Istanbul: Days 4-6 — The Secret Istanbul Only Locals Know

These more three days are for those who want to not just see Istanbul. But feel its pulse.

📅 Itinerary

Day 4: Istanbul Off the Map — Fatih, Balat, Fener

- 8:00— Breakfast at Fazıl Bey Yoğurtçusu — yogurt with honey and nuts, straight from a fairy tale.
Tip: Come before 9:00 — no lines
- 10:00— Walking through Balat— the neighborhood where Europe meets East. Colorful houses, vintage shops, hidden churches.
- 13:00*— Lunch at Matbah Restauran— Ottoman palace cuisine. Try hünkâri kebap (lamb with rice and saffron).
- 15:30— Fener Greek Orthodox Church and Walls of Constantinople— silence, history, crowd-free views.
- 18:30 — Coffee at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi on İstiklal Street — Istanbul's oldest coffee house.
- 21:00— Dinner at Hafız Mustafa 1864— baklava, ayran, pomegranate lemonade.

Day 5: Asian Side — Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Princes' Islands

- 7:30 — Ferry from European side to Kadıköy— the best way to see Istanbul from the water.
- 9:00— Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası— 15 types of meze, fresh bread, olive oil.
- 11:30— Walking through Kadıköy Market— where locals shop.
- 14:00— Lunch at Köşkeroğlu Et Lokantası— Istanbul-style steak.
- 16:00— Ferry to Üsküdar— mosques, parks, views of Europe.
- 19:00— Sunset at **Küçüksu Palace— best panoramic view of the city.
- 21:30— Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin — grilled fish, rakı, sea steps away.

Day 6: Hidden Gems — Çamlıca, Emirgan, Bahçelievler**

- 9:00— Breakfast at Bebek Kahve — cheese, olives, tomatoes, tea in ceramic cups.
- 11:00 — Walk through Çamlıca Park — along the Bosphorus, with palace views.
- 13:30 — Lunch at Mürver Restaurant — fresh fish from the boat, basil lemonade.
- 16:00 — Emirgan Park — gardens, fountains, blooming flowers.
- 18:30 — Coffee at Süreyya Sinema Café — historic building with sea views.
- 21:00 — Dinner at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı — wood-fired kebabs.

🏨 Accommodation

- Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet— luxury in the historic center.
Rooftop views of Hagia Sophia, Ottoman-style interiors.
- Maj Loft Hotel— boutique hotel on the Asian side.
Modern design, quiet rooms, Bosphorus views.
- The Marmara Taksim— perfect for those who want to be in the center of it all.

🍴 Food Recommendations

- Best eggplant in Istanbul— Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy).
- Most authentic tea — Çaykur on every corner.
- Perfect baklava — Hafiz Mustafa or Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
- Best rakı — Balıkçı Sabahattin.
- Most unexpected dessert — künefe (cheese dessert with syrup) at Hafız Mustafa.

📌 Tips

- Ferries are your best friend.Download the Istanbulkart app — for all transport.
- Don't be afraid to ask.Turks love it when tourists say at least "merhaba" (hello).
- Evenings — by the waterfront. Istanbul is especially beautiful at dusk.
- Don't eat street fast food.Find a small family-run cafe instead.
- Wear comfortable shoes.The city is hilly