Istanbul will surprise you: 8 unusual things to do for tourists

- Turkey -

In recent years, Istanbul has become one of the world's biggest transit hubs, so many travelers have already been here at least once, if not several times, even just passing through. If you're tired of looking at the same Blue Mosque or walking down Istiklal Street, I suggest checking out these 8 spots, carefully handpicked by me over years of trips to Istanbul.

Archaeological Museum

A truly massive complex of three museums located near Topkapı Palace. Here you'll find such valuable exhibits as the Sidon Sarcophagus, busts of Zeus, a statue of Ephesus, and much more. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here, since the number of exhibits is enormous.
Admission ticket price — 15€.

Try Boza in a Historic Café

In the Vefa district, Vefa Bozacısı has been operating since 1876, a historic establishment once visited by Atatürk himself. The glass he drank from can still be seen in the display case. The café serves boza: a thick, fermented, slightly sour wheat-based drink. In taste, boza actually resembles apple charlotte, especially if you add cinnamon. It's an acquired taste, but I really liked it! The place has the atmosphere of true old Istanbul. Locals still stop by just to chat with the owners.

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque instead of Hagia Sophia

It's not that I'm telling you to skip Hagia Sophia if it's your first time in Istanbul, it's definitely a must-visit. But if you don't feel like crowding in with tour groups and paying an entrance fee, Süleymaniye Mosque is a great alternative. It's more visually striking on the outside and much more spacious inside. The mosque was built by order of Suleiman the Magnificent. It's an entire complex that includes a hammam, a madrasa, a library, and a cemetery. Suleiman the Magnificent and his lawful wife Hürrem rest in the cemetery grounds.

The Aquarium in Florya

If you're worn out by the noisy, crowded city center, I recommend heading to the Florya district. There's a large aquarium here featuring various species of sharks, rays, and other sea and ocean creatures. The aquarium is divided into several climate zones, which makes exploring it especially interesting. You can walk through a transparent tunnel or take a photo with a statue of Poseidon. Kids will definitely love it. After the aquarium, you can head up to the mall, which has restaurants with views of the Sea of Marmara.

Kınalıada Island

Kınalıada is one of the four islands in the Princes' Islands archipelago, often overlooked by tourists. The island stands out for its reddish rocks (which is how it got its name). There are no cars here, and you might spot chickens and roosters wandering the streets. The island itself is quite small — you can walk around it in about two hours. Unlike Büyükada (the archipelago's largest and most popular island), there's no rush or crowd here, which is exactly why I prefer Kınalıada: it feels authentic and picturesque, and you can watch local life unfold at its own pace.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Located on the waterfront in the Karaköy district. The building itself is a work of art: its façade of sculptural aluminum panels changes color depending on the light. A creation by the great Renzo Piano! Inside is a collection of Turkish and international contemporary art from the 1940s to today: paintings, photography, art installations. I recommend going up to the museum's rooftop: it's become a favorite spot for hundreds of seagulls, another symbol of Istanbul. There's barely room to move, but the views of the Bosphorus on a clear day are breathtaking!

Çamlıca Tower

One of the tallest TV towers in Europe. It's located in the Asian side of Istanbul, atop a 200-meter hill, so getting here is a solid workout for your legs. From a height of over 300 meters, you get a view of the entire city. On clear days, you can even spot a sliver of the Black Sea. It's a great alternative to the observation deck at Istanbul Sapphire, if you've already been there.

Aviation Museum

A spot for aviation and technology enthusiasts like me. The museum is located right next to the old Atatürk Airport. Ticket price is around 600 TL for adults (the rate for foreigners is higher). The museum features some fairly rare exhibits, such as the Sud Aviation Caravelle and a DC-4 you can even walk inside. A big plus is that there are never many visitors, so you can take your time examining the exhibits from every angle in detail.

Istanbul is a loud, colorful city (and now, an expensive one too). But there's something about it that stays with you, especially if you step away from the tourist spots into quiet corners, into some cozy, historic little café. It's a completely different atmosphere!
If you'd like to discover a new side of Istanbul, I highly recommend visiting the places listed in this article. Especially Vefa Bozacısı!