Galata Tower rose above the city like a silent guardian, and climbing to the top revealed a view that felt almost dreamlike. The narrow stone staircase opened into a balcony where the entire skyline of Istanbul stretched out in every direction—mosques with soaring minarets, the Bosphorus shimmering in the sunlight, and streets buzzing with life far below. A cool breeze brushed past while watching boats drift across the water and hearing the distant hum of the city. Standing there, surrounded by history and a breathtaking panorama, created a moment that felt both peaceful and unforgettable.

Great and worthy visit. Surprisingly but typically expensive for tourists, as are most of the Istanbul landmarks. Best Istanbul views though. Queue not so bad out of season. It has a Lift !!!! Didn't see it mentioned anywhere but allows access for all which was a plus.

Galata tower which has 8 floors offers a very good panoramic view of Istanbul. When you go up the tower you should be able to see historical places such as Hagia Sophia, Maiden’s Tower, Blue Mosque, Aqueduct of Valens etc. in the context of the city. The tickets to view the tower were not expensive and it was affordable. The tower consists of a museum also that you can check out. This is a must place to visit if you are around Istanbul.

Nice views, but probably not worth €30 for the basic ticket. Takes cards. Elevator to 6th floor, then 2 flights to the open observation deck. They prefer you to take stairs down. Some museum exhibits on the way down, plus a gift shop.

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the Genoese in 1348, it served as an observation tower, lighthouse, and even a prison. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction thanks to its observation deck offering stunning views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and the entire city. Be prepared for long lines to buy a ticket to enter the tower and to get to the tower itself.

Completed in 1348. Built by Genoese as the Tower of Christ, it was the tallest building in the city: 219.5 ft (66.9 m). You can see an awesome light show projected on the tower at night although could be quite crowded at this time to take a decent picture.

The day we went, there were a lot of people lining up to go up the tower, and since we didn’t have much time, we couldn’t go up. When taking photos on the street, be careful of cars! The waiting area near Galata Tower smells of urine and cigarette smoke. If you want to go up Galata Tower, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance. There are also many nice cafés around the area.

Wonderful mosque. Definitely worth visiting – a truly memorable experience. It’s located a bit higher up, so you need to climb a little to reach it, but it’s absolutely worth it – the view of Istanbul from the entrance is breathtaking. The mosque itself is stunning and impressively large, yet much less crowded than the others. The roof and interior decorations are absolutely beautiful. One of the most beautiful sights of Istanbul.

A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and peace in the heart of Istanbul. Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most beautiful and serene places I’ve visited in Istanbul. The architecture is stunning — grand yet peaceful — with breathtaking views of the Golden Horn from the courtyard. Compared to the busier Blue Mosque, this one feels calmer and more spiritual, allowing you to truly take in its beauty and history. The interiors are simple but elegant, and the call to prayer echoing through the domes is something you won’t forget. Don’t miss the gardens and the tombs of Sultan Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan located nearby. A must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Istanbul’s soul beyond the crowds.

One of Istanbul’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Süleymaniye Mosque combines incredible Ottoman architecture with a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The mosque itself is beautifully preserved and much quieter than Sultanahmet, offering a calm and spiritual experience. Just behind the mosque, the Süleymaniye Tepesi viewpoint is perfect for watching the sunset or enjoying tea with a view, a true hidden gem in the heart of Istanbul. A must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

Süleymaniye is one of the impressive mosques that form part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Fatih District and is open from around 9am to 6pm for visits outside of the the five daily prayer times. Entry is free, proper attire is required. Shoes need to be removed prior to entry as well. You can leave them outside the mosque entrance or take them with you and place them in one of the long shoe racks inside the main prayer hall. Historically, Süleymaniye was constructed in the 1550s and is a fine example of Ottoman architecture, blending Byzantine features including the 53-metre tall dome alongside traditional minarets and intricate Islamic interior layout and ornamentation. It is an attractive mosque to visit and far less crowded than what you will experience at the Blue Mosque. The exterior of Süleymaniye Mosque and the walled in garden grounds make for a relaxing place to spend a bit of time as well. Within you will also find the mausoleums of 16th-century Sultan Suleiman (known as Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent) and his wife, Hurrem Sultan, these are also fine examples of Ottoman architecture and make for impressive places to see while spending time within the mosque grounds.

