Istanbul

Çekirdek Kahve · Montag Coffee Roasters · Coffee Manifesto +3

Kadıköy's third-wave coffee scene, from the roaster credited with starting it to newer micro-roasteries scattered through Moda, Yeldeğirmeni, and the Suadiye side streets.

Neolokal · Mikla · Çiya Sofrası +3

A cross-neighborhood spread of Istanbul's most talked-about kitchens, from Michelin-recognized modern Turkish tasting menus to century-old meyhane classics.

Beyti · Çiya Kebap · Borsam Taşfırın +4

The counters, grills, and stands Istanbul locals actually queue at, spanning döner, kokoreç, lahmacun, and the city's most storied köfte counter.

Reks Kokoreç · Moda Midyecisi · Pilav Arabası +4

Kadıköy's street-food scene runs from charcoal kokoreç stalls and bucket-service mussel carts near Moda to a decades-old lahmacun bakery and simit ovens in Yeldeğirmeni.

Yeldeğirmeni · Müze Gazhane · Akmar Pasajı +3

Lesser-known Kadıköy spots away from its busy cafe strip, spanning street art, a museum, a park, and old book arcades.

Museum of Innocence · Şerefiye Cistern · Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı +3

Museums, a working hamam, a quiet park, and a Byzantine cistern that stay well below the crowd levels of Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

Hagia Sophia · Topkapi Palace · Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) +7

Landmarks, markets, and a Bosphorus boat trip across Istanbul's historic peninsula and both shores, confirmed open as of August 2026.

Gülhane Park · Emirgan Park · Yıldız Park +4

Public parks and a protected forest spanning Istanbul's historic peninsula, Bosphorus shore, and Asian side.