Explore 15 offbeat places in Istanbul: Hidden gems

First up is Balat, a neighbourhood full of old-fashioned streets and bright, colourful paintings on the wall. You can find cosy cafes with tasty Turkish food and cute shops selling special handmade stuff. There are many famous places to visit in Istanbul around here. 

If you need a break from the noise of the city, check out the Prince’s Islands. There are a bunch of small islands in the sea where you can ride around in horse carriage out on a bike. It’s super peaceful there and you can see old houses from long ago.

For a different view of Istanbul, go up the Galata Tower. You can see all around the city and even across the water. You can find it in cafes on top of old buildings where you can sit and have a cup of Turkish tea while enjoying an awesome view.

So if you want to see Istanbul differently, these offbeat places are perfect for exploring and discovering something new with Turkey Tour Packages

The Top 15 Offbeat places in Istanbul are

• Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani
• Hagia Irene
• Rumeli Feneri Kalesi
• Japon Bahçesi 
• Kuzguncuk Sokakları 
• Otagtepe park Fatih Korusu
• Camlica Mosque 
• Tarihi Cinaralti
• Kanlica neighbourhood 
• Anadolu Hisari
• Belgrad Forest
• Bebek waterfront 
• Büyük valide Han rooftop
• Fener and Balat neighbourhoods 
• Aqueduct of Valens

1. Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani

It is heaven for birdwatchers, you can spot rabbits and squirrels. It has designated picnic areas and cafes for you to recharge and refuel. Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani is a testament to Istanbul’s commitment to preserving green spaces and keeping a balance between urban and natural experiences and is among the best offbeat places in Istanbul.

2. Hagia Irene

Over the centuries, this church has played various roles like witnessing Ceremonies, serving as an arsenal and now standing as a small museum. Hagia Irene may not be the most renowned site in Istanbul but it still offers a glimpse into the city’s Byzantine past making it a must-visit offbeat places in Istanbul.

3. Rumeli Feneri Kalesi

Suggested read: Adventure activities in Istanbul.

4. Japon Bahcesi

5. Kuzguncuk Sokakları

If you walk from Üsküdar to Kuzguncuk, you can also see the Fethi Ahmet Pasha Mansion on the shore of Paşalimanı. The municipality has taken possession of the mansion and its surrounding grove and now operates it as a public space.  There are dozens of Day trips in Istanbul opportunities to break things up if the city is to be too much

6. Otagtepe park Fatih Korusu

Locals call it Otağtepe, but the signs refer to this grove’s official name, Fatih Korusu. There are no entry fees, no cafes, and no restaurants. There are children’s parks, bridges, ponds, and a botanical garden with 15,000 means. At the far end of the coast of the Bosphorus, there is the Anatolian Fortress, where there are cafes. It is one of the best offbeat places in Istanbul.

Suggested read: Hotels & resorts in Istanbul

7. Camlica Mosque

However, what makes these beautiful hidden places in Istanbul is not the mosque but the art gallery, library, childcare sections, and museum. Moreover, it’s next to the stunning Çamlıca Hill. If you’re heading to the Üsküdar district anyway, why not see this woman-friendly mosque designed by two women architects?

8. Tarihi Cinaralti

9. Kanlica neighbourhood

The historical wooden waterfront mansions, the open water swimming event in the Bosphorus, and the stunning Mihrabat Nature Park are all part of the scene here. We can’t recommend the local treat enough for foodies yoghurt topped with caster sugar.

10. Anadolu Hasarı

Suggested read: Homestays in Istanbul

11. Belgrad Forest

You have the opportunity to camp, walk on the walking trails, mountain biking, or picnic here. You can even BBQ in selected areas, but please be careful not to start a forest fire! There are nine nature parks, marshes, and historical reservoirs. The Valens Aqueduct runs through the Belgrad Forest. Please note that there are wild species if you choose to camp here.

12. Bebek waterfront

13. Buyuk valide Han rooftop

14. Fener and Balat neighbourhoods

When the Jewish people fled the Spanish Inquisition, they settled in this area which is why it’s known as the Jewish Quarter of the city. As you walk around, check out the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, a private school established in 1454, a popular school for Greek families in the Ottoman era. 

Suggested read: Airbnb in Istanbul

15. Aqueduct of Valens

The aqueduct brought water into the city, and then stored it in underground cisterns like the Basilica Cistern. After the fall of Constantinople, Fatih Sultan Mehmed repaired the system to supply water to the imperial palaces such as Topkapı Palace.