Sef’s Istanbul Suggestions

Sefa
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.
77 íbúar mæla með
Pierre Loti
No:20 Karyağdı Sk.
77 íbúar mæla með
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.
638 íbúar mæla með
Basilica Cistern
1/3 Yerebatan Cd.
638 íbúar mæla með
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.
225 íbúar mæla með
Sultanahmet
225 íbúar mæla með
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.
19 íbúar mæla með
Beyoğlu
19 íbúar mæla með
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.
256 íbúar mæla með
Balat
256 íbúar mæla með
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!
252 íbúar mæla með
Karaköy
252 íbúar mæla með
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.
122 íbúar mæla með
Moda
122 íbúar mæla með
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.
126 íbúar mæla með
Ficcin
No:13/1 Kallavi Sk.
126 íbúar mæla með
Awesome restaurant for Circassian food at Istiklal Avenue. Relatively cheap as well.
The “Basic” is one of the best burgers that I ever ate.
39 íbúar mæla með
Zula istanbul
101a Harbiye Çayırı Sk.
39 íbúar mæla með
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.
52 íbúar mæla með
Mandabatmaz
1/A Olivya Gç.
52 íbúar mæla með
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.
151 íbúar mæla með
Karakoy Gulluoglu
No:67 Kemankeş Caddesi
151 íbúar mæla með
One 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).
19 íbúar mæla með
DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET
No: 41A Akarsu Ykş. Sok.
19 íbúar mæla með
For a decent, organic Turkish breakfast. It’s in Firuzağa, Cihangir(Beyoğlu).

Borgartillaga

Samgöngur

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.
Hvað á að taka með

Rain Protection

You never know when it rains in Istanbul so better pack some type of rain protection.
Siðir og menning

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.
Siðir og menning

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.
Ekki missa af

Ferries!!!

Travel at least once with the ferryboats. You probably won’t regret it.
Sparnaðarleiðir

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.