The Atlas Obscura Guide To Istanbul

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

Updated February 28, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Istanbul

336 ancient columns

Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Bird palace.

Istanbul, Turkey

Ottoman Bird Palaces

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

"Halfdan carved these runes."

Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

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

Tombili.

Istanbul, Turkey

Tombili

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

Inside the tomb of Sultan Selim II

Istanbul, Turkey

Tombs of the Sultans

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

Walnut-stuffed sea bass comes with a saffron and rose water dressing

Istanbul, Turkey

Asitane Restaurant

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

Obelisk of Theodosius

Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

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

Istanbul, Turkey

Minyatür’s Nautical Instruments

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

See All 41 Things To Do in Istanbul

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Istanbul

Walnut-stuffed sea bass comes with a saffron and rose water dressing

Istanbul, Turkey

Asitane Restaurant

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

A bulletin board at the Pudding Shop.

Istanbul, Turkey

Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

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

View of Golden Horn at Pierre Loti Hill.

Istanbul, Turkey

Pierre Loti Hill

Have tea in a cemetery with a dazzling view of Istanbul.

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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History 6

Churches 4

Restaurants 4

Museums And Collections 4

Sacred Spaces 4

Unique Restaurants & Bars 3

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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

By the beginning of June, sea snot was thick off the coast of Turkey.

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

The figures of Karagöz and Hacivat, on display inside Özek's theatre in Istanbul, appear in every shadow theater performance.

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

One of the best preserved charity stones in Istanbul, outside the İmrahor Mosque in the Üsküdar district.

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

Pretty, bad for historic walls.

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

One researcher is recommending a zero-tolerance policy.

by Jonathan Carey

Janissaries carrying their kazan, along with a regimental ladle.

Being an Ottoman Janissary Meant War, Mutiny, and Baklava

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

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