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Gay Guide • ISTANBUL | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide

  • Writer: World Mappers
    World Mappers
  • Jun 13, 2024
  • 6 min read

Updated: Jan 28


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GAY ISTANBUL

Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers

What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in ISTANBUL?

Find it out with the World Mappers !



LGBT FRIENDLY ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a fascinating and vibrant city, where traditional culture is intertwined with a growing openness towards the LGBTQ+ community. Taksim and BeyoÄŸlu are the central districts of the city's gay scene, with numerous gay-friendly bars, clubs and venues livening up the nightlife. Despite some challenges, Istanbul remains one of the most inclusive cities


WHAT TO SEE in ISTANBUL?

10 THINGS TO SEE in ISTANBUL

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Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

The Hagia Sophia, once a Christian church, then a mosque and now a museum, enchants with its imposing dome, Byzantine mosaics and elegant architecture that fuses two great religious traditions.

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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

The Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, is known for its blue domes and lighthouses, with interiors adorned with ceramic tiles and a majestic prayer hall.

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Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Saray)

This palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. It undoubtedly fascinates thanks to its lush gardens, sumptuous rooms and precious collections of jewels, manuscripts and sacred relics.

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Grand Bazar (Kapalı Çarşı)

The Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and stalls, is a shopping paradise with a wide range of products, from carpets and jewelery to spices and textiles, offering a unique oriental market experience.

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Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, thanks to its panorama, offers spectacular views of Istanbul, with the Bosphorus stretching to the horizon and the minarets standing out against the sky, testifying to the city's thousand-year history.

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Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and captivates with its magnificent architecture, sumptuous interior decoration and splendid views of the Golden Horn.

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Bosphorus & Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi)

Sailing along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of both sides of Istanbul, while the Maiden Tower, once a prison and lighthouse, adds a touch of charm to the urban scene.

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Balat Neighborhood

Balat is a charming neighborhood of the city rich in history and famous for its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses and historic synagogues. This area is also known for its vibrant Jewish community. As you explore Balat, you immerse yourself in a fascinating labyrinth of historic buildings, artisan workshops and cozy cafés, offering an authentic experience of daily life in Istanbul.

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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

Descending into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, you enter an underground world of marble columns and soft lights, creating a mysterious and evocative atmosphere that enchants visitors.

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Ortaköy Mosque

Located on the banks of the Bosphorus, the Ortaköy Mosque is truly spectacular thanks to its baroque architecture and spectacular views, while the surrounding neighborhood offers a lively and cosmopolitan environment.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:

(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)

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5 BEST EXCURSIONS from ISTANBUL

We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide

Ephesus

Bosphorus Cruise

Princes' Islands

Gallipoli

Cappadocia

Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

to find them on the Map or visit their Website

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WHERE TO SLEEP in ISTANBUL?

10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in ISTANBUL

Elan Hotel Istanbul Pera *** ® Tested by World Mappers

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WHERE TO EAT in ISTANBUL?

10 BEST RESTAURANTS in ISTANBUL Quality / Price

€€€€ - Mikla Restaurant

€€€€ - Tuğra Restaurant

€€€ - Rainbow fish & meat restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers

€€€ - Namlı Gurme ® Tested by World Mappers

€€€ - Çiya Sofrası

€€ - Fuego Cafe & Restaurant

€€ - Avlu Ocakbaşı

€€ - Otantik Restaurant

€ - Dürümzade

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GAY NIGHTLIFE in BORDEAUX

BEST GAY PLACES, BARS, CLUBS & SAUNAS in ISTANBUL

Super Fabric (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers

Tekyön Club (Gay Bar & Club)

Love Dance Point (Gay Club)

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TRAVEL TIPS about ISTANBUL by World Mappers

  • Don't miss Rumeli Fortress (Rumelihisarı): it is a testament to Ottoman military mastery, with its imposing walls and watchtowers offering breathtaking views of the city and river.

  • Furthermore, don't miss the Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Ä°stanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi), inaugurated in 2004, which has revolutionized the cultural landscape of Istanbul, with innovative educational and social programs and active involvement of civil society. Located in a port warehouse, it hosts works of contemporary Turkish art in an 8000 square meter exhibition space, becoming a fundamental stop for tourists and a cultural reference point for the city and Turkey.

  • Watch out for tourist traps! In Istanbul, the choice of restaurants requires attention to avoid culinary disappointments and financial rip-offs. Consulting online reviews and asking hotel staff for recommendations can be useful in ensuring a satisfying gastronomic experience.

  • Watch out for pickpockets: in crowded areas like Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, you need to be careful. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, bring lots of cash!

  • Respecting the dress code and local traditions is essential. Before visiting mosques and sacred places, it is important to dress appropriately, avoiding revealing clothing. Furthermore, avoiding public displays of affection and gestures that can be interpreted as inappropriate is essential to respect the cultural and religious norms of the city.

  • Not to be missed is undoubtedly the Bosphorus Cruise to discover Istanbul from a new perspective, especially at sunset!

  • Savor the culinary authenticity of Istanbul with a food tour to taste typical local dishes, an experience that will bring you closer to the local culture through the genuine flavors of Turkish tradition.

  • One of the most surprising places in Istanbul is the area around Taksim Square, located in the heart of Istanbul, a lively cultural and social center. The square is famous for its public events, shops and restaurants that surround it. Dominating the square, the modern Taksim Mosque offers a quiet and impressive place of worship. Together, they represent a perfect blend of the vibrant urban life and spirituality of Istanbul.

