Istanbul is often associated with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower. But this city is not just about tourist icons. Dig a little beneath the surface and you’ll find a different Istanbul that will fascinate you, one you won’t find in most guidebooks. Even if you’ve been to Istanbul before, after reading this article, you might want to visit once more.

Kuzguncuk

Kuzguncuk is one of the places where you can escape the crowds of Istanbul and find peace. Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, just a few minutes from Üsküdar, this neighborhood takes you to another world with its colorful houses, neighborhood culture and art galleries. Sipping your coffee under the plane trees, you’ll feel like you’re not in Istanbul, but in a small Aegean town.

Old Greek Houses

Another beauty waiting to be discovered is Balat. As you walk through the old Greek houses, you can take walks intertwined with history and find nostalgic pieces from antique shops. Most of the time you’ll see tourists taking photos for Instagram, but the real magic of this place is hidden in the back streets. An old uncle leaning out of a window to say hello or an old song you hear in a small tea shop whispers the spirit of Istanbul to you.

Bomontiada

If you are looking for an Istanbul steeped in the arts, Bomontiada is the place for you. This former brewery-turned-complex is now a modern cultural center overflowing with concerts, exhibitions and design workshops. Inside, you can see the works of both local and international artists and feel the creative spirit of modern Istanbul.

Belgrade Forest

If you want to be alone with nature in Istanbul, you can start with a morning walk in the Belgrade Forest. Early in the morning, walking along the walking paths accompanied by birdsong will make you forget you are in the city. In the middle of nature, you may encounter people playing sports, yoga groups or just reading a book. This forest is one of Istanbul’s little-known sources of oxygen.

Zeyrek

If you are looking for an alternative away from the tourist crowds of the historical peninsula, Zeyrek neighborhood is like a time capsule. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zeyrek Mosque and the Ottoman-era houses around it reveal how Istanbul has changed. The streets here give you a taste of an Istanbul that modern restorations have yet to reach.

Islands

If you want to get some sea air, you can turn your route to the Prince Islands, but choose Burgazada instead of Buyukada or Heybeliada. Burgazada is a small island where Sait Faik Abasıyanık lived, known for its calm and literary atmosphere. Time flows more slowly here. Walking along the stone streets and sitting in the tea gardens on the beach, you can feel far away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern

For those interested in the underwater history of Istanbul, the lesser-known alternative of Basilica Cistern, Şerefiye Cistern, is worth exploring. The historical atmosphere of the cistern combined with the light shows will give you a completely different Istanbul experience. Moreover, since it is very close to Galata, you can visit it without breaking your route.

Kadıköy

Kadıköy is one of the favorite stops of young-spirited travelers with its street arts, alternative cafes and second-hand shops. However, apart from the well-known Bahariye and Moda, Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood is a gem to be discovered. The murals, small galleries and independent bookstores here will open the doors to a different world.

Pierre Loti

And finally, one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul at night is Pierre Loti Hill. Ordering a cup of tea and watching the sunset against the view of the Golden Horn allows you to digest the magic of Istanbul in a slow and serene way. This is also one of the places where the writer Pierre Loti felt his love for Istanbul. Maybe you will fall in love with the city once more like him.

Istanbul may be chaotic and crowded on one side, but on the other side it is deep, poignant and endlessly waiting to be explored. If you approach Istanbul only with a list of “must-see places”, you will miss the heart of the city. But if you get out into its streets, Istanbul will never let you go. There are many more places to visit in Istanbul, which you can find out by checking GoremeTrip’s Istanbul Activities page. The most artistic and fun activities in Istanbul are on GoremeTrip!