Your First Time in Istanbul

Description:

Hippodrome was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 A.D. The hippodrome was a stadium which served as a meeting place for the politicians, for chariot races, wrestling, boxing, and other athletic activities  that took place. The arena was over 400 meters long and 120 meters wide, In the fourth century the spectator capacity was increased to 100,000. Hippodrome square is home to the Egyptian Obelisk, the Constantine Column, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountian.

Our Local Expert Says:

The piece de resistance of Istanbul - a breathtaking building both on the outside and inside. Steeped in history, this building is the building to see in Istanbul.

Description:

The magnificent Hagia Sophia was originally built by Justinian and used as a church for 916 years. It then became a mosque for 481 years and Ataturk declared it a museum in 1935. Considered the first and last unique application in terms of its architecture, magnificence and functionality, it has been the inspiration for Ottoman mosques for countless centuries. The incredible frescoes and mosaics in the upper gallery, despite being damaged, are among the most visited sites in the city. The Hagia Sophia is the number one must-see.

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.

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.

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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.

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Mimar Sinan is a name synonymous with Turkish architecture, and some would argue he reached his peak upon completion of the Süleymaniye Mosque, considered by many to be the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul. It's also one of the most structurally sound, not having incurred any recognizable damage from earthquakes in 450 years of sitting proudly in the heart of seismically-prone Istanbul. The mosque's most unique characteristics are its bright red and white striped archways, which, rather than lending a candy-cane feel to the place, actually add an aire of elegance to the mosque's interior with their subtlety and symmetry.

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.

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!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most beautiful hamams built - WELL worth it after a hard trek around the city.

Description:

This is the most pleasant of all Istanbul's hamams. You can stretch out flat on the huge round navel stone, and dreamily gaze at the diffractions of shafts of daylight through the steam. The sounds of splashing water and muffled chatter echo around the dome and throughout the hamam. Mimar Sinan built the baths in 1584—they were commissioned by Nurbanu, wife of Sultan Selim the Grim and they have been in continuous service to the public ever since. There are separate sections for men and women. If you've never set foot in a Turkish bath before, this is the perfect place to learn the ropes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Really one of the more underated things to see. Indeed a must for history buffs!

Description:

The museum consists of three parts: Archaeological Museum (the main building), Museum of the Ancient Orient and Museum of Islamic Art (Tiled Kiosk). There are more than twenty galleries filled with artifacts gathered from all over Turkey and the near east that reminisces 5,000 years of history with exhibits from Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire and the many civilizations of Anatolia and ancient Egypt. The main building houses the finds of nineteenth-century painter and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey, who is also the founder of the museum back in 1891. Other high points include in particular the famous Alexander the Great's tomb, the inscription of Hezikiah's tunnel in Jerusalem and the Kadesh Treaty. The Museum of the Ancient Orient contains artifacts from Egypt and Mesopotamia, including a magnificent frieze of a bull from the Ishtar gate in Babylon.

Description:

One of the most enjoyable ways to travel in Istanbul! Traditional ferry boats travel convenient routes up, down, and across the Bosphorous, connecting Karakoy, Eminonu, and Besiktas on the European shore with Uskudar, Haydarpasa, and Kadikoy on the Asian side. A lovely parade of great, ancient mansions which line up both sides of the coast, a romantic escapade under crimson moonlight, no better way to seize the sea-water-canal of this city which divides it apart.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best artisan restaurant keeping up its historic flavors and taste, as well as its humble attitude.

Description:

Konyali is one of the oldest, in fact one of the first restaurants of Istanbul and also of the Ottoman Empire. The legendary story of Konyali and its culinary traditions date back to 113 years ago. Konyali was initially a workshop for cooks/chefs with only 4 tables and 16 seats. The place was called "Lezzet" which translates as "taste" to depict the nature and quality of food that the chefs cooked here. In 1920s, Lezzet became Konyali Lezzet Restaurant -transferring first and then transcending the taste element with the name to the establishment. Today, there are three Konyali Restaurants in different parts of the city: one inside the Topkapi Palace, one in Kanyon and one in its original place in Sirkeci. The branch in Sirkeci remains to be the same old place with low priced delicious meals off the counter, hot and fresh. The menu at Konyali Sirkeci includes everything from home-cooked meals to grills, pastry and fish. A few examples include the Turkish salted pastry börek, which is something that can be eaten at any time of the day. These pastry triangles come in many forms, either stuffed with minced meat or any one of a dozen different kinds of cheese for breakfast. Sulu börek is a popular form, which resembles a sloppy lasagne filled with goat's cheese. Stewed hot dishes and mashed aubergine salad are among the other favorites. At Konyali Sirkeci, you eat at standing-only counters; and in fact most of the trade is takeaways and deliveries. Inside are photos of some Konyali fans like Haile Selassie and Benazir Bhutto -although they actually ate at the branch inside the luxurious Topkapi Palace, and not at this humble little joint opposite the shanty Sirkeci train station!

Description:

Boncuk is a little meyhane (Turkish tavern) with decent price ranges and enormous tastes... It has recently moved out from its Nevizade place into the Asmali Mescit Street, the new upcoming bar street to be. Don't go in expecting a vast space filled with tables. Gurme Boncuk is a cozy little restaurant for multiple floors -none of which too big. The staff is very friendly and are usually swarming around with huge trays of food. At times, a sweet, old musician is allowed inside to play best pieces of Turkish classical music on his violin. It is customary to tip this man if you want him to play especially for you. Try topik (a nice blend of chickpea and a variety of spices), grilled calamari and mashed peppers. Be sure to ask in advance for the "roasted angler fish" -it is so good that it finishes too soon.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best location, very good food

Description:

Iskele Restaurant is very much liked by the local (well-to-do) folks for its unique location on the water front along the Rumeli Hisari coast; and the quality of its services and freshness of the seasonal fish. The best seats in the house are probably those that are outside on the wooden deck, commanding a view across the straits to the castle on the hilltop - Anadolu Hisari. In the winter, tables by the window are second best. The interior décor is unornamented, simplistic and traditional, but still very elegant. The extremely attentive staff are unobtrusive and very friendly, yet still polite and efficient. The service overall is extremely unpretentious. The variety of food is actually not very different from other mainstream fist restaurants. However, Iskele manages to differentiate itself through the quality of its food offer: fresh seasonal fish and delicious seafood meze. Marinated sea bass, Mackarel special from the cold plates; Iskele special from the hot dishes are highly recommended. Locals' choice for business meals and quality time with friends & loved ones. Definitely a place to take your foreign friend and bewilder him during his visit to Istanbul.

Our Local Expert Says:

Typical eatery / diner in the Sultanahmet with tradition and history

Description:

Sultanahmet is painfully short of high-quality eateries, but Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi has a constant stream of locals and tourists queuing out the door and down the street. It's strictly a fast food-style köfte restaurant. The tasty walnut sized meatballs are grilled to perfection over a great open-flame ocak (grill). Waiters literally run from table to table serving huge helpings of köfte accompanied by crusty bread, crispy green salad, fluffy rice and excellent white-bean salad (piyaz). The restaurant has been around 80 years, hence its name which means, "Historical Sultan Ahmet Köfte Restaurant."

Our Local Expert Says:

The views here are just as good as the food! A pricey restaurant to be sure, 360 Istanbul offers superb dining with great wait staff, and a view that is paralleled by few. A romantic way to spend the evening.

Description:

As the name implies, this restaurant offers a stunning 360 degree view of the city. Although quiet at lunch, it transforms into a sophisticated and trendy nightspot. The fare is more or less international, with a range of exotic dishes. Try dishes like Prawns in a Jar with Lemon Grass, or the Bollywood Chicken. Stick to Turkish cuisine or go in for some sushi, but definitely order something from the imported wine list. The DJ and the live music keep you on your feet—the atmosphere gets more vibrant as the night progresses.

