Served as a capital of three great empires; Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman throughout the history, Istanbul offers a curious mixture of cultural experiences and never fails to surprise those who want to live it; not just living in it. Once you visit this ancient center, it is hard to look at it as a holiday destination. Visit well-known bazaars and see architectural masterpieces and shop in authentic stores; your desire to know more won’t be coming an end, rather it will deepen to a point of constant curiosity.
You simply never run out of things to do. You’ve already experienced what travel publications presented to you; let’s see what Istanbulite enjoy best here;
Breathing in the fresh air at
Camlica Hill, one of the highest hills of the city, and eating your meal alongside the amazing scenery.
Making breakfast with inseparable
simit - tea - cheese combination wherever it is possible.
Taking the
Bosphorus boat tour and watching historic waterside mansions.
Taking a sip from your drink in Kuledebar. Place is located in one of the most beautiful symbols of Istanbul;
Maiden’s Tower.
Watching the sunrise from
Galata Tower.
Visiting Grand
Hotel De Londres to simply find peace at the terrace.
Discovering the glory of
Pera Palace Hotel, meeting spot of Orient Express passengers in the past.
Sitting on the shore next to the Galata Bridge and eating
balık-ekmek, meaning grilled fish stuffed inside a large piece of bread.
Breathing in the smell of freshly roasted coffee of
Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi in the Spice Bazaar.
Feeding the
seagulls with simit.
Digging in the U
sed-Book Bazaar and exploring new books.
Getting a traditional massage in
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam.
Tasting the most delicious profiterole of the whole world in
İnci Profiterol.
Coming across
street cats in every corner.
Walking by the
Topkapı Palace where Ottoman Sultans once lived.
Visiting
Dolmabahçe Palace and sitting in its café right after.
Making a vow in
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
Exploring Istanbul in
Seabird Flying Boat.
Taking a souvenir photo in
Haydarpaşa Railway Terminal.
Sitting in
Sensus to try some excellent cheese with wine.
Having an artsy day in
Istanbul Modern and enjoying yourself in its café alongside the sea view.
Visiting
Pera Museum to see The Tortoie Trainer, famous painting by Osman Hamdi bey.
Getting lost in the crowd of
Istiklal Avenue and shopping in Terkos Passage.
Researching the story behind the
Camonda Stairs at Karaköy and taken a souvenir photo.
Buying Kızlı Sardalya-famous canned sardines- in
Beyoğlu Fish Market.
Eating the delicious baklawa of
Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
Day dreaming among the old posters, cards, books and journals in
Aslıhan Passage.
Going to
Spice Bazaar to buy fresh spices of Kalmaz Baharat.
Finding unique antiques in
Horhor Market.
Taking a phaeton tour in
Büyükada.
Enjoying traditional cuisine in
Çiya Sofrası.
www.istanbulfood.com
Eating Turkish Delight in
Ali Muhittin Hacıbekir and buying some rock candy to take home with you.
Feeling the breeze on your skin in
Historic Moda Port.
Drinking coffee in
Mandabatmaz.
Reminiscing the old days with your friends in
Grand Tarabya Hotel.
Participating to the ceremony of
St. Anthony of Padua Church in the Christmas Eve.
Being amazed by the head of Medusa exhibited in
Basilica Cistern.
Eating kup griye in
Baylan Patisserie.
Having a great Sunday at the
Borusan Contemporary Museum - “Haunted House”
Enjoying a day alone in
Balat by taking lots of photos and reading in a cozy café.
Taking rowing courses in
Haliç.
Enjoying your toast and fresh orange juice on the
Sütlüce-Üsküdar Ferryboat.
Seeing Istanbul in 360 degrees at the observation terrace of
Sapphire.
Feeding ducks among the colorful trees of
Atatürk Arboretum.
Seeing The Alexander Sarcophagus for the first time, the most important artifact in the
Istanbul Archaelogical Museums.
Having a wonderful breakfast in
Karaköy.
Watching nostalgic movies in
Beyoğlu Yeşilçam Theater.
Eating wet burgers in
Bambi Buffet.
Playing backgammon in
Hazzopulo Passage and checking out the stores selling custom design handbags.