Night Life in Istanbul

REINA : Muallim Naci Caddesi 10 – Ortaköy. T: +90 212 259 59 19, Queen of Bosphorus Reina is the hottest club in Istanbul. It hosts several restaurants and bars that can accommodate over 2000 people. Packed with celebrities. Located just at the edge of the European side of the Bosphorus bridge. Fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts . Open all day from 17:00 to 04:00

SUPPERCLUB / CRYSTAL LOUNGE: Muallim Naci Caddesi No: 65, Ortakoy. T:+90 212 261 19 88. This Summer 2007 Supper club and Crystal has made a corperation and the new concept has started at the Crystal clubs lounge part. Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 24:00 to 05:30 hrs.

CLUB CRYSTAL: Muallim Naci Caddesi No: 65, Ortakoy. T:+90 212 261 19 88. Crystal is still one of the most trendy clubs of Istanbul. Probably the best club in town located in Ortakoy. The club has tough bouncers, fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts. If you happen to be there at midnight you might see an empty place, however the club gets its tune only after 02:00 hrs

SAMDAN: Nispetiye Cad. No:30 Etiler. T:+90 212 263 48 98. For 30 years on Samdan is the most favorite club of Istanbul. It is always popular and crowded. First floor is the restaurant and the second floor is the club. Fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts

MORI & MOJITO : Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane Cad. No: 1 Ortakoy. T: +90 212 327 30 30, Supposed to be one of the hottest spot of Summer 2006. Famous Japanese restaurant of Moji and famous club Mojito has together created a not to miss summer spot. Open all days from 18: to 04:00.



SORTIE: Muallim Naci Cad. No:141-142 - Kuruçesme, T:+90 212 327 85 85 . Located in Kurucesme between Ortakoy and Bebek. The club is last years most favourite club and still one of the top clubs of summer 2006 is expected to be one of the hottest clubs of Istanbul especially in hot summer nights. Fancy dressing required and bouncers never allow Jeans and same sorts. Cover charge is pricey. Open all day from 18:00 to 04:00, Except Wednesdays.

SECRET: Istiklal Cad. Saka Salim Çikmazi No:3 K:1 Beyoglu. This brand new club has some secrets to share with you. Definitely a surprise on the old pera district at Istiklal street. This new compact club with its high tech design, hosts fancy nites at popular taksim area on Istiklal street.

ANJELIQUE: Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane Sk. No:10 Ortaköy,T:+90 212 327 28 44. The club has its summer opening on 9th of June with its new decoration. restaurant section opens at 19:00 and continues as a club till 04:00 hrs. It will be a favorite destination on hot Istanbul summer nights just adjacent to the Bosphorus shores. Enjoy the marvellous bosphorus view..

BABYLON : Sehbender Sokak 3, Asmali Mescit- Tunel/Beyoglu T: +90 212 292 73 63 A premier live music club with a monthly program. Open Thursday to Saturday from 21:30 - 03:00

MOJO CLUB : Istiklal cad. Buyukparmakkapi sok. No:26 Beyoglu. T:+90 212 243 29 27. Mojo is a favorite rock club in Istanbul located near the Istiklal street, the club performs live concerts till 04:00 am. The cover charge changes between 5 € to 15 €, from weekdays to weekends

ROXY: Arslan Yatagi Sokak 3 - Cihangir / Beyoglu T: +90 212 245 65 39. Roxy is one of the hottest club in winter season. the club will be closed from 18th of june till september. So enjoy the never ending nights till 18th of june. Open all day from 22:00 to 04:00, except Sunday & Monday.

SOHO SUPPER CLUB: Meselik Sok. No:14 Taksim. T:+90 212 245 01 52. Soho club with Acid Jazz, House and funk music is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 02:00 am. Weekends till 04:00 am

BESINCI KAT-BILSAK : Soganci Sokak 7 - Cihangir/Beyoglu T: +90 212 293 37 74. Open all day from 11:00 to 01:00 except Sunday

CLUB 29: Adnan Saygun Cad. Ulus parki, Ulus. T: +90 212 358 29 29. One of the fanciest clubs of Istanbul located in the elegant district Ulus. Open daily till 04:00 am

KEMANCI: Sira Selviler Caddesi 69/1 - Cihangir / Beyoglu. T: +90 212 251 27 23. Kemanci has three floors Hard rock on the main floor, techno on the second and pop-rock on the third floor. Open all day from 21:00 to 04:00

LINE MUSIC CLUB: Istiklal Caddesi Buyukparmakkapi sok. No:14/A Beyoglu. T:+90 212 252 06 94. Groups with Punk, Rock, Acid Jazz, Neo Funk or Funk style performs live every mid-night till 04:00. Cover charge on weekends.

YENI MELEK GOSTERI MERKEZI: Istiklal Caddesi Gazeteci Erol dernek sok. No:13 Beyoglu. T:+90 212 244 97 00. Yeni Melek Show center is not a club but a party and concert hall. The center can host up to 2000 people and they organize special events on several nights. You might be watching live your favorite star in this center.

Jazz Clubs:
JAZZ CAFE ISTANBUL: Istiklal Caddesi Hasnun Galip Sok No:20 Beyoglu. T:+90 212 245 05 16. Istanbuls oldest Jazz club, open for 23 years Q Jazz in the Park: Parkorman, Maslak. T: +90 212 328 20 31, A New Jazz club inside the parkorman, hosting jazz lovers. Very hip and pricy.
Istanbul Jazz Center: Radisson otel the Bosphorus: T: +90 212 327 50 50. Inside the new radisson hotel at Ortakoy, they organize jazz concerts and jazz events.

NARDIS JAZZ CLUB : Kuledibi Caddesi No:14, Galata. T:+90 212 244 63 27. One of Istanbuls most favorite Jazz club, located inside a historical building this jazz club has live programs on every night. Open Monday-Saturday.

VOGUE: Spor caddesi BJK Plaza A blk Kat:13 akaretler - Besiktas. T:+90 212 227 44 04. One of the fanciest restaurant and bar of Istanbul. Located at the top floor of BJK plaza, the bar has a wonderful bosphorus view from the top. This elegant bar restaurant is the meeting place of celebrities.

212 Restaurant & Bar: Muallim naci Cad No:39, Ortakoy. T: +90 212 327 41 53. Just a brand new restaurant and bar, located on the summers fancy district of Ortakoy. 212 is located inside a historical building and has a restaurant up to 200 people. 212 has also got two bars which hosts live events. Ideal for a fancy dinner and dancing till morning lights. Open Daily till 04:00, weekends 05:00.

360: Istiklal Cad. Misir Apt. Kat 8, Beyoglu. T:+90 212 251 10 42. Located on the historical pera district 360, gives a challenge to watch the wonderful Istanbul landscape with 360 degree. All sides are covered with glass windows that lets you enjoy the landscape. 360 is located at the 7th and 8th floor of the building, where 8th floor is the restaurant and 7th floor is used as a bar and club. Open all day from 12:00 to 02:00, weekends till 04:00.

ANDON BAR: Siraselviler Caddesi No:89/2 Beyoglu, T:+90 212251 02 22. A five story building with different themes on each floor . Open Monday-Saturday till 03:00 am

NUTERAS/NU PERA: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 149,Petits-Champs pasaji- Beyoglu. T:+90 212 245 58 10. Just next to the famous Pera Palas otel, this bar has two main section the ground floor and rooftop. Rooftop has a wonderful view. The drinks are pricey and dress code required. Open all day from 18:00 to 02:00

BEBEK BAR: Bebek Hotel at Bebek. T: +90 212 358 20 00. A favorite bar for nearly 25 years. The bar has a fantastic view of Bosphorus and an extensive selection of drinks. Open daily till 01:00 am

THE JAMES JOYCE : Istiklal Caddesi Balo Sok. No:26 - Beyoglu T : +90 212 244 79 70, James Joyce Irish bar is open for six years and moved to its new place recently. It has Irish music on the background and open all day from 10:00 to 02:00.

V.S.O.P BAR: The Marmara Istanbul Hotel, Taksim. T:+90 212 251 46 96. Located in the lobby level of the Marmara hotel, V.S.O.P is a typical English bar. It is specialized on Brandy and Scotch and Irish Whiskeys. Open Daily from noon to midnight.

ROCK HOUSE: Dereboyu Caddesi 36/38 - Ortaköy T: +90 212 259 89 11. Open all day from 12:00 - 02:30, Located inside the Ortakoy Princess hotel.

CAMELOT: Çalikusu Sok. 3. Aralik No:4 1. Levent. T:+90 212 325 68 22. Camelot is located at Levent inside a two story nice house. The upper section is an italian restaurant and on the ground floor it has a nice bar.

Turkish Taverns (Meyhane)

CUMHURIYET: Sahne sok. No:47 Beyoglu (Behind the Flower Passage). Istanbuls favorite Meyhane, which was hosting Ataturk in the old days, now hosting people from different ages and cultures. This 3 story Meyhane has seating for 600 people and open daily till 02:00. Live music available on the third floor.

GALATEA : Sofyali Sok. No:16 Asmalimescit, Beyoglu. T:+90 212 292 54 31. Watch live traditional Turkish music (Fasil) while enjoying the nice Turkish courses. Open daily till 03:00 am

IMROZ: Nevizade Sokak No:24 Beyoglu. T:+90 212 249 90 73. Located next to the Flower passage, this 2 story Meyhane is dating since 1942 and is the oldest Greek-style tavern in Istanbul. Open daily till midnight.

YA & RE' N (Yaren): Asmalimescit sok. No:35 Tunel, Beyoglu. T: +90 212 245 78 79. Located on the historical pera region this new meyhane has been founded with the joint venture of two old meyhane. Open Daily till midnight

Cafes & Vineries

Victor Levi: is the oldest and most Famous vinery in Istanbul. Located at old pera district, near the British embassy, The restaurant is open from 10:00 in the morning till 04:00 hrs. Address: Hamalbasi Cad. No: 12 Galatasaray Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 249 60 85

Pano Sarapevi: Like Victor levi, Pano vinery is also one of the oldest vine houses of Istanbul. Located just across the British Embassy. The restaurant has two floors to serve for customers. The entrance floor is carrying all the nostalgic of this historical place. Address: Hamalbasi cad. No:26 Galatasaray - Istanbul, Tel:+90 212 2926664

Fes: Located inside the covered Bazaar, this authentic cafe is serving very nice Cafes and salads inside the bazaar. When you are in the covered bazaar, number of shops may have dazzle you and when you need a small rest, FES is there for you. Address: Ali baba Turbe sok, No:25 Nuruosmaniye. T: +90 212 526 30 71

Cozy Pub: Located on the main street at Sultanahmed. Cozy restaurants is a nice elegant restaurant in the center. it is just near the tramway and on the main pedestrian street.

When you enter the restaurant, you first see a big nice bar. a good place to drop and have some beer. If you get hot, you can just have a beer and go. But if you are hungry also get yourself ready for the delicate dishes. The food quality and serving is very high. You can have various dishes from all around the world. The ambiance of the restaurant is quiet comfortable.. The prices are high compared with other nearby restaurants, but still food is not expensive in Turkey. Divanyolu Cad. No: 66, Sultanahmed. Tel: 90 212 520 09 90

Dulcinea: Located on the first side road on the Istiklal Street, Dulcinea serves nice italian dishes

Other Ethnic Restaurants

Argentinean - Buenos Aires: Mesrutiyet Caddesi No:251 Asmalimescit, Beyoglu. Open every day between 11:00 to 04:00 hrs. Tel: +90 212 245 10 67

Austrian - Schnitzel Restaurant: Inside the Mega residence hotel in Macka. Open every day from 07:00 till 23:30. Tel: +90 212 231 31 61

Georgian - Ficcin: Located in Kallavi sok No:13/1 Beyoglu. Open everyday except Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. Tel:+90 212 293 37 86

Greek - Ta Nisia: Located in the favourite Pera district, this greek restaurant is serving traditional greek courses. Open from 11:00 to 02:00 hrs. Address: Asmali Mescit Mah. Orhan Adil Apaydin Sok. No:36 Beyoglu. Tel: +90 212 292 55 16

Indian - Musafir: Located very close distance to Taksim square at Talimhane hotels district, this Indian restaurant serves several choices of rich indian kitchen. Open from 11:00 to 24:00 hrs. Address: Receppaşa Cad. No: 11 / A Talimhane - Taksim. Tel: +90 212 235 27 41 ,

Persian - Pars restaurant: Mesrutiyet caddesi No:187 Tepebasi- Beyoglu. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 till midnight, Sunday till 18:00. Tel:+90 212 292 18 46

Russian - Ayaspasa Rus restaurant: The oldest and best Russian restaurant. The restaurant is just near the taksim square. Located at Inonu cad. No:77/a gumusssuyu. Open every day between 12:00 to 23:00. Tel:+90 212 243 48 92

Swiss Chalet Restaurant: If you want to try a Swiss in Istanbul, than you should go to Swiss Otel to visit this Swiss restaurant. You will feel yourself on the edge of Alpen mountains with the nice Swiss food. Open from: 10:00 to midnight. Address: Swiss Otel Bayildim Cad. No:2 Macka. Tel: +90 212 326 11 00

Thailand - Thai Restaurant: Mesrutiyet caddesi No:134 Beyoglu. Open everyday, except Sunday from 12:00 till midnight. Tel: +90 212 245 57 25

French Restaurants

Cafe De Paris: One of the most famous French restaurants in the city. Located in Etiler in an elegant district with an elegant style. Address: Nispetiye Cad. No:24 Etiler.

Bistro Parisien: Located inside the Cartoon hotel Bistro Parisien serves various French dishes. Address: Tarlabasi bulvari Corbacibas isok. No:3 Beyoglu. Tel:+90 212 238 92 28

Le Cigare: Address: Meseli Sok Bo:3, 4. Levent. Tel: +90 212 279 86 98

Parsifal: Address: Kurabiye sok No:13 Beyoglu. Tel: +90 212 245 25 88

Donjon: Address: Yahya Kemal cad. No:40 Rumelihisari. Tel: +90 212 287 29 10

La Rue Francaise: On the old pera district now lays a small street, where it hosts many French cafes and restaurants. So a very good alternate for French restaurants shall be the "La rue Francaise" in Beyoglu just behind Galatasaray lycee.

Brasserie Levantine: French and Med dishes on fusion style. Address: Cezayir Sok No: 12

Cafe Miro : French vines and cheeses with some French courses. Address: Cezayir Sok No:5

Chez Vous: French specialties and aperitifs. Address: Cezayir sok. no:21

La vie: An art deco style French restaurant. Address: Cezayir sok No:9

Other French restaurants and cafes at the French street can be named as "Le Chavalier, Les Zazques, Opera Restaurant, Belle De Jour, Cafe De Palace, Cafe A mille, Chez Sakman, Je T'aime, Le Caprice, L'eclipse"

American & Mexican Restaurants

KIRINTI: Probably one of the most hip restaurant amongst the young's. Kirinti has founded in 1981 in a small restaurant in Moda- Istanbul. This small restaurant was the meeting point of high school students from several schools around Moda. In 1999 Kirinti has opened its first branch at Bagdat street. This new branch, with hundreds of selections in its menu, with very nice design and service has soon become a trend in the fashionable Bagdat street. Next year the restaurant has opened its Nisantasi branch to be the first on the European side of Istanbul. Now Kirinti has three restaurants in Istanbul. Address1: Ferittek Sok. No:15/1 Moda. Address 2: Bagdat Caddesi Kinayman Sitesi No:371 Erenkoy - Ist. Address 3: Abdi Ipekci Caddesi No:32 Nisantasi - Istanbul

New Yorker: Flagship restaurant of new yorker group, operating for 8 years in the Bebek district, New Yorker serves a good quality of food in a nice environment. Address: Cevdetpasa Cad. Manolya Sok. (Sahilyolu) No: 244 Bebek- Ist. Tel:+90 212 287 52 95.

