"Wanna-have-it-all"s in Istanbul

Description:

Author: aisha

Day 1 - Istanbul

Monday is the of arrival! For a first-timer in Istanbul, most convenient places to stay would be around Gumussuyu, Taksim or Nisantasi / Osmanbey -as all of them are easily accessible by the Metro and bus. You will find a few suggestions for your hotel choice below; but to name some hotels which are acknowledged for their service, locality and quality, The Marmara Istanbul, Lush Hotel, Hotel Richmond (the Istiklal branch), Ansen Suites, Suite Home Hotel Istiklal are good possibilities. After checking in at your hotel, start the day on the main street of Taksim, the Istiklal Street, one of the only pedestrian streets in Istanbul. Walk all the way down. Go into hans (inns), passages; sort through second hand materials, handcrafted items, carpets, lanterns, books… Enjoy your lunch at Litera, beautiful restaurant in Galatasaray region. Litera offers an astonishing view of the Bosphorus from its terrace. The service is friendly and the food is delicious. After the lunch walk down into the tunnel where music shops and old book houses are found. Visit the Dervish lodge for an authentic ride into the philosophical culture. Enjoy Milanese ice-cream from Cremerie Milano or a plate of the traditional Turkish deserts at Dilek or Barcelona Pastry. You may also eat profiteroles at the Inci Pastry, which claims that the only true Inci Pastry is on the Istiklal Street -they have a lot of imitators. Yet another option for relaxation is Kave Cafe inside the Asmali Mescit Street entering from the Tunnel area. Inside the passage where Kave is located, there is a famous antique shop as well -worth a look. Next to Kava is House Cafe Tunnel, another good option for a coffee break. On your way back watch out for the following points of interests: St. Antoine Church, the old tram, the Anglican Church and galleries inside the Misir Apartment. Call it an early night as its your day of arrival enjoy your dinner at 360, Mesken or La Flamm. If you are craving for a taste of the traditional, try out an Ocakbasi restaurant or a traditional meatball restaurant, called as "Kofteci". Ocakbasi restaurants are found inside the narrow cutting streets of the Istiklal.


1

The Marmara Istanbul

Location:

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Taksim Square
Taksim Square
80090 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 2514696


2

Galata Tower

Location:

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Galata
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 11 60


2

Rami

Location:

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6 Utangaç Sokak, Cankurtaran
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 517 6593


2

Hilton Parksa Istanbul

Location:

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Bayildim Cadessi No 12 Maçka
80680 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 3101200


2

Bosphorus tour on foot

Location:

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Çırağan Caddesi, Yıldız, İstanbul 34349, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey


2

Bebek Park

Location:

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Bebek
Istanbul, Turkey


3

Pera Palas Hotel

Location:

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Meşrutiyet Cad. 98/100
Tepebaşı
80050 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 251 4560


4

Hilton Istanbul

Location:

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Cumhuriyet Caddesi
Harbiye
34367 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 315 6000


5

The Sofa Hotel

Location:

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Teşvikiye Caddesi no. 123
Nışantaşı
34367 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 368 18 18


6

İstiklal Caddesi

Location:

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İstiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Cad., Beyoglu
34437 Istanbul, Turkey


7

Tünel

Location:

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Galip Dede Caddesi
34430 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

+90 21 2522 4902


8

Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge)

Location:

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Galip Dede Caddesi 15
Tünel
34430 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 4141


9

Litera

Location:

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Yeni Carsi Caddesi No:32 Kat: 6
34440 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 292 89 47


10

House Café Tünel (The)

Location:

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Asmalı Mescit
Sümbül Sokak Tünel Geçidi İşhanı, B Blok No: 9/1-2
80050 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 9515 / 90 212 245 9516


11

Pera Museum

Location:

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Meþrutiyet Caddesi 141
Beyoglu
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 334 9900


12

Anglican Church

Location:

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Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi
Beyoglu
Istanbul, Turkey


13

Saint Antoine Church

Location:

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İstiklal Caddesi
Galatasaray
Istanbul, Turkey


14

Flamm

Location:

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Sofyalı Sokak, 16/1 Asmalımescit
1 Asmalımescit
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 7604


15

360 Istanbul

Location:

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Misir Apt. K:8 N:32/309
Istiklal Caddesi
80600 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 251 1042 / 90 212 251 1043


16

Islama Köfteci

Location:

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10 Mis Sokak
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 244 5167


17

Musa Ustam Ocakbaşı

Location:

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14 Istiklal Caddesi
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 2932


18

Haci Abdullah

Location:

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Sakizağacı Caddesi 17
Beyoğlu
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 293 8561

Day 2 - Istanbul

Start early and head for the historic center of Istanbul: Sultanahmet….

