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Like a Local · this summer

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 summer, locals are…Staying on the water until dark →Eating midye dolma after midnight →Starting the night at a meyhane →Taking a dinner cruise for visiting family →
Red simit cart filled with sesame bread rings on an Istanbul street Local’s notebookVerified 3 October 2026 Street food after midnightWhy locals goThe city eats late in summer.What locals orderMidye dolma, eaten standing, with lemon.Common mistakeBuying from stalls with no queue.Read the full guide →

Local picks this summer

Red 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 nightRolled Turkish delight with nuts and dried fruitShopTurkish delight: where locals buy itBaklava and assorted pastries displayed in metal traysEatBest baklava: where locals buy it

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 First ferry with an Istanbulkart
  2. Morning Mahmutpaşa before the heat
  3. Afternoon Lokum and tea in the shade
  4. Sunset Sunset cruise to the Maiden’s Tower
  5. Night Midye after midnight

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
Sunset over the Bosphorus from a boat
Bosphorus & Boats Warm nights on deck: sunset, dinner and private yacht cruises.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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