20+ Instagrammable Places in Istanbul – 2024 Photography Guide!

If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul you’ve come to the right place. 

Istanbul is one of my favourite cities on the planet as there is so much amazing history and culture to absorb.

It’s the only country that straddles two continents of Europe and Asia so it has an incredibly diverse culture.

You can immerse yourself in majestic palaces, historic mosques, bustling bazaars, colourful houses and boat rides on the Bosphorus. 

Here is a complete Istanbul photography guide with the prettiest locations and the best times to visit. 

Note: This post was originally written a few years ago but has now had a well-needed update as the city has changed and so have I. But, I’ve left some of my original photos for nostalgia. I just can’t let them go! 

Best Instagrammable places in Istanbul 

1. Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square is without a doubt one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

This area has gorgeous photo opportunities of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the central fountain and the Obelisk of Theodosius. 

My favourite part of this square is the views you get of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque from the pathways that are lined with ornate lamps and flowers.

Make sure to treat yourself to some freshly baked Simit from the stalls here. It’s a sesame seed bread ring.

Not only are they delicious but you can also capture the attractions through the gap in the middle. It’s a win-win!

Best time to visit: this area gets incredibly busy and I would be here around sunrise for the best chance of photos without people in the backdrop. By 9 am, it’s flooded with tour groups. 

2. Hagia Sophia

You really cannot leave Istanbul without stepping inside the Hagia Sophia, a religious building with a tumultuous history since the Eastern Roman Empire.

It’s been several churches, a mosque, a church-museum and now is officially the Grand Mosque. So, you’ll find lots of influences from Christianity and Islam inside.

Very recently, they have started charging tourists to visit (€25) and there are usually huge queues at the entrance for tickets and security. 

Tourists can only visit the upper part of the Grand Mosque now too but this does mean it’s quite empty for photos.

There are several places in the upper gallery where you can take photos of yourself with the vaulted archways and chandeliers in the backdrop. 

But, the real treasures are the decorated domed ceilings, Islamic symbols and ancient mosaics from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. 

As it’s an active mosque, women will need to cover their heads so make sure to bring a scarf with you or you’ll need to rent one. Everyone can keep their shoes on while visiting the upper floor.

Anyone who identifies as Muslim can visit the bottom floor without paying during prayer hours.

The best time to visit: Now that you have to go through a tourist entrance and queue for both tickets and security, I’d recommend being in line around 30 minutes before opening time. Avoid Fridays as they close throughout the day for prayers. 

3. Topkapi Palace 

The magical Topkapi Palace is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul with its stunning staterooms, harem, panoramic views and courtyards. 

This residence was the official seat of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s until the Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1856. 

It was originally founded by Sultan Mehmed II (The Conqueror) and was expanded by his successors over time. 

It has four courtyards, two welcome gates and over 400 rooms including an extensive harem, presentation hall, library, kitchens and a mosque containing holy relics! 

The prettiest part of the palace is the Harem and this requires an extra fee to visit but it is so worth it. Nearly every room and passageway is decorated in pretty tiles and the throne room is breathtaking.

You can’t take tripods into the palace but weirdly enough selfie sticks are allowed?! I managed well enough by asking other nice tourists to help me!

The best time to visit: go for opening time to get your ticket and then go straight into the Harem. No one else does this and I’ve always explored the Harem by myself for at least 20 minutes every time I’ve been. 

4. Blue Mosque 

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the prettiest temples in the entire city.

It was constructed in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire and is still a working mosque today.

You can get some great photos near the walkways of Sultanahmet Square and the benches directly outside.

Also, you can get some great photos from the ablution courtyard directly out the front. This is accessed via a separate gateway and you can usually access this without queuing to go inside.

If you thought the outside was stunning, just wait until you see the inside! The details and patterns on the domed ceilings are outstanding. 

The Blue Mosque is free to visit and is open to visitors throughout the day outside of praying hours. 

Your shoes must be taken off and women must cover their heads with a scarf. Also, mini skirts or shorts can’t be worn.

If you aren’t dressed appropriately, you can borrow a (rather unattractive) skirt and scarf at the entrance of the mosque.

Once inside, you can take lots of gorgeous photos of the ornate interiors but remember not to photograph those at prayer. 

The best time to visit: It’s open 24 hours a day for prayers. But, if you’re a visitor, I’d go for tourist opening time around 8.30 am. The courtyard may open slightly earlier. Note that this mosque closes during prayer times.  

5. Seven Hills Restaurant 

If you’re looking for a restaurant with magical views in Sultanahmet then look no further than Seven Hills Restaurant.

They have a panoramic terrace that overlooks Sultanahmet Square with unrestricted views over the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. 

It’s the perfect place for photos and they even have a dedicated area where you can capture your visit without disturbing those eating.

You can dine on freshly caught seafood from the Marmara Sea or a traditional Turkish breakfast whilst overlooking historic monuments like the Topkapi Palace. 

Also, you can see boats sailing down the mighty Bosphorus Strait with views over towards the Galata Tower. It’s a great place to fill up for a day of sightseeing in Sultanahmet.

The best time to visit: I’d visit at opening time for breakfast for a calmer experience. Sunset is gorgeous but the terrace can be packed at this time!

6. Basilica Cistern

One of my favourite attractions in Istanbul is the mysterious Basilica Cistern which can be found beneath the streets of Sultanahmet.

Many call this cistern the Subterranean Palace. It was built in the 6th century by Emperor Constantine and then expanded by Emperor Justinian. 

It was filled with water once upon a time and would provide water to the Imperial Palace of the Byzantine rulers and later Ottoman royalty of Topkapi Palace.

It’s such a dramatic attraction and it looks amazing in photographs with the dramatic lighting that changes throughout your visit. 

The most famous highlights are the upside-down Medusa heads. But, you’ll need to be patient to capture these without many people in the backdrop. 

The best time to visit: I would arrive before opening time to queue and be one of the first inside. It can get seriously packed during the afternoon and evenings. 

Click here to read my complete guide for visiting the Basilica Cistern

7. Grand Bazaar 

If you’re looking for souvenirs or to do some shopping, you must visit the Grand Bazaar! 

It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the entire world and was established in the 15th century. It has 61 streets and over 4,000 shops inside as well as a book bazaar and antiques section.

It is quite touristy so expect prices to reflect that but don’t be afraid to haggle as they will mark the items up a lot.

It mostly sells fake designer purses and trainers. But, you’ll also find gorgeous rugs, crockery and tea sets.

There are also lots of gorgeous lamp stalls that you can visit that look incredible for photos. These say you can’t take photos of them but with a small fee or some conversation, you can usually enter them and capture your photos without a fuss.

If you don’t want to do something like this, they also have recreated a lamp stall in the Taht photography studio. But, you’ll be paying over €130 for the experience! A few lira in the market made sense to me.

The best time to visit: anytime during opening hours is good but try to avoid weekends as it can get very busy. 

8. Ortakoy Mosque 

Ortakoy is a stunning area of the city on the Bosphorus waterfront and is by far one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

You’ll get picture-perfect views of Ortakoy Mosque from the harbour with the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in the backdrop.

For the best photo opportunities, I would arrive here just before sunrise. But, don’t expect to be alone as it’s a popular location.

There are often many photo sessions going on and they hire a pigeon man who stands there with a bucket of feed to make the pigeons fly off for the photos…sigh. 

I had to jump in when I got the chance and, by then, the lighting wasn’t the best.

Alternatively, you can visit at sunset when the mosque and bridge start to light up which is gorgeous.

Although the waterfront is nice, don’t skip a visit to the inside of Ortakoy Mosque which was built on the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1856. 

It’s breathtaking and painted in a salmon pink colour. You can admire the gorgeous artwork on the domed ceiling and see all the sparkling chandeliers!

The best time to visit: this area is best at sunrise as it is a really popular location for locals and tourists throughout the day. I’d recommend taking a yellow taxi through Uber to get here to save time as commuter ferries can take a while.

9. Dolmabahce Palace 

Another one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul is the majestic Dolmabahce Palace which was completed in 1856.

It was built on the orders of Abdulmejid I, the Ottoman Empire’s 31st Sultan, as he wanted more modern comforts than the medieval Topkapi Palace could provide.

It’s the largest palace in Turkey and has 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths (hamam) and 68 toilets!

The staterooms, harem and art galleries are all gorgeous but you can’t take any photos of the rooms inside. It’s a shame as the throne room was jaw-dropping. 

Most people take photos of the ornate entry gates and the old royal port gates that overlook the Bosphorus Strait. So, head to the gardens first for your photos before it gets too crowded.

My top tip would be to not queue for the first gate you see as you go in. There are plenty of gates like this in the gardens and the best and largest one can be found at the exit of the main palace. 

I visited this gate first and managed to have it to myself for at least 15 minutes before another visitor arrived. Tripods are thankfully allowed in the gardens (yay)!

There are lots of Instagrammable places throughout the grounds like the pretty exteriors of the palace,  greenhouses, pink cottages and some gorgeous cafés too. 

If you have time, I would also visit Dolmabahce Mosque which is outside. It’s usually empty during the day and the interiors are breathtaking.

The best time to visit: queue up before opening time to avoid long lines then head straight for the ornate gates in the garden.

10. Suleymaniye Mosque 

One of the places that you must visit on the Third Hill of Istanbul is the Suleymaniye Mosque. It’s an Ottoman Imperial mosque that was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550. 

There are many photo opportunities here such as the outer courtyard, arcade galleries and breathtaking mosque interiors. 

You don’t need to visit early as it’s pretty calm throughout the day. As an active mosque shoes must be taken off and women must cover their heads.

Just outside the mosque, you can visit the panoramic terrace that has spectacular views of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus Strait and Galata Tower. 

I also liked visiting the mausoleum and graveyard of Sultan Suleiman I and his wife Hürrem Sultan Roxelana.

Entry to these memorials should be treated like you would visit a mosque with shoes off and heads covered.

The best time to visit: any time of day is good as it’s quite peaceful. But, early morning is best if you don’t want to encounter large tour groups. 

11. Colourful Houses of Balat

Balat is one of the most colourful neighbourhoods in the city which makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

Although this area has traditionally been a ‘hidden gem’ in the city, it’s very popular today due to the rainbow rows of wooden houses and the rise of social media. 

In amongst the colourful streets, you’ll find amazing antique stores, street art, quirky cafés, and historic religious buildings too.

Click here to read my Balat guide with all the amazing things to do there

The most popular places for photos are Kiremit Street, the colourful stairs at İncir ağacı kahvesi, the umbrellas at Dimitrie Cantemir Museum Cafe and the sloping street of Merdivenli Yokuş Evleri.

The best time to visit: I got there at lunchtime on a Monday in spring and it was packed full of tourists. So, if you don’t want to queue for photos, I’d visit early morning for a nicer experience. 

12. Nova Santiye Cafe

On my second visit to Istanbul, I tried and failed miserably to access a famous Urbex rooftop with views over the city.

So, this time, I decided to pay for one of the Istanbul rooftop experiences that many places offer which was easier.

I first went to Taht Studio but their rooftop was closed that day and, even if it were open, they charge over €130 to take photos there.

I was so happy when I stumbled on Nova Santiye Cafe down the road from there which had its own rooftop experience for way less.

If you want to take photos yourself it’s €30 but if you want to dress up and have a professional photoshoot done with some videos it’s €70.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to support something like this as it’s not really a ‘genuine’ travel experience. But, then I chided myself and thought life is too short to care about dumb stuff like that. 

So, the next thing I knew I was dressed up like an Ottoman Empress sipping tea (the cup was empty) on top of a rooftop overlooking the city!

I highly recommend Nove Santiye Rooftop, they sent the photos to me instantly and it was a really fun time!

The cafe above the photography terrace is also incredible and they have restaurant tables on their other terrace where you can eat food overlooking the Suleymaniye Mosque and Galata Tower.

The best time to visit: early morning would be the best time as the sunlight looks better. The afternoons are nice but the lighting can be quite harsh. I took mine around an hour before sunset. You may have to queue if it’s a busy day but it’s easy enough to contact them and book ahead. 

13. Rainbow Steps

Although overshadowed by colourful Balat these days, there is another set of famous rainbow steps you can visit in Istanbul.

They were originally painted by the retired engineer Hüseyin Çetinel in 2013 to bring some joy to his neighbourhood.

He spent quite a lot of his money and time painting 145 steps and it instantly caught the attention of local news outlets and social media. 

Unfortunately, it also was seen by the government. They thought these steps were a political protest and painted over them. 

There was a public outcry against this and so the city started painting rainbow steps all around the city! Eventually, the government relented and left them be.

Today, you can visit the original Rainbow Steps between Findikli and Cihangir in Beyoğlu. Click here for a Google Pin. Or, you can read the full story about Hüseyin Çetinel’s Rainbow steps here.

14. Galata Tower

The iconic Galata tower is a symbol of the city that was constructed in 1308 and still stands tall today.

You can head up the tower for some panoramic views over the Bosphorus Strait and the best time to go is at sunset. But, you may be waiting a while to go inside at this time. 

For the best photos with you and the Galata Tower, I would head to the many side streets at the bottom of it. 

