If you are looking for the best Istanbul Instagram spots and the most Instagrammable places in the city, you’ll find them all here!
There are so many great photography locations in Istanbul and it is such a fun city, you’re bound to have a great time here!
In this article I will show you all the best Instagram spots in Istanbul, as well as how to get there. I’ll also give you top tips for photographing these places including the best time to visit to take photographs!
You may also want to check out this 2 day Istanbul itinerary if you only have a short time in this city and want to make sure you see all the below places!
Looking for the best quotes and captions about Istanbul?
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
1. Sultan Ahmet Square
The Sultan Ahmet neighbourhood is the historical quarter of Istanbul and you’ll find lots of the tourist spots and Instagrammable locations around here so it makes sense to start here first!
Sultan Ahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydani) is home to The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Seven Hills are all located very close-by.
Best time to visit:
Whilst The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia don’t open until 08.30-9am, Sultan Ahmet Square is already very crowded by then.
If you’re hoping to capture photos of The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia without any people in them, plan to arrive at Sultan Ahmet Square at least an hour before the opening time.
This will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the square without the crowds. I personally arrived at 7:30am, took a stroll around the area, snapped some pictures, and had breakfast before they opened.
There were even a few other photographers who had arrived before me. But when it got to 8am, coaches full of tourists were appearing, so it’s definitely important to get your photos early on in the morning!
Sultanahmet Square offers excellent opportunities to capture stunning photos. The Blue Mosque stands at one end of the square, while Hagia Sophia at the other.
You can snap photos of the fountain or the food stalls against the breathtaking backdrop of either The Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia.
You don’t need to go into the grounds of Hagia Sophia to get the photo below – you can just take it from the square. Enjoy taking photos when Sultan Ahmet Square is empty in the morning, as it honestly gets very very crowded later on during the day!
How to get to Sultan Ahmet Square:
The metro is actually a great way to get around Istanbul. Get off at Sultan Ahmet Station.
The two cards below are great to have for getting around Istanbul easily.
The Istanbul Welcome Card in particular is really popular as it gives you skip-the-queue access and guided tours to many of the top tourist destinations in Istanbul, plus free public transport within the city!
2. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.
Although officially called the Sultan Ahmet Camii in Turkish, the Blue Mosque is its more popular name due to the blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. As Istanbul’s most iconic monument, it serves as a significant symbol of the city.
The mosque was built during the Ottoman Empire and caused a stir upon its completion in 1616, as it featured six minarets instead of the usual four, giving it a distinct appearance that remains recognizable throughout the city.
The Blue Mosque boasts breathtaking architecture, both inside and out. It is still an active mosque, but visitors can access it through a separate entrance to admire its grandeur.
When visiting, it is important to dress appropriately by wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and long pants or skirts. Women must also cover their heads, so remember to pack a headscarf in your bag.
If you don’t have one the staff will be able to lend you one.
Important opening times info:
The mosque typically opens at 8:30 am and closes one hour prior to sunset, but it also temporarily closes during prayer times throughout the day. Here are the approximate opening times:
Opening Times / Closing Times every day (except Friday)
08:30 11:30
13:00 14:30
15:30 16:45
Keep in mind that Friday is considered a holy day in Islam, which means that The Blue Mosque is not open to visitors until 2:30 PM. Worshippers however can still enter the mosque.
Entrance to The Blue Mosque is free – another reason why this is an incredibly popular tourist destination here!
Best time to visit The Blue Mosque:
To avoid crowds, I would advise to get here before the 08.30 opening time to get some nice photographs without other people in, and then go inside as soon as it opens.
Even if you arrive and The Blue Mosque is closed, you can still get nice photos of the outside which still capture the grandeur of the mosque.
If you are into night photography, head back to Sultanahmet Square in the evening – it is absolutely beautiful seeing The Blue Mosque lit up at night and it makes for some great photographs.
How to get to The Blue Mosque:
Get off the Metro at Sultan Ahmet. The Blue Mosque is located in Sultan Ahmet Square.
Click here for the Google maps location of The Blue Mosque.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
3. Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia lies opposite The Blue Mosque in Sultan Ahmet Square and was built well over 1,000 years before The Blue Mosque was constructed!
