What To Do And See In Istanbul

Local Istanbul: 10 Ways To Enjoy Your Journey

You could experience Istanbul the way that every other tourist enjoys this beautiful city, or you could enjoy the small hidden gems that only the locals really know about. If you’re ready to see Istanbul in a brand new way, then here are some of the top experiences that this incredible destination has to offer you!

#1. Taps Brewery in Bebek

If you love drinking a beer with dinner, then you’re going to want to try out everything that is on tap in the Bebek. Most people held to this region of Istanbul just to view the waterfront, but you can combine these two together because the brewery is actually in a 3 story mansion. Have a few chicken wings, drink your favorite lager, and enjoy the view.

The prices are pretty fair here and you can get a breakfast or brunch if you prefer. Taps is also open late at night if you just want to have a quick drink before retiring. If you don’t want American bar food, there are also Mediterranean, Turkish, and Italian dining options on their extensive meal!

#2. Intimacy at Novo

There are a lot of large clubs that dot the landscape of Istanbul and many of them have live music, wonderful drinks, and the chance to dance. What they don’t have, however, is the intimate atmosphere that Novo provides. Arrive early if you want to get a couple drinks, stay late to dance, and be prepared for a very crowded place! You’ll find it near the entrance of Asmalimescit, so keep your eyes peeled because it is easy to miss the club.

If you can only make it to Novo for one evening while you’re in Istanbul, then we highly recommend making time to visit on Thursday. That’s Turkish night and you’ll get introduced to the local flavors of melody infusion. Grab a Bomonti, perhaps an Efes as well, and be prepared to have a night of pure fun and relaxation!

#3. Climb the Camondo Stairs

It’s true that art nouveau is often over-rated. Many times the combination of contemporary urban life and history fuse together in an interesting way, but one that ultimately leaves you with a yawn. While in Istanbul, you’ll definitely want to tour Karaköy because it is one of oldest neighborhoods in the city. The quarter was even the hub of Istanbul’s commercial success, once upon a time. Today, however, it is the home to the Camondo Stairs.

These stairs were built in the 19^th century by one of the influential banking families that called Istanbul home. According to the stories that surround the stairs, they were built simply because their children wanted a shortcut to school. What you can use these stairs for is to take a hike up towards the Galata Tower, relax, and enjoy the historical view.

#4. Feriköy Flea Market

Feriköy has some large neighborhoods and they’ve been home to the Armenian and Greek families that have called the area home for some time. There might be some new office buildings that are beginning to transform the landscape of the area, but nothing can change the experience that you’ll receive when you visit the Sunday flea market here.

Some flea markets just offer the typical tourist items and you’ll find some of that here as well, but it doesn’t dominate the landscape. There are over 200 stalls that offer everything from clothing to books to old vinyl records. You can grab a cup of strong black Turkish tea that has been boiled and steeped for ours to sip as you stroll along the aisles.

Even though you may not be able to find a lot of treasures consistently at the flea market, you will find a casual, social atmosphere in a diverse atmosphere that isn’t replicated anywhere else within Istanbul. If you come done to Feriköy on Saturday, there’s a Farmer’s market set up in the same location that is equally good.

#5. Bafetto

The one problem that exists in Istanbul is an overabundance of average food at expensive prices. Many come to Istanbul to discover local takes on classic dishes and end up leaving dissatisfied by the experience thanks to the high costs and poor results. If you head over to Bafetto, however, you will have an entirely different experience! Providing a quiet, cozy vibe and honest food options, the pizza here is made from scratch and extremely budget friendly.

Our recommendation is to try the Bafetto pizza, a local take on a stone-fired pizza. Featuring caramelized onions and broccoli, it’s got a good crunch to it thanks to the razor-thin crust and the veggies on the pizza are done just right. There are a number of salads on the menu as well and you can make your own pizza if you prefer. Have a cold beer, don’t forget to sample the house wine, and then go out and enjoy the local bookstore or a movie at the cinema later on!

#6. Hayvore

What exactly comes to mind when you think about Turkish food? Many might see a plethora of different meat dishes or perhaps a series of kebabs. There is typically a lot of rice imagined as well and this is exactly what the tourist fare tends to be. If you head over to Hayvore, however, you’ll get a completely different take on Turkish cuisine. Their focus? Providing to you what the Black Sea provides to them.

If you want an out-of-this-world experience, then be sure to ask for a full portion of hamsili pilav, which is essentially just anchovies and rice. The flavors dominate the palate naturally, leaving each bite to sit on your tongue with a well-seasoned experience. The stuffed kale leaves provide extra value to the meal and you can create your own tapas-style meal by ordering half portions if you prefer. There’s only one way to describe the experience: Turkish soul food.

#7. Mini Dondurma

It’s been said that you can tell spring has arrived in Istanbul because the Mini Dondurma has opened up once again. If you want to take a stroll along the waterfront, stop here to get some ice cream first. It’s on the main street near Bebek and the shop is extremely tiny – look for the bright purple signage so you don’t miss it!

They’re only open in-season, which in Istanbul means March thru November. You can get virtually any combination you want, but do try the toasted hazelnuts on top of your preferred flavors for a true Istanbul local experience.

#8. Karabatak

After you’ve experienced the art nouveau that Karaköy has to offer, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the coffee that is offered here as well. The best place to do so has to be Karabatak. Offering Julius Meini coffee, you’ll find this little shop in a converted warehouse and the look of the shop is about as eccentric as the neighborhood that it calls home. It’s priced competitively with the major chain coffee brands you’ll find throughout Istanbul, but you’ll get more value with each cup because you’ll have more space.

#9. Groove

Istanbul might be known for coffee shops and clubs, but there might be more record stores in Istanbul than the others put together! You can’t leave this city without visiting at least one record shop, so make sure that Groove is on your list of things to do. Featuring a love for jazz, you won’t find a lot of high prices at the store, even though its location is in Nişantaşı amongst all of the high-priced stores.

It’s not the largest collection of vinyl that you’ll find, but it isn’t overwhelming like so many other stores can be. The essential collections are here and you’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect tunes. It’s cozy, it’s modern, and sometimes it is nice to just sit on one of the couches and listen to the music that is being played.

#10. Galata Tower

If you want to get an outstanding view of Istanbul, there may not be a better place to do so than Galata Tower. There’s generally a line because this is the one true tourist space that locals also enjoy, but the time you spend in the queue is worthwhile. If the line is extra long, you can spend a little time in the boutiques and cafes that surround the tower. A fresh juice also helps to pass the time!

Although no one can say for sure when this tower was built, the 360 degree panoramic view is simply breathtaking. Built some time in the 14^th century and still the tallest structure in the city, take your time and let your camera do all of the talking!

Istanbul is a beautiful city that offers a number of outstanding opportunities to relax and explore. Get off the beaten path, enjoy this city as the locals do, and your next journey here will be one of the most memorable you have ever taken!

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