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 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Glow Coffee" in Istanbul has wonderful brownies and makes lattes with oat milk! Haven't seen it anywhere else yet...
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YirmiYedi Kuzguncuk's commitment to supporting designers is admirable, allowing each creator to showcase their work under their brand name.
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The chefs of Zula know how to cook tasty burgers for sure, I go for the basic one: 100gr meat, cheddar, caramelized onion, pickle relish & truffle mayo.
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One of the highlights was the delicious pistachio cocktail. If you want to stay on the safe side and prefer a fruity taste, you can try Berry Bees.
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Cafe Hide is a perfect spot to enjoy your day and unwind as it feels like you are out of the city. If you are looking for an escape, look no further!
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"Asuman" in Istanbul serves... asuman! They have lots of other delicious desserts too, but I always come back for their namesake...
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"Fethipaşa Korusu" (or 'grove') in Istanbul offers plenty of spots from which to enjoy breathtaking views over the Bosphorus & much more... Come at sunset!
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Bias Koşuyolu bar and kitchen is definitely worth a visit, as they serve delicious food and drinks. Try their elegant signature cocktail Bias...
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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.
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Borboleta welcomes you with the warmth and comfort of home and yet with an elegant service like you belong to a royal community.
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From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.
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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.
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236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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