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!

Travel Guides by these Istanbul Locals!

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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

Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Things to do in Istanbul

Batard Bomonti

French Bistro in Istanbul

Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 8, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

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Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 8, 2025

Lokal Makers Shop

Slow shopping in Istanbul

At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 7, 2025

3rd Culture Store

Design store in Istanbul

From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.

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Shopping

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 7, 2025

Perili Köşk

The haunted mansion

Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!

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Art & culture

by

Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Boter Kalamış

Coffee & bake shop

Boter Kalamış in Kadiköy, Istanbul, is a bakeshop in one of my favorite spots. I love getting a buttery pastry & a coffee and sitting in the park nearby

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Sour and Sweet Artisan Bakery

Sourdough heaven

Sour and Sweet Artisanal Bakery in Istanbul makes US-style sourdough creations. Great for filling my stomach before hitting the Caddebostan seaside...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Corner Irish Pub

Good beer, cosy atmosphere

Corner Irish Pub is hidden really close to Istiklal St in Istanbul. They have very good beer varieties, burgers and a cosy inner atmosphere.

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Bars

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Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Akıntı Balık

Just one foot from the Bosphorus

Akıntı Balık is a fish restaurant in Istanbul. It has a view over the Bosphorus and that makes it really special. They have good Turkish mezes...

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Restaurants

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Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Istanbul Modern

Art museum

Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.

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Art & culture

by

Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Sakura Cafe

Japan in Moda

Sakura Cafe in Istanbul's Moda is a small and cozy cafe that's very quiet compared to the rest of the busy neighborhood. They have great coffee and cakes

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Coffee & tea

by

Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Guten Morgen

Berliner in Kadikoy

Guten Morgen in Istanbul is a very quiet, simple place to have a coffee together with a delicious coffee, despite its busy location. Perfect in summer!

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Yucel

Babadag

Jun 7, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 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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