Hidden Gems of Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Aug 30 979 read

Hidden Gems of Istanbul

Even locals don't know about many of Istanbul's hidden jewels, off-the-beaten-track treasures, magnificent structures, historic nooks and best-kept secrets. You may explore and appreciate the other side of Istanbul that isn't on the usual tourist itinerary for Istanbul attractions, from lovely getaways from the city to hidden gardens and ancient places.

Million Stone

In Sultanahmet, on a corner right of the Divan route from Hagia Sophia to Beyazit, the Million Stone is one of Istanbul's lesser-known but extremely significant historical monuments. It is also known as the Golden Milestone or the Roman Millarium Aureum. When the Byzantine Empire was in full swing, the stone was used as a reference point for all distance calculations. In ancient times, the Million Stone was regarded as the world's zero point. This stone was the origin of the phrase "all roads lead to Rome."

The Buyuk Valide Inn

The 17th century Inn with more than 300 stores is located near the Grand Bazaar on the Mahmutpasa ramp, Fatih district of Istanbul. The Inn's terrace has grown more popular with photographers in the last year. The entrance fee to the terrace is just 1 Turkish Lira. Nota Bene: The terrace is currently closed due to a roof collapse.

Woman's Bazaar

You may get excellent local cuisine from Turkey's southern towns like Siirt and Adiyaman at the Unkapani Women's Bazaar (also known as the Siirt Bazaar) in the Fatih neighborhood of Unkapani.

Other herbs that may be new to you may be found here. Pastries prepared with these herbs may be enjoyed there. The beehives are also a nice touch. Diverse types of dairy and dairy products are also quite popular among consumers nowadays.

Kilyos

Kilyos is a charming coastal village and resort located on Istanbul's northern Black Sea coast in the Sariyer district, approximately 30 kilometers (45 minutes by car) from the city center. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular water sports in the area, as well as the town's gorgeous sandy beaches and seaside cafes and restaurants.

Areas in the Balat District

On the southern side of the Golden Horn, the ancient Jewish district Balat and the former Greek suburb Fener have a rich history. As a result, Balat is renowned for its colorful cafés, restaurants, antiques stores, synagogues and cathedrals. Since the Byzantine era, it has been home to Greek-speaking Jews. Balat was established by Sephardics who were expelled from Spain in the 15th century, though. Due to the large Jewish community of Balat, numerous synagogues and Jewish businesses may be found, in addition to various churches and mosques Along with Balat, there is an EU-UNESCO initiative in the area to repair the many structures. Balat is history in Istanbul, alive!

Mihrabad Groove

25-hectare Mihrabad Grove overlooks Bosphorus and is situated in Kanlica on Asiatic Bosphorus coast, near the Black Sea. There are a variety of gardens, as well as cypresses, umbrella pines, Judas, and bay trees that are monumental in size. It's also a popular for those who wish to have breakfast and supper at an open buffet on the weekends.