As an Istanbul traveler, I think it is impossible for anyone to miss Ortaköy, since all guides mention the most famous attractions. However, since you are reading this to experience something more local, take half an hour to wander around the backstreets of Ortaköy, which represents a typical old style colorful neighborhood with a taste of the old. The small streets that cross Dereboyu Street are great to check some shops, try a bit of local tastes or just feel the traditional Ortaköy with the locals.
After wandering along the seaside, now it is time to cross Muallim Naci Street and walk onto Dereboyu Street. This is one of my favorite streets since I can find anything that I need here. First recommendation for lunch is Bizce Kuru (Dereboyu Street, Nr: 52, on the right hand side). They serve the best beans, of course with rice. Beans are cooked very slowly and the butter adds to the taste and smell.
You can also have yoghurt or cacik (diluted yoghurt with cucumbers) on the side. And finally try their rice pudding, just tell the waiter to add everything! Then your rice pudding comes with honey and nuts on top. By the way, having beans in the summer time when the weather is hot and humid can be exhausting afterwards.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.
by
Borboleta welcomes you with the warmth and comfort of home and yet with an elegant service like you belong to a royal community.
by
From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.
by
Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.
by
"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!
by
"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.
by
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips