Secret Spots & Hidden Gems in Istanbul

Istanbul has always been a favourite destination for culture-buffs, foodies and adventure travellers. Istanbul feels timeless - you feel it in the cobblestones of the Old City, in the Hammam’s, in the Ergenkon legend where ancient Turks were trapped for four centuries, and in the skylines that cross the Bosphorus Strait between East and West. 

Venture into the historic district of Balat, where narrow cobblestone streets wind through ancient Ottoman buildings and colourful painted houses. A vibrant hub for artists, it blends historical charm with contemporary cafes, galleries, and restaurants. Explore the world's only Iron Church - the Bulgarian Church of St Stephen which is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Visit Chora Church and take in its beautiful mosaics which aptly reflect the architectural mastery of Byzantine craftsmanship. Admire the Phanar Greek Orthodox College which was built in the 17th century and has been an important centre for education and Greek culture ever since. 

Balat is the perfect place to hunt for unusual antiques. The winding streets are lined with shops and stalls selling everything from vintage jewellery and Kelim rugs to handmade pottery and traditional Turkish lamps. Spend a day exploring the neighbourhood’s vibrant cafe culture. Wander down Merdivenli Yokuşu, a steep cobblestone street lined with colourful houses. Stop by 66 Stairs Cafe, a perfect spot to indulge in something sweet paired with traditional Turkish coffee or tea. Take your drink outside and enjoy it at one of the tables set along the cobblestone stairs. 

Enjoy Turkish coffee at GenAntik Cafe a charming spot brimming with vintage character. The interior teal walls are adorned with ornate clocks, gilded paintings, and crystal chandeliers, creating a warm atmosphere. Mismatched antique tables and chairs add to the cosy charm. The menu is simple, offering Turkish coffee and  cakes. Kofteci Arnavut is a beloved local gem known for its authentic flavours and simplicity. Specialising in a select few dishes and freshly baked bread Balat Sahil Restoran serves the best Turkish mezes in the old town.

 Insider Tip: Take in a Mevlevi Sema ceremony at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. You’ll be mesmerised by whirling dervishes as they swirl and dip in a 800 year old choreographed dance. 

 Where to stay: When planning your visit, consider staying at the Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci which is located in the old town of Istanbul. It’s within walking distance of Hagia Sophia and The Grand Bazaar with nearby tram links to Taksim Square and Galata Tower.  The hotel’s street Huqqabaz restaurant offers refreshing fruit juices and fragrant nargileh shisha flavours. 

This historical park located in the Emirgan neighbourhood in the Sariyer district is an oasis in the hustle of Istanbul.  Pack a picnic filled with Turkish delicacies and enjoy the lushness of the green parkland.  Enjoy mücver, courgette fritters with herbs and cheese and izgara ahtapot, grilled octopus with freshly baked bread whilst you while away a peaceful afternoon on the quiet lawns.

Should you plan to visit Emirgan in April, the traditional flower of Istanbul, the tulip, lends its focus to an international and annual Tulip Festival turning the park into a riot of colour and blooms as tulips grace the pathways and pavilions of Emirgan Park.

There are also three pavilions in the park worth seeing: the Yellow Pavilion, a beautifully curated and restored cafeteria now, but once a wooden mansion used as a hunting lodge and guest house. The Pink Pavilion, also beautifully restored, is primarily used as a wedding venue and the White Pavilion. 

 Where to Stay: Mercure Istanbul Bomonti Cumhuriyet is within easy walking distance from Emirgan Park.  Set on a tree-lined street filled with shops and restaurants, this upmarket hotel is an eight-minute walk from the metro station. The modern suites offer a seamless blend of comfort and technology with free WiFi, Smart TV, iPhone docking station and Nespresso machine. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a Hamman.

Cross Galata Bridge to reach Mısır Çarşısı, the popular Spice Market in the Eminönü neighbourhood.  The Spice Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city and sits alongside the new mosque, the Yeni Mosque, which, ironically, opened in 1665. Mısır Çarşısı is well known for its wide variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts, teas, Turkish Delight, and souvenirs. Notable vendors include Şükrü Efendi: for the best Turkish Delight, nuts and dried fruit, Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, a famous coffee supplier and Urfa Pazarı which stocks natural and homemade pepper sauce, olive oil, tomato sauce and other organic products. 

