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

Demeti-Cihangir

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

By

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jan 24, 2025
Petra-Bebek

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

Jan 22, 2025
Baltas-Simit-Firini

Baltaş Simit Fırını – All-Day Crispy Simit

Baltaş Simit Fırını in Üsküdar serves freshly baked, stone-oven simits with crispy perfection. Grab one with cream cheese or Nutella for a true Turkish treat!

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Snacks

By

Cemre

Sandal

Jan 20, 2025
Yenikoy-Kitapcisi

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

Jan 20, 2025
The-Bench-with-a-poet

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

Jan 20, 2025
Brasserie-Di-Dante

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

Jan 20, 2025
Explore-Cukurcuma

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

Jan 20, 2025
Nadas-Istanbul

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

Jan 20, 2025
Cukurcuma-Hamami-1831

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

Jan 20, 2025
Isola-Cocktail-Bar

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

Jan 20, 2025
Smelt-and-Co

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

Jan 20, 2025
Ferikoy-Antique-Bazaar

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

Jan 20, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 Places only Locals know

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to the Istanbul City Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Istanbul?

236 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Istanbul City Blog & App!

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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