Hagia Sophia was built in 532AD and it is quite impressive to think that it is almost 1,500 years old!
Furthermore, Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish, meaning the “Holy Wisdom”) is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent architectural achievements and historic landmarks in the world, and holds significant importance as the most important Byzantine structure ever built.
In fact Hagia Sophia is also accepted as the 8th Wonder of the World by art historians. It is the world’s largest place of worship and it’s dome roof is 31 metres in diameter.
Istanbul has a complex religious and colonial history and this is evident with The Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was built in what was then Constantinople (now known as modern-day Istanbul) from the years 532-537.
It served as a Cathedral for more than a thousand years, after which it was converted into a mosque when the Ottomans invaded Constantinople in 1453. This is when the minarets were added.
Hagia Sophia served as a mosque for almost 500 years, and in 1935 it was turned into a museum. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hagia Sophia is an awe-inspiring and surreal destination to explore. Being inside the monument was a very humbling experience that almost brought me to tears.
It was certainly one of my favorite places to visit in Istanbul, and I loved the mysterious atmosphere there.
What’s particularly striking is how the elements of both Christianity and Islam are entwined. You can see mosaics of Jesus and Mary alongside large placards displaying the names of Allah and Mohammed in Arabic.
Hagia Sophia is such an important and historical place. It is extremely beautiful and grand inside, and is one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul, both on the inside and outside.
It is a very popular tourist destination and so you definitely won’t have Hagia Sophia to yourself!
Best Time To Visit Hagia Sophia:
As Hagia Sophia is one of the top Instagram spots in Istanbul, I suggest you go first thing when it opens at 9am (straight after visiting The Blue Mosque).
Capture all your photos beforehand when there aren’t many people around, and then afterwards walk around to soak in the ambiance of the area.
You can take a variety of different photos from different angles both inside and outside Hagia Sophia.
Don’t forget to head upstairs to the balcony to enjoy even more stunning views of the interior!
I spent over an hour in total here at Hagia Sofia, and I was really grateful to have taken my photos early on when it was less crowded, as the crowd grew very quickly!
Important opening times info:
Hagia Sophia opens 9am-7pm in the summer (9-5pm in winter), but last entrance is 1 hour before closing.
Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays so bear this in mind if your trip falls on a Monday, so you can visit on another day!
The queues are always very big to get in, so best to get there at 9am or just before, so you can be one of the first in. It does however get busy very quickly!
You can actually buy fast track tickets from many vendors around the building beforehand. It doesn’t cost any extra, and I actually do recommend this as you get in a lot faster than people in the regular queue.
Entrance is 60 Turkish Lira (roughly £8). No tripods are allowed: you go through an x-ray machine when you enter, so even if it’s hidden in your bag they will see it. They will keep it safe for you and you can collect it as you exit.
How To Get To Hagia Sophia:
Hagia Sophia is located directly opposite The Blue Mosque in Sultan Ahmet Square. The nearest Metro station is Sultan Ahmet.
Click here for the Google maps location of Hagia Sophia.
4. Topkapi Palace
Another one of the best Instagram spots in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace – a large opulent palace located just behind Sultan Ahmet Square.
Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans (Kings) for 400 years. In addition, Topkapi Palace was also the educational, Political and administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace is one of the world’s richest museums. It holds many treasures from the Ottoman Empire and is very large – people often spend half a day here!
The Palace is surrounded by large City Walls and you will find many great Instagram spots here such as by the Harem, the pavilions and gardens, as well as the Hagia Irene Museum. The Harem is the most Instagrammable part of Topkapi Palace so make sure you visit!
Best time to visit:
Ideally, opening time (9am) is the best time to visit. However this isn’t always possible, as opening time seems to be the best time to visit all the Instagrammable places in Istanbul!
If it is not possible to get here early, just arrive when you can and know you might have to wait a little bit to get photographs without other people in as it is always busy at Topkapi Palace, especially if you are here during the weekend.
You’ll find some great tickets below that you can buy in advance to avoid the queues, plus have a guide if you wish!
Tripods also aren’t allowed here. Security will keep them safe for you at the entrance.
