💎 Are you a traveller looking for unique things to do in Istanbul… lover of hidden gems & unusual experiences… then stop your search & read this!
Let’s get you ready for some of the very, VERY best unique things to do in Istanbul, Türkiye. These are the activities, sights and sounds beyond the over-trodden tourist trail. Perhaps this is your second time to Istanbul, or you have the luxury of staying for longer than most.
Within this handy guide of unique things and experiences, some are food related, some are transport based, some involve coffee, and some will have you interacting with cats… or seagulls! There are culture and history based sights, as well as shopping and museum options. And it all comes together in a saveable, interactive map, at the end of my post.
If you’re new to Istanbul and haven’t visited the essentials, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and so on, check out our 4-day Istanbul itinerary first. This guide right here, assumes you’ve done those big ticket items already, and explains what to do beyond the typical tourist trail.
I genuinely feel like we’ve seen every corner there is to see in Istanbul, as we keep returning. But I know the reality is, that there’s still SO much more out there, that no doubt we’ll continue going back for more. Anyhow, you can relax in the knowledge that my list here is very well researched and explored.
Enough of the chit chat, let’s get down to my list of the best hidden gems and unique things to do in Istanbul!
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Table of Contents
Unique Things to Do in Istanbul
Coming up, I have 22 unique things for you to do or try in Istanbul. Some of these ideas will be a definite yes on your list, some might not be. And that’s OKAY! ☺️
My main reason for showing up here, is to present you with all the options. Whether you’re a family, a solo traveller, a couple travelling, then you can consider this your bank of ideas. I recommend you save my interactive map (at the end of this blog) for your visit. That way they are on hand when you need them.
💎 Have fun exploring the hidden gems of Istanbul my friend… this might just be my favourite guide yet!
Do a Food Tour or Make Your Own
Look… one of the most notable aspects of Istanbul is the food. So it would be silly really not to explore the food scene. My favourite food tour is with Yummy Istanbul and you can read my full review linked below. Or if you’re not a food tour kind of person, then look out for some of my favourite local food haunts (post coming soon).
The food in Istanbul is so bloody good. Try traditional breads such as pide, gözleme, doner or lahmacun. Typical desserts such as baklava, dondurma or turkish delight. Sip on a turkish tea, or turkish coffee. Sit down for an iskender with hot melted butter or a testi kebab served straight from a clay pot. There are so many good options. 🤤
Walk the Theodosian Walls
I love walking the Theodosian Walls of Istanbul (aka the old city walls of Constantinople). You’ll find it is completely off the tourist trail, probably as unique as it gets actually. Start at the northern most point by the Golden Horn and walk the full length towards the south. Alternatively, walk the first half and then catch the bus back to where you came from.
Don’t expect a clear walking trail, just follow your nose with the support of Google Maps. At some points you’ll be walking the back roads and streets and in some places you’ll find access into the walls, which you can climb and walk through. The Kara Surları Ziyaretçi Merkezi was one of my favourite parts of the wall, where you can see from above the different sections.
✨ Tip: My itinerary to 4 days in Istanbul linked below helps to explain how to do this in more detail.
Try San Sebastian Cheesecake
The Instagram famous San Sebastian Cheesecake, might not be considered unique to the IG watchers. But if you’re not all over social media, then I really need to bring this one to your attention. It would be crazy to visit Istanbul and not try this.
Basically, the San Sebastián Cheesecake is the baked version, and it comes served with liquid chocolate on the side. You can choose the white, the milk, or the dark chocolate, or in some places a combination. Then when you have your camera ready (of course), pour over the molten chocolate. I also recommend eating it rather quickly while the chocolate is still liquid.
One of the most popular places to eat the San Sebastian Cheesecake is near Galata Tower. Though honestly you’ll find it all over the city. If you want to be in the Galata Tower area, but avoid the crowds, then enjoy it from the rooftop terrace at the Galata Konak Cafe and Restaurant. We visited at night time and the tower looked beautiful lit up with lights.
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
Hammams are dotted all over Istanbul, but Zeyrek Çinili is definitely my favourite. It dates back to the 1540’s and was designed by the legendary Ottoman architect of the time Mimar Sinan. Kind of wild when you really start to think about the fact that you are bathing in a historical masterpiece.
Çinili means tile, and this hammam takes its name from the blue and white tiles that once lined the interior of the hammam. Following many fires and earthquakes the hammam fell into ruins and lay derelict. During the period after, the iconic tiles were removed and sent for display to museums such as the Louvre. Restoration began in 2010 and continued for 13 years, with the museum opening first, and a year later the hammam. Consequently the Zeyrek Çinilil Hamam is a beautiful modern space, set in a very special piece of history.