Süleymaniye Mosque is truly one of a kind, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that the empire can be proud of, designed by the great imperial architect Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557 during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The mosque stands as one of Sinan’s finest works, perfectly balancing grandeur and simplicity. Its vast central dome, graceful minarets, and harmonious proportions create a sense of peace and majesty that captures the spirit of the Ottoman golden age. The view from the mosque’s courtyard is absolutely breathtaking, offering a stunning panorama over the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul. The entire complex (külliye), which also included schools, a hospital, a library, and public baths, reflects the cultural, spiritual, and architectural vision of the Ottoman Empire at its height.

Very nice historical place. Woman should wear scarf and trousers if she need to go inside. Park in the area is nice. I am not sure about the tickets, but I didn’t buy anything like this 😊

Lovely grounds and a good view over the city and river. Beautiful stained glass windows and Dome. Doesn't take long to see the inside. Free to enter. VERY steep road leading up to it depending which way to come from.

The Grand Bazaar is a major attraction in Istanbul. It is one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets dating back to 1461 when established under the reign of Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror). For centuries European and Asian traders have made this an active marketplace, selling all manner of goods within a honeycomb of linked hallways lined with venders and shops. Today there are supposedly 4000 shops here. Within, sections are dedicated to different items such as leather, carpets, jewellery, ceramics, local crafts and modern day souvenirs. We recently visited and found the shopkeepers and touts to be considerably more gentle than 30 years ago, clearly much to do with the vast increase in tourism traffic. The shops and market on the whole had a much more touristic feel as well. Still made for a fun hour or so of browsing hallways, streets and shops. Be ready to haggle on prices if you find something of interest and don't hesitate to shop around. You will find a lot of the same items being sold from one shop to another unless you are looking for unique carpets, jewellery and ceramic purchases. You can easily combine a visit to the Grand Bazaar with visits to popular attractions such as the nearby Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. For a more authentic market experience, consider making time to visit the Egyptian (Spice) Market while in the area as well. It has more of a look and feel of the old days compared to what you will experience at the Grand Bazaar now.

This is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, a true labyrinth full of history. Admission is free. Construction began in the 15th century, and walking through its dozens of internal "streets" is a unique experience. It is an incredibly busy place, with an intense flow of people and vendors trying to get your attention. It's paradise for buying souvenirs, especially ceramics, scarves, colorful Turkish lamps, and jewelry. Most larger shops accept credit cards, but to get good discounts (bargaining is a must!) or to buy from smaller stalls, having cash is essential.

Touristy but historic! The Grand Bazaar is iconic and full of energy, but be prepared for higher prices. Most souvenirs, tea, coffee, and baklava can be found outside the bazaar for much cheaper. It’s fun to wander through the colorful stalls and soak in the historic atmosphere, but bargain hard if you plan to buy anything. Great for the experience and photos, but not always the best place to shop smartly.

The Grand Bazaar is a must if you want to make a good deal in leather, silk or gold. But there is much more than that. Spices, souvenirs, t-shirts and all you might need. Some place are really expensive but it is possible to find minor local shops where it is more than possible to make a good deal on the price. Don't be rude but fair and you will be treated very wel. l

Visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is an experience unlike any other a vibrant blend of history, culture, color, and energy that captures the soul of the city. As soon as you step inside, you’re transported into a world that has been thriving for centuries. With its maze of interconnected corridors, arched ceilings, and beautifully decorated passageways, the Grand Bazaar feels like a living museum where tradition and craftsmanship continue to flourish. The sheer size of the bazaar is incredible. With thousands of shops offering everything from handmade carpets and ceramics to jewelry, textiles, leather goods, spices, and souvenirs, it’s easy to spend hours wandering without even noticing the time. Each shop seems to hold its own unique charm, and the variety ensures there is truly something for everyone, whether you’re a serious shopper or simply curious to explore. What makes the Grand Bazaar especially fascinating is its atmosphere. It’s lively and bustling, yet surprisingly welcoming. The shopkeepers are friendly, enthusiastic, and often eager to share stories about their products or offer a cup of tea. While bargaining is part of the culture here, it’s usually done with good humour and adds to the overall experience. Even if you don’t plan on buying much, interacting with the vendors can be just as enjoyable as browsing the goods. Despite the hustle, the bazaar is well organized and relatively easy to navigate once you get your bearings. The architecture itself is beautiful, with ornate details and historic touches that remind you of the bazaar’s long legacy as one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Overall, the Grand Bazaar is an absolute must-visit in Istanbul. It offers a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, culture, and adventure. A place where every corner has something to discover and every visit feels unique.

The Grand Bazaar is a must see for its historic architecture and wide range of shops. There are many gates through which visitors can enter, after walking through a metal detector. Shops sell most items a tourist may find attractive in Turkey. This includes jewellery, clothes, handbags, carpets, ceramics, and much more. You can also change money at several places and some of them offer the best rates in Istanbul. When shopping, remember to shop around as prices can start high and eventually come down. I feel that they set the prices depending where you come from, so that’s the most asked question. “Where are you from?”Once they know you’re a foreigner they will likely start with a higher price. Overall, the walk around the Bazaar is very interesting and almost like walking through a museum. Use the maps on your phone to try and locate where you are, as the different alleyways can be confusing. Enjoy.

The market was a great place for shopping. You can find cheap and expensive stuff there. You will find anything and everything from art luxury wear. We had a great experience at a dry fruits seller who accidentally charged us TRY 3500 instead of 350. He himself came to us and got the balance amount sorted. A great gesture. You can bargain a little. Price tags are flexible.

Very beautiful. It can be a bit crowded but you can still get high quality photos. Lots of attention needing Instagram folks there but you can get around that. Love the lights that light up the waterways. Gives you a great of how vast this was even though it’s just a small section. Really makes you appreciate the pure knowledge and dedication of the Roman Empire. Definitely a must do experience in Istanbul. Get your tickets in advance!

I think this is a place that should be visited. It is impressive, massive, and it truly makes you wonder how such a structure was built so long ago. Pay attention to timing — go early in the morning or later in the evening if you don’t want to move through the crowds like cattle. It gets very busy, but the experience is worth it. You don’t need to pre-book tickets or wait in long lines; there are ticket machines available on site.

Breathtaking place to visit. Light changing colours may seem a little awkward but nice. If you're a photo enthusiast you will find a good place to practice. Maybe the most iconic columns are guarded by a not-so-nice guy who's hurrying people with an annoying whistle. Entrance is around 3.000 TL per person. But it's worth the price.

Must go when in Turkey. There’s 2 other cisterns nearby that is less popular with cheaper entry too to visit. But this one is quite spectacular. The way the walkway is laid out is good too as you make your way above the water level to the exit. Keep a lookout for Medusa and try not to stare into her eyes, less you become one with the cistern. In stone. It is recommended to buy tickets before hand to skip the line which could take more than an hour to enter. The only line you have to do is the security check and it is even more cheaper if you buy the combo skip the line tickets with Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. The walkway is dry so no special shoes needed. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair access.

Built in the VI century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The largest of such cisterns in Istanbul. Obviously don't miss the Medusa-head column bases and the column of tears. It's very popular and crowded so you will have to catch a moment to take a decent picture. Strongly suggest buying the 'skip the line' tickets upfront: otherwise you will wait in a long line.

