15 Instagrammable Places In Istanbul | Photoshoot locations
When I travel somewhere, one of my biggest concerns is finding the right place to take photos to use in the articles I write for the Travelling Topic website
Since I visit a lot of places and take many photos during my trip, at the end of the day, I choose the best photos I have taken and bookmark those places as good places for photography.
During my trip to Istanbul, I prepared many reports from different places and took many photos. Here, I will introduce you to the best places I’ve photographed. I suggest you visit these hidden gems on your trip to this city.
Balat neighborhood
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Balat neighborhood of Istanbul
Walking in the Balat neighbourhood of Istanbul is like walking through the pages of history. You may ask why? The reason is clear. The existence of colourful houses, small shops, and cobblestone alleys has made Balat a tourist area.
In the not-so-big streets where you walk, it is as if you have travelled to the distant past and do not think you are in the 21st century.
The presence of small and large cafes and restaurants with an old atmosphere has also made you experience the relaxation of a trip to the past—as if you were part of the people of that period!
By standing next to the colorful houses of this neighbourhood, you can take the most stunning photos for social media and Instagram.
Topkapi palace
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was the seat of Ottoman rule and command, and now it has become a museum to store items left over from Turkish history. The luxurious and magnificent atmosphere of Topkapi Palace surprises everyone.
You can take beautiful photos in this wonderful space. If you want to avoid paying extra, I suggest you take your pictures in the courtyard of this palace because you don’t need to buy tickets.
Istanbul Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque of Istanbul, also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the Istanbul photoshoot locations where tourists are very interested in taking photos. Every part of this mosque has a beautiful view where you can take photos.
I suggest you stand in the middle of the courtyard so the whole mosque is behind you, then ask others to take pictures of you.
The positive thing is that the entrance fee to this mosque is free, and you no longer need to pay for photography. The best time to visit this mosque for photography is from 11 am to 5 pm because there is enough light.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque is located near the Blue Mosque and is as memorable and beautiful as the Blue Mosque. This beautiful place is considered one of Turkey’s historical and religious symbols.
The exterior of this building is magnificent; that’s why it is one of the best Istanbul photoshoot locations. The existence of minarets, coloured domes, and blue sky helps to make your photo beautiful.
In 2024, the entrance fee to the mosque for tourists is 25 euros, but the entrance fee for Muslims to pray is free.
I suggest you not go there for photography during the hours when Muslims go to this mosque to pray because it will be very crowded. The best time for photography in this mosque is 10 am because there is enough light and it is not too crowded.
Galata Tower
This is a medieval stone tower located in the ghetto of Galata. The building is historically significant for the city’s people, and with a height of 63 meters, it can provide you with panoramic views of Istanbul and you can take beautiful photos here.
You can take photos at the bottom of this tower for free, and by paying about 700 lire, you can go to the top of the building and take pictures of the city of Istanbul at 63 meters.
Basilica Cistern
The great and ancient Basilica Cistern has about 336 very huge columns, each 9 meters high, and the distance between them is about 4 meters and 80 centimeters; they exist in 12 rows, each row having 28 columns. The length of the reservoir itself is 140 meters, and its width is 70 meters. To reach it, you have to climb 52 steps to the basement.
The entrance fee to this ancient place is about 600 lira in 2024, which is worth it in my opinion.
Buyukada Island
Another photoshoot places in Istanbul is Buyukada Island, the largest Istanbul Prince Islands. On this island, you can see Victorian-style streets, which will be ideal for photography. Quiet, car-free roads and beautiful gardens make BuyukAda one of the best photography spots. The cost of visiting this island is free.
Ortakoy Mosque
This mosque, also known as Mecidiye Mosque, is one of the Istanbul photo spots. Ortakoy mosque is designed in a baroque style and has beautiful decorations. Therefore, it can be a good choice for your artistic photography in Istanbul. This mosque is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, and if you take pictures there, the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge will be seen in the background of your photographs. The entrance fee to this mosque is free.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace, with its unique architecture, is one of the best photography locations in Istanbul. This palace is located in the Besiktas region. In the past, Dolmabahce Palace was the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887, and you can take beautiful photos by going to this palace. The cost of entering this palace in 2024 is about 1000 liras.
Taht Istanbul
You may have seen pictures of Taht Istanbul or the famous roof of Istanbul on Instagram. If you only have a little time for photography, you can go to Taht Istanbul and take beautiful photos there.
Without exaggeration, this is a photography studio with unique decore where you can take beautiful pictures of yourself. You can rent a traditional Turkish dress in Takht Istanbul and ask a professional photographer to take your picture. The photography cost in this place varies, and the minimum price is $100.
Galata Bridge
Galata Bridge is one of Istanbul’s most attractive and unique locations, and even photography studios bring their models here. Galata Bridge connects the old part of the city to its European part.
Stay on this bridge until sunset if you want to see both parts of Istanbul well and take attractive and artistic photos. Photographing on the bridge will be unique and dreamy at sunset or early morning.
Istanbul Taksim Square
Taksim Square is one of the most touristic places in Istanbul, in the European district of Beyoglu. Taksim Square is a symbol of the modern Republic of Türkiye. The monument of the Republic is located in this square. Since its construction, Taksim Square has become a place for holding national events such as the anniversary of Turkey’s independence and other celebrations.
Istanbul’s Maiden Tower
Istanbul Maiden Tower is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Istanbul, which is considered a symbol of the city. To visit this tower, you can go to this tower using the boats that are present in the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul’s Maiden Tower, also called Leander’s Tower, is one of Turkey’s most famous historical monuments. This tower can be a great photography location for you. The entrance fee to this place is about 1000 lira.
Golden horn
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is a horn-shaped strait that divides the European part of the city into two parts. You can go to Golden Horn at sunset. At sunset, this part of the city turns golden, and you can take beautiful photos.
Gulhane Park
Istanbul Gulhane Park is one of the most beautiful and oldest parks, with a green and pleasant atmosphere. This tourist attraction was a part of Topkapi Palace in the past, but today local people and tourists worldwide can visit it.
In Gulhane Park, besides enjoying nature, you can visit the statue of Atatürk and the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam and take pictures next to them. The cost of visiting this park is free.
At the end of the line
I hope this article will be a good guide for your tourist trip to Istanbul. Please share your photography experience in the beautiful city of Istanbul with me in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good place for photography in Istanbul?
Istanbul is one of the best cities in Turkey, which is full of photography locations, and in this article, we reviewed 12 of them.
What are the best places in Istanbul for photography?
Balat neighbourhood, Galata Bridge, Dolma Baghce Istanbul Palace, Basilica Cistern, etc., are some of the best photography spots in Istanbul.