Go earlier than your booked session for a wander through their small museum, and a look at their ancient underground water cistern. Then enjoy your hammam among stunning surroundings, it’s a little luxury and worth every penny.
Gülhane Park
Enjoy a walk through the Gülhane Park, especially if it’s Spring and the flowers are all in bloom. Bring a good book, find a park bench, sit and relax for some time. Or people watch… whatever you prefer to do with your time.
Gülhane Park is Istanbul’s oldest and most historic urban park, bang smack, right next to the magnificent Topkapi Palace. It was once the private imperial garden of the Ottoman sultans. Stroll under centuries-old trees, spot the ancient Column of the Goths, and soak in the natural surroundings.
Explore Istanbul with The Other Tour
Okay, I’m letting you in on a little secret here. If you want a tour, unlike any other tour you’ve experienced before, get in touch with my friend Fethi from The Other Tour. Tell him Sharon from My Free Range Family sent you!
Oh boy you’re in for a treat. Fethi and his team will line you up with a tour, that is uniquely designed for you. They have this incredible ability to pivot at the last minute, based on an interest you might mention. It’s a tour that moves to your pace, your uniqueness and it’s fabulous. I can’t recommend them enough.
Expect to see the unexpected, and at the same time the most intriguing aspects of Istanbul. I have a huge amount of respect for Fethi’s knowledge of Istanbul and Türkiye, and also his recall of it.
He and his team are enthusiastic, fun and will show you the absolute best time, of all time. 🤩
Second Hand Shopping Bazaar
There are a number of second hand shopping surprises all over Istanbul. In and around the Galata tower there are some fun vintage shops selling odds and sods, good for a rummage and walk through. Serdarı Ekrem street is particularly good for a shop!
For the more serious thrift shopper then you might want to head to the nearest bazaar. For example the Feriköy Antika Pazarı, a flea market of sorts open on Sundays. Individuals gather to sell their second hand belongings in a large warehouse like building. And this is the place to find some super unique treasures and buys for a steal. The bazaars are further out of the city, but seriously well worth the trip if you’re a thrifter like me.
View of the Aqueduct of Valens
Aqueducts in general are probably not the most interesting sounding of experience, but hear me out. The Aqueduct of Valens is an impressive sight.
I had personally never thought about how fresh water was transported into Istanbul during the period of the Roman/Byzantine era. With all those underground water cisterns, the water needed to come from somewhere. In fact, it came from 336km outside of Istanbul, which means it’s one of the most impressive aqueduct systems of its time. It began construction in 345 CE and took 28 years to complete, then was in use for 1400 years… once again, quite the piece of history.
These days only 920 metres of the Aqueduct of Valens remain. Its large arches are visible from the Atatürk Boulevard and the Saraçhane Park.
The Iron Church
On the Golden Horn, not far from Balat and Fener districts is the Saint Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church, aka the Iron Church. It’s made completely of prefabricated cast iron, and is the largest church of its kind in the world.
All of the prefabricated elements were produced in Vienna in the late 1800’s, and then transported by boat via the Danube and the Black Sea. The church sought to represent the Bulgarian community in Istanbul as they chose to step out of the shadows of the Greek Orthodox church. It’s a spectacular sight and has remained in use ever since.
Cable Car at Eyüpsultan Teleferık
There are so many unique and exciting forms of transport around the city of Istanbul. Visitors enjoy getting from A to Z via ferry, tram, funicular and more. But most tourists don’t know that Istanbul has its very own cable car. So this might be something to do with the kids!
Situated on the Golden Horn in the Eyüpsultan district, the cable car takes passengers up to the Pierre Loti Hill. Not a long ride, lasting just under 3 minutes, but it provides a unique perspective over the Golden Horn. Stop at the small restaurant terrace for a tea or coffee. But side note, the food and service is a little on the average side, so best just to go for the view and unique experience.
Get Your Coffee Grounds Read
Now this is something I never thought I’d do! Getting my coffee grounds read was one of my more unusual on my list of things to do, on my most recent visit to Istanbul. I didn’t even know it was thing, but when I heard about it… I was in!
In Beyoğlu, just off Istiklal Ave, there is a string of places offering this unique experience of fortune telling from coffee grounds. I went and tried Taksim Melekler Kahvesi. No appointment needed, simply walk in and you’ll be shown to a waiting area. Next minute you’ll be sipping on a Turkish coffee and flipping your cup over with a fortune teller. They’ll examine your coffee grounds and be spilling the beans (pun intended) on how your year is set to shape up.
Some of it, was bang on, some… well we’re yet to see. Either way, it’s a fun thing to do in Istanbul! Like me, you might need to have Google Translate or ChatGPT on standby to help with translation. Want to know more, this is what a journalist from the BBC had to say about their experience.
The Museum of Innocence
Here’s a combo… a book, a Netflix series and a museum! The nobel prize winning author Orhan Pamuk published a book in 2008 called The Museum of Innocence, or Masumiyet Müzesi in Turkish. At the same time as he wrote the book, he had an idea for a museum. All the little props and inspiration he collected for the story, would be displayed in the museum.
This is a love story set in the 70’s, where the main character obsessively collects things used and discarded by his love interest. These mementoes ultimately becoming the display pieces for the museum. Items such as clothing, hairpins, bus tickets, porcelain decorations, and one display most notably showcasing 4213 cigarette butts.
It’s an original idea, representing a talented mind and writer. I recommend you read the book before you go, or maybe watch the Netflix series if your time is limited. If you have read the book, bring it along for free entry!
Eirene Tower Galleries and Workshops
If you’re an art lover or in the habit of picking up some unique art pieces, or crafts on your holidays, then don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Eirene Tower. This place is super rustic, so resist the urge to turn back, and thinking that you’ve gone the wrong way.
Set in an old, somewhat rundown feeling building, with narrow passageway and small adjacent rooms, artisans are hard at work. Meander down the passageway and peek in, greeting the artists as you go. Of course, don’t hesitate to explore a workshop further, if the creations speak to you. The passageway ends with the Eirene Tower Sanat Galerisi, a multi-level space with collections from a variety of artists.
It’s a really great spot, with few visitors and tourists. One that I’d love to return to with some more money in the back pocket.
Have a Coffee at Büyük Valide Han Cafe
Not too far from the Eirene Tower is the Büyük Valide Han Cafe. Quite possibly one of the most unique places to have a Turkish coffee or tea!
In full disclosure, I could NOT find it the first time, even with the help of Google Maps. This area is a little confusing to navigate and so I gave up and asked someone. The gentleman kindly walked us all the way there… upstairs and down!
The proud owner of the cafe, has run it for 17 years. Ask him more about the space and he’ll proudly tell you that Russell Crowe has even sat for coffee here. Admire an eclectic mix of furniture, and a unique viewpoint over nearby neighbourhood mosques and rooftops.
Don’t expect anything fancy, this is simple coffee in a unique 400 year old building, that used to accommodate travelling merchants. It’s fun, unique and it really is an Istanbul hidden gem.
Take a Ferry to Kanlica Iskelesi
When visiting Istanbul it’s always a good idea to take a ferry and visit Kadiköy on the Asian Side of Istanbul. But in the theme of all things unique in Istanbul I’m going to recommend Kanlica instead.
Kanlica is a portside district of Istanbul famous for yoghurt. You can choose between a few flavours, I picked the cherry and it was delicious. There isn’t a whole lot to do, but the ferry ride is definitely worth it. Istanbul must be seen from the Bosphorus and this is a great, economical way to do so.
In terms of transport, here’s what you need to do. From the European side, head for Üsküdar – jump on the Üsküdar/Eminönü/Karaköy ferry line (departing every 20 minutes). This is super simple, you can even use the public transport tab on Google Maps for this. Then from Üsküdar board the 1.45pm Anadolu Kavaği ferry arriving in Kanlica at 2.35pm. To return, simply jump on the 3.20pm ferry back to Üsküdar. I like this timing option as it gives you just the right amount of time to spend in Kanlica. For the full timetable to Kanlica check the ferry timetable here, page 30.
Cheap Local Turkish Breakfast
Go taste the delicious local breakfast at Hasan Fehmi Özsüt 1915 in Beyoğlu. Order the clotted cream and honey, it’s honestly to die for. Expect a low cost, traditional Turkish breakfast in a simple surroundings.
This little cafe is where the locals eat so note that there may be queues, especially on the weekend. That said the line moves quickly and it won’t be long before you get a table. We recommend ordering the breads, cheese, olives, eggs and sausage and of course the cream and honey.
Feed Seagulls at Seven Hills Restaurant
In the heart of the old city (Sultanahmet) is the Seven Hills Restaurant terrace, which provides great views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner… but it’s definitely a good idea to book online in advance. The restaurant is very popular, and therefore becomes very crowded.