Basilica Cistern is a large underground water reservoir constructed in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian to supply water for the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul) near Sultanahmet. It was forgotten and lost in history for several centuries until being rediscovered in the 16th century. Now it is a major sightseeing attraction in the city that can be visited daily from 9am to 6.30pm and then again from 7.30pm to 10pm for night visits and events. We purchased tickets online before visiting using the PASSO website recommended on the TA Istanbul forums. Ticket price is 350 TRY for locals and 1500 TRY for foreign visitors. Importantly, online purchase doesn't require a tour or any sort. You book and use the QR code sent for direct and independent visits. On the day, we visited there was a pretty long queue of tourists in the ticket purchase queue. We walked straight in with the online ticket purchase. What you find is a large cavernous underground reservoir with shallow clear waters occasionally lit up with colourful lights that help make for neat photographs. The cistern's vaulted ceiling is held up by 336 columns many of which were repurposed from other Roman buildings. Two in particular are quite famous having based carved to resemble the head of Medusa. You walk on wooden platforms around the cistern in a counter clockwise direction. In addition to the columns, you will see a handful of installations with in the cistern. The air within is cool and you will occasionally be hit with falling water drops, all part of the dreamy, somewhat magical like experience of walking through the Basilica Cistern. Allow 20-45 minutes depending on how much you are enjoying your time during your visit.

A cool little experience. You can see old Sumarian columns that have been repurposed to support the city above. On this tour you will see the 2 famous Medusa heads. As you probably already know. This used to be a cistern to supply water to the city. If you buy tickets online. You do not have to wait in line. This is the option I recommend. When I arrived, after lunch. There was a mid sized queue. But it moved fairly quickly. I probably waited 15 minutes. Before I was able to purchase a ticket and take the tour.

I enjoyed walking through the park. It is very close to the most interesting sites in Istanbul and it is refreshing to visit it after visiting buildings and museums around. There is a small caffe inside with very nice ambient. But I think the park lacks a little variety as far as the the natural elements like flowers and trees are concerned. All in all worth visiting.

Beautiful - a piece of paradise away from the tourist crowds. We really enjoyed simply walking through the park and enjoying the cool shade of the trees, and the relative peace. It was so refreshing to visit after the various nearby tourist sights. There is a small caffe inside with very nice ambient.

This park wasn't on my list to go to in Istanbul but my curiosity lead me there and boy how unlucky those who didn't give this park a chance, no entry fees, no scammers, no noise, only birds, fountains and calm spaces. When I reached the Goths pillar I just sat and relaxed like never before. By far the best place I visited in Istanbul

This is a really nice public park in the immediate west and north of Topkapi Palace. It is one of the largest and oldest urban parks in the city making use of the previous outer garden of the Palace which were transformed and opened to the public in 1912. What you find today is a walled in park with tall mature trees providing shaded walking and resting grounds lined with flowerbeds and park benches. There are statues, sculptures, museums, ancient cistern and other ruins, playground areas, a few cafes, public toilets and plenty of leisurely space to relax and enjoy some quite time after sightseeing at the Palace or other nearby attractions. The park is open throughout the day and evening and is free to enter.

Gülhane Parkı is absolutely amazing! It’s so clean, peaceful, and beautifully maintained. The gardens are full of vibrant colors, and the walking paths make it perfect for a relaxing stroll. One of the most beautiful and refreshing spots in Istanbul to unwind and enjoy nature.

Beautiful park with clean paths, plenty of trees, and relaxing benches. Perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic with friends. Safe, quiet, and well-maintained — a great escape from the city noise.

🌳 Gülhane Parkı is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Istanbul. Located right next to Topkapı Palace, this historic park offers beautifully maintained gardens, shaded walking paths, and stunning views of the Bosphorus. It’s ideal for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or simply taking a break from the city’s hustle. The atmosphere is serene, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the greenery. The park is clean, family-friendly, and features several cafes and benches. Springtime is especially magical when the tulips are in bloom. Highly recommended for nature lovers and anyone looking to relax while exploring the historic peninsula. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's the heart of Istanbul, full of people and life during most of the day. When we went, we saw local fishermen have stalls selling freshly caught fish on the road. We went for that instead of all the fancy places just nearby. Its6a beautiful place to stand and spend some time doing absolutely nothing.

