Your First Time in Istanbul
Description:
Population of Istanbul, with over 12 million people, exceeds that of a country, Belgium; and the city with an area of approximately 5.712 km², spreads over two major continents: Europe and Asia (thus receiving the acronym Eurasia).
Lucky you, the most iconic monuments, the historic city and major points of interest are gathered around in the European part of the city. Sultanahmet is the so-called historic center and a good base for most first-time visits, cultural excursions and sight-seeing. The historic nature of Sultanahmet also makes it a natural tourist hub.
Taksim, Beyoglu and Galata are interconnected regions with streets running parallel and across to one another. In fact, the pedestrian Istiklal street extends from the Taksim Square down to the towns of Galata, the Tunel area and Karakoy -the port. These places are bohemian and artsy places with designer stores, craft shops and trendy cafes, bars and pubs. Must-see and do stuff for leisure.
The following list is divided into 4 sections to help visitors find most relevant information under a relevant category. The list will pin-point for your benefit the major point of interests (monuments and entertainment wise), as well as referencing some locally recommended venues for an off-the-beaten course.
Lucky you, the most iconic monuments, the historic city and major points of interest are gathered around in the European part of the city. Sultanahmet is the so-called historic center and a good base for most first-time visits, cultural excursions and sight-seeing. The historic nature of Sultanahmet also makes it a natural tourist hub.
Taksim, Beyoglu and Galata are interconnected regions with streets running parallel and across to one another. In fact, the pedestrian Istiklal street extends from the Taksim Square down to the towns of Galata, the Tunel area and Karakoy -the port. These places are bohemian and artsy places with designer stores, craft shops and trendy cafes, bars and pubs. Must-see and do stuff for leisure.
The following list is divided into 4 sections to help visitors find most relevant information under a relevant category. The list will pin-point for your benefit the major point of interests (monuments and entertainment wise), as well as referencing some locally recommended venues for an off-the-beaten course.
Author: aisha
Day 1 - Istanbul
THINGS TO DO
On a first time visit to Istanbul, especially if it is for leisure, you should really spare time to go to the historic center: Sultanahmet. Sultanahmet is not just where most of the Ottoman and Byzantine heritage remains; but also where a synthesis of multiple cultural and religious influences of centuries is embedded.
Hippodrome, the ancient horse-racing track from the Byzantine Empire, is now the Sultanahmet Square with only a few fragments of the original race-track. It is also a very good starting point for general sight-seeing activities, because many other major attractions are within walking distance from here. Monuments such as the Serpent Column, Egyptian Obelisk and the Walled Obelisk are also to be found in this main square.
Time left over from the sightseeing activities should be devoted to relaxing the Ottoman style in a hamam (Turkish bath) and exploring the city's social spheres.
There are two historically significant hamams in Istanbul. One is the Galatasaray Hamam, which is just off the Istiklal Street -and, thus easy to reach. The other hamam is called the Cemberlitas Hamam; and it pronounces history more profoundly. As it is located in the historic center of the city, a treatment here could easily be incorporated to you schedule. Tip: Do not go to lunch first and then to the hamam; steam and hotness inside the hamam on a full stomach may be dangerous.
Istanbul is a major metropolitan city of both day and night entertainment, so exploring its social spheres will be time consuming as well. It will also be a lot of fun! Start with the pedestrian Istiklal Street is a must-visit area that leads the way from the Taksim Square into the bohemian and trendy districts of the city (Galata and Beyoglu).
So much is always said and written about the famous sea-canal: Bosphorus. A first-time visit to Istanbul cannot be completed without at least a walk by its coast, or better yet by boat through the canal.
1
Hippodrome
Location:
view in google mapsSultanahmet Meydani (Square)
At Meydani (Horse Plaza), Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
2
Hagia Sophia
Location:
view in google mapsSultanahmet Square
Istanbul, Turkey
3
Topkapi Palace
Location:
view in google mapsSultanahmet Meydanı
34122 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 522 44224
Kapali Çarsi (Covered Market)
Location:
view in google maps22 Kalpakçılar Caddesi
34975 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 519 12485
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
Location:
view in google mapsYerebatan Caddesi 13
(Near St. Sophia)
34110 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 522 12596
Süleymaniye Camii (Süleymaniye Mosque)
Location:
view in google mapsSüleymaniye Mosque, next to Istanbul University's north gate, Suleymaniye, Fatih
34110 Istanbul, Turkey
7
Spice Bazaar (Mısır çarşısı)
Location:
view in google mapsBehind the New Mosque in Eminönü
Istanbul, Turkey
8
İstiklal Caddesi
Location:
view in google mapsİstiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Cad., Beyoglu
34437 Istanbul, Turkey
10
Cemberlitas Hamami
Location:
view in google mapsVezirhan Caddesi 8
Cemberlitas
34440 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 522 797411
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Location:
view in google mapsOsman Hamdi Bey Yokusu Gülhane
34425 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 520 774012
Istanbul Ferry
Location:
view in google mapsVarious locations
Istanbul, Turkey
Day 2 - Istanbul
RESTAURANTS
Turkish cuisine is a blend of Ottoman, Aegean and Middle Eastern influences. As such it is almost impossible to pin-point one restaurant, where the first time visitor may appreciate all delicacies of this overwhelming cuisine.
