Istanbul is a city that is only 1 hour away from my city but had never visited for years. I always thought that it is a dangerous city and I would have to be accompanied by family or boyfriend. But by doing my research and also talking with some fellow female bloggers, I realized that it is a safe city that I can visit with any of my female friends. So we decided with my bestie Cynthia to book our tickets for the beginning of 2020. What better way is there to start the year? 😉 We chose to stay at the most central Westist Hotel & Spa, so we were close to all the attractions! You can read my review here. So if you’re heading to this thriving city which crosses two continents and want to find out the most photogenic spots, you’re in the right place. I’m going to show you the top 7 instagrammable places in Istanbul! So take your camera and here we go!
Hagia Sophia
The most iconic landmark of Istanbul is undoubtedly Hagia Sophia mosque, famous for its massive dome and also for being UNESCO world heritage site. Located at Sultanahmet square, it’s the former Greek Orthodox cathedral, which later became an Ottoman mosque and now a museum. Built in the 6th century CE (532–537), it was the world’s largest building and an engineering marvel of its time. Nowadays it is considered to be the most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments.
So it is a must to take your shots in front of Hagia Sophia! Just keep in mind that you have to be there reaaaally early, otherwise you will never have the chance for an empty shot with all the tourist groups arriving even at 8am. Also, if you have the time I would advise you to visit the inside as well. It’s totally worth it and the interior is very impressive! The best time to take a tour inside is the last admission hour (one hour before closing time), as there will be far less people than the opening time 😉
Blue Mosque
The top 7 instagrammable places in Istanbul would not be complete without Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Located right opposite Hagia Sophia, it is another large and impressive mosque built in 1616. Being one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques of Turkey, it was designed as an imperial show of strength to compete with Hagia Sophia, so you really cannot miss the chance for a shot at this breathtaking place! Once again, you need to be there really early if you aim for empty shots. In fact the best idea is to do your photoshooting right after you finish with Hagia Sophia. There are so many angles to choose from, but my favourite where a long corridor at the right side of the mosque as well as the rows of seats right in front of it. You can choose yours and get creative!
TIP: Once in Sultanahmet square, don’t miss to try authentic Turkish simit, a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds. You can choose between plain and Nutella version! 🤤 Not only are they delicious and perfect for breakfast, they are also great props for a shot in front of the red selling stands, with a background view of the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia 😉
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is by far one of the most representative tourist attractions in the entire Turkey region and not just Istanbul. Just like the name clearly suggests it, it is located in the Galata quarter of Instabul, which was only 10 minutes on foot from our hotel. It is a high, cone-capped cylinder entirely made of stone and once you are around it, you simply cannot miss it as it is visible from everywhere. However, only one road is suitable to take your photos while having the whole tower visible like the photos you have seen on Instagram. So if you just walk around all the little roads that lead to the tower (there are not too many after all) you will find the correct one 😉
You have to be here quite early, but not too much; when we visited Istanbul the sunrise was at 8:30 am, so we could not take photos earlier. However even at this time we managed to get clear shots with a lot of patience and quick moves 😛 It would be better if you are here earlier however, before the shops go open and people start walking around!
TIP: For one extra shot, you can visit an underground souvenir shop located on the left side of the road. There you can purchase a miniature or a magnet of Galata Tower and create a perfect fake-in-front-of-original shot!
Balat Neighborhood
Balat is one of the oldest districts of Istanbul with narrow cobbled streets and a unique atmosphere, unlike anywhere else in Istanbul. It is a bit hidden away, but not so unknown as we had imagined. You see, it’s famous for its iconic colorful houses on Kiremit street which you’ve probably seen all over your IG. These homes are mostly over 50-years-old, and in some cases are up to 200-years-old. Once we were there, there were so many people that it was impossible to take a shot. Only after we waited an hour, we were able to have the place empty just for some seconds to shoot. So my advice is to get there early again if possible, otherwise you will have to be patient and persistent.
Kubbe
Kubbe is the ultimate spot to go if you want to enjoy 360° views of the city. At this place there used to be a terrace overlooking Bosphorus and the New Mosque, where all the instagrammable shots you had seen with carpets, cushions and seagulls were taken. Unfortunately the terrace was recently taken down, BUT the good news is that you can still visit Kubbe to take your photos from the view spots it offers (without having the opportunity for props, of course). It is quite a puzzle to find this place, but I have the secret for you here!
Search for “Pak Pide Pizza Salonu” in your maps and follow the uphill road. When you are at the top, you will find some secret stairs at the left between abandoned buildings. Don’t be afraid even if the place looks quite shady – that’s your way 😛. At the bottom of the stairs you will find a man asking you for admission fee of 20 TL. Not sure if this is totally legal, but we paid the amount anyway. Next, you will climb some stairs and you’re there! Seriously you will be left speechless; the view is incredible and there are many spots you can have for yourself, as the place is quiet enough.
Best part? If you walk around the building and follow the path through its open interior, you will find a higher terrace with equally stunning views and a man throwing raw meat to seagulls so that they come close for a photo! The experience was totally once in a lifetime, having so many seagulls above your head and also so undescribable views. Definitely worth to be in the top 7 instagrammable places in Istanbul!
Rainbow Stairs of Incir Agaci Café
Another place offering perfect photo opportunities is Incir Agaci Café, located in Balat district. I don’t know if this café is worth visiting to have a coffee, as I have not searched for reviews, but I can tell you that it’s totally worth-visiting for its vivid and colorful exterior. Just outside the cafe there is a set of rainbow stairs which is one of the most well-maintained in Istanbul. There are lots of colorful decorations at the side of the stairs, which are the perfect backdrop for your feed! Plus, next to this café there is Café Dimitri, where you can photoshoot under some colorful umbrellas at its entrance!
Seven Hills Restaurant Rooftop
One of the most insta-famous restaurants in Istanbul is the rooftop of Seven Hills Hotel’s restaurant. The reason is that it offers unbeatable views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the Bosphorus. In the winter, when we visited Istanbul, there are no tables at the rooftop as the weather is too cold. Still, you can take a table in the restaurant and visit the rooftop to take your photos and enjoy the views – which we did, even if it was freezing cold and raining! 🤣 Don’t forget to try traditional Turkish tea and, why not, use it as a prop for an extra shot!
Do you agree that these are the top 7 instagrammable places in Istanbul? Do not hesitate to contact me for more information and feedback!
