City guide · Istanbul · 5 min read

How to make friends in Istanbul as a newcomer or visitor

Istanbul sits on two continents and runs on tea, ferries and long conversations.

Top 3 things to do — and how to turn them into plans

1
Bosphorus ferry with tea
The commuter ferry is the city's cheapest cruise — and best conversation spot. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
2
Kadıköy food crawl
The Asian side's market streets are made for grazing with company. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
3
Sunset at Galata Bridge
Fishermen, seagulls and the old city skyline. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.

Sidecar is for locals meeting locals, travellers meeting locals, and fellow travellers meeting each other. Friends only.

A glass of çay at a tea garden or a Bosphorus ferry ride are the classic low-key first plans.

Wandering the Grand Bazaar, Balat's colourful streets or a Kadıköy food crawl are natural group outings.

Backgammon cafés, live music, hammams and a huge art scene give every interest a home.

Sidecar shows small, platonic plans in Istanbul in time order, each with a host introduction and a public meeting place. Join one, or post your own.