Manhattan Cafe: Located in Nisantasi District, Manhattan cafe is operated by the same group with New yorker. The restaurant has a vide selection of American and Italian courses. Address: Guzelbahce Sok No:8 Nisantasi. Tel: +90 212 234 33 79

Sport House Cafe & Bar: Located inside the princess hotel at Maslak, this restaurant serves various American and Mexican courses. While having your food you can also enjoy watching the league games and NBA matches. Open from: 12 to midnight. Address: Istanbul Princess Hotel Maslak. Tel: +90 212 285 09 00

Champions: Another hotel restaurant in American style. Located inside the Polat hotel near Yesilkoy. The restaurant has a long menu list with selected drinks. Open from 17:00 to 02:00 hrs. Address: Polat Hotel Sahil Caddesi No:2 Yesilkoy. Tel: +90 212 663 17 00.

TGI Fridays: TGI has two restaurants in Istanbul located in the favourable districts. The first restaurant was open at Etiler, where the jetset of Istanbul lives and second restaurant is at the Bagdat Street. TGI has very wide American and Mexican food alternatives. Address: Nispetiye Cad. no: 19, Etiler. T: +90 212 257 70 78

El Torito: Another nice Mexican restaurant with three branches in Istanbul. One of the most popular Mexican restaurant of Istanbul is serving delicious Fajitas. The restaurant has an express service branch near the gates of Istanbul University, however I suggest the restaurant one at Etiler. Address: Nispetiye Cad. No:12, Etiler. Tel: +90 212 257 01 71

Chicago Bulls: Located at the Atasehir district on the Asian side, which is a rapidly developing skyscrapers area, Chicago bulls variaties of dishes. Mozaik Çarsısı T14 No.1 Atasehir. T: +90 216 456 31 24

Tex Mex: Located inside the Profilo shopping center Tex Mex is a nice Mexican restaurants with spicy food and Mexican dishes.

Italian Restaurant

Paper Moon: Located in the Fancy Etiler district, just at the Akmerkez Shopping Mall. After Milan and New York, Paper moon opened its Istanbul Branch since 1997. Papermoon with its wide Italian selection offers very chic and elegant atmosphere with pricey menus. Papermoon is also the place to meet with Celebrities. Address: Akmerkez Residence- Etiler. T:+90 212 282 16 16

Osteria Da Mario: Located in Etiler Da Mario is one of the nicest Italian restaurants of the city. Established in September 1993, this elegant restaurants is an ideal place for ex-pats, Business dinners and Tourists. Open from 12:00 to 23:00 Address: Dilhayat sok, No:7 Etiler. Tel:+90 212 265 51 86

Mezzaluna: One of the most famous Italian restaurants of the city, Located in Nisantasi, Mezzaluna serves various Italian dishes since 1995 with the same cook since than. Address: Abdi ipekci cad No:38/1 Nisantasi. Tel: +90 212 231 31 42.

Il Padrino: Located near to Bagdat street at Caddebostan on the Asian side of Istanbul. This Italian restaurant is the most favorite one of the Asian side of Istanbul.