Start your excursion from the Hippodrome, around which are many other monuments that you will want to see. Other points of interests which are also in the Sultanahmet region include the Sultanahmet Camii, Yerebatan Sarayi and Hagia Sophia (see below for a more comprehensive list).

Do not try to rush from monument to monument. Try to enjoy the authenticity of the place as well. Discover places on your own by going in and out of streets. Look at antique shops, drink Turkish tea or herbal tea at traditonal Turkish cafes. For lunch treat yourself to the famous Sultanahmet meatballs. For desert go to the Pudding Shop, a fine print of the hippies of the 60s.

Return no later than 7 or 8 to Nisantasi. Enjoy your meal at any of the following places: Hunkar (Turkish), Long Table (expensive but fun), Il Patio (Italian), Cafe Leaa or Beymen Brasserie...

If you feel energetic, join the weekly Tuesday parties at Café Leaa. These parties start and finish early (10 pm till 1 am) -so you may have plenty of day time on Wednesday. Since, summer has come and the back streets of Akaretler (very near Nisantasi) have upgraded themselves, new trends have evolved. Joke Perestroyka has become the place to be on Tuesdays, hosting its Revelation Parties.

If you are visiting Istanbul in summer, the summer counterparts for a casual, yet fun atmosphere are the House Café Ortakoy, Mia Mensa or Assk Café in Kurucesme.


1

Hippodrome

Location:

view in google maps
Sultanahmet Meydani (Square)
At Meydani (Horse Plaza), Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey


2

Egyptian Obelisk

Location:

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Hippodrome Square
Istanbul, Turkey


3

Hagia Sophia

Location:

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Sultanahmet Square
Istanbul, Turkey


4

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

Location:

view in google maps
Yerebatan Caddesi 13
(Near St. Sophia)
34110 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 522 1259


5

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)

Location:

view in google maps
Tavukhane Sokak 5-27
34420 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 518 1802 (Sultanahmet tourist info office)


6

Tarihi Selim Usta Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Location:

view in google maps
12 Divan Yolu
34110 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 513 1438


7

Pudding Shop

Location:

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18 Divan Yolu
Sultanahmet (across from the tram)
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 522 2970


8

Long Table

Location:

view in google maps
Tesvikiye Caddesi No:123,
Sisli
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 224 81 81


9

Hünkar

Location:

view in google maps
Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi 21
Nişantaşı
34360 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 225 4662 / 90 212 225 4665


10

Mia Mensa

Location:

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Muallim Naci Cad. No. 64/C
Kuruçeşme
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 263 4214


11

Aşşk Kahve

Location:

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Muallim Naci Cad. 170/A
34975 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 265 47 34

Day 3 - Istanbul

The day of the Topkapi Palace! This is likely to take a day of your entire trip assuming that you are also not starting as early after last night’s fun excursion. It is also possible to buy a half day tour package and combine the Topkapi Palace visit with the Grand Bazaar. See below for the Ottoman Splendour package tour or your separate choices without the tour. If you are looking for more fun at night, Vogue or Spice Market for dinner and W Lounge for partying are recommended. While Cafe Leaa is hosting the official Tuesday night parties this year, W Lounge is home to the Wednesday night parties. If you prefer to keep it light for the day, after Topkapi palace head for the Kariye museum, an epitome of Byzantium art. Enjoy the museum first and then an astonishing dinner at Asitane (Ottoman cuisine).


