Discover our locals' 240 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!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Istanbul

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Our latest Spots in Istanbul

Pardon Boulangerie

Coffee with a Picturesque View

The most desired seats are located on its tiny balcony on the top floor as it offers the best view, but be quick, there is only room for two small tables.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Cemre

Sandal

Sep 29, 2025

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

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 25, 2025

Homer Kitabevi

Independent Bookstore

What if peace smelled like paper and sounded like a turning page? Homer Kitabevi, 30 years on Istiklal, is a quiet gem worth slowing down for.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 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

Sep 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

Sep 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

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 21, 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

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 21, 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

Sep 21, 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

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Sep 21, 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

Sep 21, 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

Sep 21, 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

Sep 21, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

240 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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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 498 Spotters.
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