Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Tia
In this article, I will be showing you the 13 most unusual things to do in Istanbul!
Together, we will dive into the city’s secrets, that showcase Istanbul off the beaten path. Keep reading for 13 things you simply must do, for authentic, unforgettable travels in Istanbul!
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Table of Contents
What is unusual about the city of Istanbul
Istanbul has been the capital of some of the biggest empires: Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman.
Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world to be shared by two continents.
Five of the most well-known transcontinental cities are Istanbul, Atyrau, Orenburg, Magnitogorsk, and Suez.
What should I avoid in Istanbul?
Well for starters, you should avoid getting scammed! Istanbul is notorious for scamming tourists. But fear not as I have an article full of the Istanbul scams you should know about!
Other tips would be:
- Avoid Shopping at Istiklal street – It is rather expensive and doesn’t offer anything unique
- Don’t take the tram in Istiklal street – It is so crowded!
- Never pay full price for anything at the Bazaars
How can I have fun in Istanbul?
There are so many fun things to do in Istanbul! Apart from world-famous monuments and exquisite cuisine, there are historic cruises, and shopping sprees at the Grand Bazaar too!
Additionally, there is fascinating history and architecture, buzzing nightlife, street art, and amazing workshops.
Istanbul indeed has a lot more to offer.
My guide to the most unusual things to do in Istanbul is a journey through Istanbul’s off-the-beaten-path side!
It’s a taste of the local side, which in my opinion holds the real juice and flavor of this incredible multicultural city.
When you start experiencing travel off the beaten path, the whole travel game changes!
The 13 Most Unusual things to do in Istanbul
1. Take a boat trip to the Princes Islands and the lesser-known Burgazada Island
Take a day trip away from the busy city to explore the beautiful Princes Islands – an archipelago of 9 islands located in the Sea of Marmara.
The prince’s islands are easily accessible via ferry, and they are home to many multicultural beauties. Some of those are the Greek monasteries and Ottoman architecture.
Burgazada is one of the lesser-known islands (the biggest one is the island of Buyukada) and so it is a perfect island for some much-needed beach time. The water is calm and clear and the island is calm and secluded.
I advise you to spend the day there and soak up the sun! Then, you should start exploring the island!
You will find lush greenery, many historical churches such as the Ayios Ioannis church (dating back to the Byzantine period), and also the ruins of the Greek Christos Monastery from the 9th century.
At the top of the hill, Bayrak Hill is the place to go for beautiful panoramic views. All these and more await you to explore the island of Burgazada.
Address: Burgazadası Mahallesi, 34975 Prince Islands/Istanbul, Turkey
2. Photograph exquisite Urban street art
These urban and colorful graffiti masterpieces will be a joy to explore and photograph.
You will find Graffiti street art all over this colorful city but is even more evident in a neighborhood like Sishane.
You should make sure to bring a camera, so you take plenty of photographs of these 3D and larger-than-life pieces!
Plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants in the neighborhood to relax after spending a couple of hours exploring!
Definitely, a must if you wish to explore unusual things to do in Istanbul!
Address: Bedrettin Mahallesi, Dr. Bedii Gorbon Sk. No:32, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
3. Visit the railway museum from the Orient Express
Are you a fan of trains and railways? Then you will surely enjoy this short and sweet experience at the railway museum.
This small museum features over 300 historical items, from old trains and various separate parts like seats, doors, etc, and long-forgotten documents and photographs.
The museum is located in Sirkeci Terminal, the terminal that used to be the end of the famed Orient Express!
Interesting fact: This tiny museum exists within a fully operational train station, in the heart of Istanbul!
Address: Hoca Paşa Mahallesi, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Admission FREE
Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour.
Opening hours: daily – 9:00-12:30 and 1pm- 5pm
4. Witness a traditional religious ceremony
If you wish to explore traditional and unusual things to do in Istanbul, the Whirling Devices are a must!
No matter your religion, opening your eyes to other cultures, customs and religions will be an eye-opening and soul-searching experience.
This is a century-old ceremony that marries dance and Sufi worshiping.
This is not a tourist performance, but luckily for us, the ‘’Whirling Devices’’ dance is performed within the Sema of the Galata museum.
And every Sunday at 5 pm, tourists are allowed to observe.
My advice? Remain quiet, respectful, and simply enjoy this mystical whirling dance!
Address: Şahkulu Mh., Galip Dede Cd. No:15, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Every Sunday at 5 pm. Tickets are available from the museum from Saturday afternoon.
Entry Fee: 50 TL. Duration: 1-hour
Top Tip: Arrive early to get good seats
5. Indulge in a culinary journey through Ottoman History at Asitane Restaurant
You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Istanbul, and plenty of tourist traps too.
What frustrates me the most, is experiencing second-rate cuisine; especially in a city famed for its dishes!
So if you are looking for authenticity as well as unusual things to do in Istanbul, you need to visit the Asitane Restaurant.
Asitane is a restaurant fully committed to keeping up with the traditions – something that hasn’t changed since 1991.
