Let’s just start by saying that Istanbul is full of picture-perfect spots. If you are coming to this city, you will have no problem finding instagrammable locations that will look great on the grid. However, to make your life easier, I’ve gathered a list of the 12 most Instagrammable places in Istanbul so you won’t miss any of them.
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The Most Instagrammable Sites in Istanbul
These suggestions are not necessarily meant to be an itinerary for Istanbul. If you want a travel guide for the city, you can visit my article on the best things to do in Istanbul. If you’ve been here before, you might also want to check non-touristy activities in Istanbul.
The following list is a collection of very instagrammable spots around the city for you to get that perfect shot. They are listed in no particular order.
For every place, you will also find the exact location on the map so that you can find your way.
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Table of Contents
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#1 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Ortaköy Mosque
This place is famous for its postcard view. Take stunning photographs in front of the Bosphorus with the mosque and the bridge in the background. Enter the mosque to enjoy the insanely beautiful interior decoration.
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#2 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Blue Mosque
As one of the must-visit areas of the city, its beauty may overshadow the rest of your photos! The Sultanahmet Mosque, as known by locals, is big enough to be seen from different points of the city. Explore around and take snaps from different angles and rooftops.
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#3 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia
The only issue you will have taking photos of the Hagia Sophia is deciding whether you prefer the pics from outside or inside the building. I suggest you go to the second floor to have an entirely different perspective of the architecture. Don’t forget to take a photo from the windows, as they have a great view of the Blue Mosque.
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#4 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Seven Hills Restaurant
If you are a frequent user of Instagram (and I’m sure you are because you are reading this article), it is almost certain that you’ve seen a photo of your favourite Instagrammers in this restaurant. This place has incredible views of Sultanahmet. Plus, the food is great, so what’s not to love?
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#5 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge is the perfect location for photos. You have the fishermen, the city’s skyline, the mosques’ silhouettes, the busy commuters, the seagulls, and the restaurant boats, and I can keep going. There is so much going on at the same time that you will probably spend a lot of time playing with your camera.
The best times of the day to take pics here are in the early morning and before sunset. The lightning goes perfectly with the open sky and the view of the bridge in front.
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#6 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Galata Tower
Located in a hip neighbourhood, the Galata Tower is great to see from the outside and inside. It is one of the oldest and tallest buildings in the city, and it’s probably still as grand and majestic as when it was first built.
Climb the tower to the top floor to get a 360º view of the city!
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#7 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace
This is a beautiful palace located in the district of Besiktas. It was the residence of the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire, so you can imagine how luxurious this place is. Even though it is not allowed to take photos on the inside, the outside is beautiful enough to make it very instagrammable. And I mean, you really can’t miss this place.
Take a walk through the patios and fall in love with the doors facing the sea. They look like they are out of a fairytale!
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#8 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Kuçuksu Palace
Kuçuksu Palace is a good alternative to Dolmabahçe Palace in terms of photos. The Dolmabahçe has a lot more historical relevance, and it is bigger.
However, Kuçuksu Palace may be a good option if you have seen the Dolmabahçe before and don’t feel like paying the entrance fee again. Also, the number of visitors is considerably less, so it’s much easier to take photos without a crowd staring at you.
It used to be sort of a summer house for the sultans, and the facade is very interesting. Plus, it also has those gorgeous fairy-tale doors facing the Bosphorus. It is located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, so you have a good view of Europe.
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#9 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Maiden’s Tower
Explore the Asian side of Istanbul by taking a motorboat to Üsküdar. The trip on the motorboat is an amazing chance to get beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus and the locals feeding the seagulls. Once you arrive at Üsküdar, walk through the seaside heading to the Maiden’s Tower. You’ll find a lovely spot to drink Turkish tea, eat a simit and enjoy the view.
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#10 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Balat and Fener
Often ignored by tourists, these neighbourhoods have the most photogenic little alleys and labyrinthine streets. They were declared UNESCO World Heritage, and for a good reason. Many cultures and religions have shared this space, but it is known as a Greek area.
Try to go early as it can be tricky to get out of here later in Istanbul’s famous traffic. Also, keep in mind these are conservative neighbourhoods, so it’s better to dress moderately.
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#11 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque built by Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman era.
You can see some similarities with the Blue Mosque because the latter was designed by one of Mimar Sinan’s apprentices. However, even though it looks similarly beautiful, there are fewer people around, which might be an advantage if you prefer no other people in your photos.
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#12 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Rainbow Stairs
The insta-famous stairs are located in Karaköy, and you can actually find more than one. They were painted by a neighbour who wanted the street to look prettier. The municipality painted the colours to return it to its boring grey, so people strongly claimed to have the colours back. The municipality allowed the “rainbow stairs”, and since then, they have become a symbol of freedom of expression.
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#13 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Ayranci Sokak
This little corner might seem a bit random, but it has been featured many times by several Instagrammers.
Walking uphill in the district of Eminonu, you can find Ayranci Street, the location of Haliç Cafe. It is a small street full of colourful umbrellas and graffiti.
When I went, I did have to wait for one group of girls to finish their photoshoot, but after that, there weren’t many people walking by. Also, this was on a Friday afternoon, so you can probably find it all for yourself by going early in the morning.
Right in front of this spot is Haliç Cafe, where you can get a nice panoramic view of the Golden Horn.
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#14 Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul: Rooftop Galata
Check out Rooftop Galata in Istanbul for an incredible rooftop experience with stunning views.
They offer professional photography and videography services that capture the beauty of the city. With panoramic views of Istanbul and seagulls flying around you, you’ll get images that truly showcase the magic of the city.
And if you want to add an extra touch to your photo session, they also have the option to rent an Ottoman-style or party dress. Visit their website for more information.
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I’ll be updating this article with new discoveries, so save it for later!
If you want to see more pictures like the ones you saw here, you can follow me on my Instagram as I keep exploring this city 🙂
Have you tried or visited one of these non-touristy things to do in Istanbul? Do you have more recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
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Wow, you captured some truly incredible shots! I haven’t been to Istanbul, but am now adding it to my list of places to visit. The view from the Hagia Sophia is gorgeous.
Istanbul has so much history. Maybe one of these days I will make it over there.
Wow! Seems like they love colors in this city. A truly instagram worth places. I would love to visit and took selfies and groupies.
I recently saw a documentary on Instanbul and it looked incredible in terms of the architecture, definitely on my must visit list.
Thank you for all info, I’m gonna used it for my trip to Istanbul 😊👍
Looks like there are quite a few places in Istanbul to take some gorgeous photos! We have been to Turkey, but didn’t make it to Istanbul, unfortunately.