Discover our locals' 236 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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City guides by those who know Istanbul best!

Get to know our Spotters from Istanbul

Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Things to do in Istanbul

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

Mar 22, 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

Mar 22, 2025

Brasserie Di Dante

Church and mosque unite

When you enter Brasserie di Dante, you're greeted by an outdoor seating area surrounded by plants and trees. Even in cold weather, they have fire heaters.

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Çukurcuma Hamamı 1831

Spa day in Istanbul

Çukurcuma Hamam 1831 has a unisex policy, allowing you to enjoy the experience with your partner. As the hamam is not very big, make a reservation.

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Relaxing

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Explore Çukurcuma

Art nouveau at Faik Paşa St.

As you walk from Galatasaray to Karaköy, prepare for a nostalgic journey with a contemporary vibe with cobblestone streets and art nouveau-style buildings.

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Art & culture
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Restaurants
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Shopping

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Nadas Istanbul

Ecology and Art in Istanbul

Nadas Istanbul is a creative space dedicated to urban diversity with the goal of creating a more leisurely, conscious, and empathetic living community.

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Art & culture

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Isola Cocktail Bar

A stylish escape in Istanbul

Whether for daytime dining or nighttime pleasure, Isola Bomonti promises a Mediterranean-inspired moment that's sure to please...

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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Smelt and Co.

Chef Restaurant in Istanbul

Their menu is as perfect as the atmosphere. The menu changes with the seasons, so you may see different recipes and presentations on every visit.

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Restaurants

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Feriköy Antique Bazaar

Vintage day in Istanbul

Here you will find vinyls, old books and magazines, original film posters, collections of old coins, old photos, jewels, and much more...

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Shopping

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Çukurcuma 49

Pizza meets rustic vibes

They offer a variety of traditional as well as innovative styles of pizzas, all made with the freshest ingredients and all nineteen of them are delicious!

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Zeyta Emirgan

Wine and olive house in Istanbul

Zeyta Emirgan, is a charming wine house located on the most beautiful street in Emirgan with a great selection of boutique wines from Turkey and Europe.

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Bars
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Music
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Snacks

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Tütün Deposu

Exhibitions in a tobacco warehouse

Tütün Deposu is a non-commercial, flexible, and independent space that welcomes critical voices in Istanbul's cultural landscape.

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Art & culture

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Mar 22, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 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

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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?

Our Istanbul Cityguide - Made by Locals

Instantly know your way in Istanbul like a local!

Navigate Istanbul’s vibrant streets with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic charm of Sultanahmet and the hip neighborhoods of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy. Our app provides insider tips on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural experiences, allowing you to discover the authentic soul of Turkey’s largest city. Download now and start your Istanbul adventure!

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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