Da Umberto: Located at Feneryolu on the Asian side of Istanbul. This small nice Italian restaurant is serving various Italian dishes. Open all days from 12:00-24:00. Address: Dr Faruk ayanoglu cad. No:1/C Feneryolu. Tel:+90 216 385 77 21

Gino Margarino: Located at Beyoglu near the Tunnel district, This elegant Italian restaurant is serving delicious Italian food since 1997. The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 24:00 hrs. Address: Istiklal Cad. No:316 Galatasaray-Beyoglu. Tel: +90 212 251 52 71

Il Sole: One of Istanbul's favorite Italian Restaurant, il Sole is located at Maçka, near Nisantasi. The restaurant is open from 11:30-15:00 for Lunch and from 18:00 to 24:00 for dinner. Address: Abdi ipekci caddesi No:48/2 Maçka. Tel: +90 212 231 20 21

La Case dei Angeli: Located in Yesilkoy, near the airport. This restaurant has very special Italian dishes and Italian vine. Reservation is much advised. Open from 10:00 to 24:00, Address: Yesilbahce sok. No:9 Yesilkoy. Tel: +90 212 573 68 28

La Vecchia Torretta: Restaurant is located inside the North shields pub at Goztepe on the Asian side of Istanbul. It has a very nice garden and a quiet popular place for summer nights. After the dinner you can enjoy the party at the North shields bar. Open from 12:00 to 24:00, Address: Bagdat cad. No:261 Goztepe - Istanbul. Tel: +90 216 467 25 20

Ristorante Italiano D'Argento: Located in Elmadag, near Taksim Square. Open from 10:00 to 24:00, Closed on Sundays. Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. 6/B Elmadag . Tel: +90 212 247 86 40

Chinese & Japanese Restaurants

Dragon Restaurant: Dragon restaurant is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Istanbul. This authentically decorated restaurant started to operate at Istanbul Hilton Hotel in 1987. Address: Istanbul Hilton hotel Harbiye. Open from 11:30 to 24:00

Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant: Ming garden is located at Lamartin street in Taksim. It has more than 100 kinds of original Chinese food by the Chinese Cooks. Address: Lamartin cad. No:23/1 Taksim. Open from11:30 to 24:00.

Jong Hwa: One of the well known Chinese Restaurant in Istanbul. It is remarkable with its decoration reflecting Chinese culture. With its dragon decorated lamps and ceiling decorations, the restaurant reveals how Chinese people are fond of ornaments. You can try the different tastes of Chinese kitchen accompanied by the original Chinese music. For the ones who cannot eat with the sticks like me, they have knives and forks. Address: Zeytinoglu Cad. No:5, Etiler- Istanbul. Open from 12:00 to 23:00

Fan Fang: FAN FANG means "Fresh, Delicious, Healthy & Pleasant Aroma". The first FAN FANG unit was opened in the famous AKMERKEZ Shopping Mall situated in Istanbul. FAN FANG began to provide tasteful Chinese Cuisine dishes freshly prepared with finest ingredients in a "see through" kitchen. It is one of my favorite Chinese restaurant, I like mainly due its fast and easy service. After the success of Akmerkez restaurant Fan Fang opened up new restaurants around Istanbul. Address: Akmerkez shopping mall, Etiler.

Sushico - Chinese in Town: The best Chinese restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul. They first opened up a restaurant in Atasehir district and after the success of the first one they have a second one in Bagdat street. Located near to suadiye, Chinese in town serves delicious Chinese food for the Asian side of Istanbul. Chinese in town later has opened up stores in Levent and Nisantasi for the European side also. Address: Bagdat Cad. No:466/2 Suadiye- Istanbul. Open from 11:30 to 22:30.

Miyako: Located inside the Swissotel. Sushi Bar, Tempura and Teppan-Yaki sections, two tatami rooms. As part of the Hotel The Bosphorus it has also a nice view of the Bosphorus and the Asian coast. Address: Bayildim Caddesi No:2 Macka- Ist. Tel: +90 212 259 01 01

Benihana: Located inside the Ciragan palace hotel. The best known and most famous Japan restaurant of Istanbul. The prices are relatively high and the restaurant is located inside the famous Ciragan palace hotel. Address: Çiragan Sarayi. Çiragan Cad. No: 32 Besiktas Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 227 71 71

