Visitors In Istanbul Are Obsessed With The City's Furriest Tourist Attraction
To most, Istanbul is all about its rich history. Brimming with centuries-old stunning architecture, historical landmarks, some of Europe's top budget-friendly attractions, and a vibrant culture, the city's allure — sitting comfortably between Europe and Asia — is undeniable. From the bustling alleyways of the Grand Bazaar — a massive market home to more than 5,000 stores — to the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul's city landscape stands as a symbol of history and diversity. However, recently, tourists have been flocking to one specific attraction that's not mentioned in any guide books or travel itineraries: The Boulder.
With its four legs, wagging tail, and plump figure, The Boulder — a street dog that spends most of its time lounging near the Şişhane metro stop, on Istanbul's European side — has won over visitors and quickly climbed to the top of the city's best-rated attractions. Currently boasting nearly 300 reviews and a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews, the pup's impressive size and laid-back attitude (both of which seem to defy the city's daily hustle and bustle) have earned him a devoted following — as well as his own Instagram fan page.
The Boulder has become an internet sensation
Despite his humble beginnings as a regular street dog, The Boulder's online popularity has exploded in recent weeks. From a video shared by the Daily Mail on TikTok, which has racked up a whopping 1.6 million views, to dozens of articles, videos, and social media posts online about him, the four-legged celebrity is drawing in tourists from around the world — some of whom even admit to going out of their way to visit him in his regular spot.
@dailymail The Boulder is a street dog in Istanbul who gained notoriety on the internet and has become a local landmark, racking up a 4.9-star rating on Google. Off to book a ticket to Istanbul 🎟️🛫 🎥@Josef Who #istanbul #turkey🇹🇷 #travel #dog #city #google #review #attraction #holiday #vacation
Beyond his impressive Google rating, reviews of The Boulder also range from amusing to downright adoring. With one visitor praising "His grace. His beauty. His chonk." Another reviewer wrote, "You can't help but smile when you see him living his best life." With this kind of admiration, such as this reviewer writing, "In a world full of ordinary attractions, The Boulder stands out as an extraordinary experience," it's clear that internet fans take his status very seriously.
As for catching a glimpse of The Boulder in person, past visitors recommend that newcomers don't get too close to him. Similar to most, the pup doesn't really enjoy being woken up from his slumber, and he's quick to react — generally with a grumpy snarl — if someone gets too close for comfort. Nonetheless, his penchant for personal space hasn't stopped neighbors and tourists from stopping by with food and water — and sneaking in a selfie or two in the process.