You’ll be overwhelmed by the number of spices available from Kirmizi Biber, (red pepper flakes) that are sun-dried then crushed, Turkish Bay Leaves (Defne) which add a slightly sweet astringency to many dishes, and Kekik which is a wild thyme distinguished by its oval leaves perfectly placed in sets of two, and its aromatic purple flowers.  Be aware when buying Saffron in the bazaar, as Turkish Saffron is in fact safflower and is quite flavourless. Look for Iranian Saffron for authentic flavour, just watch out for the price tag. 

Aside from the multitude of spices, you will find a host of aromatic teas from jasmine, rosebud, orange to mint. Enjoy Celebi olives from the Lake Iznik area, Memecik and green Domat olives from the Aegean region and Memeli olives from Izmir. Sample the nougats and multitude of Turkish Delight which come in a variety of colours and flavours. Stock up on dried figs, dates, strawberries and apricots, walnuts and delicious honey and nut baklava. Enjoy a traditional thick Turkish coffee or a citrus flavoured tea whilst shopping. 

Explore the secret courtyards of Topkapi Palace in the Old City of Sultanahmet.  This former Sultan residence offers a glimpse into the lavish and mysterious lifestyle of the Ottoman’s  rulers. Take a step back in time to this beautiful 15th century Palace overlooking the Bosphorus Sea. A series of gates lead you through to each of the four courtyards.  The first gate, the Imperial Gate, takes you into the Courtyard of the Janissaries. The Janissaries were the elite infantry used to guard the Sultan’s palace. The second courtyard is the Gate of Salutations and includes the Dome Chamber, built by Suleyman the Magnificent the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire, where meetings of the council took place and the Tower of Justice constructed by Mehmet II as an extension of Topkapı Palace,  after he captured Constantinople.  The courtyard once held the army barracks, kitchens, and the treasury chambers. 

The Gate of Felicity takes you to the third courtyard, an inner sanctum of the palace guarded by eunuchs and surrounded by gardens. The Library of Ahmed III, Mosque of the Agas, and Dormitory of the royal pages was located here. Today, this courtyard houses the Imperial Treasury kept in the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms and includes unimagined wealth - Koran covers inlaid with precious stones, the legendary Spoonmaker's Diamond – an 86 carat pear-shaped diamond,  the Topkapi Dagger decorated with emeralds and the mother of pearl Throne of Ahmed 1. 

The innermost sanctuary of the Sultan and his family was housed in the fourth courtyard - The Harem, which only permitted certain members of court. Wander through expansive courtyards lined by fragrant gardens, fountains and baths (you need a separate ticket to visit the Harem, but it is well worth the extra cost).  

Insiders Tip:  Enjoy the rituals of Hurrem Sultan Bathhouse, a 16th century Hamman.  Immersed in the steam of the hararet the body is primed to receive the black soap scrub followed by a cold water soak.  You will repeat the steam/cold water therapy several times. The treatment ends with a blissful deep tissue massage.

The Kadikoy neighbourhood attracts an artsy crowd and is famous for its lively cafes, galleries, bars, colourful produce market, street art murals and the Beylikdüzü Sunday Market. A popular weekend destination for locals, here you’ll find stall upon stall of handicrafts, local delicacies, and traditional Turkish sweets—all at affordable prices.

The Kadıköy Produce Market offers a sensory experience. Jampacked with stalls featuring fresh fruit and vegetables and fishmongers shouting about their daily catch. Sample your way through the market’s olives, dried fruits, juices, and honey straight from the comb. When it’s time for a meal, grab a seat at Çiya Sofrası, known for its regional vegetarian Turkey dishes. Stop off at Borsam Taşfırın for delicious lahmacun or pide, fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re snacking or sitting down for a feast, Kadıköy Market offers a true taste of Istanbul.

