Istanbul is one of the most popular cities for travelers. If you’ve already explored all the tourist spots, we’ll tell you about some of Istanbul’s less-than-mainstream spots.

Balat District
Balat is Istanbul’s oldest Jewish district. Here you’ll find vintage shops, authentic bars, and the famous slope with its staircase and colorful houses. Balat is very colorful and authentic. In this district, Istanbul seems to come alive from a Turkish soap opera. Be sure to visit the district’s top attractions—the Church of St. George, the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and the Greek Orthodox Lyceum.

Kadikoy District
Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s oldest districts, located on the Asian side of the city. It’s home to the historic Haydarpaşa Railway Station, fish markets, cafes serving authentic Turkish cuisine, and cozy waterfront promenades. The Modı Marina offers magnificent views of the Sea of ​​Marmara, the Bosphorus, the Princes’ Islands, and the Maiden’s Tower. You can also watch a beautiful sunset from the marina.

Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace was built as the summer imperial residence of the Ottoman rulers in the 1860s. The palace is located on the Bosphorus, directly beneath the Bosphorus Bridge.

Arasta Bazaar
No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar. But if you’re looking for something new and beautiful decor, the Arasta Bazaar is the place to go. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the Blue Mosque.

Hacı Bekir Pastry Shop
It’s been in business since 1777, and its owners still carefully and meticulously honor traditions, trying to preserve the interior and furnishings unchanged since the 18th century. This is a true paradise for those with a sweet tooth: dozens of varieties of Turkish delight with fruits, floral flavors, nuts, spices, menthol, and coffee… You’ll also find various types of halva, hard candies, nougat, and candies here.

Çukurcuma Street
Here are numerous shops where Istanbulites buy authentic furniture.

“Museum of Innocence”
The museum was created by Turkish writer and Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, based on his novel of the same name. According to Pamuk, collecting certain objects is the only way to preserve the past and bring back cherished moments. The museum displays objects symbolizing memories and the past. Even if you haven’t read Pamuk’s books, you should still visit the museum; you won’t regret it.

Pierre Loti Hill
This is one of the few places in Istanbul where you can experience peace and tranquility. If you take the funicular from the Eyüp district, you’ll reach a large garden at the top of the mountain with excellent views of the Golden Horn, the Blue Mosque, and the Haliç embankment.

Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands are located in the Sea of ​​Marmara, 25 km from the city center, and can be reached in an hour and a half by ferry. Büyükada is the largest and most interesting of the Princes’ Islands. It was on this island that the creative elite and wealthy nobility lived in the early 20th century, and many luxurious villas can be found there.