You’ll find a great location on the sloped Büyük Hendek Street. Or, use the pin location for Rose Papillon Café.

Best time to visit: This is always a busy area as there are cafés, shops and angry drivers. But, if you visit early morning you’ll find it pretty much deserted. For a better experience, you can have lunch or dinner overlooking the Galata Tower from the rooftop terrace of Barnathan İstanbul!

15. Iskital Avenue

Iskital Street is the main shopping street in Istanbul and you’ll find all sorts of high-end shops, restaurants, and the world-famous Ottoman ice cream stands that put on a show.

There is always something going on at Taksim Square and then you can make your way down the crowded avenue to take in the vibrant atmosphere.

A great way to explore this street would be by taking the nostalgic trams. It also makes a gorgeous photo opportunity!

Best time to visit: this street is great to visit during the day and evening when there are lots of things going on. The trams are always travelling up and down the street so just wait to capture one when it whizzes by.

16. Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage)

A great place to escape to in Iskital Street is the Çiçek Pasajı or Flower Passage and it looks like you’ve stepped back in time. 

It’s actually an old arcade that was called Cité de Péra once upon a time and was constructed in 1870. 

The name comes from the fact it used to sell flowers by White Russian refugees who escaped the Bolshevik Revolution.

Today, it’s a lively place filled with restaurants, cafés and shops. You’ll often find gipsy musicians here too. 

The gorgeous interiors make it one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

Best time to visit: I would say before the restaurants open in the morning. But, it’s a great place to visit any time of the day for meze platters and raki! 

17. Egyptian Bazaar

For a more local shopping experience, I would opt for the Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar over the Grand Bazaar. This is near the Galata Bridge in Eminonu. 

This area is also lively but they have more authentic Turkish souvenirs and food gifts like baklava, sweets, tea, coffee etc. Again, make sure to negotiate prices as they will see you coming.

Their historic covered market area has two vaulted walkways which look stunning in photos. There is some gorgeous artwork on the walls and almost every stall is decorated with Turkish flags. 

Best time to visit: go in the morning on weekdays or close to closing time. Weekends can get very crowded inside. 

18. Patisserie de Pera in Pera Palace

When I saw that Pera Palace Hotel had a pretty pink tearoom, I was instantly sold and wanted to visit.

But, when I read that this hotel is where Agatha Christie wrote some of her classic novel Murder on the Orient Express, I knew I had to go!

Patisserie de Pera was founded in 1892 and was built to host travellers who were boarding the Orient Express. 

It has hosted many famous figures over the years including Alfred Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II. 

Their rosy tearoom is such a splendid way to spend an afternoon and has an Art Deco vibe. Your tea or coffee will come served in a silver teapot with stunning pink crockery.

Their artisan cakes are also really pretty! I had a strawberry tart and it was absolutely delicious.

The hotel has an Agatha Christie Room you can book that contains lots of her personal items and a writing desk.

Also, there is a museum inside Room 101 about Atatürk and the birth of the Turkish Republic.

19. Bosphorus Cruise 

You really cannot leave Istanbul without a cruise along the mighty Bosphorus Strait! 

There are many cruises that you can take near the Galata Bridge from the ports of Eminonu and Sirkeci.

These boat rides vary in price but they mostly take you on an hour-long pleasure cruise where you get to see sights like Dolmabahce Palace and 15 July Martyrs Bridge.

I’ve never booked my Bosphorus cruise in advance as the prices are really expensive online. Just head to the ports near the Galata bridge and there’ll most likely be one boarding. 

Even with the rise in attraction prices, I only paid 100 TL (£2.50) for my 1-hour cruise which was a bargain! 

It was quite a local experience and people were smoking etc. but that’s normal for Turkey. However, our boat had a pet parrot and heaters to fight the chill. It also sold drinks and snacks onboard. Perfect.

I then had my favourite Balık ekmek (fish sandwich) for dinner from Deniz for 130 TL (£3). I dream about Balık ekmek! It was honestly the best bargain evening. 

You can also take the local ferries to travel around the city and they are included with an Istanbulkart if you don’t want to pay but you won’t see a lot as they just go from A to B.

Best time to visit: The best time to go is around sunset for the best colours and changes in the sky. The boats usually have open spaces to take photos with the views.

20. Umbrella Street 

If you want to add a pop of colour to your feed, I would recommend heading to Istanbul’s Umbrella Street.

This is a little hidden and is located in Kadikoy just outside of Ben’den Karaköy Bar. 

