2-Day Autumn Photography Route in İstanbul

Autumn brings nature’s warmest colours and reflects them in the silhouettes of cities. The spirit of the season permeates the air and can be felt as you wander through streets and parks. The combination of the İstanbul experience and autumn colours creates a wonderful ambience for photographers, both with its views and aesthetic charm.

With this 2-day photography route in İstanbul, you’ll feel the spirit of autumn and capture the city’s most beautiful landscapes.

3 Points

53 km

1.5 h

2-Day Autumn Photography Route in İstanbul box

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Explore a stunning 2-day autumn photo route through İstanbul, capturing vibrant fall colours and scenic spots.

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Day 1: Fener and Balat

On the first day, you will explore Fener and Balat, neighbourhoods that blend the spirit of autumn with the nostalgia of Türkiye. With their colourful wooden houses and stone streets, these are some of the most preferred spots in İstanbul by amateur or professional photographers.

The first day of the route is dedicated solely to this area, as it offers numerous places worth exploring apart from the colourful and historic streets. You should visit the unique historical buildings for unforgettable memories and perfect shots.

Recommended routes include Phanar Orthodox College, the Bulgarian Iron Church (Sveti Stefan Church), the Ahrida Synagogue, Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, and Chora.

The first four structures will amaze you with their exterior architecture as well as mystical touches in their interior design. As for Chora, its frescoes and mosaics related to the Christian history contain unique and pleasant details that you will want to capture and keep with your camera forever. For the rest of the day, you can explore cosy spots in the area and sample a variety of flavours.

You can fill your camera roll with lovely shots of the cats wandering through Balat’s colourful streets. After a break with a delicious coffee from one of the area’s boutique cafés, you might join an auction at a local antique shop.

In these auctions, you can find lovely and nostalgic gifts for your friends, family, or yourself. You might spend the night at one of the charming boutique hotels around Balat.

Day 2: Belgrad Forest and Kuzguncuk

On the second day, this route leads you to the Belgrad Forest and Kuzguncuk, one of the largest forests of İstanbul and a nostalgic district on the Asian side. You will have the chance to capture the reflections of autumn both in nature and in the city.

Belgrad Forest reaches its most beautiful version as the shades of autumn begin to show themselves through the trees and other plants. At the first light of the morning, you can go to take photographs and feel the tranquil ambience of the forest. You will capture amazing shots in the magical atmosphere where the trees are dressed in warm tones of yellow, red, and orange. After walking through the Belgrad Forest, you will hit the road for your last destination on the route.

For the best İstanbul experience, take a ferry from Sarıyer to Kuzguncuk to capture the Bosphorus view and the harmony of the autumn colours along its shores. The Kuzguncuk neighbourhood is renowned for its historical streets adorned with wooden houses and a unique Bosphorus view. While you’re taking photographs of its nostalgic streets, you can hear the whispers of old times and waves in the Bosphorus.

You can visit the famous Kuzguncuk Mosque, Beth Yaakov Synagogue, and Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church, which stand almost side by side as symbols of the area's cultural harmony. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the fresh pastries and simit served in Kuzguncuk’s local cafés for a quick bite while exploring the neighbourhood.