How To Get To Topkapi Palace:
Topkapi Palace is located behind Sultan Ahmet Square – a 3 minute walk from Hagia Sophia along Kabasakal Cd and Topkapi Sarayi.
The nearest Metro station is Sultan Ahmet.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
5. Seven Hills Restaurant & Hotel
At this point, you may feel the need to take a break from the crowds and grab a bite to eat. If that’s the case, I recommend heading over to the Seven Hills restaurant, located just behind Sultanahmet Square.
Take the lift straight up to the stunning rooftop for a relaxing dining experience and to enjoy one of the most Instagrammable views in the whole of Istanbul.
I always love to admire a city from rooftops – it offers such a peaceful experience enjoying the city from above! And the Seven Hills Restaurant provides just that, along with a stunning view and delicious food at a reasonable price.
I was so surprised at how reasonable the price of food was here – I thought because of its location the food would be very expensive!
Located in a prime area behind Sultanahmet Square, the restaurant’s rooftop overlooks the iconic Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque.
If you’re after a fantastic lunch location or even just a place to enjoy some drinks with stunning views in Istanbul, Seven Hills Restaurant is a must-visit spot.
Seven Hills serves breakfast from 7:30 am and remains open till 11 pm every day, so you can come back later in the evening to enjoy the view after dark too!
Seven Hills is also a hotel, with very reasonable prices and is a very popular place to stay in Istanbul due to its prime location.
How to get to Seven Hills:
Seven Hills is located right next to Sultan Ahmet Square.
Click here for the Google maps location of Seven Hills restaurant.
6. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is another mysterious and impressive building in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is actually an underground water reservoir, built in 632AD for the Byzantium Emperor Justinianus I.
To access the cistern you need to go down a staircase with 52 steps. Once down in the cistern you will see the 336 impressive 9 metre high columns. Make sure you don’t miss the Medusa heads – supported under two columns in the northwest of the cistern – they make for some great Instagram shots!
Save time and money with the link below to buy your combo ticket for skip-the-queue entry to the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
7. Gülhane Sur Café
If you’re in need of a gorgeous chilled out cafe for a tea or coffee to get away from the crowds, head to Gulhane Sur Cafe, located on one of the back streets near Topkapi Palace, so it is away from the main tourist crowd.
The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter located a few meters down the hill. While both areas are really nice, I loved the indoor seating area, adorned with numerous hanging lamps.
The cafe serves shisha and stays open until late at night. The owner is also incredibly hospitable and fluent in English.
Gulhane Sur Cafe is the perfect spot to unwind and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Istanbul. In addition, the prices are reasonable, and the tea selection goes beyond just black tea, featuring a range of medicinal and holistic options.
Click here for the Google maps location of Gülhane Sur Café.
8. Grand Bazaar
If you’re interested in visiting the iconic lamp shops, The Grand Bazaar is an absolute must-visit!
Even if you’re not specifically interested in them, I highly recommend heading to The Grand Bazaar anyway, as it’s a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers some of the finest souvenirs you can purchase in Turkey!
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls! With over 4000 shops and 60 streets inside, it is Istanbul’s largest market and is a complete labyrinth. It is very easy to get lost here!
The Grand Bazaar can be a bit overwhelming due to the constant bombardment from vendors attempting to sell you everything under the sun. If you intend to purchase anything, be prepared to haggle.
Prices at this tourist-heavy location are typically heavily inflated, so it’s essential to negotiate. Start by suggesting half of the vendor’s offered price, then try to settle on a price somewhere in the middle.
While many people go to The Grand Bazaar in search of lamp shops, they often have difficulty locating them and leave without seeing any. To avoid this, I brought a picture of one of the lamp stalls and showed it to the locals who approached me.
Some of the vendors directed me off the main street and onto one of the side streets where I found the lamp shop. Once there, I noticed that the shop had posted signs indicating that photography was not allowed.
Taking photos of the lamp stores:
I kindly asked the owner if I could take a picture if I bought a lamp and he agreed, but he said he never usually lets people take pictures any more as it annoys his customers (luckily for me there were no customers there at the time).
I quickly got my picture and then bought a small lamp as a thankyou gesture.
The owner also told me that many of these lamp shops have actually closed down now as too many people were taking pictures and not enough people were actually buying lamps.
