Hidden Streets of Istanbul

01.09.2026 207 read

Exploring Istanbul does not always mean following crowded avenues and visiting only the most popular tourist attractions. Some of the city’s beauty can also be discovered in its side streets. These streets, which are part of the everyday lives of Istanbul residents, are filled with historic buildings, small shops, colorful houses, and traces of local neighborhood life.

Take a look at our guide below to discover some of the hidden streets of Istanbul worth adding to your itinerary.

French Street – Beyoğlu

French Street, also known as Cezayir Street, is one of the places where you can experience the historic atmosphere of Beyoğlu. Thanks to its location near Istiklal Avenue and Galatasaray, it can easily be added to your route while exploring the area.

With its colorful buildings, stairways, small cafés, and distinctive atmosphere, the street is particularly appealing to visitors looking for a short walk and interesting photography spots.

Jurnal Street and Its Surroundings – Beyoğlu

Located in Beyoğlu, Jurnal Street is particularly known for appearing in various Turkish TV series and film productions. Its narrow layout, old apartment buildings, and surrounding architecture frequently provide a backdrop that reflects everyday life in Istanbul.

For this reason, while walking along the street, you may come across a corner that looks familiar from a Turkish TV series or movie.

Jurnal Street and its surroundings also offer an enjoyable route for visitors interested in discovering different flavors and local venues.

For craft beer lovers, Taproomx is one of the places you can visit in the area. You can take a short break here and explore different varieties of craft beer.

Taproomx Location Links:

Apple Maps:
https://maps.apple/p/wKWHKRHz5Dbo9w

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dE2tRYVsywRxc7Sd8?g_st=iw

Located very close to Jurnal Street, Şehbender Street is also home to a Georgian restaurant. Visitors interested in Georgian cuisine can try dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri, and other traditional Georgian specialties.

Galaktion Restaurant Location Links:

Apple Maps:
https://maps.apple/p/RsVzteYq.8g0Tv

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnxV3dxL2ZuUnSnf6?g_st=iw

Wine lovers can also find a wine house on Jurnal Street. After exploring the neighborhood, you can stop here and enjoy a relaxing break with a glass of wine.

Galata Şaraphanesi Location Links:

Apple Maps:
https://maps.apple/p/6A-VPpHtNVwU5~

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UuvcZEbBKrk7EC98A?g_st=iw

While exploring Jurnal Street and its surroundings, you can also add some of the area’s historic landmarks to your route.

Postacılar Yokuşu

One of the places you can visit while exploring Jurnal Street and its surroundings is Postacılar Yokuşu.

Reflecting the historic character of Galata, this sloping street stands out with its stone buildings and old Istanbul atmosphere.

Glavani Apartment

Located on Postacılar Yokuşu, Glavani Apartment is one of Galata’s historic apartment buildings.

The building is also associated with film writer and historian Giovanni Scognamillo, who lived here for many years.

Yunus Emre Institute Terra Santa Istanbul

Another historic building worth seeing in the area is Yunus Emre Institute Terra Santa Istanbul.

Built in the 19th century, the historic Terra Santa building is now used as a venue for cultural and artistic events.

Kamondo Stairs

Located between Galata and Karaköy, the Kamondo Stairs are among Istanbul’s best-known historic stairways.

Built by the Kamondo family in the 19th century, the stairs stand out with their distinctive curved architectural design. They are a popular stop for visitors who want to take photographs and experience the historic character of the area.

Merdivenli Mektep Street – Balat

Merdivenli Mektep Street is one of the best-known streets in Balat and takes its name from the long staircase running through the street.

With its colorful and historic houses, it has become a popular spot for visitors interested in photography. The street also offers a glimpse into the distinctive neighborhood atmosphere for which Balat is known.

Soğukçeşme Street – Sultanahmet

Located between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace in Sultanahmet, Soğukçeşme Street is one of the places to visit if you would like to see examples of Istanbul’s traditional wooden houses.

The street is closed to vehicle traffic, allowing visitors to walk peacefully between the historic buildings.

It is particularly worth adding to your route if you want to see traditional Istanbul houses up close and take photographs away from the busier streets surrounding Sultanahmet.

French Passage – Karaköy

Hidden among the side streets of Karaköy, the French Passage is an interesting stop for a short walk, with small shops and cafés located along both sides.

Dating back to the 19th century, the passage still offers a distinctive atmosphere among Karaköy’s lively streets today.

It is a convenient stop for visitors who want to leave the main streets for a while and discover a quieter corner of the neighborhood.

Where to Stay While Exploring Istanbul’s Hidden Streets

When exploring the hidden streets of Istanbul, staying in a central location with convenient access to different parts of the city can make your trip much easier.

By staying in central districts such as Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş, you can explore nearby streets while experiencing Istanbul’s everyday neighborhood life more closely.

With Orienta Istanbul Tourism’s apartments in Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş, you can enjoy a central and comfortable accommodation experience throughout your visit to Istanbul.

To discover accommodation options in Istanbul and plan your trip, visit:

https://orientaistanbul.com/

Airbnb in Beyoğlu

Pala Hayri Apartment

Pala Hayri Apartment – Apartment 2

Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1459953942530771193?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Orienta Istanbul Tourism Website:
https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/pala-hayri-apartmani-2

Nil Apartment

Nil Apartment – Apartment 1

Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1111684780892012105?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Orienta Istanbul Tourism Website:
https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/nil-apartmani-1

Airbnb in Kadıköy