 
Okay, everyone loves and visits St. Sophia as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But no one cares about the mini version of this structure called Küçük Ayadofya Mosque or Sts. Sergius and Bacchus Church. The structure is located close to the Sephendon, the south curved end of the Hippodrome and for me represents a unique surviving structure from the Byzantine era.
It's away from crowds, cosy and very quiet. You can rest, observe and perceive the smallest of the structure and imagine the huge version of St. Sophia. It has a lovely garden with a cute art cafe where you can rest and enjoy the atmosphere away from the packed tourists. I love visiting this structure, built by Justinian I and his wife Theodora, and travel through time to the Byzantine period and get lost in my thoughts. It's one of my favourite locations to relax and enjoy history.
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
 
 
													Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
 
 
													"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
 
 
													"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
 
 
													"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
 
 
													"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
 
 
													"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
 
 
													"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
 
 
													"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
 
 
													The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
 
 
													Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
 
 
													"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
 
 
													"Ethem Tezçakar" Coffee makes much better coffee than other places in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, so it's important to visit this one small shop!
by
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips
 
 
 
