Jun 29, 2025

Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque Istanbul

For dedicated strollers

""Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque" is one of the most unique and off-the-path spots in Istanbul. What makes it unique even for me is the sebil at the corner..."

As a local I have to say that the Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque is one of the most unique, hidden, off the path spots I have encountered in a very long time. I am ashamed to say that I had never visited it before. But now, having been there it's my obligation to share it with the rest of you.

Especially in Istanbul where there are tons of mosques to visit, but I think this one is artistically and structurally a beauty. One of the beautiful aspects of the structure is the marble sebil (fountain) at the corner of the precinct wall with five bronze grills. A long inscription and fine carvings of vines, rosettes and flowers. WOW!

The structure of the mosque itself is classical and not as much mind-blowing but the façade is lovely. Also there is a columned porch leading to a library where you can have a perfect view of the complex along with the attractive cemetery and garden. The mosque has been built on top of an old cistern and surely deserves a detour through the neighbourhood. Believe me most of the locals are not even aware of this beautiful complex.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Cerrah Paşa Mahallesi, Fatih

TL

free

Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Kamondo Merdivenleri

Stairs from Constantinople

Despite the passage of time they continue to stand proudly, showing the spirit of Istanbul and its ability to embrace the old while welcoming the new.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Aug 21, 2025

Vertical

Sustainably Chic

Vertical is a food hall that boasts an eclectic array of diverse cuisines, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability.

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Poltory Bookstore

Unique bookstore in Çukurcuma

What's even more impressive is that the Tatar and Ukranian owners of Poltory are writers themselves. You can feel the passion for literature in every nook.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Aug 21, 2025

Klar Coffee

Great staff and delicious desserts

I am not a fan of cappuccino, but I am glad I've tried at "Klar Coffee" in Istanbul, as it might be the first time I have truly enjoyed it...

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line

Gorgeous mansions

Who needs a pricy Bosphorus tour when there are local ferry lines? The "Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line" is perfect to see the Anatolian side of Istanbul...

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Barto’s Burger Place

Love at first burger

"Barto's Burger Place" in Istanbul has already made a name for itself among the city's gourmets and burger lovers. Try their homemade cheese and sauces!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Haliç Line

Best way to reach Balat

The best way to get to the beautiful neighborhood of Balat in Istanbul is to take a ferry of the "Haliç Line" - just get off at Fener Pier...

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line

Unforgettable tour

Take the ferry on the "Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line" in Istanbul which goes by most popular neighborhoods on the European side! Why get stuck in traffic?

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Dondurmacı Ali Usta

Perfect on a sunny day

"Dondurmacı Ali Usta" in Istanbul has a lot of ice cream flavors, and they even let you combine two flavors in one scoop. Also: very reasonably priced!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Tatar Salim Döner Lokantası

Delicious döner

"Tatar Salim" is one of the best döner restaurants in Istanbul - they only serve döner as the main dish; it's prepared with 100% specially marinated meat!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Yeşil Mavi Cafe

Come for the view

"Yeşil Mavi Cafe" offers you the best views of Bosphorus in Üsküdar & even across Istanbul, especially during the sunset. Get a cold drink under the trees!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 21, 2025

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Best hammam experience

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı Istanbul is the best choice if you're looking for a great Turkish bath experience. It's pricier than other places but so worth it!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Vildan

Ay

Aug 15, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

237 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
Filters