Description:

Çiçek Pasajı which literally means "Flower Passage" was originally named Cité de Péra. It is a covered alley, a historic and famous passage, that was built in 1876. The site where the passage stands today was originally the Naum Theater -which was often frequented by the Sultan and is known world-wide for hosting Giuseppe Verdi's Il Trovatore before Paris. The Naum Theater was completely destroyed in the great fire of Beyoglu in 1870. Çiçek Pasajı is a real diversion from the old Theater and also from the already charming main drag Istiklal Caddesi -along which it is located. The passage is filled with lively restaurants, pubs, wine bars, taverns (meyhanes) and music. It is almost like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan - an L-shaped, cobblestone-laden path, picturesque and enchanting atmosphere with rows of taverns and restaurants. Çiçek Pasajı is also a great spot for a solid Turkish meal (with a menu in your language) or a stiff drink -raki being the most appropriate one. At night, the passage is lit up literally and metaphorically, with colorful lights and live musicians at your table side. Despite its location and history, the Çiçek Pasajı is not overwhelmingly touristy, and it's a great place to stop in for a refresher on your journey down İstiklal, or to have a nightcap after a long day of sightseeing. You will notice the local folk eating and dancing with the musicians until late in the night; you may as well join in with them.

Our Local Expert Says:

Certainly the place to go to see and be seen. Frequented by celebrities and the who's who of Turkey, Reina doesn't disappoint, save for the 30 euro drinks.

Description:

One of the hottest clubs in Turkey, Reina is actually a vast playground filled with bars, restaurants and dance floors that can welcome up to 2500 people. Supposedly, the name 'Reina' was inspired by a 'very cute' 3-year-old girl (wCities). In the past few years, Reina has been becoming more and more "less local." Yet, high-fliers, millionaires, celebrities and media moguls continue to mix and mingle under one roof. This has to do with its vast popularity and scenery, which have made it very famous worldwide and thus very crowded. It is located at the foot of the European side with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus Bridge. It is open every season, yet moves out to its vast open space in the summers. The place gets renovated right down to its toilets almost every season and opens both its winter and summer seasons with huge parties. The restaurants inside this complex run the gamut from Italian to Sushi to more traditional local fare. Many well-known restaurants including Kosebasi Kebab, Samdan Restaurant and Dragon Chinese Restaurant move into Reina for the summer season. Nevertheless, you may not be able to find the same restaurant here season after season: Who pays the piper calls the tune...

Our Local Expert Says:

Local's pick

Description:

Majestic view of Bosphorus hidden at Anjelique. Anjelique is the leading candidate for the best and most popular site of Istanbul in the summer; an address for fun, chill-out and full enjoyment with fascinating view and decoration. Top specialties of Anjelique are the lively feeling of the place, the majestic view of Bosphorus and the menu consisting of different flavours. Decoration is designed and renovated by Mahmut Anlar (Geomim Architecture). The simplicity of the decoration and specially angled mirrors bring wide-spectrum of Bosphorus inside Anjelique.

Description:

This two-level nightclub, formerly known as NuPera, now also called Nu Club, happens to be the Nu Terrace in summers. It is located within the NuPera complex in the Beyoglu neighborhood, enclosing three restaurants inside during the winter and the regular Nu Restaurant on the terrace in the summer. In terms of its clientele, there are no vast seasonal differences in winter and summer. On the other hand, the concept of the place tends to change a bit. During winters, the three rooms, in which the three restaurants are, rock to different types of music, making an enchanting club environment that allows you to bar-hop without putting on your jacket at all. The restaurants inside are Moreish, Nu Restaurant and Lilbitz, offering a range of fusion, world and tapas food. During the summer, the inner places close down and only the terrace area is open for both dinner and entertainment. The place does tend to be crowded, making getting in a tough work at times; but this does not deter the regulars, who jostle for elbow-space on the dance floor. An eclectic range of music is played by the DJs here, and that includes hip hop, house and pop. The clientele is elitist and the dress code is strictly smart and chic.

Our Local Expert Says:

Between 2001 and 2007, Babylon has been nominated and won various international awards, including "One of the best 100 International Jazz Club in the World" by the famous Down Beat magazine, and "The Best Concert/Performance Venue" by Time Out Istanbul - Miller Gourmet Awards.

