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Not surprisingly, given that Istanbul was formed by two formidable empires—the Ottoman and the Roman—the hidden gems in Istanbul are just as many as its famous landmarks, such as the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace & Harem. One may spend a considerable amount of time meandering around the alleys of Istanbul, where old buildings are seamlessly blended with the contemporary metropolis. There are more and more unique things to do in Istanbul, some of which are hundreds of years old, around every bend in the road.
If you'd rather have a plan, however, we have compiled a list of some of the hidden gems in Istanbul. Let’s see if you are able to recognize some of the secret places in Istanbul!
Chora Church

Chora Church, in the Edirnekapi area, is a stunning Byzantine house of worship that has unparalleled examples of Eastern Roman and Byzantine mosaics and paintings. It requires a little more work to get there and is further from the city core, but it is well worth it. It is one of the hidden gems in Istanbul! Its construction was prompted by a desire to redeem Constantinople from the sacking that occurred in 1204 at the hands of the Latin troops of the Fourth Crusade. And it seems like every penny was spent on this magnificent work of art. Incredibly stunning are the mosaics found at Chora.
Camondo Steps

Even in Karakoy, you won't find the ordinary hidden treasure that is Camondo Steps. While they may not be included in travel guides, they certainly have a large following on Instagram and one of the most unique things to do in Istanbul! The stairs are unique among Istanbul landmarks; its hexagonal design combines Neo-Baroque and early Art Nouveau elements.
Although Byzantine and Ottoman architecture is the most often thought of when one thinks about Istanbul, the city was also a thriving centre for the Art Nouveau movement in the late 1800s, and its influence is still seen today. Abraham Salomon Camondo was a prominent Jewish banker in 19th-century Istanbul. He created the Camondo stairs in the 1870s to connect two banking avenues, Banker Sokak and Bankalar Caddesi. It is one of the must-see hidden gems in Istanbul!
Pantokrator Monastery

The original purpose of Zeyrek Camii, like that of many other Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, was to serve as a church. It is more accurate to say that there are two adjacent 12th-century churches, and it is one of the hidden gems in Istanbul! During the Byzantine era, it was known as Pantokrator Monastery and was the second-biggest place of worship in the empire, just behind Hagia Sofia. Surprisingly, tourists tend to ignore the monastery in favour of the city's more famous landmarks, even though it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zeyrek Mosque seems more Christian from the exterior than Hagia Sophia, which is characterised by its surrounding Ottoman architecture and minarets. Zeyrek Camii, like Spain's Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, has an unexpected impression due to the breathtaking contrast between the Christian façade and the Islamic interior of the mosque. It is one of the unique, unknown places in Istanbul!
Vilayet Mosque

The Vilayet Mosque is a masterpiece of religious devotion and architectural brilliance. A peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, this lesser-known mosque is an exquisite example of the harmonic combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. You may take your time exploring the complex interiors of Istanbul with the help of the city introduction app and audio tour. It is one of the must-see hidden gems in Istanbul!
Yedikule Fortress

Yedikule Fortress, perched on the outskirts of Istanbul, has provided a view over the city ever since the Byzantine period. This stronghold, which is part of the old city walls, gives people a great look into the past. In addition, you may take in stunning panoramas of the Marmara Sea and the city. You must see this hidden gem in Istanbul!
Palace of Porphyrogenitus

You may go into Istanbul's regal past at the Palace of Porphyrogenitus, which was built during the Byzantine period and is also called the Tekfur Sarayi. The crumbling walls and enduring allure of the palace whisper stories of rulers and a magnificent past. Learn the secrets of the palace and the royal intrigue that have long been kept concealed on a guided day tour of Istanbul. It is one of the most regal secret places in Istanbul!
Pier Loti Hill

Popular among locals is Pier Loti Hill, which is so-called because the French writer who loved to write was inspired by its picturesque setting. It is also possible to see it when cruising the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and Pier Loti Hill. Every visitor is captivated by the breathtaking view of the Golden Horn from the summit, which is sure to leave an impact. It is one of the most unique hidden gems in Istanbul!
Kadikoy

Kadikoy is another great vantage point. Despite its location in the Eyup area, which is further from the town, it is readily accessible from the dock by T4 tram. Plus, taking the cable car up the hill saves you the trouble. At the peak, you'll find a café where you can stop for some tasty Turkish coffee and sweets while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the little museum honouring the French poet Pierre Loti—who was known to visit the hill—can answer your question of why a hill in Istanbul has a French name.