Istanbul
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23°
Time
4:38 AM
Istanbul
It’s easy to lose yourself In Istanbul’s grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world class and the nightlife pulsates around not one, but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still the city where new trends are created.Find your trip
It is said that if you have never tried a Turkish bath then you have never been truly clean. The visitor moves through several hot rooms and finally arrives at the massage table for a real going over. Men and women bathe separately, exceptions are made at certain times for tourists. Here is one recommended bathhouse: Çemberlitaş Hamam. Situated near the Bazaar, this is the oldest hamam in town and was reputedly built by the master architect Mimar Sinan in 1584.
The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived (the two are not included in the ticket price to the palace).
Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.
Built at the beginning of the 16th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this grandiose mosque seemlessly combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The building is known for its six minarets and was given its nickname for the 20,000 blue tiles adorning the interior. These tiles were made in Iznik — an area that was famous during the Ottoman Empire for its expert production of ceramic tiles.
Maçka Democracy Park is about 10 minutes away from Taksim square and has paths for jogging, walking and dog walking. The northern part of the park is popular with young people who come there to sit around on the lawn, talk with friends over a couple of drinks and escape the heat of the city blocks. The park's location close to a university campus means it's always full of hip students. Don't miss the opportunity to fly high above the park in a cute 2-cabin cable car. You'll need your public transit card for that.
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus. The top floor of the tower is located at a height of 52 meters and houses an observation deck. It is unlikely that you will find a better lookout spot in all of the city — simply stunning. The tower is one of the most iconic building in Istanbul and is a very popular destination. It's a good idea to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The Grand Bazaar attracts many people — far too many if you come at rush hour. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes whilst the bazaar comes to life. There are thousands of stalls, selling virtually everything, carpets, gold, cloth, spices. The bazaar is a world of its own and it’s easy and fun to get lost in the teeming alleyways.
Boats travel along the shores of the Bosporus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.
It is said that if you have never tried a Turkish bath then you have never been truly clean. The visitor moves through several hot rooms and finally arrives at the massage table for a real going over. Men and women bathe separately, exceptions are made at certain times for tourists. Here is one recommended bathhouse: Çemberlitaş Hamam. Situated near the Bazaar, this is the oldest hamam in town and was reputedly built by the master architect Mimar Sinan in 1584.
The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived (the two are not included in the ticket price to the palace).
This is a lunch restaurant on the first floor of the Spice Bazaar, decorated with blue Iznik tiles. Serves traditional Turkish food with some Greek dishes.
Yakup 2 is situated on a side street to Istiklâl Cad. The owner, Yakup Arslan, serves traditional meze to bohemian regulars and cultural celebrities.
Kumkapi means "sand gate" in Turkish and is a district near Sultanahmet, located along the Marmara Sea. This is a quarter famous for its many good fish restaurants.
Halfway through the market runs the Nevizade, a lane with a string of good value Meyhanes—traditional taverns. The flower thoroughfare next to the market is a reconstructed restaurant street, but it’s a little more expensive.
A local hotspot with great service and a vibrant atmosphere, stop by for some tea and shisha. The café serves cocktails, but nothing with alcohol, although the smoking of hookhas is frequent. Excellent place to see the whirling dervishes and listen to live music.
The luxurious Four Seasons hotel is a converted prison from around year 1800 near the Topkapi Palace. The restaurant is in a round outbuilding on what was once the prison yard, and here you can eat like a prince.
This Italian restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and serves pizza and pasta. Ozi Pizza & Pasta is a small charming restaurant with a friendly owner. On the menu you will find tasty pizza dishes like barbeque lamb, seafood and Margarita.
Barbeku House is a hidden gem, located just minutes from the Blue Mosque. This is the place where you can enjoy quality Turkish food at affordable prices in a warm and cosy atmosphere. You can also expect excellent service from the welcoming staff.
This is a lunch restaurant on the first floor of the Spice Bazaar, decorated with blue Iznik tiles. Serves traditional Turkish food with some Greek dishes.
