Discover our locals' 241 hidden gems in Istanbul

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City Guide made by Locals from Istanbul.

Hadi! Explore Istanbul like a local with Spotted by Locals! From hidden tea gardens in Sultanahmet to vibrant bazaars off the tourist path, our Spotters guide you through the city’s rich mosaic of cultures.

Our Spotters from Istanbul:

Our Istanbul Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Istanbul like a local.

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Istanbul through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Istanbul

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Istanbul

Our latest Spots in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio

Korean Playtime in Istanbul

Life Foto Studio in Moda turns an ordinary day into playful memories! Enter the Korean-style photo booths, pick your favorites tools, strike a pose, and let loose.

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Relaxing

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 17, 2025

Boden

Cool ambiance for a chillout

Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

A Rooftop Escape

Among the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu lies a hidden gem with breathtaking views at the rooftop of the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Cemre

Sandal

Oct 15, 2025

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Best hammam experience

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı Istanbul is the best choice if you're looking for a great Turkish bath experience. It's pricier than other places but so worth it!

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Relaxing

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Vildan

Ay

Oct 15, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Filiz Restaurant

Local way of fish and meze

Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...

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Restaurants

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 13, 2025

Hasanpaşa Gashouse

Industrial heritage

Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...

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Art & culture

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Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 13, 2025

Bohem's Coffee

The heartfelt hospitality

The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.

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Coffee & tea

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Cemre

Sandal

Oct 12, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

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Art & culture

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

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Restaurants

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 11, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

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Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

Batard Bomonti

French Bistro in Istanbul

Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 8, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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Going to Istanbul?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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Made with the 💚 of 501 Spotters.
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