Yucel from Istanbul

About me I'm an engineer. I've been living in Istanbul since I was born. I love to travel around like a local as often as possible. Grabbing a beer while listening to good live music is priceless for me. I also love photography. Taking unique pictures, trying local tastes and meeting new people to share experiences are my aim. I'm trying to learn as much as possible from people around ...
Oct 7, 2025

Galata Simitçisi Istanbul

Simply the best

"Galata Simitçisi close to Istanbul's Karaköy used to be part of my daily routine, and I still go to to have a simit at this traditional bakery..."

I came across Galata Simitçisi (bakery) around 2012 while I was working very close to the Karaköy area. We had some daily routines during those days; one of them was taking our "simit" (pastry rings) from Galata Simitçisi nearby and going to a tea house near it to eat them.

Simit is a cheap and very popular type of street food. But Galata Simitçisi is different from the others, with their traditional baking methods and flavour. Nowadays, Karaköy is one of the most popular places with shining cafes in Istanbul. But Galata Simitçisi is still keeping its style.

The bakery itself is very small. There are only two tables in front of the bakery. In winter it won't be possible to sit outside. Take-away is the best option here. Also, they serve Kandil simidi (pastry rings covered with sesame,consumed in holy days), which are my favorite.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Mumhane Street No:47A

Pastry rings:

TL

30

2122447775

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Napoli Gourmet Nisantasi

Hopping to Naples

When you settle down you are greeted with a complimentary drink. Then I recommend trying their burrata as a starter, and mindblowing tiramisu as dessert.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 24, 2025

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

Heritage Meets Art

The current exhibition showcases outfits that reflect the Turkish women's changing role in society and the rights they gained through time.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Kamondo Merdivenleri

Stairs from Constantinople

Despite the passage of time they continue to stand proudly, showing the spirit of Istanbul and its ability to embrace the old while welcoming the new.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 21, 2025

Vertical

Sustainably Chic

Vertical is a food hall that boasts an eclectic array of diverse cuisines, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Poltory Bookstore

Unique bookstore in Çukurcuma

What's even more impressive is that the Tatar and Ukranian owners of Poltory are writers themselves. You can feel the passion for literature in every nook.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 21, 2025

Klar Coffee

Great staff and delicious desserts

I am not a fan of cappuccino, but I am glad I've tried at "Klar Coffee" in Istanbul, as it might be the first time I have truly enjoyed it...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line

Gorgeous mansions

Who needs a pricy Bosphorus tour when there are local ferry lines? The "Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line" is perfect to see the Anatolian side of Istanbul...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Barto’s Burger Place

Love at first burger

"Barto's Burger Place" in Istanbul has already made a name for itself among the city's gourmets and burger lovers. Try their homemade cheese and sauces!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Haliç Line

Best way to reach Balat

The best way to get to the beautiful neighborhood of Balat in Istanbul is to take a ferry of the "Haliç Line" - just get off at Fener Pier...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line

Unforgettable tour

Take the ferry on the "Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line" in Istanbul which goes by most popular neighborhoods on the European side! Why get stuck in traffic?

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Yeşil Mavi Cafe

Come for the view

"Yeşil Mavi Cafe" offers you the best views of Bosphorus in Üsküdar & even across Istanbul, especially during the sunset. Get a cold drink under the trees!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Tatar Salim Döner Lokantası

Delicious döner

"Tatar Salim" is one of the best döner restaurants in Istanbul - they only serve döner as the main dish; it's prepared with 100% specially marinated meat!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

241 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters