When most people think of Istanbul, iconic images come to mind—Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome, the bustling Grand Bazaar, or ferry rides across the Bosphorus. But beneath the historical splendor lies a more playful, offbeat side of the city. Istanbul is full of quirky, unexpected experiences that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
From eccentric museums to surprising cultural mashups, here are some of the most delightfully unusual things you can do in Istanbul—many of which are accessible with the convenience of the Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
1. Feed the Cats of Cihangir
Istanbul is often called the “City of Cats.” You’ll see felines lounging in cafes, sunbathing on ancient ruins, or riding the ferry as if they own it (which, arguably, they do). In Cihangir, a bohemian neighborhood near Taksim, locals leave out food and water for strays daily. It's not just tolerated—it's embraced. Spend a slow afternoon wandering Cihangir’s leafy streets and making furry friends.
Why it's quirky: A city where cats are protected by law and pampered by the public? Only in Istanbul.
2. Visit the Museum of Innocence
Created by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, the Museum of Innocence is unlike any museum you’ve visited. Based on Pamuk’s novel of the same name, the museum curates fictional artifacts from the protagonist's obsessive love affair. It’s part art installation, part literary experience, and fully unique.
Not included in ITP, but absolutely worth your time if you’re a literature lover or fan of immersive storytelling.
3. Watch the Whirling Dervishes (Included in ITP)
The Mevlevi Sufi ceremony, where followers perform a meditative spinning dance, is both spiritually profound and visually mesmerizing. It’s more than performance—it’s a religious ritual with deep historical roots in Turkey.
The Istanbul Tourist Pass® gives you access to authentic whirling dervish shows at historic venues like the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, allowing you to witness this hypnotic practice in an intimate setting.
4. Drink Coffee That Tells Your Fortune
In Istanbul, finishing your cup of Turkish coffee doesn’t mean you're done—it means it’s time for a coffee fortune reading (called fal bakmak). After you drink the thick, strong coffee, you flip the cup over and let the grounds dry. A fortune teller then “reads” the patterns to divine your future.
You can try this in any traditional café, or even join a coffee culture tour (available via the ITP) to get the full story behind the practice.
5. Descend into an Underground Byzantine Palace (Included in ITP)
While many tourists visit the Basilica Cistern, few realize how eerie and atmospheric it is—columns rise from shallow, glowing waters, and ghostly fish swim beneath your feet. Hidden among the pillars is a statue of Medusa’s head used as a column base, flipped sideways, adding to the mystique.
It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience that feels like stepping into a fantasy novel—and you can enter hassle-free with your Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
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6. Take a Ferry Ride Between Continents (Included in ITP)
Where else in the world can you sip tea while literally crossing from Europe to Asia in 20 minutes? Istanbul’s ferry system is efficient, scenic, and oddly magical. Locals use it for daily commutes, but for visitors, it’s a unique experience that blends the beauty of the Bosphorus with the thrill of geographical novelty.
Ferries and Bosphorus tours are included in the ITP, giving you unlimited access to this iconic and quirky way to explore.
7. Eat Fish Sandwiches Under a Bridge
Head to Eminönü, near the Galata Bridge, where small boats bob in the harbor, grilling fresh mackerel on the spot. For just a few lira, you can grab a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) and eat while seated on plastic stools with seagulls circling overhead.
It's gritty, authentic, and pure Istanbul.
8. Climb Up a Tower Built in the 14th Century (Included in ITP)
The Galata Tower has seen empires rise and fall, and it offers one of the best panoramic views in the city. Climbing the tower is a rite of passage for first-timers—but what’s quirky is imagining Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, who (according to legend) once flew from the tower using artificial wings in the 1600s.
Included in the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, the tower is not just a viewpoint—it’s a launchpad for urban legends.
9. Join a Themed Walking Tour (Many Included in ITP)
Want to discover street art in Kadıköy, learn about the ghosts of Ottoman Istanbul, or explore the secret passageways of Beyoğlu? Themed walking tours give you an alternative view of the city, and the ITP offers access to several fascinating routes.
With expert guides and insider knowledge, these tours give you stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Make It Easy to Embrace the Unusual with Istanbul Tourist Pass®
Part of the joy of travel is discovering the unexpected, and Istanbul is a city that delivers on every level—from ancient wonders to modern quirks. Whether it’s a mystical dervish ceremony, a fish sandwich under a bridge, or a ferry that spans two continents, Istanbul is full of surprises.
The Istanbul Tourist Pass® opens the door to over 100 curated attractions, activities, and experiences—including the quirky ones. Skip lines, save time, and explore at your own pace while letting your curiosity lead the way.
Ready to discover the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly unique sides of Istanbul? Get your all-access digital Istanbul Tourist Pass®. The most unforgettable adventures are just one pass away.
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