1

Private Half-Day Tour: Istanbul Ottoman Splendour - Topkapi, Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Location:

Istanbul, Turkey


2

Topkapi Palace

Location:

view in google maps
Sultanahmet Meydanı
34122 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 522 4422


3

Süleymaniye Camii (Süleymaniye Mosque)

Location:

view in google maps
Süleymaniye Mosque, next to Istanbul University's north gate, Suleymaniye, Fatih
34110 Istanbul, Turkey


4

Kapali Çarsi (Covered Market)

Location:

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22 Kalpakçılar Caddesi
34975 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 519 1248


5

Kariye Museum

Location:

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Kariye Camii Street
Istanbul, Turkey


6

Asitane Restaurant

Location:

view in google maps
Kariye Camii Sokak 6
Kariye Hotel
34240 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 635 7997

Day 4 - Istanbul

After so many days of historical sight seeing, it is now time for respite... The day is devoted to island hopping and the sea... Take the ferry from Kabatas to the islands early in the morning. If you want, you can also start off the day at any small cafe in Besiktas, breakfasting on "Cay & Simit" -traditional Turkish black tea and traditional Turkish bagels- and observing the locals as they start off a business day. From Besiktas to Kabatas is approximately 5 or 10 minutes with the bus when there is no traffic. From Kabatas take the ferry to the islands. The most interesting and the largest one, the Buyukada, is the last destination. From Kabatas to here is approximately one and a half hours. See the complete schedule on: http://www.ido.com.tr/index.cfm You may choose to go to one island only, the Buyukada, or do the island hopping and also see the other most interesting ones: Burgazada, Sedef Island and Kinali. Nevertheless, there is not really much touristic to do on these islands other than short walks around the houses and at the port. Once you reach the Buyukada, you can rent a carriage or a bike and do a short or a long tour around the island. After you do your tour, eat the Roman ice-cream at the port and climb to the top of the Aya Yorgi hill, where the Aya Yorgi Church is located. Mind that climbing to the Aya Yorgi is tiresome, but worthwhile. The climb takes around 20 to 30 minutes. A carriage can be rented to travel up to a certain point, but the final bit of the climb is inescapable. Up on the hill is a very little, homely cafe appropriate to enjoy a can of beer, a cup of wine or coffee as you watch the sunset from the hill. From where you had landed to the Island, take the ferry back to Kabatas for another beautiful Istanbul night. For dinner either try out your luck at Lucca (which is the place to be on Thursdays). People come to Lucca for after-work drinks and the place gets heated around 10 pm until 1.00 am. Alternatively you may eat fish at Iskele, Kiyi, Park Fora (expensive options), or Takanik (no alcohol), Adem Baba, Kuyu for budget options at Arnavutkoy, and then head for Lucca for a bit of fun.


1

Adalar (Princes' Islands)

Location:

view in google maps
Adalar
Istanbul, Turkey


2

Adem Baba

Location:

view in google maps
Beyazgul Caddesi No:2
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 263 29 33


3

Takanik

Location:

view in google maps
Bebek yolu no: 87
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 263 83 46 / 90 212 263 83 47


4

Ali Baba Kofteci

Location:

view in google maps
1. Cadde 92 Arnavutkoy
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 265 3612


5

Rumeli Iskele

Location:

view in google maps
Yahya Kemal Caddesi 1 Rumelihisari
Rumeli Hisari
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 263 2997


6

Lucca

Location:

view in google maps
Cevdetpasa Caddesi No:51/B
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 257 12 55

Day 5 - Istanbul

Start early on Friday for a final bit of sightseeing and go to Dolmabahce Palace around 9 or 10 in the morning. The visit should take around 2 and a half hours at most. For details visit: http://www.dolmabahce.gov.tr/

Next take the boat from Besiktas or Karakoy and cross over to the other side of Istanbul, the Anatolian side. This more residential side does not have as many historic or cultural facets to offer. However Kadikoy, where you will be getting off the boat is an overwhelming place to see the other face of Istanbul: crowds, confusion, open markets… On Friday’s there is indeed a huge open bazaar selling anything from clothes to food.