Although the umbrella street is worth visiting for photos, if you want a longer experience I would head here in the afternoon or evening for a meal or drinks. 

Best time to visit: before the bar opens for a quieter experience but during the day/night is also fine if you want to capture the atmosphere.

21. Kamondo Steps 

The Kamonod Steps can be found in Galata and is a beautiful Art Nouveau-style staircase which looks great in photos. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

They were built in the 1850s by the House of Camondo, a prominent Jewish family who lived here during the Ottoman Empire. 

The symmetrical steps make a criss-cross pattern and look incredible when captured at the right angle.

Best time to visit: these steps are open 24 hours a day and you can go anytime really! It’s a bit of a hidden gem. 

22. Hafiz Mustafa 1864 

Hafiz Mustafa is THE place to go if you want to try some tasty baklava and sweet treats in Istanbul.

Not only do they sell some tasty baklava but they also serve up a very pretty hot chocolate with patterns in the foam.

It doesn’t hurt that their cafés are ornately decorated with chandeliers and artwork from Topkapi Palace on the tables! 

They were established in 1864 and have many branches throughout the city but my favourites were the ones in Sultanahmet. 

You’ll find an amazing one opposite the Blue Mosque and near the Grand Bazaar in Beyazit. Also, the Sirkeci branch is open 24 hours!

I honestly wouldn’t judge you if you got a craving for baklava at 3 am. It’s understandable as it’s that good.

The best time to visit: These cafés can get quite busy, especially in the evening. I’d go for an afternoon treat. 

23. SALT Galata 

If you love beautiful buildings or visiting libraries then SALT Galata is the place for you. This is a cultural centre you won’t want to miss. 

This gorgeous building in Karakoy used to be the headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank and was built by the French-Levantine architect Alexandre Vallauri in 1892.

It eventually fell into decline and was later renovated into an incredible reference library, bookshop, workspace and café! They also have a museum with the old bank vaults on display. 

The ornate interiors with pillars, archways, skylights and monochrome marble floor make this an excellent photography location. But, there is lots to see here that makes it worth visiting!

The best time to visit: Anytime should be good but if you want it a little quieter I would aim for opening time. 

Istanbul photography tips 

Crowds – it’s good to note that Istanbul has around 21 million residents. So, you can expect places to be busy, especially on weekends!

Tripods – my tripod was held back in Topkapi Palace and I had to collect it after my visit. Most places don’t allow tripods in the buildings but the courtyards/gardens are fine. 

Selfie sticks – weirdly enough, phone tripods were frowned upon but selfie sticks seem to be allowed everywhere. So weird!

Get up early – You’ll need to visit many of these attractions early if you want to capture them without too many people. This is especially important in Sultanahmet Square and Ortakoy. 

Photographers – there were SO many professional photo sessions going on during my visit to Istanbul this time. Be prepared to wait, jump in and be quick when you get a chance. 

Opening times – do not solely rely on Google for opening times of attractions. Many of these are out of date or incorrect. Always check official websites or enquire before visiting. 

How many days do you need in Istanbul?

I would say that you need a minimum of 3-4 days in Istanbul to allow enough time to explore the city. 

It’s a huge metropolis that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia with 39 districts. So, the attractions are quite spread out. 

If you can, I would try to spend 5-7 days here as there is just so much to do and photograph! 

Where to stay in Istanbul 

I usually stay at the Seven Hills Hotel as I love staying in the historic area of Sultanahmet and they have an amazing rooftop terrace for breakfast each morning. 

But, there are many places that you can choose to stay in the city. The most popular areas are Galata and Taksim as these hotels are in the centre of Istanbul’s main attractions! 

Here are some of the top-rated hotels;

Four Seasons Sultanahmet – a luxury hotel in Sultanahmet with access to a historic hammam and rooftop terrace.

Pera Palace – the historic hotel where people used to stay to board the Orient Express. They have an Agatha Christie Suite and a pretty pink Patisserie de Pera onsite.

Hagia Sofia Mansions by Hilton – these are like apartments behind the Hagia Sophia. They have a golf cart to take guests around the square.

Four Seasons At The Bosphorus – Another luxurious hotel near the Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque.

Burdock Hotel Istanbul – A stunning hotel near Galata Tower and part of the Autograph Collection.

Read more of my Istanbul guides

Why you must visit Beyazit State Library 

How to spend a weekend in Istanbul

Top 10 Istanbul experiences 

Save these Instagrammable places in Istanbul for later!