So if you want to get a picture here, PLEASE buy something from them too and ask them super kindly if you are allowed to take a photo!
After kindly requesting permission from the owner, I was allowed to take a photo of the lamp shop. The owner explained that he had stopped allowing photos as it was causing inconvenience to his customers and it was annoying to him.
He also told me that several lamp shops had already closed down as lots of people were taking photos but not actually buying lamps, so it wasn’t helping their business at all.
Therefore, if you wish to take a photo at these shops, I recommend you make a purchase and ask politely for permission to take a photo. As a token of appreciation, I purchased a lamp before leaving.
There are also so many other stalls you may wish to take photos of, for example of shish stalls, carpet stalls, pottery or jewellery stalls – the list goes on!
Best Time To Visit The Grand Bazaar:
All shops inside The Grand Bazaar are open from 8.30am-7pm. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Any time is a good time to visit for photography, as sometimes the hustle and bustle and vendors add a dynamic vibe into the photographs.
How To Get To The Grand Bazaar:
The Grand Bazaar is located a 15 minute walk from Sultan Ahmet Square. If you are coming by metro the nearest station is Beyazid.
Click here for the Google maps location of The Grand Bazaar.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
9. Kubbe
For one of the best views of Istanbul head to Kubbe rooftop. Relax on the cushions, enjoy unlimited Turkish tea, fresh cherry juice, Turkish delights and fresh cherries and a fantastic view – all for 50 Turkish Lira (around £7).
The lady working here is absolutely lovely. I ended up spending an hour or so chatting with her and playing with the adorable kittens!
Also, the owners offer a drone service, where you can get drone videos of yourself here – at a reasonable price. Since Turkey’s drone regulations can be challenging for foreigners to use their own drones, this service comes in handy.
The mosque infront of you is The New Mosque in Eminönü and across the water on the left is Karaköy. On the far distance in the right is the Asian side of Istanbul.
If you want the seagulls to come for your photo, the staff will throw some food and the seagulls come and grab it quickly. Don’t worry though, the seagulls aren’t there all the time!
Best time to visit Kubbe:
Early afternoon is a good time to visit Kubbe as it isn’t crowded at this time. I arrived at around 2pm and had the whole place to myself for the majority of the time I was there.
Many people like to come for just a few minutes to take their photos and leave, but it’s nice to take your time and relax for a bit after all the sightseeing and walking around Istanbul you will have done!
During sunset it gets very busy up here. There are several cushioned areas where you can sit, but the one in the corner where I am sat is the best one as it has the best unobstructed views!
How to get to Kubbe:
Kubbe is quite easy to find, but it’s always good to have a picture of it on your phone for reference in case you need to as someone local for directions, you can just show them the picture.
Type the street Pasa Camii Sokagi into our Google maps. When you come to the street you’ll see a pizza place “Pak Side Pizza Salonu”.
Turn left and then you’ll see some stairs leading up to what appears to be nothing. Head up here to find Kubbe rooftop!
10. Ortaköy Mosque
Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most stunning mosques in Istanbul and definitely one of the top Instagram spots. It was built in 1856 in the Baroque style, with beautiful architecture.
Its location right on the shore of the Bosphorus makes it a very dreamy place to photograph.
You can see the Bosphorus Bridge behind it, and you can get some really gorgeous photos along the waterfront with the mosque and bridge in the background.
Afterwards, you can stop off in Ortakoy Square for something to eat or drink at the many cafes. This is a lovely neighbourhood and there are lots of upmarket hotels around here.
There are also many bars and restaurants here in Ortakoy and it makes a popular place for people to visit.
When to visit Ortakoy Mosque:
It gets super busy here around sunset as it is a popular sunset spot.
However morning is definitely the best time to visit! In the morning it is not so busy, plus the light here in the morning is beautiful for photographs.
In addition, in the morning there are no boats here blocking the view, which can happen if you wait until the afternoon to arrive.
The mosque opens at 10am even though the website says 9am! Even if you get here at around 11am it won’t be busy inside. Remember females if you go inside a mosque you will need to be dressed appropriately.
Prepare your outfits beforehand so you know what to wear as a woman in Istanbul.
