What to see on a cultural day out in Istanbul, including Kadıköy, Democracy and Freedom Island, and the Ara Güler Museum?

Ara Güler Müzesi in Şişli is dedicated to the renowned Turkish photographer Ara Güler. Until 11 October, its free Cannes! exhibition features his photographs from the Cannes Film Festival in the late 1950s; opening hours are Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00 and Sun 12:00–18:00.

At Democracy and Freedom Island, the film is shown with English subtitles, so Turkish is not essential. There is still enough time afterwards for an unhurried walk around the island and a tea-and-pastry break.

For a walk on Istanbul’s Asian side, take the ferry to Kadıköy. Possible stops include Haydarpaşa railway station, the Moda neighbourhood, a Greek church and Müze Gazhane, a cultural venue in a former industrial complex.