A dedicated section of the terrace is reserved for feeding seagulls. Guests can take turns feeding seagulls from a fork, held high in the air. At the risk of sounding cynical, the food is pricier, that’s because it’s an Instagrammer’s paradise. And watch out for the poop!!
Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi Coffee Roasters
For the coffee and history lovers, be sure to visit the Kurukahveci Coffee Roasters just outside the Spice Bazaar. The coffee has been around since 1871, and this shop since 1930, thanks to the family business passing down through the generations. Turkish coffee is made and prepared differently, and if you haven’t had one yet, then this cafe is a good place to try it.
Visit the shop to see the grinding process in action, and the mini museum upstairs that explains the history. If you plan to travel or take the coffee home as a gift, they’ll even seal it in airtight packaging. It’s not a big shop, but it’s always busy, with lines outside as locals wait to buy their coffee supply.
Hot Sand Coffee
Another one to try is Turkish coffee when it’s prepared in hot sand. You’ll see a few cafes around Istanbul with outdoor covered sand filled trays. This sand is piping hot and the staff spiral the Turkish coffee pot around in the sand, to heat it through! It’s a unique opportunity to watch a traditional method of coffee preparation.
If you’re in the Sultanahmet district check out Coffee No.4. This is just one example of a cafe that prepares Turkish coffee in this way. They have great reviews and even offer a speciality Turkish coffee with pistachio and spices. It’s well worth the visit!
Cat Museum
I’m a cat lover and it made perfect sense for me to go check out the cat museum. Here’s what I learnt and know. The cat museum is an ambitious project launched by a local clothing brand in the last couple of years. Their hope is to create a dedicated space for cat themed artwork and collections, as well as their feline friends.
The museum is planned for a historic building which is in the restoration phase, and is relying on donations. Currently, they are using their studio in Galata to display their art collections and home some of the local street cats. It is also currently free to enter.
This is a cute stop, and one that I was happy to make a donation to. We spent around 10-15 minutes wandering the studio, browsing at art and mingling with cats!
Walk the Fener & Balat Area
Fener and Balat are districts well known for their brightly painted houses, colourful stairs, cafes and cute shops. It was once where the Greek and Jewish communities lived in Istanbul. As a result there are a few synagogues and orthodox churches located in the area. Keep an eye out for the Balat Yanbol or Ahrida synagogues. Also the Surp Hireşdagabet Ermeni Kilisesi, which is an Armenian Apostolic church.
If religious places of interest, aren’t of your interest, then simply explore the streets. Find a cute cafe to chill, and do a little shopping. There is plenty in the neighbourhood to keep you occupied for an hour or two. To get to Balat and Fener I recommend a morning walk along the Golden Horn (around 50 minutes from the Spice Market). Alternatively jump on a bus, following Google Maps public transport option. It’s easy peasy.
Cisterns of Istanbul
You also can’t visit Istanbul without seeing an underground water cistern. Historically speaking, this is where water was stored for the city. And there are MANY old cisterns underneath the city.
I do recommend the Basilica Cistern, however that doesn’t fit my description of unique things to do in Istanbul. For a more intimate experience, with less tourists around, then I recommend the Binbirdirek Cistern (aka Cistern of Philoxenos). It’s a lovely simple cistern, the second largest in the city after the Basilica Cistern, with some 224 marble columns.
Alternatively the Cistern of Theodosius (aka Şerefiye Sarnıcı), is another smaller again cistern. Both these options are located in the old city, and are worthy of a visit if you’re looking for the hidden gems of Istanbul.
Map of Unique Things to Do in Istanbul
Save my map for easy access to my list of unique things to do in Istanbul. It’s all saved here for you. I will also reiterate that getting around Istanbul with an Istanbulkart is very easy indeed. Simply make sure you’ve got data, tap your destination of choice and hit directions. Then depending on how far you are, you might walk or follow the public transport options.
More on Istanbul
I want to stress that this by no means exhausts the list of unique things to do in Istanbul. It’s simply a collection of the things and hidden gems that we’ve discovered.
I would absolutely love to hear from you, if you’ve found something unusual or unique to do in Istanbul, that you would recommend. Get in touch with me through Instagram DM or reach me on my Contact Page.
If you want more then click the below links to more of my favourite guides on Istanbul.
🏨 The very best hotels and places to stay in Istanbul
🧑🍳 The best food tours to try in Istanbul
🌏 Things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul (coming soon)
📕 4 Days in Istanbul – what to see & do
📌 Don’t forget to share or pin this article on unique things to do in Istanbul!
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