In a nutshell
- Ortaköy is part of the Beşiktaş district and, besides the famous Ortaköy Mosque, it has lovely little streets where no cars are allowed – perfect for a relaxed stroll.
- From the hill in the Eyüp district, you’ll get one of the best views of Istanbul, especially in the soft evening light – a real hidden gem in Istanbul.
- If you’d like to discover more about the city and explore Istanbul off the beaten track, we recommend this private walking tour of Istanbul.
- These were our top 3 hidden gems in Istanbul. Want to uncover more unusual things to do in Istanbul and local insider tips? Then keep reading!
Ortaköy: The Lively District on the Bosphorus
Trendy Ortaköy is part of the Beşiktaş district and a must-see for anyone exploring the Bosphorus. Most visitors stop by to snap a photo of the Ortaköy Mosque—a charming mosque right on the water.
Take some time to wander through the district itself. Some of the narrow alleyways are even car-free, which is quite rare in Istanbul. Here you’ll discover small boutique shops and restaurants where locals usually eat.
Our favorite spot in Ortaköy is Ortaköy Mantı Evi on Değirmen Sok. No: 3/A. It’s not fancy, but the food is excellent and very affordable. You can find more culinary gems in our article Restaurant insider tips for Istanbul.
At the ferry pier, you’ll also find what some claim to be the world’s best kumpir. These are giant baked potatoes stuffed with vegetables, meat, and sauces. We weren’t completely sold, but it’s worth trying at least once.
We even stayed in Ortaköy during the first part of our Istanbul trip. It’s one of our top picks in our guide on the best districts to stay in Istanbul.
Eyüp: View Over the Golden Horn
Eyüp sits at the tip of the Golden Horn, offering stunning views over this historic waterway. Take the cable car up to the hill, where the Pierre Loti Café is perfect for a cup of tea or coffee with a view.
The hill is home to a large cemetery, providing amazing photo opportunities, especially in the evening when the Eyüp Sultan Mosque is illuminated.
As a popular pilgrimage site, the cable car can get busy in high season, but the walk up isn’t long or steep, making it easy to explore on foot as well.
Books about Books: Aslıhan Pasajı in Beyoğlu
Aslıhan Pasajı is tucked away in a side street off İstiklal Caddesi, Beyoğlu’s main shopping street. This arcade is a treasure trove of used books, magazines, and comics spread over several floors.
It’s a paradise for fans of old books. You could easily spend hours browsing. One store even has a huge selection of cassette tapes—remember those? A real insider gem among hidden gems in Istanbul.
Many books are in Turkish, but most shops also stock German and English books.
To find it, walk along İstiklal Caddesi from Taksim Square, turn right onto Hamalbaşı Caddesi, and after a few meters you’ll see the entrance on the right.
A Private City Tour of Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul is much more rewarding with a guide who knows the city inside out. There are plenty of tours available, so here’s one we highly recommend.
Our top pick: A 6-hour private tour that covers the major sights of Istanbul and also introduces you to unusual things to do in Istanbul.
The tour is private, meaning you’ll have the guide all to yourself, can ask questions freely, and even tailor the itinerary to your interests.
About the tour: 6-hour private tour with guide
Antiques, Stuff and Curiosities in Çukurcuma
Çukurcuma is another gem in Beyoğlu and a paradise for treasure hunters. The streets around Çukurcuma Caddesi feel like one continuous flea market, packed with shops selling antiques and curiosities. You could easily spend an entire day browsing.
Many stores are stacked to the ceiling, and if you take your time, you’re bound to uncover a few hidden gems in Istanbul and experience a side of the city that’s truly off the beaten track.
It’s also the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs before heading back from Istanbul Airport.
By the way, Beyoğlu is our top pick when it comes to the best district to stay in. Here you’ll also find many of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Istanbul.
Pure Soccer: Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray
We might be a little biased—Basti can’t imagine a trip without a soccer game. For Jenny, watching a match abroad is a special experience, but in Istanbul, it’s something else entirely.
The atmosphere in Istanbul stadiums is unmatched. When fans sing and chant, you can’t help but get goosebumps. The city is home to three major clubs: Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a city derby, try to get tickets. But even regular matches are well worth it.
Eating Baklava
You’ll find delicious baklava on nearly every corner in Istanbul. This pastry is made from layers of filo dough soaked in syrup and filled with pistachios, almonds, or walnuts.
Turkish baklava is quite different from what you might find in other countries. It’s not overly sweet and perfectly balanced, which makes it irresistible.
Our tip: Try baklava with a thin layer of Turkish ice cream—it’s a flavor combo you won’t forget!
Enjoying the Sunset Over the City
For a stunning city view at sunset, head to the Sapphire of Istanbul viewing platform, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city.
Evenings are quieter, giving you an incredible 360-degree panorama from 236 meters up. Tickets can be bought right in front of the elevator that takes you to the top.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, including the Kanyon Shopping Mall. We tried Nappo Kanyon Pizza and can highly recommend it—delicious and relaxing after a long day.
Travel by Public Ferry
One of our favorite hidden gems in Istanbul is simply taking the public ferry. It may be slower than the metro, but the views of the Bosphorus and city skyline are unbeatable.
On board, you can grab freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice and even feed the seagulls with some bread—a real highlight for kids. The birds flock after the ferry in spectacular formations.
Want more context about the sights along the way? Then we recommend a boat tour in Istanbul for an extra layer of insight.
Turkish Breakfast at BAM'S
Breakfast in Turkey is a feast! You need to experience it yourself to understand.
We enjoyed a hearty breakfast at BAM’S Cafe Restaurant in Kadıköy. From scrambled eggs to fresh salad, olives, cheeses, cured meats, bread, and even fries—everything was on the table.
Kadıköy is full of hip street cafés, so it’s worth simply wandering around and discovering the district at your own pace.
Laser Eye Surgery in Istanbul
Here’s one of the more unusual things to do in Istanbul: laser eye surgery. If it’s something you’ve been considering, Istanbul is worth looking into.
Jenny had her eyes lasered at EyeStar in 2014 and was thrilled with the results and the care.
The costs are about half of what you’d pay in other countries, the technology is top-notch, and the service is excellent. The best part? You can combine the procedure with a city vacation.
Istanbul is also popular for hair transplants, although we can’t speak from personal experience.