Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Who doesn’t want amazing snaps for the ‘gram? I’d say we are all guilty of wanting great photos from our adventures across the globe and I’m not afraid to admit it. This meant that on my recent trip to Istanbul in Turkey, I wanted to head to all the top photo locations. I sussed them out so you don’t have to! Here are all the top Istanbul Instagram spots that you will not want to miss on your trip.
The very best Istanbul Instagram spots:
Topkapi Palace
Starting with my personal favourite, Topkapi Palace is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Istanbul. It’s one of those places that makes it super hard to put down your camera (or phone). Boasting stunning backdrops such as intricately patterned tiles and beautiful decor, any photo that was taken here is bound to be a hit on the ‘gram.
The very best photography spots in the palace are (in my opinion) located in the Harem Apartments. This is where you will find rooms bursting with colour, print and stunning details. Be sure to take some snaps on both sides of the camera. Trust me, you’ll want to remember your time spent here!
The Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Famous for its gorgeous interior, The Blue Mosque is visited by up to 5 MILLION visitors a year. As such, it has become the most visited site in the whole of Istanbul. With numbers like that, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is worth a visit.
Decorated with marble and thousands of beautifully hand-painted tiles, the mosque is a dream to photograph. This means you’ll want to head down there yourself for some fab Insta-worthy shots!
Top tip: Istanbul’s mosques are very popular with tourists and locals. You should consider visiting first thing in the morning and outside of prayer times to get the best photos.
Rooftops of the city
Photoshoot rooftops in Istanbul have started to show up in recent years. The owners of these rooftops allow you to pay for access in order to take your shots for Instagram. Often, you will get photos swarming with seagulls with aerial views of the city behind you.
One of the most popular photo studios in Istanbul is Taht where you can choose from a number of pricing options. Check out their website for more information.
Hagia Sofia
Known as the “grand mosque” for a good reason, Hagia Sofia is incredibly memorizing and a must-see whilst visiting Istanbul. To get the best photos, be sure to head to the mosque outside of prayer times in order to explore without restrictions. This way, you can snap away to your heart’s content at all the top photo spots within the building.
Additionally, don’t forget to take some photos outside in the courtyard too. The Grand Mosque has a great exterior and like a lot of places in Istanbul, is a fab backdrop for photos.
Top Tip: You will find that it is quite dark inside the grand mosque. This means that the lighting isn’t ideal for photos. If you have a deep interest and knowledge in photography, take a lens that brightens photos in low lit settings. This is your best option when it comes to getting the clearest shots. Alternatively, you can edit the brightness afterwards.
Ortakoy Mosque
Another one of the best Istanbul Instagram spots is Ortakoy Mosque. This beautiful piece of architecture is one of the lesser-known spots in the city and doesn’t see as many tourists. However, those who don’t go are certainly missing out.
Located on Ortaköy Pier Square and sitting alongside the Bosphorus, the exterior and interior of this architectural gem are just so photogenic. Go and check it out if you don’t believe me!
The Grand Bazaar
No guide to the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul would be complete without mentioning the Grand Bazaar. Aside from shopping til you drop, this popular location offers some great photo opportunities.
Although it can be difficult to get people-free photos here, you might get lucky if you chat with the shop owners. Although some are not happy to let you use their stalls as a photoshoot location, some are a lot more friendly. For example, the people who worked on this stand were happy for me to take photos once I asked. Furthermore, they even took photos of me as I was travelling alone. Result!
Note: If you visit a particular stand wanting photos, they will likely try selling you things. It’s worth keeping this in the back of your mind during your trip. If you are not looking to buy, stand your ground, but be appreciative towards them for allowing you to take your snaps! Also, consider tipping them.
The colourful neighbourhood of Balat
Home to the ever-popular rainbow stairs outside Cafe Dimitri, Balat is without a doubt one of Istanbul’s trendiest areas. This part of town is popular with Instagrammers due to its colourful streets and homes. Make sure to shoot during the day to show off Balat in all its glory.
Seven Hills Hotel
For one of the most iconic views in Istanbul, head to the Seven Hills Hotel. From the rooftop, you can see Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the distance. Despite being a hotel and restaurant, this is one of the best Istanbul Instagram spots. It’s well-loved for a reason. Just check the geotag on Instagram and you will see why!
Galata Tower
Standing tall above Istanbul, the medieval Galata Tower is a key landmark in the city. So much so that most tourists visiting the city will have this spot somewhere within their itinerary. With a history dating back to 507-508 AD, it’s a fab location for a shoot.
For the best photo opportunities, take a stroll down the adjoining streets which are also home to colourful buildings and a large number of cafes and restaurants.
Fancy staying somewhere with a view of the tower? I stayed at Archeo which is one of the best hostels in Istanbul (in my opinion).
Top Tip: It may be a little difficult to get the whole tower in your photo if you are shooting in normal mode. Try the wide-angle option on your phone or use a specified camera lens to fit it in! Furthermore, this area gets really busy. I recommend heading down to this part of town super early if you are hoping to get photos without any people in them. You may be able to get lucky!
The Galata Bridge
As you stroll across the Galata Bridge, you will be treated to views of some of the city’s most iconic sites. For example, from here you will see the Galata Tower, Hagia Sofia and The Blue Mosque. This is an ideal location to shoot some photos with Istanbul’s skyline in the background. Be warned though, this bridge is normally lined with A LOT of fishermen getting their catch of the day.
Deraliye Restaurant
Istanbul has so many amazing restaurants. Some of which are beautifully decorated. These restaurants are fab photo spots thanks to their opulent backdrops bursting with colour. On my first day in the city, I dined at Deraliye Restaurant, which is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Istanbul.
In addition to amazing food, I ended up getting some awesome photos here dressed in a traditional Turkish dress. However, it’s worth noting that this may not be possible for everyone. The waiter who served me offered to take some photos for me as a “birthday surprise” then touched my bum, so you know… That was awkward.
Tips for visiting Instagram spots in Istanbul
Wake up early
Of course, the easiest way to get photos with fewer people in them is to wake up early. When I say early, I mean getting up and ready before sunrise. Then you should head straight out the door without dawdling to hit up the most popular Istanbul Instagram spots before everyone else does.
Clearly, this is not guaranteed as others may have the same idea. However, this is the best chance you have at getting people-free snaps. It will be a lot easier than if you headed out mid-day. In fact, this is one of my top tips for visiting Istanbul!
Carry a variety of lenses
If you’re a pro photographer, you will know this already so feel free to skip this paragraph. However, if you are a newbie to photography, this is a helpful tip!
If your camera allows you to change the lenses, take advantage of that! This is ideal as it allows you to shoot with the best lens for the job. For example, changing lenses for portrait photos or wide-angled photos will make your holiday snaps look so much more professional.
Furthermore, if you have a smartphone, you could also use the wide-angle option if you have it. This allows you to get more into your photo at the flick of a switch. Perfect!
Be patient
Istanbul is home to 20 million people. This means that at any given time of day, the locals will likely be out and about going about their business. Although waking up early can often be an easy way to beat the crowds when it comes to photography, Istanbul is a busy city. If you want photos with nobody in the background, you just need to have patience.
Has this guide to the best Istanbul Instagram spots inspired your photography locations? Let me know in the comments below!
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