In the centre of the city. It’s very lively. Take a walk over it and see the fishing going on on both sides. You can get nice view of the city from here. There are restaurants under the bridge.

It’s the true culture of Istanbul, the old guys fishing the cheap shops in the underground on the entrances Surprisingly, there’s parking on the street and I saw it always available like buses could pull up and people get out. Take pictures and get back in. I had my last meal in Istanbul underneath and it was fantastic I stayed pretty close so it was a great place to people watch and or just jump on a ferry and go to the other side for a ride. There’s ferrys on all four corners of the bridge. Great place to hang out in Istanbul

We came here at night and got to see a beautiful view of Istanbul after dark — it has a different kind of charm. It’s nice to walk around and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. We just learned that people in Istanbul really love fishing — day or night, and most of them actually catch something! Highly recommend taking a walk here.

The Galata Bridge is a hustling, bustling part of what makes Istanbul a great city. Sweeping vistas of all sides of the city. Tourists mingling with residents, fisherman plying their craft. Locals dining at restaurants below the main road deck. Beggars. Water taxis shuttling people across the Golden Horn. The sounds of people and traffic. The smell of fish, the water and endless vehicles. The lights. The daily calls to prayer. The history of the city all laid out in a living and breathing tapestry.

It’s one of the famous bridges in Istanbul. The vibe is really different. You will find a lot of people and tourists walking from one side to another. It’s densely crowded during sunset because people want to capture pictures. Also, you will always find people fishing under the bridge. So yeah, it has some character. I highly recommend walking from one end to the other. Also, you can capture really nice picture of Galata tower from here.

A walk crossing the bridge is a must, also it is very easy and the views are once of the best, very busy, also a few food options down, but I wasn’t sure if was the place to eat, but definitely the view, you must take a walk across the bride.

STAY AWAY This place is the definition of a tourist trap. No prices displayed anywhere. The “authentic food” looks and tastes like it came straight from a canteen. The quality is mediocre, yet they hand you an outrageous bill at the end, charging you absurd prices for the most basic dishes. We paid nearly 90€ for this

I came here at a friend’s invitation and ordered the döner over rice. The portion came with rice, döner, a small side of fries, and a piece of flatbread. The döner and rice were quite oily and just average in flavor. The fries seemed freshly fried but had likely been sitting for a bit, so they were soft. It’s a place you could stop by to experience the local atmosphere, but it doesn’t really offer a standout taste worth going out of your way for.

Ok, so we’ve being touring the Grand Bazaar for 2 hours and need a coffee break. We come across Havuzlu by chance. The restaurant has a good look to it and there is a guy on the patio drinking a regular looking coffee - ‘Londonesque’ style - could be in a Nero. Being touristy looking we can only have a coffee upstairs. Perfect in every way! Not too busy and the coffee was divine. Beware of the treats - zero pressure but the chocs etc sell themselves. The staff were super friendly and efficient. After a kerfuffle I was told in no uncertain terms they do not take a service charge so that’s ok too but they certainly deserved it. We exhausted almost every avenue in the bazaar and went back for the same again and each time got excellent service. 2 x cappuccino = TL 356.

SCAM!! THIS PLACE IS A TOURIST TRAP. AVOID! Sad to see people getting caught in this scam after reading a few positive reviews. Urge you to read more before going to this place. The food is quite bad. They don't show you the prices in the start. Just lead you to a glass window to pick up food. The food costs ARE HIGHER THAN WHAT WE'VE PAID IN ALL OF TURKEY!! They stick you with a large bill in the end. AVOID. RUN AS FAR AWAY AS YOU CAN. I hope this reaches as many people as possible!

Lovely restaurant, they show you the options before you are seated, the servers were enthusiastic and helpful and gave us free tea and dessert would definitely recommend, food felt very authentic.

Sadly, I must say tourists beware. Although this is authentic Turkish food, the prices are not posted. They take you to a glass case and select what you want. I am confident that in Turkiye 2 people can eat for less than 83 dollars, anywhere. Again, they should not take advantage of the people whom they count on to make a living. And my wife said the food was not that great, may have been authentic, but make good choices.

It is a really authentic Ottoman style restaurant. If you are in the Grand Bazaar, it is a must to take a little break from the shopping and enjoy the amazing food that holds centuries of history. I really recommend trying the “Kadayıflı Kuzu İncik” (lambs shank with kadayıf) that is served only on Wednesdays and Saturdays and for the desert Kemalpasa. If you want a simpler option, döner was also really tasty. Even tough the place is very touristic, many of the locals prefer there to enjoy the tasty food and nice atmosphere.

I have been visiting Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta every year since 2017, and it has always been a must-stop for me whenever I come to Istanbul. Their köfte is consistently delicious, full of flavor, and perfectly cooked – it’s the highlight of my visits. The place has a special charm that keeps bringing me back year after year. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that the prices are not fixed and have changed quite a bit over the years. Despite that, the taste and quality of the food remain reliable, and for me, it’s still worth it for the authentic experience. A true Istanbul classic for anyone who loves good köfte.

This place is truly a gem in this area flooded with tourist traps. We tried both the kofte (meatballs) and lamb kebab — both were delicious and well-cooked although the lamb kebab was slightly underseasoned. We ended up ordering more kofte to enjoy with the pilaf and bean salad. Simple but absolutely satisfying meal!

During our visit to Turkey, I found that the local meat often had a strong flavor, I wasn’t sure if it was due to the spices or the type of meat used. However, the meat served here had a milder and more balanced taste that my husband and I really enjoyed. As tourists, we wanted to try traditional köfte, and this place truly delivered. The dish was well-prepared, flavorful, and definitely worth trying for anyone looking to experience authentic Turkish cuisine

I ordered the grilled lamb with Pilaf rice - OMG it was super delicious The lentil soup was so yummy too - squeezed some lemon and sprinkled some salt. It was truly a satisfying meal and I was indeed so happy. Now I can go back to my hotel and rest after a wonderful meal I was even lucky to be given a slice of semolina cake by one of the staff. Super friendly staff and good service. The menu is simple and easy to order for tourists

First time trying Turkish meatballs, I enjoyed them, they were tasty and aromatic. Service was great too, we ordered one sharing plate and they proactively split it into two for us.

This place is clearly popular and sits in a prime spot right by the main attraction, but the food felt overpriced. It was €10 for a small plate of meat and every add on was charged separately. The meat tasted ordinary and nothing really stood out. The complimentary bread was dry and seemed like it had been sitting too long. Service felt chaotic with little attention to guests. Overall it was not a pleasant dining experience and felt more like a basic food court than a restaurant at this price point.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is an absolute gem for anyone wanting to experience authentic Turkish köfte in a historic setting. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a no-fuss, old-school atmosphere that lets the food speak for itself — and it truly delivers. The köfte are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and grilled to perfection. The simplicity of the menu is what makes it brilliant — they’ve been doing the same thing for over a century, and they’ve mastered it. The accompanying white bean salad (piyaz) and fresh bread round out the meal beautifully. Service is fast, efficient, and friendly, even when the restaurant is packed (which it often is!). Prices are reasonable, and the quality is consistently excellent. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Sultanahmet or a local craving a nostalgic bite, this place is a must-visit. It’s not just a meal — it’s part of Istanbul’s culinary history.

Very good mezzes in a calm atmosphere, but very expensive. It's the only restaurant serving high quality typical lokanta fare and mezzes anywhere near Galata tower. The eggplant, shakshuka, smoked eggplant dip, yogurt with peppers, etc is all pretty good. In my opinion it's also very overpriced, but that's the neighborhood. I'd really recommend it for tourists to try the other half of Turkish food with all its excellent vegetarian options.

