Come and explore 3 hidden gems in Istanbul that are cheap, and off-the-beaten track!
Istanbul holds a special place in my heart as one of my favourite cities in the world, so it’s fitting that it’s the focus of my first-ever blog post here at Roaming with Chelsea! After a brief visit in 2019, I was captivated by Türkiye and knew I wanted to explore it further. In 2023, I embarked on my first solo trip and chose Istanbul as my base for six weeks.
The beauty of slow travel and using a city as a base is the opportunity it provides to discover ‘off-the-beaten-track’ places that may elude tourists. This blog post aims to share 3 hidden gems so you can prioritise them for your next visit to Istanbul! What’s more, all of these treasures come at little to no cost, offering an added incentive to explore!
1. Anadolu Kavagı
Overview: Nestled at the northern end of the Bosphorus, Anadolu Kavagı is a quaint fishing village that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of central Istanbul.
Why Visit: Explore the winding streets lined with colourful houses and have lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants. If you’re up for some exercise, take the short hike up to the historic Yoros Castle for breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and the entrance to the Black Sea. The grand Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is also a sight to see!
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to take a leisurely ferry ride along the Bosphorus to reach Anadolu Kavagı. You can take the ‘Long Bosphorus Tour’ from the main tourist ferry terminals in Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar all the way to Anadolu Kavagı for less than $4 USD return (price correct as of March 2024). This ferry journey spans just under 2 hours one way, yet its charm makes every minute worthwhile. Relax with a Turkish tea or coffee and enjoy the views, including the waterfront towns along the way and keep an eye out for dolphins that are regularly seen playing in the waters.Helpful Link – You can find the timetable for the Long Bosphorus Tour here – https://sehirhatlari.istanbul/en
2. Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Overview: Tucked away in the bustling Eminönü district amongst the famous Spice Bazaar, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a hidden architectural gem that was built in the 1500s.
Why Visit: You’ve likely heard of the famous Blue Mosque, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, but locals say Rüstem Pasha is “bluer than the Blue Mosque”. Inside this mosque, you’ll find beautiful blue carpet and blue tilework that covers the mosque’s interior, depicting floral motifs, geometric patterns, and calligraphic inscriptions. Despite its proximity to popular tourist attractions, the mosque remains relatively undiscovered by visitors. I visited Rüstem Pasha in the middle of the day, and there were only 3 others there, which made for a calm and tranquil visit. This was a huge difference from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, which I had visited earlier in the day and were both bursting with tourists.
Insider Tip: Remember to dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering, and if you’re female, ensure you wear a headscarf before entering the mosque. The mosque also won’t be open to visitors during prayer times, so it’s best to Google the daily prayer times before visiting.
3. Kuzguncuk
Overview: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kuzguncuk is a charming neighbourhood with stunning architecture and a fascinating history. Over the past 500 years, Kuzguncuk has been home to significant Jewish, Armenian, and Greek populations, represented by synagogues, churches, and more recently built mosques in the neighbourhood.
Why Visit: Kuzguncuk is a local suburb with a laid-back vibe. Take some time to wander the beautiful tree-lined main street and admire the cobblestone laneways and colourful Ottoman-era houses. There is also a thriving community farm and garden called Kuzguncuk Bostanı which is worth exploring, locals can rent space here to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Kuzguncuk is also filled with many local boutique shops and cafes offering a variety of sweet treats! My favourite thing to do in Kuzguncuk was to sit with Turkish tea and watch the world go by!
Insider Tip: If you’re up for some exercise, a short uphill walk along Bican Efendi Street will treat you to some stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Istanbul’s allure lies not only in its iconic landmarks but also in its hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From the serene village of Anadolu Kavagı to the enchanting Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the charming neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk, these off-the-beaten-path gems offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and diverse culture. Whether it’s your first time exploring Istanbul’s wonders or you’re returning for another adventure, be sure to add these three destinations to your itinerary for an experience that will stay with you forever.
Chelsea xx