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Church is famous for its amazing late-Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Things To Do + See Around Istanbul
The base of the former Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is a unique fusion of culture, cuisine, and facets as the European and Asian sides are divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
Located in a port warehouse, it hosts works of contemporary Turkish art in an 8000 square meter exhibition space, becoming a fundamental stop for tourists and a cultural reference point for the city and Turkey.
Watch out for tourist traps! These are some places that in our opinion are worth seeing if you have already seen everything that is most "famous" the city offers or simply if you want to get away from the typically tourist areas.Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Istanbul:
Tünel- Climb up a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second oldest urban subway in the world.You can access the Tünel from Karakoy and Beyoğlu stations.
Motor vehicles are a no-go here, so you'll be exploring these picturesque islands by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle. Perched on the 1st floor, this lively venue is your ticket to a night of live Turkish music, electrifying DJ sets, and fabulous drag performances. While public affection remains taboo in conservative corners, Istanbul revels in dynamic gay nightlife if you know where to look.
Make your way to the central Beyoğlu district, the longtime pulse of Istanbul's gay scene.
The sights here in Istanbul take you back to historic Constantinople with grand mosques, palaces, ancient markets, with a past that’s been shaped over the centuries by various groups, such as the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. It's a place where history rubs shoulders with modernity, where the call to prayer mixes with the beat of nightclub music, and where the LGBTQ+ community, while facing challenges, finds pockets of joy and acceptance.
Even on a long visit to Istanbul, you’ll probably barely scratch the surface of all there is to explore.
Off rainbow-hued İstiklal Avenue’s bustling thoroughfare lie hidden havens, from cozy taverns to jumping clubs, lining narrow side streets that have catered to the LGBTQ community for decades.
It is fabulous!
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums - The museums are a group of three archaeological museums located in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul, near Gülhane Park. Despite some challenges, Istanbul remains one of the most inclusive cities
10 THINGS TO SEE in ISTANBUL
The Hagia Sophia, once a Christian church, then a mosque and now a museum, enchants with its imposing dome, Byzantine mosaics and elegant architecture that fuses two great religious traditions.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, is known for its blue domes and lighthouses, with interiors adorned with ceramic tiles and a majestic prayer hall.
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Saray)
This palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries.
But Istanbul’s LGBTQ culture shines brightest when strangers become friends over thumping Turkish pop songs on illuminated dance floors, forgetting their worries as the Bosphorus breeze rolls in.
Intro to Istanbul
Let's start with the obvious - Istanbul is stunning. Before visiting mosques and sacred places, it is important to dress appropriately, avoiding revealing clothing.
The palace is known for the gorgeous Iznik tiles and Ottoman carvings, and the massive amount of the building decorated with gold and crystal. It's important to note that while Türkiye is a secular country, it's also a place where traditional values hold sway strongly, especially outside the cosmopolitan bubbles. If you love archaeology and ancient artifacts, we highly recommend this!
Just kidding, eat them all!
TLDR; The Final Verdict on Istanbul
Istanbul is a city that invites you to embrace its contradictions. In Istanbul, the choice of restaurants requires attention to avoid culinary disappointments and financial rip-offs. Open every night, this fun-filled dance club draws a lively mix of locals and tourists.
Istanbul is still an amazing city to explore, just be very aware of your actions in public. Furthermore, avoiding public displays of affection and gestures that can be interpreted as inappropriate is essential to respect the cultural and religious norms of the city.
Not to be missed is undoubtedly the Bosphorus Cruise to discover Istanbul from a new perspective, especially at sunset!
Savor the culinary authenticity of Istanbul with a food tour to taste typical local dishes, an experience that will bring you closer to the local culture through the genuine flavors of Turkish tradition.
One of the most surprising places in Istanbul is the area around Taksim Square, located in the heart of Istanbul, a lively cultural and social center.
You can also make short trips to nearby Bursa, Troy, and The Princes' Islands if you have time to journey outside the city. The city is a blend of connecting neighborhoods, each with its own flair and flavor, from the hipster cafes of Cihangir to the bustling bazaars of the Grand Bazaar, where you can try out your haggling skills.
Our LGBTQ+ Travel Guide & Top Istanbul Gay Bars
The LGBTQ+ scene is steeped in its home country’s history and culture, especially around the Taksim Square area, where the best Istanbul gay bars are located.
Nearby neighborhoods like trendy Cihangir and artsy Karaköy also mix gay-friendly cafés and lounges into their eclectic landscapes.
Follow the subtle rainbow flags to find venues ranging from cheeky drag bars to posh lounges.