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Discover IstanbulLike a Local
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Like a Local · this spring

What do Istanbulites actually do?

Published Updated

Knowledge from fishmongers, captains, shopkeepers and families who live here — checked, dated and kept up to date.

This spring, locals are…Taking the first sunset boat of the year →Buying fresh baklava for Sunday visits →Shopping Mahmutpaşa for spring linen →Eating street food by the water →
Baklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal trays Local’s notebookVerified 3 October 2026 Fresh baklava, the local wayWhy locals goBought by the kilo, the morning it is made.What locals orderFıstıklı (pistachio) and kaymaklı.Common mistakeBuying pre-packed boxes at the airport.Read the full guide →

Local picks this spring

Baklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal traysEatBest baklava: where locals buy itRolled Turkish delight with nuts and dried fruitShopTurkish delight: where locals buy itRed simit cart filled with sesame bread rings on an Istanbul streetEatStreet food: what locals orderGrilled fish, meze plates and rakı set on a restaurant tableNightMeyhane: how locals do rakı night

Choose where to start

Every card leads to a live guide
Travel guide

Just landed? Start here.

/travel-guide/ →
Travellers with luggage inside Istanbul Airport terminal1 · ArriveIstanbul Airport to the cityAn airport bus in Istanbul1 · ArriveSabiha Gökçen to the cityIstanbulkart held beside a public transport card reader2 · Get aroundIstanbulkart: buy & top upAn M2 metro train at a platform with Yenikapi on its destination display2 · Get aroundMetro: maps & routes
Like a Local

Eat and shop like an Istanbulite

Guides built with confectioners, fishmongers and meyhane regulars.
Rolled Turkish delight with nuts and dried fruitLokumWhere locals buy Turkish delightBaklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal traysBaklavaWhere locals actually buy itRed simit cart filled with sesame bread rings on an Istanbul streetSokakStreet food, stall by stallGrilled fish, meze plates and rakı set on a restaurant tableMeyhaneHow locals do rakı night

A day in Istanbul, hour by hour

  1. Dawn A quiet ferry across the Golden Horn
  2. Morning Baklava and tea, bought by weight
  3. Afternoon Mahmutpaşa before the crowds
  4. Sunset On the water for the golden hour
  5. Night Meyhane with the windows open

When to come

/best-time-to-visit/ →
Ahmet H. Yildirim passenger ferry on the Bosphorus with Galata Tower behind itTravel guide · FerriesIstanbul ferry guide: routes & timetablesRed nostalgic tram and simit cart on İstiklal Avenue during snowfall at nightSeasonal guide · Dec – FebIstanbul in winter: what to do, eat & wear
Maiden’s Tower beside the Bosphorus at sunset
Bosphorus & Boats Spring light on the water: sunset and breakfast cruises start their season.Compare here, book with Istanbul On Boat. Istanbul On Boat is our sister brand. Bookings are made on Istanbul On Boat.
Compare every cruise →Istanbul On Boat ↗

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