Best of how to live Istanbul in a few days

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most famous avenues of Istanbul and one of the most lively

Description:

This 2-mile pedestrian boulevard is a must-stroll for any visitor to Istanbul. Formerly known as the Grande Rue de Péra, the street's name was changed to İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) after Turkish independence was declared in 1923. The grand boulevard's turn-of-the-century European-style façades are well cared for, and the shops and restaurants that line the promenade are not extremely touristy or expensive. If you start at Taksim Square, İstiklal Caddesi will lead you all the way to the neighborhood home to the famous Galata Tower. Before you reach Galata, you'll pass through Karaköy, where you can see (and ride, for all of two stops) the world's second-oldest subway, the Tünel. One of İstiklal's side streets is the old Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage). Along another offshoot you'll find a slew of independent shops selling handcrafted musical instruments. İstiklal Caddesi is also your point of entry to the famous Balık Pazarı (Fish Market). Obviously, the huge boulevard is full of history and mystery, so leave no cobblestone unturned!

Description:

A walk from Besiktas until Sariyer is just too long. But, if you were to do it, you would be passing by Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Baltalimani / Boyacikoy, Emirgan, Sabanci House / Museum, Istinye, Yenikoy, Tarabya and Sariyer successively. This entire walk would last for at least 4 hours, maybe 5. However, a smaller version from Kurucesme until Rumeli Fortress is just enough to see the beautiful old houses, the fishermen, the sidewalk groceries and the Anatolian coast across. The same walk is doable on the Anatolian coast as well. There the line starts from Uskudar (across from Besiktas) and continues along Beylerbeyi, Kuleli Military School, Vanikoy (the elite residential place of mansions), Kandilli, Goksu, Anadolu Fortress, Kanlica, Pasabahce, Beykoz. Again this entire trail would be too long and tiresome. The better parts of this are from the Kuleli Military School until Kanlica. Yet, another trail along the coast on the Anatolian side is the parallel of the famous shopping street the Bagdat Street. The parallel of this street runs by the Marmara Sea and the best trail starts from Bostanci and continues along Suadiye, Caddebostan and Fenerbahce.

Our Local Expert Says:

Without doubt one of the most historical sights in Istanbul and Turkey at large. Consisting of hundreds of rooms, including the scandalous harem, Topkapi doesn't dissapoint. Plan atleast 4 hours for this - yes, it's THAT big.

Description:

Topkapi Palace, on the Seraglio Peninsula, became a museum in 1924. The Harem, Baghdat Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, Sofa Pavilion, and the Audience Chamber distinguish themselves with their architectural assets, while other artifacts reflect palace life. Gülhane Park is located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, and is popular among Istanbul residents for picnicking and open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet unclassified, and therefore unofficial, Byzantine ruin.

Description:

Yerebatan Sarayi translates into English as the 'Sinking Palace'. It's Istanbul's largest underground cistern and the only one renovated and opened for public viewing. Today Yerebatan Sarayi is a major tourist attraction and offers cool respite from Istanbul's searing summer heat. Pulsing lights, water dripping from the ceiling and eerie music played over strategically placed speakers add an air of mystery to the place. Note the two large Medusa heads supporting columns on the north side of the cistern. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the whole cistern.

Our Local Expert Says:

One could spend a day here, and only see a quarter of what it has to offer. From leather goods to books, and clothes to dishware, the covered bazaar doesn't disappoint. Be sure to try the restaurant up top - this writer hears good things!

Description:

The Kapalıçarsı is Turkey's largest covered market, housing approximately 4000 shops of luxurious Turkish carpets, delicate pottery, shiny brass-ware, handmade nargiles, precious stones, leather goods, lamps and a lot more than one could count or remember. A place as big as this has multiple entrances, though most people enter through the Nuruosmaniye Gate. As is "custom," never settle on the price a dealer quotes. He expects you to haggle with him and you should. Do it amiably and be reasonable (don't ask for more than 50% off), and you're sure to walk away with the article of your choice at a price you can live with. All payments are in cash, and those that take credit cards accept only the major ones. The bazaar also houses restaurants, which are frequented by tourists and locals alike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best variety of spices

Description:

The Spice Market is one of the oldest covered markets / bazaars of Istanbul. It is an exotic food market selling all sorts of food items from exotic spices, nuts and dried fruits to cheese varieties, Iranian caviar, fruits and vegetables. There are also "well-being" shops and herbalists, which sell body moisturizers, natural anti-cellulite treatment lotions, ant-egg creams for unwanted body hair, scrubbing pads out of fiber for natural peeling and a variety of herbal teas for any other functional or biological problems. Out of the covered market, there is also an animal market, where cutest puppies and new born rabbits mingle together with fish and birds. These markets also sell pet-care items and pet-toys. Spice Market is the second largest covered market after the Grand Bazaar, yet it usually takes shorter to go through its "L" shaped inner structure. Spare nevertheless half a day to sample a variety of food items and shop for souvenirs. Lunch is recommended at Pandeli Restaurant, which is located on the second floor of the market.

Description:

Galata Mevlevihanesi is a whirling dervish hall in the Tünel Music Quarter at the end of Gallip Dede street. A whirling dervish is the fervent dancing and whirling to traditional Islamic chants and is a worship service unlike any other. The Galata Mevlevihanesi is used by several dervish groups. The octagonal hall is the best place to witness the sema, but tickets cannot be bought on the spot. To avoid disappointment make sure you get your bookings done in advance, or if not in town, get someone from your hotel to get them for you. The performances happen every Sunday and some Saturdays.

Description:

The Galatasary Hamam was built in 1715 as a public bath, yet it was actually exclusively for men. In 1965 the hamam underwent renovation and a new separate quarter for women was added to the establishment. During the renovation process, much has been kept intact and the main structure has not been altered radically, but architectural details were added. Galatasaray Hamam diverges from the mainstream public baths due to some of these architectural details and its more elitist atmosphere. One major feature here are the marble slabs where bathers can be massaged in semi-privacy rather than on the heated central navel stone. As such, the admission price tends to soar higher above regular bath prices as well. In Euros: 26 for a bath, 35 with a kese (scrubbing the body), 38 with foam massage, 44 for both kese and massage, and 57 for the 'Pasha' treatment – oil massage. Beverages are free and further tips to the keseci (massager) will guarantee further services and better treatment. Visitors to Galatasaray Hamam often complain that they are being ripped off inside by the increasing number of services and additional fees asked for each. But, if you discuss your options and prices before going on, you would now what to expect and not be disillusioned. After all think of hamam as an old-day spa, it was and is not for free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Summer-time day trip

Description:

In Turkish, "adalar" simply means "islands" - though adalar are very familiar territory for Istanbulites, which island you are referring to is still quite important since many Istanbullites use the islands as their summer residence and have a genuine circle of relatives and friends there. Probably the most popular day trip option from Istanbul, at least in the summer, the Princes' Islands are comprised of seven small islands, four of which (Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada) have constant summertime service by ferry from Kabataş and Bostanci. The islands offer treasures of history (Byzantine churches and Greek and Turkish ruins), green parks, and various upscale restaurants and hotels. As no cars are allowed onto the islands, you would be better off renting a horse-backed carriage to go from one part to another; or to arrive on the islands dressed casually and renting a bike. The islands are a wonderful retreat from bustling Istanbul, each with its own unique character and pace of life.

Our Local Expert Says:

Family-oriented, off-the-beaten path place for Sunday brunches and lunches

Description:

The Silahtarağa Power Plant is the first urban-scale power plant built in Istanbul in the Ottoman period. The power plant has been conserved and renovated by Bilgi University and transformed into a center for culture and arts under the name of Santralistanbul. Santralistanbul is thus conceived of an educational museum, the power plant museum, art galleries, multi-functional areas for workshops of many kinds and two cafes: Tamirane and Otto Santral (branch of the Otto Cafe / Restaurant in Asmali Mescit). It is the perfect place especially for families with young children. The vast open area and the green garden of Tamirane and Otto Santral allows children to run, bike and play; while the families may enjoy a nice Sunday branch or lunch, read the daily paper and their books. The quietness of the place is also extremely seductive for anyone running away from the hectic city life. The day may be ended by a visual tour around the old power plant -which has been kept as it was (no models have been used for public demonstration). For more information about the on-going exhibitions inside the art galleries, please refer to their website.