Your complete guide for a short trip to Istanbul is here.
In a café at the ferry terminal in Karaköy, Istanbul, it might seem hard to find a seat, but it happens. This is due to the view of the Golden Horn, which divides the European part of Istanbul into two. You can see the Dolmabahçe Palace with its European architecture and the Galata Bridge with its many fishermen and fish restaurants.
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Istanbul – History versus the present
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Ferries transport people across the Bosphorus between the European and Asian sides, while seagulls fly across the sky and various boats sail around, some heading to the Black Sea or the Marmara Sea.
In a city of almost 16 million people, traffic is slow, but life is fast. The beautiful Ortaköy Mosque (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) glistens by the water in Ortaköy Square, while in the surrounding areas of Sultanahmet, bustling Karaköy, Galata, and Beyoğlu, people eat, drink, and go to clubs when they are not working.
It’s pleasant to walk along the Bosphorus promenade on the European side in Bebek, in the Beşiktaş district, up to the Rumeli Hisarı area, where you pass the 15th-century Rumelihisarı fortress. This medieval Ottoman fortress was built by Sultan Mehmed II in preparation for the siege of what was then Constantinople.
1. Shopping in Istanbul
Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel add sparkle to the main street, but local designers are becoming international stars. In stylish Taksim, you’ll find Kismet by Milka in Bebek, featuring jewelry worn by celebrities worldwide. The collections of Selma Çilek, also in Bebek, are known around the world.
The most famous Turkish brand is the family-owned company Vakko. It has a luxury hotel in Nişantaşı, as well as stores with designer clothes, toys, and even wedding dresses.
The Grand Bazaar, known as Kapalı Çarşı, offers an exciting labyrinth of shops selling carpets, clothing, fabrics, and jewelry. The shopkeepers can be pushy, but if you are interested, you should bargain.
On the Asian side is the trendy Kadıköy area with one of the largest and richest shopping streets in the city; Bağdat Avenue. Its greatest gem is the food market (Kadıköy Bazaar) near the ferry terminal. Here you should buy Turkish delight, baklava, honey, or other delicacies that make great gifts.
2. Popular landmarks
The most visited landmarks are close to each other on the European side in Sultanahmet (the old city). Topkapi Palace (where the Ottoman sultans once lived) has four courtyards, a harem, and several buildings.
Hagia Sophia, once a church, was converted into a mosque. Standing under its 180-foot (55-meter) high dome is amazing, as you can see a mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary and child, and the Byzantine emperors Constantine and Justinian.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is nearby. Its minarets, domes, and towers shine in the sun, but the interior with its blue tiles is even more beautiful. Every morning, you hear the muezzins calling the faithful to prayer.
The Basilica Cistern is a 1,500-year-old structure supported by 336 columns. If you can’t get there, you can see it in the movie “Inferno.” If you like art, you can visit the Istanbul Modern Museum near Galataport. It features modern art and photography, and also offers great views from its rooftop.
3. Where to eat
Frankie – This restaurant is in the central part of Galata at Galataport, a large waterfront project in Karaköy. Frankie offers top-notch Mediterranean cuisine mixed with Asian flavors. We recommend the steak tartare.
Mürver Restaurant Karakoy – This restaurant is on the top floor of the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus in Karaköy and offers one of the best views of Istanbul. It’s a luxury restaurant; some dishes are cooked over a live fire and it is on the list of Michelin-recommended restaurants. Dishes include smoked sea bass and grilled beef.
Rumeli Kale Cafe & Restaurant – This restaurant only serves breakfast, and it’s the best in Istanbul. The combination of honey and cream with fresh bread was excellent, and the Muhlama, made from melted Kolot cheese, butter, and cornmeal, is great with pita bread.
Ciya – This restaurant was founded by the legendary chef Musa, also recommended by Michelin. Musa is considered Turkey’s food anthropologist. They serve homemade regional Turkish dishes in a simple restaurant on 3 floors with outdoor seating.
Mesai Karaköy is a luxury restaurant in the Galata Istanbul Hotel. It has a great view of the Golden Horn and serves Turkish dishes like meze and kebabs in an elegant atmosphere.
4. Street food in Istanbul
- Simit: When you pass a stall selling Simit, the smell will surely entice you. It is the aroma of a freshly baked bagel with a sesame crust.
- Midye dolma: These are mussels on the half shell mixed with rice and lemon, served cold mainly on the street corners in Taksim.
- Kumpir: You’ll find this stuffed baked potato in Ortaköy. Fill it with kaşar cheese, corn, mayonnaise salad, peas, and carrots.
- Kestane Kebab (Roasted Chestnuts): There are many stalls selling roasted chestnuts. Simply delicious.
- Mısır (Corn): Freshly prepared corn on the cob is tasty, filling, and very healthy.
5. Where to stay
The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery is in the central part of Istanbul’s Bank District, just a 3-minute walk from the Galata Tower. The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery has a long history. It was built by the Baltazzi family, famous bankers of the 19th century, and bank vaults are part of its decor. The hotel also has a great restaurant and a hidden hammam.