Istanbul Anti-Guide: 10 Overrated Sights to Skip So You Can See the Real City

Introduction — Why an anti-guide for Istanbul? Istanbul is a city that fascinates, draws you in—and sometimes disappoints. Between monumental mosques, colorful bazaars, Bosphorus cruises and panoramic views from iconic towers, the average tourist can easily follow a prepackaged route that breeds long lines, inflated prices and shallow experiences. This “Anti-Guide” isn’t about bashing Istanbul’s beauty; it’s about flagging ten sites that mainstream guides rave about but which, for visitors looking for authenticity and real…