SALT Galata
Museums & Galleries
41
14

If you enjoy feeding your mind with creative exhibitions, losing yourself in libraries, admiring spectacular views and relishing delicious food, chances are SALT Galata will turn out to be your favourite spot in the city!
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Ortaköy Square
41
12

Stop by Ortaköy Square to soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the hip young couples spilling out of the cafés. There’s also a beautiful baroque mosque perched on the waterfront – it’s one of the finest examples of work by the famous Balyan family of architects. This recently renovated masterpiece is definitely worth seeing.
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Local Experience
Morning Bosphorus Cruise with a Local Guide
Prices from
20
EUR
Duration
2 h
Languages
English
Kadıköy
Cafes
29
7

Visitors taste the best traditional Turkish food in every corner of Kadıköy. Also they can enjoy numerous bars, bookshops, cafes.
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Karaköy/Kadıköy Ferries
Sights
36
9

Not only are ferries part of Istanbul’s identity and good public transport options, they’re also a great way to do some sightseeing, with terminals near Topkapi Palace, the Maiden's Tower and the Galata Tower.
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Büyük Valide Han
Museums & Galleries
32
10

If you like to see the city from a hidden rooftop behind the locked doors, have a look at it.
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Galata Bridge
Sights
38
7

If you fancy fishing with locals, you can buy a rod and bait from vendors on the bridge. Fishing enthusiasts come here very early in the morning, so follow their lead and arrive early to get a good spot. The bridge also offers nice views of the Old City.
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Local Experience
Morning Bosphorus Cruise with a Local Guide
Prices from
20
EUR
Duration
2 h
Languages
English
Moda
Sights
36
13

If you want to see the most attractive places for locals in Istanbul, you shouldn't leave Istanbul without seeing and exploring Moda. There are restaurants and cafes with beautiful views. While you are drinking and eating something, you can enjoy the views of Old Istanbul, Princess Islands and passing sailboats.
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Yeldeğirmeni
Sights
31
8

With an interesting blend of social classes and religions, it’s a great place to get to know another side of Istanbul. Simply wander around the streets, soak up the history and have a chat with the friendly locals. You’ll see impressive murals on the sides of buildings – these were painted as part of the Mural-Ist Street Art Festival.
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Caddebostan Sahili
Sights
35
9

Caddebostan Sahili is a nice place to chill out on warm summer evenings. It’s right by the sea, it’s green and it’s surrounded by beautiful old wooden houses. If you fancy getting active, it’s also a good spot to jog, shoot hoops and play volleyball.
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Pierre Loti Hill
Restaurants
34
7

Besides the café, Pierre Loti Hill has several restaurants, a cemetery and many historical buildings. You can either walk up the hill or take a cable car.
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Yıldız Park
16
5

Bring a rug, grab some food and enjoy a picnic under the trees. Locals flock to the city’s green spaces on sunny days, so arrive early to get a good spot. You can also eat and drink at the pavilions – the restaurants are pleasant and they boast pretty Bosphorus views.
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Soğukçeşme Sokağı
Sights
17
1

The trees and old houses form a beautiful and colourful picture, especially in the spring when the blossoms are in bloom. Head here after visiting Topkapı Palace and soak up some local history.
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Santralistanbul
Museums & Galleries
18
1

You will be suprised and fascinated by the control room and the giant turbine-generators of old Power Plant, where the electricty of İstanbul used to generated. You can take awesome pictures in the control room, which looks like a movie set.
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Antikacılar Sokağı
18
3

If you enjoy hunting for aged and antique goods, this street is absolute heaven. You can find retro typewriters, huge chandeliers, old postcards, furniture… Have a chat with the owners and try to bargain with them for your extra special souvenir!
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Emirgan Korusu
Sights
25
4

Royalty also once used the grounds for picnics and walks. Opened to the public in 1940, Emirgan has earned itself a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and calm parks in the city. Nowadays the pavilions function as cafés and restaurants.
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