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"SECRET ISTANBUL"

Unusual and Particular Places to See in Istanbul

Outside of the classic attractions to visit, there is a "Secret Istanbul" that simply bewitched us. These are some places that in our opinion are worth seeing if you have already seen everything that is most "famous" the city offers or simply if you want to get away from the typically tourist areas. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Istanbul:

  1. Tünel - Climb up a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second oldest urban subway in the world.You can access the Tünel from Karakoy and Beyoğlu stations. Karakoy station is close to the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn.

  2. Vedat Tek Evi - as you stroll through the streets of the city, you will hardly miss this stunning home. Its strange but pleasant mix of different styles gives the establishment a look you won't find elsewhere on the block.

  3. Kedi Tombili Heykeli - a famous neighborhood cat: photos of him went around the world. It was difficult to see him running and jumping, he preferred to spend his days lying down or sitting. So, when he died, the inhabitants decided to honor him. In his place, now, there is a bronze statue that portrays him in his typical relaxed position.

  4. Camondo Staircase - is a splendid Gaudí style staircase built in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

  5. Vlora Hanı - it is an Art Nouveau gem that hides beneath the layers of city grime that obscure this once magnificent building.It is an architectural beauty thanks to its intricate stone roses blooming around the bay windows and fanciful wrought iron balconies.


INSTAGRAMABLE ISTANBUL

Instagrammable Places to See in Istanbul

Don't miss the best Instagrammable places in Istanbul, here are our favourites:

Rainbow Stairs Case colorate di Balat Seven Hills Hotel (to admire the incredible skyline)

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Discover the Complete Guide

Consult the Practical Information for the trip

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GROUP TRIPS:

DISCOVER OUR GROUP TRIPS

AND FLY WITH US AROUND THE WORLD

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GROUP TRIP to SOUTH AFRICA

Are you ready to travel to South Africa with the World Mappers?

From the vibrant heart of Cape Town, amidst culture, history, and breathtaking views, to a moving journey into the memory of the LGBTQ+ community, through hidden tales and stories of resistance that have spanned centuries of silence and conquest. We'll admire the spectacular Atlantic coast along the Cape Peninsula, greet the penguins of Boulder's Beach, and venture to the legendary Cape of Good Hope. The adventure continues in the heart of the South African savannah, in Kruger National Park, with sunrise safaris, close encounters with the Big Five, and fiery sunsets. We'll be amazed by the landscapes of the Panorama Route, with majestic canyons, waterfalls, and rock formations sculpted by time. We'll uncover the country's profound history, passing from Pretoria to the authentic pulse of Soweto, concluding with a moving visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.!

 

Learn more: Group Trip to SOUTH AFRICA - November December 2025

GROUP TRIP to MALAYSIA

Are you ready to travel to Malaysia with World Mappers?

An exciting journey through Malaysia's breathtaking landscapes and fascinating cultures, a journey that blends tradition and modernity in a unique experience. We'll depart from Kuala Lumpur, a modern metropolis dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, where we'll discover a perfect blend of Islamic architecture and contemporary skyscrapers. In the heart of Taman Negara, the world's oldest rainforest, we'll explore wild and unspoiled nature, walking on its evocative suspension bridges and observing tropical biodiversity. The Cameron Highlands will welcome us with tea plantations, lush green hills, and a mild climate reminiscent of British colonial times. In Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we'll immerse ourselves in the multi-ethnic culture with its street food and extraordinary murals telling local stories. Our journey will culminate in the heavenly Perhentian Islands, an archipelago of crystal-clear waters and white beaches where we can relax and immerse ourselves in a pure tropical experience!

 

Find out more: Group Trip to MALESIA - April May 2026

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CHEAP CAR RENTAL

To travel far and wide in this Destination you can do it with a rental car. We have chosen to rely on DiscoverCars.com , the best website for Car Rental where you can search, compare and save up to 70%, a real bargain, right? They will help you choose the perfect car for your next trip, without having surprises of car delivery supplements, and where it is most convenient for you. Then just download their App to manage the reservation wherever you are.

CLICK HERE

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LOW COST CAR PARKING?

Every time the same problem, which cheap parking to book to not spend a lot? Don't worry.. now with ParkingMyCar you can compare all the available parking and choose the most advantageous and economical one.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Before any trip, it is a good idea to get insurance to cover any inconveniences that could ruin the experience. We always rely on HeyMondo , which allows you to choose the right insurance for every need. We recommend that you always protect yourself with health insurance and coverage for any cancellations, delays and, if you use it, for theft or breakage of electronic equipment. Medical care abroad can be very expensive. Health insurance in this country is not mandatory by law but it is strongly recommended, without it even a routine visit can make you pay out astronomical amounts.

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INTERNET & PHONE CALL

eSIM CARD

How many times do we go abroad and the first thing we do is call home to say we have arrived. How often are we in a city on vacation and we need to find a place to eat using Google Maps or the internet. How many times do we need to send messages and photos on WhatsApp without spending a salary.

 

Tired of spending millions when abroad calling or using the internet?

Here is the SOLUTION we use: Holafly, a new technology with eSIM. Order your eSIM on the website and within minutes you will receive an email with a QR code. Just scan it and you'll be connected to the internet right away. You save time, stress and above all do something good for the environment by not having a physical SIM. If you are in a hurry and have to leave tomorrow and have not thought about the internet problem, you can solve it very quickly with this eSIM, and there is no problem that you could accidentally lose it or damage it while traveling. Most importantly, with the eSIM you don't have to change or remove your regular SIM card, you can leave it in the phone and use the eSIM instead of the physical one.

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Holafly also offers data plans with unlimited data to many of the world's top destinations: for example, USA, Indonesia, Europe, Mexico, Thailand and many more.

 

This is a "new" technology and not all devices are compatible with it, but you can check which phones are already compatible with eSIM at this link: https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones.

 

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