Yakup 2 is situated on a side street to Istiklâl Cad. The owner, Yakup Arslan, serves traditional meze to bohemian regulars and cultural celebrities.
İstiklal Caddesi is a fashionable old street in the Pera district, now called Beyoğlu. Walking down İstiklal is something every visitor does at least once because of its strategic location connecting Taksim square to Galata tower. In terms of shopping, you'll find many famous brands here, as well as smaller niche chops selling fashion items and other things to take home to remind you of your trip.
Çukurcuma, the hillside neighborhood just east of Istiklal Caddesi, attracts both serious antique collectors and lovers of thrifty antique shopping. Vintage clothing, textiles, and old books are presented amongst 19th-century Baroque furniture and floral-painted ceramics. You will definitely find something to spice up your home decor in an authentic, non-mass-market way.
The Spice Bazaar is at the base of the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, and is also called the Egyptian Bazaar because the imported spices originally came from Egypt. Besides the vast array of spices, in the lanes of this indoor market you can buy cheese, honey, sausages, dried fruits, tea and all sorts of edible delights and knick knacks, including clothes and gorgeous fabrics.
Avrupa Pasajı or Passage d'Europe is a historic shopping arcade with antique shops and a great array of textile, ceramics and lamps on display. It's arched glass roof is quite a sight.
İstiklal Caddesi is a fashionable old street in the Pera district, now called Beyoğlu. Walking down İstiklal is something every visitor does at least once because of its strategic location connecting Taksim square to Galata tower. In terms of shopping, you'll find many famous brands here, as well as smaller niche chops selling fashion items and other things to take home to remind you of your trip.
Çukurcuma, the hillside neighborhood just east of Istiklal Caddesi, attracts both serious antique collectors and lovers of thrifty antique shopping. Vintage clothing, textiles, and old books are presented amongst 19th-century Baroque furniture and floral-painted ceramics. You will definitely find something to spice up your home decor in an authentic, non-mass-market way.
The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The older Atatürk Airport permanently closed in February 2022. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 km away from Taksim and 52 km from both Sultanahmet (historical centre on the European side of Istanbul) and Kadıköy (city centre on the Asian side). The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST busses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online (at least 6 hours in advance) or pay by card when you board. Price depends on your destination. The new M11 metro line is scheduled to open in August 2022. Another from Halkalı on the Marmaray rail line is expected to be completed in 2022. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes.
There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square. Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey and Europe and to the airport. Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport. Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem. Akbil is a type of payment card that can be loaded with various sums and used on buses, boats and trams. Can be bought at major junctions.
Taxis are yellow in the inner city and lilac in the suburbs. There are numerous taxi companies. Different hotels work with different companies and can book your transport to the airport. It’s best to hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi rank and ask for a business card. Istanbul Taxi Service +90 212 518 1518 City Transfer Istanbul +90 212 517 0090
The main post office is on Yeni Posthane Cad., near the railway station Sirkeci. Other PTT-offices are on Taksim Square and Istiklâl Cad. Open 09.00-17.00 Closed Sundays.
Pharmacy is called Eczane in Turkish. In the window of the pharmacy there is the address and telephone number of the current duty pharmacy. Istiklal Pharmacy Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu +90 212 244 2618 Itır Eczanesi Next to Taksim Square +90 212 244 4325
220 volt
The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The older Atatürk Airport permanently closed in February 2022. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 km away from Taksim and 52 km from both Sultanahmet (historical centre on the European side of Istanbul) and Kadıköy (city centre on the Asian side). The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST busses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online (at least 6 hours in advance) or pay by card when you board. Price depends on your destination. The new M11 metro line is scheduled to open in August 2022. Another from Halkalı on the Marmaray rail line is expected to be completed in 2022. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes.
There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square. Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey and Europe and to the airport. Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport. Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem. Akbil is a type of payment card that can be loaded with various sums and used on buses, boats and trams. Can be bought at major junctions.
