Sef’s Istanbul Suggestions
Sightseeing
It has a tremendous view of the Golden Horn. It was visited often by the French author Pierre Loti(Louis Marie Julien Viaud(1850-1923)) who wrote his novel Aziyade in Istanbul.
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Pierre Loti
No:20 Karyağdı Sk.It has a tremendous view of the Golden Horn. It was visited often by the French author Pierre Loti(Louis Marie Julien Viaud(1850-1923)) who wrote his novel Aziyade in Istanbul.
It has reopened after a long period of restoration. It’s in the Sultanahmet area.
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Basilica Cistern
1/3 Yerebatan Cd.It has reopened after a long period of restoration. It’s in the Sultanahmet area.
Neighbourhoods
Sultanahmet is the main touristic area in the Fatih districts with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hagia Irene, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and many museums(Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul Archeology Museum, The Museum of Ancient Orient etc.). From here you are also near to the Grandbazaar.
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Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the main touristic area in the Fatih districts with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hagia Irene, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and many museums(Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul Archeology Museum, The Museum of Ancient Orient etc.). From here you are also near to the Grandbazaar.
The historical Pera. This was the western center of Istanbul during the 19th century. Greeks and Armenians used to live here until most of them were forcefully driven out during the pogrom of 6-7 September 1955. It’s also where the Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue is.
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Beyoğlu
The historical Pera. This was the western center of Istanbul during the 19th century. Greeks and Armenians used to live here until most of them were forcefully driven out during the pogrom of 6-7 September 1955. It’s also where the Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue is.
Cute neighbourhood in the Beyoğlu district which essentially is the hood where artists live(and lots of cats as well). This isn’t necessarily a place where tourists are led to but I think it’s worth strolling around. You can drink tea at Firuz Cafe. Orhan Pamuk’s The Museum of Innocence.
Firuzağa
Cute neighbourhood in the Beyoğlu district which essentially is the hood where artists live(and lots of cats as well). This isn’t necessarily a place where tourists are led to but I think it’s worth strolling around. You can drink tea at Firuz Cafe. Orhan Pamuk’s The Museum of Innocence.
It’s a beautiful neighbourhood. A ghetto that is unfortunately now being gentrified. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople which is one of the autosephalous churches of the Eastern Orthodox Church is located here. Check the St. Sveti Bulgarian Orthodox Church as well. Both magnificient pieces of architecture.
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Balat
It’s a beautiful neighbourhood. A ghetto that is unfortunately now being gentrified. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople which is one of the autosephalous churches of the Eastern Orthodox Church is located here. Check the St. Sveti Bulgarian Orthodox Church as well. Both magnificient pieces of architecture.
This is a neighbourhood consisting mostly of cafés. It is next to the Golden Horn and it’s beautiful to cross to Eminönü with the ferryboat or the bridge. I’d suggest you to do both!
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Karaköy
This is a neighbourhood consisting mostly of cafés. It is next to the Golden Horn and it’s beautiful to cross to Eminönü with the ferryboat or the bridge. I’d suggest you to do both!
This neighbourhood in the Kadıköy district is known for its bars and relatively liberal environment.
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Moda
This neighbourhood in the Kadıköy district is known for its bars and relatively liberal environment.
Gastronomy
Awesome restaurant for Circassian food at Istiklal Avenue. Relatively cheap as well.
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Ficcin
No:13/1 Kallavi Sk.Awesome restaurant for Circassian food at Istiklal Avenue. Relatively cheap as well.
Zula istanbul
101a Harbiye Çayırı Sk.The “Basic” is one of the best burgers that I ever ate.
The ideal place to get a really good turkish coffee. Affordable as well.
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Mandabatmaz
1/A Olivya Gç.The ideal place to get a really good turkish coffee. Affordable as well.
One of the best baklavas you can eat, vegan and gluten-free options available as well.
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Karakoy Gulluoglu
No:67 Kemankeş CaddesiOne of the best baklavas you can eat, vegan and gluten-free options available as well.
For a decent, organic Turkish breakfast. It’s in Firuzağa, Cihangir(Beyoğlu).
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DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET
No: 41A Akarsu Ykş. Sok.For a decent, organic Turkish breakfast. It’s in Firuzağa, Cihangir(Beyoğlu).
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Cab
In Istanbul, if you plan to go a long distance, the fastest way to get around is by cab. The second best option would be if available, the subway and tram to avoid traffic. The metrobusses are also handy sometimes. Try to avoid busses and regular street traffic if you wanna be quick.
Okufanele ukupakishe
Rain Protection
You never know when it rains in Istanbul so better pack some type of rain protection.
Imikhuba namasiko
Respect vs. Appearing Naive
Although you should definitely be respectful as everywhere, try not to appear too kind and open especially to merchants. They’ll take advantage of that very quick, especially when you are a tourist. It’s not bad to keep a pokerface if you can while asking stuff.
Imikhuba namasiko
Hello madam/Hello my friend
Ignore people who come up to you with “Hello my friend”/“Hello madam”. They will probably scam you with some unnecessary service or product.
Ungaphuthelwa
Ferries!!!
Travel at least once with the ferryboats. You probably won’t regret it.
Izindlela zokonga
Don’t be scammed
Everything is cheap. Don’t pay with euros and know your prices. Search on the internet about the average price rather than asking a merchant.