Istanbul, an iconic city and the most popular tourist destination in Turkey, has immense dignity and pride. The cultural infusion of various communities, modern influences, and its historical timeline is impossible to ignore.
Most travel publications have detailed articles about things to do in Istanbul. They normally involve shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar, visiting Ottoman palaces, admiring the architecture of Hagia Sophia and delving into the depths of Islam, by visiting the Blue mosque. Unfortunately though, not everyone likes touring historical sites and countless visitors, who have been to Istanbul, more than once, are often clueless about what to do next. So a passionate Istanbulite, decided to fill a gap in the market.
Things to do in Istanbul : Suggestions by Locals
Sinan Sökmen is the founder and managing director of an alternative concept to touring Istanbul. He said…
Our tours are categorized according to interests and hobbies such as history, photography, food, art, or shopping. So we collaborate with connoisseurs of various fields and topics, to help visitors create a personal experience.
Since I am constantly seeking offbeat experiences in Turkey, he instantly had my attention and told me more about these locals and their ideas of things to do in Istanbul.
1 : One Day Street Art Tour
Some call it graffiti, but all over Istanbul, shop shutters, car parks, old factories or white washed walls are canvases for impressive art work and murals. The street art tour visits famous urban neighbourhoods such as Sishane and Karakoy, to see pieces that would gain much admiration in an art gallery.
Tour Curator is Erbil Sivaslioglu, an active promoter for the yearly Istanbul Street Art Festival. He has extensive knowledge of urban neighbourhoods and also the street-artists and their sources of inspiration. He urges everyone to look at Istanbul from a different perspective.
2 : Ottoman Jewellery Workshop in the Grand Bazaar
Beautiful jewellery is for sale in the Grand Bazaar, but visitors can make it instead! Under the instruction of a Usta (master), attendees are shown the ancient craft of Ottoman jewellery making and then they design and construct their own masterpiece. Classes last roughly 3 hours, with a maximum attendance of 4 people.
Overseer of this unusual experience is Banu Kent. Born in Germany, she now lives in Istanbul, after extensively traveling around the world. Her inspiration is the vibes of Istanbul that encourage creativity thinking. She learned the craft from an usta that has been making Ottoman jewellery for the last 25 years.
3 : Street Photography Walk
Improve your camera skills, fully understand its functions, and capture unique photos of Istanbul, by attending the photography tour around main avenues and back streets. After an introductory briefing, the tour visits Taksim and Istiklal Avenue with its majestic examples of architecture.
Didem Orhuner, a freelance professional photographer is the mastermind of this tour. She started photography as a hobby, but progressed to be published in various magazines and showcased in exhibitions. Didem says, we also stop at tea and coffee shops, as well as antique stalls because daily life, both past and present, are ideal photo subjects!
4 : Istanbul Bicycle Tour
Some people might consider this a ludicrous and dangerous suggestion but on the Asian side of Istanbul, official biking routes include photography stops and visits to scenic landscapes, piers, parks such as Fenerbahce, and local restaurants. Bahadir says anyone can come because all equipment is provided including bikes, helmets, audio guide and safety jackets.
Bahadir Efeoglu can be credited with putting this tour together. Using a bike, he has travelled through numerous countries and around Turkey. He also cofounded Busiklet, the Bogaziçi University Bicycle Society.
5 : Mushroom Hunt and Picnic
You may think mushrooms don’t exist in a bustling metropolis, but 15 kilometres north of Istanbul is Belgrade forest, an adventurous playground for nature enthusiasts. This ideal destination is perfect for a mushroom scavenger hunt to spot specific varieties, taste them and enjoy a quiet picnic.
Curator of this tour is Jilber Barutcuyan, who has an unusual diploma on mushroom studies form the Ministry of Health in Switzerland. He describes himself as a diver, climber, cave explorer, wine specialist and mushroom expert!
6 : Flavours of the Old City
Visit a simit bakery to watch how they are made, savour a traditional Turkish breakfast, chat with the owner of the most renowned Turkish coffee shop in the city and watch how he prepares it. Next on the agenda is a Turkish wine tasting session in a cellar, and the chance to indulge in traditional baklava.
Curator of the tour is Cemre Narin, who is food editor of Vogue in Turkey. She is also a cookbook author whose inspiration and creativity stems from the belief that through food and drink, visitors learn about the history, people, and culture that makes Istanbul, an ideal city-break destination.
7 : Rowing in Istanbul
The Golden Horn is an important region of Istanbul and it beckons expert and beginner rowers, to see its landmarks from water. Experienced and licensed rowing teachers provide all equipment including the kayak and the group sets off in the early morning, on a designated 8 kilometre course.
Curator of the tour is Sinan, the founder of Istanbul Tour Studio. He speaks fluent English and Spanish, and describes himself as well travelled and a history buff. He says novices should not be shy, because they receive a tutorial and everyone has the option to row solo or tandem.
8: Sailing in Istanbul
Last on our list of things to do in Istanbul, is sailing. If a kayak is too small, upsize to a larger sailing yacht. For a morning or afternoon, qualified sailors will show you the ropes, and then drop anchor for a short time in various locations to view the city’s horizon from a different angle. A GoPro HD video camera is on board to capture every moment, and included in the price is your own copy, to take back home.
The mastermind behind this tour is Özgür Inam, an instructor for the Royal Yachting Association and Sailor of the Turkish National Sailing Team. Fully qualified as an instructor, he encourages people who have never sailed to try this experience at least once.
