in 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.

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Travel Guides by these Istanbul Locals!

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Things to do in Istanbul

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...

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Bars
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Snacks

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Cemre

Sandal

Jul 3, 2025

The Pera Museum

An alternative art museum for all

The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...

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Art & culture

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Shoe-shine boys

A unique experience

"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Fenerbahçe Steamboat

Now in the past

The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.

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Art & culture

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Holy Fragrance sellers

Various perfumes

"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Simit

The Turkish Bagel

"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!

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Snacks

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant

The best haricot bean

"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Tortoise Trainer

Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey

The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.

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Art & culture

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Fat round evil eyes

"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...

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Shopping

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Udonya

A good Japanese restaurant

"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!

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Restaurants

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Kontraplak

The best place for 2nd hand vinyl

"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...

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Art & culture
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Music
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Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Naval Museum

Largest maritime museum

The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.

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Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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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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