How to get to Ortakoy Mosque:
Taxi is the best way to get here if you aren’t staying in this area.
Google maps location of Ortaköy Mosque.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
11. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is an imposing structure that looms above the Istanbul skyline, visible from virtually every corner of the city. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul!
Constructed in 1348, the tower served primarily as a defense structure and was later used as a prison.
However, it is most famously associated with the 17th century when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, a Turkish inventor, flew across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul from the top of the tower using wings attached to his arms, thus cementing the tower’s place in history.
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s main attractions and most Instagrammable places so it gets very busy here during the day!
When to visit Galata Tower:
Get to Galata Tower early to get pictures without people in – I headed there at around 7am which was a good time to take photographs of the outside as there were just a handful of people around.
If you wait until later in the day to get your pictures of the outside of Galata Tower you will have to compete with traffic and pedestrians, so it is much better to come here early in the morning if you want a picture like the one below!
The name of the street where I took the picture below is “Büyük Hendek Caddesi”. Remember it as there are many streets coming off The Galata Tower!
Important opening times info:
Head up Galata Tower to see the beautiful sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul from the top of the tower. This is one of the best viewpoints in Istanbul.
Galata Tower is open from 9am until 8pm. Make sure to be in the queue by 9am if you want to go to the top of the tower. The queue gets pretty big pretty fast!
Remember if you want photos of the outside from the street above you’ll have to arrive much earlier than opening time to be able to get photos of the street quiet.
There is an elevator that goes almost to the top, luckily you don’t have to climb stairs all the way! There is a restaurant and cafe at the top, as well as a panorama balcony where you can enjoy the beautiful view.
How to get to Galata Tower:
Google maps location of The Galata Tower. It is located in Karakoy, just a short walk over the Galata Bridge that connect the Karakoy and Eminonu neighbourhoods.
12. Kamondo Merdivenleri (Camondo Stairs)
The Camondo stairway is arguably the most charming staircase in Istanbul!
Located in the Karaköy district, just a few minutes’ walk from the Galata Tower, this stunningly unique stairway was constructed by the Camondo family in the 1800s for their children to use as a shortcut to school.
Its graceful curves were designed to prevent any child who slipped and fell from tumbling all the way down; the curves would cushion their fall.
The stairs can get quite busy in the day as a hang out for young people. So if you want a nice picture, best to head here early (when you’re on your way to The Galata Tower).
I only discovered this stairway by chance when I was on my way towards the Galata Tower, so make sure to take this route to get to the tower! These stairs are just off Bankalar Caddesi road – between The House Hotel and SALT Galata (an art gallery).
Google maps location of Camondo Stairway.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
13. Umbrella Street
Another Instagrammable location in Karakoy is the Umbrella Street. During the day it is full of people at it’s artsy restaurants and cool cafes – there is a really nice atmosphere here!
It’s really nice to unwind at one of the cafes here or on the surrounding streets.
Best time to visit Umbrella Street:
You can come here early in the morning if you want to take pictures when there is nobody here and the cafes are shut.
Or you may prefer to come here in the afternoon when the cafes are open to get more atmosphere in your photos, it’s up to you!
How to get to the Umbrella Street:
Located on Hoca Tahsin Street in Karaköy, the Umbrella Street in Istanbul is a 10 minute walk from the Camondo Stairs.
Google maps location of Umbrella Street!
14. Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace, which served as the last dwelling place for the Ottoman Sultans, is renowned as one of the grandest palaces worldwide!
It sits on the banks of the Bosphorus, it is a truly stunning place and you definitely shouldn’t miss visiting here! Photos sadly are not allowed inside the palace, but it is so so beautiful inside.
I was in complete awe at the luxuriousness and grandeur here, as well as the hundreds of rooms!
Gardens:
You are allowed to take photos in the gardens, hence I strongly suggest exploring them prior to entering the palace. Begin by visiting the gates along the Bosphorus, which will be on your right-hand side.
The gate displayed in the picture here is situated across from the palace exit and is the most stunning of all.
Definitely get your photo here before you go inside the palace, as you won’t get a chance to do so later as there will be so many people around!
Walk around the gardens to the other side and you’ll come across the beautiful entrance gate no longer in use. Then head inside and visit the Palace.