Further Reading about things to do in Istanbul and the curators can be found on their website. To make reservations and ask questions contact them on [email protected] Alternatively, follow them on social media for photos and updates by locals of Istanbul. Instagram and Facebook and Twitter
(Image credit – Rowing)
Very Cool! Im coming to Turkey next month and this site/post has provided a lot of ideas for me! Thanks!!
Istanbul looks like it has plenty of things to offer! This is a truly wonderful destination. Thanks for the idea, Nat!
Definitely go back Brigitta. There is always lots of things to do
I wish knew about these when I was visiting Istanbul.
Gotta go back again 🙂
I just love the street art photo, just wonderful
I like rowing the most out of these mentioned things. I have just planned to visit Istanbul next year and I would love to do Rowing for sure.
I was in Istanbul in 2013. I just stay there for a day. When I read your article, I have full of regrets not doing the things you have done in Istanbul. I wish I can turn back the time, and stay there for a month or so.
By the way, thank you for your blog. I find it so interesting with great vivid pictures. More power!
A street photography walk seems like a really cool idea. Next time I visit Istanbul, I will definitely need to go on a photography walk.
I liked all of them but the street art tour is top of my list
Love the idea of a bike tour, such a good way to get an idea of the layout of the city.
I’d love to do the street art and street photography tours. What were your favourite things from this list?
The Food looks so so good! I’m hungry now 🙂
Lisa – Joy Della Vita Travelblog
They are not displayed GH – Is that a problem?
Well, i don’t see the publishing date on your posts!
My favorite tour is Eribil’s look into art, but I bet the photography tour is awesome. Not to mention the foodies digging meandering with a food critic. This is a steller article about how to travel and experience the city instead of sprinting around trying to see the stuff everyone else has.
I’d love to do so many of these – photography, street art, bakery, biking – but sailing is top of the list. Thanks for this, Natalie 🙂
Istanbul was one of our favorite cities that we have visited over the last 18 months, we spent 3 weeks there and it was not nearly enough time.. A lot places we have gone to, we are in no rush to go back because there is always somewhere new to go, but with Istanbul we are planning visit again.
Excellent city with loads of things to see and do!
Food needs a website all of its own!
This is a great list, and makes me eager to go. I have been especially wanting to explore the food of Istanbul for a long time!
I think I would lean toward the boat trip. Kind of neat that they record it and give it to you.
I guess I am a black sheep that likes to simply wander the city on my own. See sights…talk to locals (if they speak English), and try local food 🙂
I wish I knew some of this things before I visited Istanbul last year. Not that I didn’t have enough to do and see there, but rowing in the Golden Horn sounds like a lot of fun.
Definitely would recommend stroll among the bazaar of spices. Great atmosphere, friendly local merchants and thousands of different herbs.
The street photography walk is my favourite too
Definitely vibrant Clay – have you been?
As a coffee enthusiast, flavors of the old world looks awesome. Istanbul seems like such of a cool and vibrant city!
Thank you so much for the list.
Sailing has to be the best experience to view the city.
And the Street Photography Walk… Gosh that has got to be a dream for most photographers.
Enjoy yourself Jenna – I will keep an eye out for your posts
I LOVE THIS POST! 🙂
I’m a sustainable travel blogger writing about Istanbul at the moment (just arrived on an overnight train last night) and I’m most definitely going to be taking part in a couple of this unique tours!
Thanks for sharing!
Jenna
Hi Malia, by all means link to it from your site. Glad you found my blog useful and enjoy Turkey!
Hi Natalie, thanks so much for this list and your entire site – I found you through your interview at the Wandering Educators and I’m heading to Istanbul tomorrow so I’ve found many things on your site that have demystified my travel planning process! I’m a food blogger, so the tours here that interested me the most were the food tour and mushroom hunt (although that one is wayyy out of my budget, unfortunately!) I’m also getting in touch with the people who do the jewerly workshop in the Grand Bazaar based on this list. I hope you don’t mind if I link to it from my site as well?
Love this post! My first choice would be rowing, followed by the wall murals.
Sailing in the harbor of Istanbul would be the activity I would most look forward to, what a fun way to see and experience the city.
The street photography tours sound interesting! Great post, Natalie!
Agreed – There is definitely talent to be found on streets
I especially love the street art tour. I’m a sucker for such things! That’s one of the reason why I love Berlin so much — you never know what you will find around the next corner in terms of street art.
This is a great list! There are several things I never would of thought of or known that you could do in Istanbul.
It does seem that way but slowly the trend is starting to shift
The streets of the Asian side of the city stand out like a sore thumb to me. Everybody just sees the attractions on the European side it seems…
They are my favourites as well Alison
These are totally unique ideas I’d never think of doing in Istanbul! The street art and street photography tours sound really interesting.
I would like to see the simit bakery as well. I can imagine it at full blast, first thing in the morning!
There is always a reason to go back Stef 😉
Mine too- It is talent right in front of your faces!
Natalie, Great list. I think the simit bakery sounds a blast. If people go to an iconic spot and do something fun, it makes it all that better. We remember experiences. I love this post.
I really didn’t do anything of those things on my trip to Istanbul. I guess I have to go back then 😉 Good for me!
That street art tour looks like it’s right up my alley.
I thought you might like that one Ozlem – more so for the recipes you can dream up afterwards!
Be sure to make plans Doreen – it is a year round destination and you won’t be disappointed
Thx for the post. Definitely makes me want to go to Istanbul.
Indeed so cool and unusual, many thanks for that! I would love to try the mushroom hunt next time, the flavors of the old city looks so inviting too – Istanbul never fails to surprise me!