Visiting Istanbul means getting a wholesome sensory experience. Get ready to be spoiled by the scene of majestic ancient buildings, the fragrant scent of spices in traditional markets, and the sophisticated beats of Turkish folk music. Boasting magnificent history and culture, Istanbul is simply iconic. Thus, you might have a few famous places to visit in Istanbul on your bucket lists, such as Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque. However, Istanbul keeps a lot of hidden places for you to discover. Here are the 12 best Istanbul hidden gems to see on your next trip!
Istanbul Hidden Gems – Summary
- Anadolu Kavagi
- Yoros Castle
- Kanlica Neighborhood
- Maiden’s Tower
- St. Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Women’s Bazaar
- Theodosius Cistern
- Belgrad Forest
- Cihangir
- Ararat Terrace
Anadolu Kavagi
Find everything you need to recharge and refresh yourself in Anadolu Kavagi. This lovely village is nestled on the Anatolian shores of Istanbul, offering a captivating scene of the Black Sea. Bright-colored buildings line the pristine shores while having verdant forests and lush hills as it backdrop. Therefore, Anadolu Kavagi is one of the most picturesque Istanbul hidden gems to visit.
The best thing you can do in Anadolu Kavagi is to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the village. Walk through the port and take some shots of the gaudy village. Thus, you can also stop by a local restaurant and have some great seafood. Of course, the Turkish cooking style always does Bosphorus Sea’s fresh seafood justice!
Yoros Castle
Tucked on the lush hills of Anadolu Kavagi, Yoros Castle tells a tale beyond time. The 13th-century castle comprises two brick towers, which are the ruins of a once glorious structure. The architecture of the castle depicts heavy Byzantine characteristics. However, you can also find the influence of Greek culture on its walls. Therefore, Yoros Castle is one of the Istanbul hidden gems that a history buff shouldn’t miss.
Now, Yoros Castle is a sprawling sightseeing spot. The castle is reachable within a 20-minute hike from the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. The scenery from the castle is breathtaking, as you can see both the glimmering Black Sea and the Bosphorus Sea. Additionally, Yoros Castle has a cafe. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous landscape while having some good food and sipping on a well-brewed coffee.
Kanlica Neighborhood
Are you looking for a serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul? Head to the Bosphorus Sea and find the Kanlica neighborhood. Similar to Anadolu Kavagi, Kanlica is a charming seaside town with a cozy atmosphere. At a glance, Kanlica will remind you of the small towns in Como or the South of France. However, this Turkish town looks authentic in its own way.
One of the best things about Kanlica is the food. You can find restaurants lining the shores and port. They offer an array of mouthwatering Turkish dishes that you would not want to miss. Then, have a Turkish breakfast to start the morning right or munch on some simit during the day while enjoying a breathtaking scene of the Bosphorus Sea.
Maiden’s Tower
Istanbul never runs out of captivating historical sites to visit. Head to the coast of Uskudar and find a tower in the middle of the sea. Maiden’s Tower, or Kiz Kulesi, is a Byzantine structure that dates back to the 5th century. The wooden tower stands on a rocky islet in the middle of the Black Sea. Thus, it is one of the most unique Istanbul hidden gems to visit.
Besides being an iconic historical site, the Maiden’s Tower is also a leisure destination. It is home to a cafe where locals love to hang out. The interior of the cafe looks antique and classic, with wooden furniture and warm lighting. Moreover, you can enjoy a wide variety of Turkish dishes in the cafe.
St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church
We have heard about Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque. However, is there any historical site in Istanbul that stays off the radar? Then, you must head to St. Stephen Orthodox Church in the Balat neighborhood. It is one of the most exquisite Istanbul hidden gems that you should not miss.
The church displays distinctive characteristics from other churches in Istanbul. It was built in an ornate, Byzantine-style architecture. However, the church was made out of an iron cast. You will be surprised once you see it! Now, the church still belongs to the Bulgarian Orthodox community and serves as a place for religious services. On the other hand, the church also welcomes travelers who want to adore its impressive facade.
Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul never ceases to amaze us with its opulent historical sites. Dolmabahce Palace is one of them, although it is located off the beaten path. The majestic 19th-century palace is one of the hidden gems in Istanbul that you must add to your bucket list.
Dolmabahce Palace dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It was the residence of Ottoman Sultans, which explains the palace’s glamorous design and breathtaking architecture. Everything in Dolmabahce Palace looks exquisite. You can find rooms decorated with fine silk and golden structures, beautiful gardens, and outstanding halls. If you want to visit the palace, you must take a guided tour. Therefore, it is a great way to learn about the history of the Dolmabahce Palace and the Ottoman Empire in general.
Women’s Bazaar (Kadinlar Pazari)
If you think the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is too crowded, you can go to other alternatives. One of them is Women’s Bazaar or Kadinlar Pazari. Women’s Bazaar is a feisty Istanbul hidden gem in the district of Fatih. The market comprises 72 stalls selling a myriad of Turkish delicacies and crafts.
Whether you are going for a shopping spree or want to immerse in the local life, Women’s Bazaar is your go-to. Sample some dried fruits or hazelnut-filled Turkish delight while enjoying the colorful scene.
Theodosius Cistern
You won’t believe that this enchanting place exists in Istanbul! Theodosius Cistern is one of the ancient cisterns in Istanbul. It was built around the 5th century by Roman Emperor Theodosius II to store water from the Valens Viaduct. The cistern features ornate pillars, magnificent structures, and a mysterious atmosphere that lures people to visit.
Theodosius Cistern becomes one of the ancient Istanbul hidden gems as tourists haven’t heard about the spot. The site opened in 2018, so it is a fairly new site for tourists to discover. You can find the entrance of the cistern at Piyer Loti Caddesi.
Belgrad Forest
Who could have thought that this verdant forest keeps a lot of history? Belgrad Forest is one of Istanbul’s largest outdoor areas. It comprises an area of 55,000-hectare woodlands. The name ‘Belgrad’ comes from the area’s history. It dates back to 1521 when the Ottoman Empire transferred thousands of Serbians to the country.
Now, locals sprawl in Belgrad Forest to spend their leisure time. You can find the scene of people having a nice picnic, walking with their dogs, hiking along the hiking trail, or mountain biking. Furthermore, Belgrad Forest is still out of tourists’ radar. So, if you are looking for secret things to do in Istanbul, visiting Belgrad Forest is one of them.
Cihangir
Istanbul has many lovely neighborhoods, but Cihangir stands out the most. Cihangir is an antique neighborhood in Istanbul where artists gather to create their works of art. No wonder, Cihangir looks artsy and gaudy. It displays some bohemian-style architecture, as well as European-style buildings. Cafes and art spaces line the streets of Cihangir.
At a glance, Cihangir might remind you of Paris with its street cafes and cobblestone streets. Thus, like Paris, it is a nice place to take pictures, have a relaxing stroll, or enjoy your afternoon coffee. If you are into arts and photography, Cihangir is the hidden gem in Istanbul to visit.
Ararat Terrace
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is have lunch or dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Imagine munching on delicious Turkish cuisine while admiring the captivating backdrop of the towering Blue Mosque dan Hagia Sofia. You can do it in Ararat Terrace Restaurant.
Ararat Terrace is located in the heart of Sultanahmet District. As you reach the dining area, you will get a 360° panoramic view of Istanbul. Get ready to be blown away by its gorgeous scenery, especially during the sunset. Then, you can have an amazing feast on Turkish dishes with your travel buddies. Furthermore, Ararat Terrace stays off the radar. Therefore, it is one of the best-hidden gems in Istanbul for food.
Those Istanbul hidden gems look amazing, right? Then, do you know what the best way to discover them is? Yes, by going on group trips and traveling with locals!
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