You have a free audio guide that explains everything and you are free to walk around at your own pace.
I was inside for maybe 45 minutes, but if you are a palace or architecture buff you may stay for longer!
How to get to Dolmabahçe Palace:
To get to Dolmabahçe Palace take the tram to Kabatas. Then it’s just a couple minutes walk to get to Dolmabahçe Palace!
Alternatively you can take a taxi.
Important opening times info:
Dolmabahçe Palace is open from 9am-4pm every day except Monday, when it is closed.
Entrance is 60 Turkish Lira (roughly £8) for the regular Palace visit.
Best time to visit Dolmabahçe Palace:
Make sure you get there for opening at 9am, because by 10am the place is absolutely heaving with people. I even advise to get there before 9am, as it actually opened 15 minutes early the day I visited!
Google maps location of Dolmabahçe Palace.
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
15. Taksim Square & Istiklal Street Tram
For one of the best Instagrammable photos of Istanbul, head to Istiklal Street just off Taksim Square (the most popular square in Istanbul) to take photographs of the nostalgic vintage tram here!
Istiklal Street is a grand colourful busy pedestrianised shopping street (Istanbul’s main pedestrian boulevard) that is 1.5km long in the Beyoglu neighbourhood, and the tram runs along the whole length of the street.
When around Istilkal Street make sure to check out the some of the arcades coming off Istikal Street, such as the gorgeous Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji) arcade.
Also, French Street, located in the middle of Istikal Street is worth taking photographs of. The narrow street is made completely in the French style, with perfectly restored buildings, and all sorts of French eateries, cafes, patisseries and galleries!
Along Istiklal Street you’ll find plenty of shops – whether it’s souvenirs you’re after, international chain stores or kebap shops!
In addition there are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants if you wish to spend time here during the evening. It’s the party place and nightlife area of Istanbul.
When to visit Istiklal Street:
Istiklal Street is busy whatever time of day you visit. Visit during the day if you want to get photos, and during the evening if you want to wind down with a beer or dance the night away!
How to get to Istiklal Street:
Take the metro from Sultan Ahmet to Kabatas. From Kabatas take the funicular up to Taksim Station – a great experience!
16. Balat
On the southern shore of The Golden Horn lies Balat: one of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhoods. Balat is Istanbul’s old Jewish quarter and is full of history. There are lots of beautiful streets here to stroll around and so of course it is popular with tourists.
The street with these stunningly colorful houses was my absolute favorite!
What made it even better was the fact that when I arrived, it was filled with cats. The streets were deserted except for these furry felines who were leisurely wandering around and surprisingly sociable too!
Despite looking so Instagrammable, not too many locals are familiar with this street so I recommend you to have a photo of it saved on your phone so you can show it to the taxi driver.
Give him the address too: Usturumca Sokagi No. 2 – next to Kiremit Cd street.
After you’ve enjoyed this beautiful street, take a stroll and visit one of the cute cafes in the area. You can also enjoy nearby Fener, which is the former Greek quarter of Istanbul. Like Balat, Fener is also is rich in history.
Google maps location of this street in Balat!
ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM SPOTS: MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN ISTANBUL
17. Eminonu Pier & Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge connects the Karakoy and Eminonu neighbourhoods and is a great place to people watch and take in the bustling atmosphere down at the Bosphorus!
Watch the locals go about their daily life fishing on the Galata Bridge and on Eminonu Pier. Eminonu Pier is very busy with locals – many of them eagerly queueing for a fresh fish sandwich (known as belik ekmek) for lunch so join them if you fancy!
How to get to Eminonu Pier:
Walk over the Galata Bridge from Karakoy or get off at Eminonu metro stop.
18. Bosphorus Cruise
A cruise down the Bosphorus, the 19 mile strait that separates Asia and Europe, is a must do when in Istanbul. You can get some great photos of the beautiful skyline when cruising along during the day or in the evening.
Check out some of the best Bosphorus sunset cruises below:
Istanbul Instagram Spots Summary:
There is so much to do and see in Istanbul, with many amazing Instagrammable places here! I hope you got lots of useful information here and are excited for your upcoming Istanbul trip!