Zekeriya from Istanbul

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is...
Aug 29, 2025

Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque Istanbul

For dedicated strollers

""Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque" is one of the most unique and off-the-path spots in Istanbul. What makes it unique even for me is the sebil at the corner..."

As a local I have to say that the Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque is one of the most unique, hidden, off the path spots I have encountered in a very long time. I am ashamed to say that I had never visited it before. But now, having been there it's my obligation to share it with the rest of you.

Especially in Istanbul where there are tons of mosques to visit, but I think this one is artistically and structurally a beauty. One of the beautiful aspects of the structure is the marble sebil (fountain) at the corner of the precinct wall with five bronze grills. A long inscription and fine carvings of vines, rosettes and flowers. WOW!

The structure of the mosque itself is classical and not as much mind-blowing but the façade is lovely. Also there is a columned porch leading to a library where you can have a perfect view of the complex along with the attractive cemetery and garden. The mosque has been built on top of an old cistern and surely deserves a detour through the neighbourhood. Believe me most of the locals are not even aware of this beautiful complex.

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Cerrah Paşa Mahallesi, Fatih

TL

free

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

Life Foto Studio

Korean Playtime in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio in Moda turns an ordinary day into playful memories! Enter the Korean-style photo booths, pick your favorites tools, strike a pose, and let loose.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 17, 2025

Boden

Cool ambiance for a chillout

Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

A Rooftop Escape

Among the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu lies a hidden gem with breathtaking views at the rooftop of the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Best hammam experience

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı Istanbul is the best choice if you're looking for a great Turkish bath experience. It's pricier than other places but so worth it!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Vildan

Ay

Oct 15, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Filiz Restaurant

Local way of fish and meze

Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Hasanpaşa Gashouse

Industrial heritage

Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 13, 2025

Bohem's Coffee

The heartfelt hospitality

The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 12, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 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’.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

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".

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

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 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

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 Art & culture

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