HIDDEN STREETS IN ISTANBUL

02.10.2026 35 okunma

Exploring Istanbul doesn’t always require following crowded avenues and tourist hotspots. The beauty of the city can also be found in its backstreets. In these streets, where locals go about their daily lives, you can come across historic buildings, small shops, colorful houses, and authentic neighborhood life.

To discover these streets that are well worth seeing, take a look at our guide below.

French Street - Beyoğlu

Also known as Cezayir Street, French Street is one of the places where you can experience the historic character of Beyoğlu. Thanks to its location near İstiklal Avenue and Galatasaray, you can easily add it to your route while exploring the area. With its colorful buildings, stairways, small cafés, and distinctive atmosphere, the street is particularly popular among those looking to take a short walk and capture some photos.

Jurnal Street and Its Surroundings - Beyoğlu

While walking around Beyoğlu, you may come across Jurnal Street, one of the streets particularly known for TV series and film shoots. With its narrow layout, old apartment buildings, and surrounding architecture, it frequently provides scenes that reflect everyday life in Istanbul. For this reason, you may very well come across a corner that you have previously seen in a TV series or movie while walking along the street.

Jurnal Street also offers an enjoyable route for those who want to discover different flavors and venues. One of the spots on the street is a popular stop for craft beer lovers. Here, you can take a short break while trying different types 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 on Şehbender Street, very close to Jurnal Street, there is a Georgian restaurant. Those who want to discover Georgian cuisine can try khinkali, khachapuri, and various other Georgian dishes here.

Galaktion Restaurant Location Links:
Apple Maps: https://maps.apple/p/RsVzteYq.8g0Tv
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnxV3dxL2ZuUnSnf6?g_st=iw

There is also a winery on Jurnal Street for wine lovers. After your walk along the street, you can take a pleasant break here with a glass of wine.

Galata Winery 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 the historical spots in the area to your itinerary.

Postacılar Slope

One of the places you can visit while exploring Jurnal Street and its surroundings is Postacılar Slope. Reflecting the historic character of Galata, this slope stands out with its stone buildings and old Istanbul atmosphere.

Glavani Apartment

Located on Postacılar Slope, Glavani Apartment is one of Galata’s historic apartment buildings. The building is also known for having been the long-time home of Giovanni Scognamillo, a film critic and historian.

Yunus Emre Institute Terra Santa Istanbul

Another building worth seeing in the area is Yunus Emre Institute Terra Santa Istanbul. The historic Terra Santa building, constructed in the 19th century, now hosts 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 curved and distinctive architecture. They are one of the stops worth visiting for those who want to take photos and experience the historic character of the area up close.

Merdivenli Mektep Street - Balat

One of the best-known streets in Balat, Merdivenli Mektep Street takes its name from the long staircase running through the middle of the street. With its colorful and historic houses, it is a popular spot, especially for those who want to take photos. This colorful street offers a glimpse into the neighborhood atmosphere of Balat.

Soğukçeşme Street - Sultanahmet

Located between Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace in Sultanahmet, Soğukçeşme Street is one of the places to visit for those who want to see Istanbul’s old streets and wooden houses. The street is closed to traffic, allowing you to walk among historic houses. It is especially a pleasant stop for those who want to see traditional Istanbul wooden houses up close and take photos.

French Passage - Karaköy

Located among the side streets of Karaköy, the French Passage is a pleasant stop for a short walk, with shops and cafés on both sides. Dating back to the 19th century, the passage still has a distinctive atmosphere among Karaköy’s lively streets. It is especially worth visiting for those who want to leave the main street and create a quieter route while exploring the area.

Where to Stay While Exploring Istanbul’s Hidden Streets?

Staying in a location that provides easy access to different parts of the city can make exploring Istanbul’s hidden streets much easier. By staying in central neighborhoods such as Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş, you can explore the surrounding streets while also getting closer to Istanbul’s everyday life.

At Orienta İstanbul Turizm's apartments in Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş, you can enjoy a central and comfortable accommodation experience during your visit to Istanbul.

You can visit https://orientaistanbul.com/ to explore accommodation options in Istanbul and plan your trip.

Airbnb in Beyoğlu

Pala Hayri Apartment
-Pala Hayri Apartment, Apartment 2
Airbnb Link; https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1459953942530771193?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
Orienta İstanbul Turizm Website Link; https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/pala-hayri-apartmani-2

Nil Apartment

-Nil Apartment, Apartment 1
Airbnb Link; https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1111684780892012105?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
Orienta İstanbul Turizm Website Link; https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/nil-apartmani-1

Airbnb in Kadıköy

Tülin Hanım Apartment

Tülin Hanım Apartment, Apartment 1
Airbnb Link; https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1128735686691914900?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
Orienta İstanbul Turizm Website Link; https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/tulin-hanim-apartmani-1

Moda Mansion

Airbnb Link; https://www.airbnb.com.tr/rooms/1282449979582288022?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
Orienta İstanbul Turizm Website Link; https://orientaistanbul.com/tr/mulklerimiz/moda-kosk

Airbnb in Beşiktaş

Enver Apartment