Istanbul / 20 photo spots
20 Instagram spots around Istanbul
Palaces, market halls and waterside landmarks add different views to an Istanbul photo itinerary. These ten places extend the original selection across the city.
The first 10 photo spots
Minarets, straits and lanes that climb in every direction: Istanbul rewards cameras that keep walking. These 10 spots are the highlights.
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Photo spots on the map
11 of 20 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Süleymaniye MosqueSourced place
- Ortaköy MosqueSourced place
- BalatApproximate area
- Grand BazaarApproximate area
- Topkapı PalaceApproximate area
- Basilica CisternSourced place
- Maiden’s TowerSourced place
- Spice BazaarApproximate area
- İstanbul ModernSourced place
- Gülhane ParkApproximate area
- Galata BridgeSourced place
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Süleymaniye Mosque
A hilltop mosque complex with courtyards and Golden Horn views. The rear terrace is the quiet viewpoint.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Ortaköy Mosque
A small waterfront mosque under the bridge. Evening shots pair the lit mosque with the bridge lights.
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Umbrella road
A Karakoy lane shaded by hanging umbrellas. Look straight up for the canopy pattern.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Galata tower
The medieval tower over the old-city rooftops. Shoot it from the surrounding streets, then go up for the panorama.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Balat
Colored houses, steep lanes and the rainbow staircase. Mornings keep the popular corners empty.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Blue Mosque
Six minarets outside, blue tilework inside. Visit outside prayer times and dress modestly.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Dolmabahçe palace
A waterfront palace of the late Ottoman sultans on the European shore. The gates and the shore facade are the exterior shots.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Hagia Sofia
A Byzantine dome of vast scale with mosaics and high windows. Morning light through the windows is the bonus.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Grand Bazaar
A covered maze of lanes, lamps and carpets. The arched ceilings photograph as well as the goods.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Secret Rooftop
A rooftop terrace with old-town views, known as the secret roof. Entry carries a small fee, so check current prices on site.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was home to Ottoman sultans on Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Look for a composition that places its architecture within the larger palace setting, then isolate an entrance or architectural detail for a closer view.
Search Google MapsBasilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a former underground water reservoir supported by rows of columns. For a photograph, use those repeated vertical lines to give the space depth, and pay attention to how the dim light changes the scene.
Search Google MapsMaiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower stands on a small islet near Üsküdar in the Bosphorus. Photograph it from the shore and leave water around the tower, or include a passing boat when one enters the frame.
Search Google MapsSpice Bazaar
The covered Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is known for stalls selling spices, dried fruit and other foods. Look for colour contrasts in a small group of goods, or frame a wider scene that shows the market setting.
Search Google MapsRumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress stands on the European shore of the Bosphorus, with towers and fortified walls above the water. A wider exterior view can show the relationship between the stone structure and the strait.
Search Google Mapsİstiklal Street
İstiklal Street runs through Beyoğlu between Taksim and Tünel, past buildings and passages. Use the street’s length for a leading line. If the red tram comes into view, it can become the focal point.
Search Google Mapsİstanbul Modern
İstanbul Modern occupies a Renzo Piano Building Workshop design on the Karaköy waterfront. Treat the museum as an architectural subject and include the water in a wider view to show where the building stands.
Search Google MapsGülhane Park
Gülhane Park was once the outer garden of Topkapı Palace. Look for seasonal flowers along the paths and use a bed of roses or tulips as the foreground of a photograph when they are in bloom.
Search Google Mapsİstanbul Archaeological Museums
The İstanbul Archaeological Museums are set within the garden of the Topkapı Palace complex. Use the museum building as an exterior subject and keep some of its setting in the frame to distinguish the location.
Search Google MapsGalata Bridge
The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn between Eminönü and Beyoğlu. Frame the water and the skyline from the bridge, or photograph the bridge itself from the waterfront for a different view of its setting.
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