So much so, that before their opening, they spend months digging up traditional and long-forgotten recipes from Topkapi and the Dolmabace Palaces! They also drew inspiration from libraries and journals from over 500 years ago.
What it’s like eating here
Expect to travel through time in Ottoman culinary history! The menu is vast – there are over 450 recipes!
All of them keeping up with the traditional tastes, ingredients, and preparation methods of their time.
Choose between the indoor and outdoor seating in the quiet part of the historical Edirnekapi, and you will adore all that Asitane stands for.
Tel: +90 212 635 79 97
Address: Dervişali Mahallesi, Kariye Cami Sk. No:6, 34240 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening hours: Daily from 12-10:30 pm except for Wednesdays.
6. Awaken your senses at a couples-friendly Turkish Hamam
Everyone should definitely visit one or two in their lifetime.
But visiting an authentic Hamam in Turkey – the birth country of Turkish baths is an absolute necessity if you want an authentic experience!
I searched long and hard for Hamams in the city that could provide couples services – as the majority have different hours for men and women and couples are not accepted. And I found it!
My Hamam Experience
My experience at the Süleymaniye Hamam was everything I had hoped for, and then some.
The journey started with a long and very steaming time in the huge marbled room for 15-20 minutes.
Then, 2 well-trained male masseurs greeted us and took us into the steaming adjoining room.
They proceeded to give us a long soapy wash, followed by an invigorating and inventive scrub.
They finished with a relaxing, soapy massage that made me feel like my limbs were as light as feathers!
Definitely, one of the best Hamam experiences I have had in all my travels.
No single males or females are admitted – this is a couple and families Hamam only.
Süleymaniye Hamam Details
The Hamam provides everything you will need: from towels to bathing suits, hairdryers, and slippers!
You can combine your Hammam experience with a visit to the Grand Bazaar (they are close to each other)
Payment can be made online or on the spot. The establishment accepts Turkish Lira, Euros, and Dollars too!
I personally booked and paid online with great success. Booking in advance is definitely recommended.
Address: Süleymaniye Mahallesi, Mimar Sinan Cd. No:20, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 (212) 519 55 69
Price: 40 Euros per person =240 TL
Duration: 60-90 minutes and it is open 7 days a week
7. Descent 52 steps into History- and the depths of the Basilica Cistern
Beneath the city of Istanbul, there are several hundred cisterns, but only two are open to the public.
The Basilica Cistern is one of those two and it also happens to be the largest one. This giant structure has the capacity to store 100.000 tons of water.
Only a 150meters from the famous Hagia Sofia, this Bystantine Cistern dates back to the 9th century!
Here you can take the 52 stone steps to descend into the cold, and slightly dark depths of the Basilica.
You will be amazed by the famous Medusa column bases and the Corinthian Style marbles. The marbles are what actually support the Cisterns roof and the majestic forest of columns.
All this is a clear indication of Istanbul’s Greek roots (Konstantinoupoli).
Definitely one for your bucket list of unusual things to do in Istanbul.
Address: Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entrance Fee: 20 TL for tourists and 5TL for students.
8. Take a workshop and learn the Art of Turkish Marbling
The history of Turkish marbling
The Turkish art of marbling is called Ebru and it is believed to have started in the 13th century.
Turkish marbling started in Turkey and later on spread to Japan, China, and India.
What is ebru you ask?
Ebru is basically colorful patterns of pigmented color in a tray of an oily water solution. The design is then transferred onto paper and fabric.
This traditional Turkish art is definitely a great way to spend a day and explore some of the unusual things to do in Istanbul.
The Workshop
In the fascinating workshop of Les Arts Turks, you can learn to create your own marble designs including the famous Turkish flower patterns.
These unique print designs are used as covers for various things like calligraphy, stationery, book covers, documents, and official correspondence.
How you will learn to marble
Upon entering the lively workshop, I was given a verbal introduction to the rich Turkish marbling history.
Then, I was handed a bright apron and all the equipment that I needed to get my creativity going.
Side by side with your teacher you will learn to apply the delicate art of marbling.
Once you have finished your masterpiece, it will be transferred to fabric and you will be able to take this wonderful homemade souvenir back home with you.
Price – 70 Euros = 422 TL
Address: Alemdar Mh., İncili Çvş. Sk No:19, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
+90 544 220 10 22
Duration: The workshop lasts for 2 hours and all the lessons are taught in English
9. Explore two continents in one day –and Istanbul’s Asian Side
This list of unusual things to do in the Istanbul guide would be incomplete without a mention! The 2 continents are only 20 minutes distance from each other via bus, taxi or ferry.
The European side has the better name due to its many popular tourist attractions, palaces, churches, and cisterns.
What you don’t know is that there is also much to see on the Asian Side of Istanbul too.
Like the historical Kadikoy Bazzar, the Dolmabahce Palace, and the Mural Istanbul Festival.
Must-dos on the Asian side of Istanbul
Take a ferry and Cross over to the Asian Side. Then head to the Kadikoy neighborhood and start walking the streets!
I recommend you check out the Kadikoy food market, the waterfront with the fantastic views of the Sultanahmet Skyline, and the Mural Festival too!