Dined here and ordered take outs with my family (including 2 kids) for a couple of times during our week-long stay in Istanbul. We liked here coz of the proximity from our apartment and their foods taste like home-cooked foods — a rightful escape from meats, kebaps and doners around Istanbul. They serve both vegan and non-vegan types. Price is right, portions are generous and the place is cozy. They accept cash (Turkish Lira only) and cards. Highly recommended!

Amazing, authentic Turkish food. Done almost in a cafeteria style but elegantly plated and you can pick and choose your dishes. Great ambience and service. Food is delicious, fresh and affordable. Would definitely come back to this place. A hidden gem of a lunch spot. Get the soup.

Well pleased with this golden gem of a place. Real authentic and mostly of all the vegan options were outstanding. A+++ for everything. Clean tidy plus really friendly staff. She was well happy to guide me for vegan dishes. Price is good and I’ll happily pay for quality over quantity. I will be back again before leaving. Amazing thank you.

Our Airbnb host recommended this place for vegetarian and traditional mezes plates. We were a group of 10 and it was perfect for sharing delicious plates. Lovely ambiance and wonderful location just around the corner from the Galata Tower. Highly recommend for an enjoyable and filling meal at an affordable price.

Galata Kitchen is a cozy little place with delicious homemade Turkish dishes. Everything tastes fresh and authentic, and the staff are always warm and welcoming. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels like eating at someone’s home. Definitely a hidden gem in the Galata area—highly recommended!

I had a delicious, nutritious, Turkish lunch here. I liked being able to pick out my meal from the counter. The staff were very welcoming and helpful in recommending dishes. I had the chicken which came with rice, mashed potatoes, and salad. I also ordered two appetizers which were served with bread.

We had Breakfast buffet here and it was delightful. There was a buffet style that had many options as well as a good egg selection. Sevgi was really nice and helped us with service. Very attentive and kind smile. The view is stunning. You have an upper floor view of Old University.

We made reservations for my friend's birthday, but we decided to show up a bit earlier and they were able to get us in. We had the Chef's tasting menu and it was absolutely amazing. The staff was extremely friendly, accommodating, and consciencious. Everything was delightful. They even brought out a cake and sang happy birthday with us. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to return someday. Thank you all very much!

10/10! My family and I had an amazing dining experience at Matbah! The food was absolutely delicious and bursting with authentic flavors. Every dish was clearly made with care and attention to detail. The ambiance was equally impressive: beautifully designed, warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a lovely meal. What truly stood out was the exceptional hospitality. The staff were incredibly welcoming, attentive and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for delicious local Turkish cuisine and a memorable atmosphere!

Fabulous lunch with a wonderful view, in a beautiful old building. The food was delicious - the fish and quail were perfectly cooked and presented. The service with a smile was perfect too - warm, professional and quick. And great touches like the complimentary amuse bouche, Turkish coffee and the little gifts. Totally worth the price.

Matbah is a hidden gem restaurant in walking distance of Hagia Sophia in beautiful Istanbul. From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel at home, especially Sevgi, with her great personality and big smile. The setup is fantastic - the terrace has a stunning view of the neighborhood and a lovely breeze. All the dishes were cooked fresh, and our faves were the lamb shank, super tasty!and the various mezze appetizers. The chef even offered us complimentary baba ganoush, gorgeous! and dessert that left us feeling full and super satisfied. Lovely restaurant, and we're not surprised it's listed by the Michelin guide. We'll definitely be back and recommend it!

Our hotel Levnin recommended! When we arrived there we found out that it was a Michelin restaurant 😍! We tried appetizers and desert as we don’t usually eat that much at night and it was full of flavors! Really nice and yummi experience! We even got a souvenir and the stuff is really kind and helpful! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Michelin star restaurant definitely comes with pricy menu, yet very unique dishes inspired by old Turkish food. Service was amazing and atmosphere was excellent.