Explore Antikacılar Sokağı, or Antique Dealer's Street, near Kadıköy Market. This cobblestone lane is filled with antique shops offering everything from vintage records and jewellery to old Istanbul photos and portraits of Atatürk. Hang out with the cool crowd at ArtHere, an artist-run café that serves as a gallery, studio, and community hub for Syrian, Turkish, and international creatives. It also hosts monthly cultural events like movie nights, concerts, and workshops. Enjoy stunning views of the Marmara Sea at Moda Çay Bahçesi, a pretty tea garden set under a  canopy of trees. Afterwards take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a pistachio ice-cream from Meshur Dondurmacı Ali Usta. Music lovers will adore the grand Süreyya Opera House, which was built in 1927 and restored in 2007. Take in a Turkish State Opera, Ballet, or classical-music concert. 

Insiders Tip:  Kadıköy Sineması is one of the oldest cinemas on Bahariye street in Kadıköy. Take in a Sunday afternoon classic in this beautiful old building.

Where to Stay: Hotel Mercure İstanbul Altunizade, offers spacious rooms with King size beds,  WiFi and views of Maiden’s Tower the Bosphorus sea and Çamlıca Hill. After a busy day exploring Kadikoy enjoy a relaxing swim in the indoor pool or a soothing spa massage and revitalising Turkish bath, steam and sauna

Camlıca Hill has been a significant landmark in Istanbul's history, serving as an observation point during the Byzantine era.  During Ottoman reign,  it became a popular retreat for courtiers and the wealthy, with mansions, vineyards, and gardens. During the Republican era, it remained a key part of the city's social life. 

Today, Camlıca Hill attracts many travellers with its rich history and 360-degree views  of the Bosphorus Bridge, Golden Horn, the vast blue expanse of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands. 

Çamlıca Hill is home to a historic palace, the Dolmabahçe Palace, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It also has the Çamlıca Mosque which includes a museum, library, and art gallery. The hill has traditional Turkish tea gardens that serve freshly brewed tea and coffee.  

Insiders Tip: Desde Café and Kısıklı Caddesi, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill offer, not only impressive views overlooking the Bosphorus, but great Turkish food.

Only four of the islands are open to the public - Büyükada, the largest, is two hours away, and is accessible via ferry from the Kabataş Ferry Terminal.  Upon arrival, hire bicycles from one of the many operators at the ferry terminal. Cycle through the historic streets of Buyukada. Hike up to the Aya Yorgi Church – the highest point of the island – and take in the beautiful views. Next to the church is Yucetepe Kir Gazinosu where you can enjoy traditional grilled meatballs.

Büyükada offers a range of beautiful dive sites including Kursunburnu, a coral reef and anemone rich dive site, which is perfect for all levels of divers. You're in with a chance of seeing starfish, jellyfish, lobsters, crabs, rays and many other species. 

Insiders Tip: The Lazy Seal Dive Centre located in Kucukyali, offer dive trips and guided snorkelling experiences in and around the Princes Islands. An amazing diving experience can be had at Kaşık Adası, a small, uninhabited island in the Princes' Islands group. 

•  Take in a cookery class and master your Turkish cooking skills at Cooking Alaturk.  You will learn to cook five authentic Turkish dishes together with other travellers.  Classes are hands-on and fun, as well as informative. Afterwards, enjoy your cooking efforts over lunch or dinner with some local wine.  Cooking Alaturk also offers city-wide walking food tours.

• Join workshops  and community activities at Halka Art Project and NADAS in Kadıköy. NADAS offers weekly yoga and drawing classes in English, while Halka hosts artist talks by international participants in their residency programme and eco-friendly food and gardening workshops led by the Istanbul Permaculture Collective.

• Eat Baklava and other famous Turkish pastries on an excursion to the famous baklava bakers, Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

• Drink Turkish tea at the Çengelköy Çinaraltı Tea Garden, located right on the Bosporus.  It takes its name from a couple of hundred-year-old sycamore trees casting shade over the massive grounds.

• Try Turkish marbling, also known as ebru is a centuries-old art form that involves floating paint on a thickened water bath to create unique patterns. 

• Discover Taksim with a Tasting Turkish Street Food walking tour.  The tour starts at Taksim Square and not only will you see many well-known sites, but you’ll also try tantuni kokoreç, stuffed mussels, pide, kazandibi and Turkish coffee.