While kebab is considered to be the trademark food offer of Turkey, fish and "meze" (small dishes) are as and even more important parts of the local cuisine.
In all cases, the major aspect of Turkish cuisine is the way in which it is eaten: slowly, gradually and with cheerful company. Whether the diners are at a kebab restaurant, fish restaurant or at a tavern, dinners last long hours, accompanied by raki (Turkish ouzo) or wine and conversation.
1
Konyali Lokantasi -Sirkeci
Location:
view in google mapsMimar Kemalettin Cad. 5. Vakif Han, Sirkeci
Sirkeci
34400 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 513 96102
Gurme Boncuk
Location:
view in google mapsAsmalı Mescit Sok. No:29
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 245 31 69 / 90 212 245 31 69 703
Rumeli Iskele
Location:
view in google mapsYahya Kemal Caddesi 1 Rumelihisari
Rumeli Hisari
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 263 29974
Tarihi Selim Usta Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Location:
view in google maps12 Divan Yolu
34110 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 513 14385
360 Istanbul
Location:
view in google mapsMisir Apt. K:8 N:32/309
Istiklal Caddesi
80600 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 251 1042 / 90 212 251 1043Day 3 - Istanbul
NIGHTLIFE
I've said already how Istanbul entertains its residents and visitors 'non-stop' day & night. It is unlike any city that even on Sundays it does not sleep.
Going out, getting drunk and clubbing are activities that are not solely limited to weekends. There are many places that have special parties on a certain day every week. Week-day parties tend to naturally wrap up earlier; but on weekends festing goes on until the Sun comes come back up in the sky. Take a walk on any Saturday or Sunday by the Bebek or Arnavutkoy Coast very early in the morning (between 5 and 6 AM) and you will see fishermen fishing, fit people jogging and clubbers breakfasting...
Below are only a few places that are attractive to a first-time visitor. They are not all just clubs. Some are Turkish taverns where it is only appropriate to drink raki :) and others are night-out concert venues, where you rock with your favorite star with a can of beer or a glass of mojito.
1
Çiçek Pasajı
Location:
view in google mapsİstiklal Caddesi
34433 Istanbul, Turkey
2
Reina
Location:
view in google mapsMuallim Naci Caddesi 44
Ortaköy
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 30 212 259 5919 / 90 30 212 259 59213
Anjelique
Location:
view in google mapsMuallim Naci Caddesi Salhane sokak no. 5
Ortaköy
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 327 28444
Nu Club
Location:
view in google mapsTepebaşı Mesrutiyet Caddesi 147-149
Petit-Champs Passage
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 245 60705
Babylon
Location:
view in google mapsSeyhbender Sokak 3 Tunel-Asmalimescit
Tünel, Asmalimescit
80040 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 292 7368Day 4 - Istanbul
LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS: OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND LOCAL THINGS TO DO
The following short list are further tips for the visitor, who wishes to go beyond the first-time visit fascinating frustration. The things on this list are not severely "local". Think of them as things and places that locals would do or go to, when they want to see a new exhibition, spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon or hang out with friends.
Istanbul Modern is a modern arts museum, which is frequented by both locals and tourists alike. The locals follow the new exhibitions here and return more frequently.
Abdi Ipekci Caddesi is one of the local hang out places with posh cafes and upscale stores.
Visiting Princes' Islands is a favorable summer activity, which takes up an entire day. Locals prefer to go to the island either for an entire weekend; or simply day-trip for breakfast and/or lunch or simply brunch.
Climbing the Galata Tower is naturally not what the locals do. However, the neighborhood around the Tower has lately become very trendy among the elitist bohemians (if such a group could exist) for taking photos, strolling thorough designer stores, hand-picking second-hand clothes and drinking beer.
Last but not the least is the Sakip Sabanci Museum, which hosts not only very interesting exhibitions, but also pleasant summer concerts in its garden -not to be missed by those interested in jazz.
1
Istanbul Modern
Location:
view in google mapsMeclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman Sahasý Antrepo No: 4
Karaköy
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 334 73002
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi
Location:
view in google mapsAbdi İpekçi Caddesi
Kağıthane
Istanbul, Turkey
4
Adalar (Princes' Islands)
Location:
view in google mapsAdalar
Istanbul, Turkey
5
Galata Tower
Location:
view in google mapsGalata
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
90 212 245 11 606
Sakip Sabanci Museum
Location:
view in google mapsSakip Sabanci Cad. 22
Emirgan
34467 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:
+90 212 277 2200