Istanbul is filled with many wonderful sights and attractions that continue to amaze tourists from different parts of the world. But did you know that the city also has many hidden treasures and best-kept secrets that are unknown even to locals?
From the city’s gorgeous escapes to secret historic sites and gardens, here are some of Istanbul’s hidden gems that you won’t see on most itineraries.
Table of Contents:
Balat Neighborhood
Balat is an old Jewish quarter located on the Golden Horn’s southern shores. This neighborhood boasts a very rich and interesting historical heritage, together with the neighboring Fener, a former Greek neighborhood.
Balat is popular for its colorful restaurants and cafes, vintage and antique shops, numerous churches and synagogues, and traces of Jewish heritage.
Colorful houses in Balat, Istanbul
The neighborhood has been home to Greek-speaking Jews ever since the Byzantine era. But during the 15th century, Balat also became the settlement of the Sephardics who were banished from Spain.
You can find a huge Jewish population in this neighborhood. For this reason, it wouldn’t be a surprise that you can find a lot of Jewish establishments and synagogues here, as well as some mosques and churches.
There is also an EU/UNESCO project in the area to restore most of the buildings together with Balat.
Belgrad Forest
Belgrad Forest is found in the Sariyer district in the northwest of Istanbul. It is one of Istanbul’s greenest places covering an area of 55,000 hectares. Here, you will find a proliferation of protected woodland filled with chestnut, oak, and beech trees.
The place is perfect for mountain biking, nature walking, and nature walking, or even spending a wonderful day outside with barbecue and picnics in the many picnic spots dotting the area.
Belgrade forest nature in Istanbul at autumn
Bozdogan Aqueduct and Vefa Neighborhood
The Bozdogen or Valens Aqueduct spans one kilometer and was constructed by the Roman Emperor Valen in 375, forming a very scenic prominent landscape in the region. Back in the day, the aqueduct was used to carry water to the city.
The Aqueduct of Valens
Zeyrek and the Vefa district is a regional spot and serve as the home to several historic places including the Ayin Biri or First of the Month Church and the Vefa Church Mosque. Vefa is also popular for the Vefa Bozacisi which has been serving the drink called boza ever since 1876. This drink is prepared using fermented barley and is a popular drink among locals during winter months.
Buyuk Valide Inn
Buyuk Valide Inn is located near the Grand Bazaar on the Mahmutpasa ramp in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is 17th century in that has over 300 shops. The Inn’s terrace has gained remarkable popularity for the past few years among photo lovers.
Cukurcuma Neighborhood
Cukurcuma is an authentic and lively neighborhood found along the way down from Siraselviler street right in Taksim’s back streets. You can find and browse through over 100 antique shops here.
Expect to find nostalgic biscuit boxes made in the 50s, antique prints and paintings, art galleries, and 19th-century Ottoman embroidery. The neighborhood is also dotted with nice cafes where you can sit and relax after a long day shopping.
Kilyos
Kilyos is located by the Black Sea in the Sariyer district on the northern coast of Istanbul and is only 30km away from the city center. The pretty resort and seaside town is popular for its gorgeous sandy beaches, restaurants, and bars with panoramic views of the city, entertainment activities during the summertime, music festivals at the quality beach clubs, as well as a selection of water sports activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The village also serves as the home to a 14th-century Genoese castle that is worth your time to visit and explore. Even the locals flock to the town during summer months to sunbathe, swim, dine and wine at the famous fish restaurants, and simply enjoy a resort atmosphere.
Mihrabad Grove
This beautiful grove located in Kanlica, Bosphorus Asian shore near the Black Sea overlooks Bosphorus, covering an area of 25 hectares. There are several gardens here as well as monumental cypresses, bay trees, and umbrella pines. This is also a favorite spot for people who wish to enjoy an open buffet dinner and breakfast during the weekends.
Fatih Grove
Fatih Grove Tema Vehbi Koc Nature Culture Center, previously called Otagtepe Park is found by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge on the Asian side of the Beykoz district along Kavacik. The grove provides stunning views of Istanbul as well as the so-called fake heaven.
Two bridges can be seen from here as well as a bird’s eye view of the best scenery of the city, combined with the stunning view of the Bosphorus. Just take note that there are no restaurants or cafes here so you might want to bring some snacks if you plan to spend some time here.
Polonezkoy
Previously called Adampol, Polonezkoy can be found in the protected area and natural park on the Asian side. It is a beautiful Polish village you shouldn’t miss visiting during your stay in Istanbul. Polonezkoy boasts a very interesting history about the village being established after the neighboring Prussia, Austria, and Russia (read more: https://www.better-tourism.org/russia/) invaded Poland in 1775. The immigrants from Poland were able to settle in the area thanks to the assistance of the Ottoman Empire.
The unique village earned its reputation for protecting the environment and green nature around the city. A lot of locals visit the village during the weekends to spend a nice day at quality hotels, restaurants, pensions, gardens, village breakfasts, barbecues, and more.
Sile
Sile is located by the Black Sea shores on the Asian side which is around 80km from the city center. It is another pretty town where people love spending their days in restaurants, beaches, and beautiful nature. Locals also flock to the town, especially in the summer, to enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Many also love staying at hotels near nature and the beach. The town is also popular for its historical lighthouse that dates back to the Ottoman era. You will also find a lot of holiday villages, summer homes, pensions, hotels, classy restaurants and bars with views of the sea, long sandy beaches, big forests, and a pretty harbor dotted with fishing boats.
Visit these hidden treasures to experience Istanbul differently!
