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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Istanbul

43 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Updated August 3, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Istanbul, Turkey

Ottoman Bird Palaces

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

Istanbul, Turkey

Tombs of the Sultans

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

Istanbul, Turkey

Tombili

A meow-velous tribute to a beloved street cat, made famous on the internet.

Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Istanbul, Turkey

Minyatür’s Nautical Instruments

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Istanbul, Turkey

Asitane Restaurant

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

See All 43 Things To Do in Istanbul

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Asitane Restaurant

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

Istanbul, Turkey

Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

Istanbul, Turkey

Galata House Restaurant

Housed in an old British jail, this spot serves up Georgian, Russian, and Ukrainian specialities with a side of Turkish history.

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Guided Tours of Istanbul

Explore Istanbul, Turkey

Museums And Collections 4

Sacred Spaces 4

Subterranean Sites 3

Transportation 3

Unique Restaurants & Bars 3

History & Culture 2

Places To Stay 1

Istanbul Leaderboard

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Recent Istanbul Activity

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has been to The Spoonmaker's Diamond
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wants to go to Hagia Sophia Wishing Column
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wants to go to Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia
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wants to go to Ottoman Bird Palaces
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has been to Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

Stories About Istanbul

Podcast: Ottoman Bird Palaces

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

Podcast: Museum of Innocence

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

What in the World Is Sea Snot?

And why is it fouling the coast around Istanbul?

by Jessica Leigh Hester

Podcast: Basilica Cistern

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

by The Podcast Team

Istanbul's Master of Puppets Is on a Mission to Save an Ancient Art

From his tiny studio, Cengiz Özek finds new ways to keep this Ottoman era tradition alive.

by Demetrios Ioannou

The Forgotten Stones That Still Inspire Turks to Help Their Neighbors

A tradition of anonymous charity lives on in the age of COVID-19.

by Jennifer Hattam

August 24, 2020

Invasive, Photogenic Plants Are Taking a Toll on Istanbul’s Ancient Walls

One researcher is recommending a zero-tolerance policy.

by Jonathan Carey

Being an Ottoman Janissary Meant War, Mutiny, and Baklava

To overthrow the sultan, janissaries first threw over their cooking pots.

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