Discover our locals' 252 hidden gems in Istanbul
Nothing sponsored, No AI.
Explore our locals' favourite places.
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:
Know your way in Istanbul like a local.
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Heading to Istanbul?
252 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
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
Taksim Tünel Tramvay
Nostalgic Red Tram Ride
My suggestion is to take the route from Taksim Square to Tünel and continue exploring nice neighborhoods like Çukurcuma, Asmalı Mescit, or Galata.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Nørre Coffee Shop
Nordic Style in Istanbul
This Scandivanian-style, two-floor café has a simple yet tastefully decorated interior. And the small open kitchen adds a touch of warmth and authenticity.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Karaköy Lokantası
Wow experience
"Karaköy Lokantası" in Istanbul is a beautiful, modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant. I like their hummus with pastrami -- it's a must taste!
by
Arzu
Damli
Mediterranean
Monumental sculpture of a woman
"Mediterranean" or Akdeniz is a beautiful sculpture in Istanbul, in the Yapı Kredi Culture Art building. I fell in love with it on first sight...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
A Bit of Eggo
Because breakfast matters
"A Bit of Eggo" is my final destination for a high protein, organic egg breakfast on my favorite walking route in Istanbul. I love the cute outdoor area!
by
Arzu
Damli
Yirmibir Ocakbaşı
House o' flames
"Yirmibir Ocakbaşı" is a meeting point for me & my circle in Istanbul. It's a grill restaurant with an open fire pit in the middle. Great for kebab & raki
by
Arzu
Damli
Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi
Lovely breakfast
"Ortaköy Kahvaltı Evi" is my favorite place in this neighborhood of Istanbul. Like the name suggests, this restaurant is famous for its breakfast...
by
Emre
Kamar
Kubbe-i Aşk
Coffee break in old town
"Kubbe-i Aşk" in Istanbul means 'Dome of Love', and it's in Suleymaniye. I like going there in wintertime to see Istanbul under a white snowy cover...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Gabfoods
Healthy & delicious
"Gabfoods" is the first Paleo healthy restaurant in Istanbul. Located on the Bosphorus waterfront, these guys have put the taste back into healthy eating.
by
Arzu
Damli
Pide-Sun
Never had a better pide
"Pide-Sun", located between Istanbul's Kadıköy and Moda, is the secret restaurant of the Anatolian side. The portions are big and the pides are fully...
by
Emre
Kamar
Sütiş
Breakfast by the sea
"Sütiş" Istanbul is a restaurant in the narrow streets Arnavutköy. Its breakfast and desserts gather locals from far and wid. I recommend the milk ones...
by
Emre
Kamar
Categories
What to do in Istanbul?
Heading to Istanbul?
252 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. No AI and 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
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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