The Mural Festival is an open-air art festival bursting at the seams with stunning street art from both local and international artists.
Top Tip: The Ferry to Kadikoy will cost you 3 TL. Ferries leave from either side of the Galata Bridge.
10. Learn the art of cooking Turkish food
The only thing better than eating the food in Istanbul is perhaps learning how to cook it yourself!
This is because the food in Istanbul is as diverse as the city! Think of Turkish cuisine, with added Greek and Asian Influences.
The cuisine here is heavy on the spice and big on the taste.
This cooking class is such a fun way to spend ½ a day in the city – and every time you cook these dishes back home, you will be reminded of Istanbul!
A definite YES to anyone wanting to try out unusual things to do in Istanbul!
This cooking class of Cooking Alaturka will teach you how to make traditional Ottoman and Anatolian dishes! As a result, once you are done with cooking, you’ll enjoy the 5- course food with drinks and conversation!
Address: Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Akbıyık Cad. 72/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Email: info@cookingalaturka.com
Duration: 4 hours. Lesson hours: Lunch 19:30-2:30 pm Dinner: 4:30 – 8:30 pm
11. Visit the Rezan Has Museum
This is no ordinary museum! This is because the Rezan Has Museum is dedicated to connecting the past with the future.
The Rezan showcases Ottoman structural artifacts dating back to the 17th century, and Byzantine gems going as far back as the 11th century.
As a result, you will see a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, and a special preservation and restoration unit. At the Rezan Has, there are also regular exhibitions.
For example, a particularly interesting exhibition I found was the Cibali Tobacco and Cigarette Factory exhibition.
I got to observe the first tobacco and cigarette machines along with their original documents and information!
All those make this museum a real gem in the busy city life of Istanbul.
Address: Cibali Mahallesi, Kadir Has Cd. 23a, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 533 65 32
Opening Hours: Open daily 9 am -6 pm
Entry: Admissions 5 TL
12. Explore the Ahmed Tevfik Pasa Mezarl Tombs.
Would you like to add a sultans Cemetary to your unusual things to do in Istanbul list? Well, now you can.
It is in this cemetery that you will find the tombs of Ahmed Tevfik Pasha and his family. Ahmed Pasha is also known as the last Ottoman Grand Vizier, and he was an important figure in the Ottoman Dynasty for years.
The tombs are the cemetery for 3 famed and powerful Sultans; Mahmud the 2nd, Abdul Aziz and Abdul Hamid the 2nd.
Inside the cemetery, you will find the sultan’s tombs in all their colorful and intricate glory.
Walk back outside and you will find yourselves in the gardens surrounded by trees and cute cats! This is where the politicians like Ahmed Tevkik and their families are kept.
This cemetery is a wonderful visit to see many of Istanbul’s most influential figures’ tombs.
It is also a rather fascinating way to witness how the Turks like to honor their dead.
Address: Mollafenari Mh., Türbedar Sk. No:11, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Entry: Free entry
13. Stroll through the Kadikoy Food Market
Kadikoy has a few markets around – but the Kadikoy Tuesday Market is the one that is definitely worthy of the trip.
Possibly the neatest food and thrift market in Istanbul!
It has everything, from textiles to curtains and household items, antiques, furniture, and beautiful books. Alongside, there are nuts, rare Anatolian herbs, and spices!
There are also dairy goods and pastries, vine leaves olives, fruit, and vegetables…all neatly stacked and presented for your pleasure.
Gift Tips: Vine leaves and pickles are some of the key representatives of Ottoman cuisine.
Not only do they represent the local culture, but they are also light too which makes them excellent gift ideas to take home!
Is this a local or tourist market?
In this market, you really become one with the locals that make the majority of the visitors.
Begin by taking a leisurely stroll on the huge market. Then grab some freshly baked goods or a delicious lachmagoon from one of the many bakeries.
Observe, watch and become familiar with the bursting colors and smells of the Kadikoy Tuesday Market.
Address: Ataşehir Ferhat Paşa, 994478, 067201, 29. Sk. No:40, 34779 Ataşehir/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays only!
History Of Istanbul
Istanbul, or Costantinoupoli, is Turkey’s largest city and the heart of its economic and cultural center. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 14 million.
Istanbul is situated on a peninsula at the entrance of the Black Sea. Not only is Istanbul Turkey’s largest city; it also stretches on either side of the Bosporus, making it one of the only cities in the world that is built on two continents; Europe and Asia.
The city, formerly known as Constantinople is built on the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. The emperor Alexander the Great made the city the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330, later naming it Constantinople.
In 1453 it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and made into the Ottoman capital. Then in 1923, the Republic of Turkey was founded, and so the capital moved to Ankara.
This resulted in Constantinople being officially renamed Istanbul in 1930.
You made it to the end! I hope you have enjoyed these 13 unusual things to do in Istanbul!
As you can see, there is so much to discover in this extremely culturally diverse city! I hope you will find Istanbul as packed with history, flavors, and smells as I did!
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Love, Tia
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