Description:

Babylon, designed as a multipurpose performance space, is the premier award-winning live music venue in Turkey, that is offering both some of Turkey's most popular artists and some very special international bands and musicians at fairly reasonable rates. Top international names from jazz, latin, reggae, world music, and electronica spectrum are staged on weekends; while local bands take the stage on weekdays. There are also special DJ sessions, which are held once a month. This place has a capacity of 450 standing or 300 with tables & standing. Since 2007, Babylon has opened the Babylon Lounge, which also hosts live music performances. The difference of Babylon Lounge is that it is also possible to have dinner or lunch here, or just come for drinks and enjoy finger food and snacks.

Our Local Expert Says:

Indeed one of the best art museums in the city - with great views and a smart café to boast!

Description:

Making its debut in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Turkey's first museum dedicated to displaying contemporary art. Located on the Sea of Marmara, the museum is a 86,000 square foot renovated government warehouse that houses abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures and photographs from local artists and public and private collections. Istanbul Modern fuses Turkish and Western aesthetic influences to create a connection between Turkish and European institutions of art. Although the Turkish government has offered some assistance, the museum is privately funded by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Eczacibasi family, who also provides the permanent collection. Attracting 5,000 visitors daily, one of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Stairway to Hell" by Monica Bonvicini in 2003, a sculpture featuring chains and bullet-shattered glass. Other exhibits feature work by Fahrelnissa Zeid and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Istanbul Modern will also offer art history programs for children and adults. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10a-2p, and discounts are offered for students and groups.

Our Local Expert Says:

Shoppers' haven

Description:

Abdi İpekçi Caddesi is much referred as the "5th Avenue" of Istanbul among locals. Another competing avenue in terms of shopping and larking is the Bagdat Caddesi on the Asian continent. However, if you ask most residents of Istanbul about where to tie up your high-end shopping, the answer is more likely to be on Abdi İpekçi Street. Starting with Channel down the bottom of the street, as one makes his/her way up the "always crowded" Midpoint Cafe and Brandroom, passing aside from the entrance of the legendary Reasurans Passage (where locally managed small boutiques selling old season La Perla and high end La Scarpa are found together with some of the best restaurants of Nişantaşı, such as Zanzibar and Assk) and reaching slowly slowly to Louis Vuitton and Prada...

As if that was not all of it, the side streets running across are filled with more variety and choice; as well as affordability in terms of price. A place all shoppers should visit before they go back home.

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:

One of the landmarks of Turkey, Galata Tower is a must see on your trip. Historically important, and affording views of the whole of Istanbul, this is a site not to be missed. A decent restaurant at the top has nice, but overpriced meals.

Description:

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower, a cone-capped cylinder that soars high into the sky, dominating the skyline and offering a panoramic view of the Old city of Istanbul. It is thus worth climbing to the top for the view from this 14th century Genoese fortification. Beneath the tower is also a cozy, friendly neighborhood of artisans, artisan restaurants, designer boutiques, galleries and architects' offices. Take your camera and start strolling through the streets. Drop by at Lastik Pabuc Sneaker Store and have a look at unique sneakers; stop for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at Cherrybeans Coffee Store -chocolates are their own production. The second hand store Second Chance sell unique vintage items, owned by model Ahu Yagtu. Lunch recommended at Kivahan Restaurant -no fix menu, everything is daily prepared.

Description:

Founded by Sakip Sabanci and managed by the Sakip Sabanci University , this private museum houses an extensive collection of Ottoman paintings, important documents and calligraphic works. It hosts various lectures, workshops and exhibitions from time to time and gained immense popularity with its display of Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso's works. The Villa, which is now the museum, was built in 1927 by an Italian architect Edouard De Nari by the commission of Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan of the Hidiv Family. The industrialist Haci Omer Sabanci bought the villa from the Hidiv Family in 1950; and from that time onwards the villa came to be known as the "Atli Kosk" (the Horse Mansion). The name was given as a result of two horse statues installed in its garden -one of which is from the cast of four horses removed from Sultanahmet during the Forth Crusade in 1204. Sakip Sabanci moved into the villa in 1966, following the demise of Haci Omer Sabanci. In 1998, the villa was given over to the Sabanci University together with Sakip Sabanci's private collection and furnishings, to be transformed into a museum. The in-house restaurant , Müzedechanga , is popular for dishing out mouthwatering international delicacies. Open on all days except Mondays.