For dinner Mikla is highly advised. Beautiful food, service and presentation and magnificent view. Dinner around 9 or 10 and then head for NuTeras in summer to dance with the beautiful view (alternative place is Wanna in winter, which is next to NuTeras).
Alternate dinner places around the proximity: La Brise, Wanna, Moreish (same price range)
Otto, CokCok (more casual dining)
Asmalı Cavit or Gurme Boncuk (tavern style dining)


1

Dolmabahçe Palace

Location:

view in google maps
Dolmabahce Caddesi
Besiktas
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 236 9000


2

Asmali Cavit

Location:

view in google maps
Asmalı Mescit Beyoğlu
Istanbul,

Phone:

90 212 292 4950


3

Mikla

Location:

view in google maps
Meşrutiyet Caddesi Tepebaşı
The Marmara Pera
34430 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 251 5656 / 90 212 251 4646 (Hotel)


5

La Brise

Location:

view in google maps
Asmalı Mescit Caddesi 28
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 244 48 46


6

Otto

Location:

view in google maps
Asmalımescit Mah., Şehbender Sokak No:5
Tünel
34430 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 292 7015


8

Nu Club

Location:

view in google maps
Tepebaşı Mesrutiyet Caddesi 147-149
Petit-Champs Passage
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 6070


9

Babylon

Location:

view in google maps
Seyhbender Sokak 3 Tunel-Asmalimescit
Tünel, Asmalimescit
80040 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 292 7368

Day 6 - Istanbul

Saturday is a good day to get back onto the Istiklal street and stroll towards Galata, Cihangir, Cukurcuma and the Fransiz Street. Visit art galleries, and shop at antique shops as you come across them. Enjoy your lunch at either Ara Café in Galatasaray, Cezayir in the French Street or Meyra in Cihangir. As you leave during the afternoon, go to Nisantasi, which is easily accessible with the metro. Relax with a cup of coffee on any of the open street brasseries or pick up from where you left off with shopping the previous time. Here we have the so called of 5th Avenue and the Harrolds of Istanbul: Abdi Ipekci Cad. and Cities respectively. At night for an alternate scene of local faces, music and food try Ulus 29 restaurant, lounge and club. You may also hit any of the following clubs afterwards: Anjelique, Reina, Black or Sortie... -all by the coast. Alternatively, you may start off the night directly at Reina Restaurant & Bar & Club.


2

Galerist

Location:

view in google maps
Istiklal Caddesi
311 Misir Appartments
34340 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 244 8230


3

Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center

Location:

view in google maps
Istikal Cadessi No. 276 34340
Beyoglu
80050 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 293 2361


4

Abdi İpekçi Caddesi

Location:

view in google maps
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi
Kağıthane
Istanbul, Turkey


5

Ara Café

Location:

view in google maps
Tomtom Mahallesi Tosbag Sokak 8/A
Galatasaray
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 41 05


6

Cezayir

Location:

view in google maps
Hariyre Caddesi 12
Galatasaray
34425 Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 245 9980


7

Ulus 29

Location:

view in google maps
Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi
Ulus Parki No.1, Ulus
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 358 2929


9

Anjelique

Location:

view in google maps
Muallim Naci Caddesi Salhane sokak no. 5
Ortaköy
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 327 2844


10

Reina

Location:

view in google maps
Muallim Naci Caddesi 44
Ortaköy
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 30 212 259 5919 / 90 30 212 259 5921

Day 7 - Istanbul

On your last day give yourself the luxury to sleep over and wake up later than usual. Then around 11 or 12 am, head to the Rumeli Fortress to enjoy Turkish style brunch at Sade Kahve. (For something less authentic try Bebek Hotel, Lucca; for something upscale try Ritz Carlton or Ciragan Palace.) You may continue your day at one of the favorable malls: Istinye Park or Kanyon Or take the boat tour starting from Ortakoy and lasting around an hour. Watch the beautiful houses and historical buildings, the fortress and see them as its descendants have once seen them from the sea. I advise you to have an early dinner with fish and dine at ease and dine long, relax your mind and get ready for departure along the side of the Bosphorus.


1

Sade Kahve

Location:

view in google maps
Yahya Kemal Caddesi No:36/1 Rumelihisari
Rumeli Hisari
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone:

90 212 358 23 24


2

Istanbul Ferry

Location:

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Various locations
Istanbul, Turkey

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