Istanbul Titbits
The things to do and sights to see in Istanbul.
When to go?
Sun in the summer, snow in the winter, but the humidity is a constant in sea-encircled Istanbul. Festival-filled spring and autumn are the best times to visit Istanbul, but the chill of the winter is enlivened by magical snowfalls and languid evenings by the Bosphorus is the upside of the humid heat in the summer.
The Best Guide Book
Lonely Planet Istanbul Encounter
Full colour pull out map, the best sights, restaurants, shops, architectural treasures and ferry trips. Unique itineraries and local expert secrets.
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Sultanahmet District
Within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, a covered market place that will leave you in total shock, covering 60 or more streets and has over 5,000 shops and stalls that caters for traditional Turkish products alongside fashion, food and just about anything you can think of.
Aya Sofya / Blue Mosque
Both unique buildings that offer a vision of architectural brilliance from history. Probably being the most visited place in Istanbul and again it will leave you with long lasting memories of Istanbul.
Taksim, Istiklal Caddesi
A street that you will see vast amounts of traditional styled food shops alongside modern food outlets all blending in with Istanbul history.
Transportation
Taksim offers some unique history in its commuting, it has the historic tram ride on İstiklal Avenue, also it is a central hub for the metro system and you can also access the funicular
ride. Taksim Square is the center of the attraction and you may well need to be aware that this area is the hub political demonstrations so be vigilante and aware.
The Bosphorus
The strait of water that separates the European side of Istanbul from Asia and remember Istanbul is situated on Europe and Asia a unique peace of geography.
Ferry on the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is a dream place to travel along in summer or winter ,you can take relatively cheap rides from many locations along the Bosphorus , a popular ride is from the Ortakoy district.
Ortakoy
Also has a small bazaar again full of food and garments to browse whilst waiting for a ferry ride which frequently runs every hour and journeys along the Bosphorus giving you views of
palaces and fortresses built in Ottoman times for the Sultans. Also passing under the two Bosphorus bridges that join Europe and Asia, by night you can also travel on private rented boats, have a
private tour or a party or even a wedding and it serves as a very romantic place sailing along the Bosphorus.
Besiktas
Nearby Ortakoy is Besiktas another busy district but again offering food and entertainment of a wide variety, the thing you will notice about Istanbul is that wherever you are food is always available and in Besiktas it is worth visiting Beşiktaş Çarşı (market area), not only food but the unique supporters of Besiktas FC can be often found here and unlike any other supporters of football in the world they are the friendliest people you will ever come across .
Be polite by asking for photographs
Do this all over Istanbul to avoid offending.
Kadikoy
From Besiktas you can take a ferry to the Asian side district of Kadikoy, another busy district that has all the trimmings of the European districts in Istanbul.
When ferrying across the Bosphorus
Look back at the panoramic view of Istanbul with its minarets and mosques blending alongside the modern towers of architecture, it really is a panoramic view that has to be seen rather than being told about.
Tips on Commuting
Istanbul is not short on ways of commuting ,however try keeping your small change when using public services like Dolmus buses or you can ask your hotel manager to obtain or advise you on a Akbil electronic transit pass which is a small object that fits on your key ring ,enables you to pay for Istanbul's buses (NOT DOLMUS), trams, Tünel, Metro, Füniküler, suburban trains, sea bus, catamaran ferries, and the traditional ferries and can be topped up at most popular districts, just look for the bold sign of Akbil.
Currency Exchange
In the big districts currency exchange rates centers can be found and most offer up to date exchange prices, Visa cards are accepted everywhere and a tip you will get a better price
here in Istanbul when exchanging hard currency (cash) for Lira.
Popular areas to visit in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), Taksim, Bosphorus, Ortakoy, Besiktas, Kabatas, Eminönü, Sisli, Tarabya, Bebek, Yenikoy(for a superb breakfast on the
Bosphorus)
Accommodation
Hotel Recommendation
Daily Life Blog in Istanbul
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