Sushi Mori: Located at Akatlar, Etiler. Sushi mori offers one of the best Sushi's of town. Address : Akatlar Mah. Mayadrom Çarsi No: 27-28 Akatlar- Etiler. Tel :+90 212 351 64 65

Hai Sushi: Yet again another favorite restaurant of mine. Hai Sushi Restaurant is the first and the only one Conveyor Band system Sushi restaurant in Turkey which is located in Divan Oteli. Hai sushi has a brunch in Kalamis Marina on Asian side. Sushi's are prepared on different colored plates and displayed on the conveyor band system which is running around the tables. Prices are set according to the colors of the plate. While grey plate has the cheapest price, Red has the most elegant sushi's with the top price. Address: Kalamis Marina, Kalamis - Ist. Tel: +90 216 541 03 54

Maki Sushi: Maki sushi is located in Nisantasi at Famous Reasurans passage. A small sushi restaurant. Address: Milli Reasürans Çarsisi. No: 13. Tel: +90 212 231 35 24

Yutaka Japanese (ex-Takarabune): Located just next to Hyatt regency hotel near Taksim. The restaurant is one of the most expensive restaurants with a capacity of 70 people. Address: Hyatt Regency Istanbul Taskisla Cad. No: 25, Taksim Ist. Tel: +90 212 231 12 83

Tokyo Restaurant: Tokyo restaurant is located at the famous Ortakoy district. Probably the most reasonable priced Japanese restaurant is serving in "Izakaya kitchen style. Address: Tasbasamak Sk. No: 3/2 Ortaköy Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 261 22 77

Tokyo: Another Tokyo restaurant with a different concept. Located near to the Istiklal street and Taksim square. It has a nice and elegant style. Address: Istiklal Cad. Meselik Sk No:24, Beyoglu. T: +90 212 293 58 58

Thailand - Thai Restaurant: Mesrutiyet caddesi No:134 Beyoglu. Open everyday, except Sunday from 12:00 till midnight. Tel: +90 212 245 57 25

Taj Mahal Indian: Address: Akyol Cad. No: 47/1 Cihangir. T: +90 212 292 58 96

Seoul Restaurant: Address: Akbuyuk Cad. No:37, Sultanahmet. T: +90 212 458 06 21

Fish Restaurants

Cibalikapi Balikcisi: If you would like to taste a real local choice of seafood, and breathe in an old Istanbul atmosphere Cibalikapi Fishery is a right choice. Address: Avdillezel Pasa Cad. No:7 Eminonu.

Park Balik: Inside the biggest open air park pf Istanbul, Park balik is a good quality fish restaurant inside Parkorman. Address: Parkorman, Buyukdere Caddesi Maslak- Ist. Tel: +90 212 328 20 44

Le Pecheur: It is one of the oldest fish restaurant located in Tarabya just on the seaside. This upscale restaurant has one of the best landscapes of Bosphorus. Address: Yeniköy Cad. No:80 Tarabya-Istanbul

Bebek Balikcisi: Located in bebek, just on the edge of Bosphorus, this old Fish restaurant is serving wonderful fish courses with an unbeaten landscape. Address: Cevet Pasa Cad. No:123 Bebek - Ist. Tel: +90 212 263 34 47

Park Fora: Inside the Kurucesme park, Park fora offers a chic atmosphere and nice sea food. In summer terraces goes upto the shores of Bosphorus and enjoy the beautiful view. Address: Muallim naci caddesi No:134 Kurucesme- Ist. Tel:+90 212 265 50 63

Park Fora: Inside the Kurucesme park, Park fora offers a chic atmosphere and nice sea food. In summer terraces goes upto the shores of Bosphorus and enjoy the beautiful view. Address: Muallim naci caddesi No:134 Kurucesme- Ist. Tel:+90 212 265 50 63

Kumkapi Fish restaurants: If you would like to eat fish, Kumkapi is the right place to go. Even if you don't eat there, just have a visit there at night. it is a real authentic place, where you should see. There are many fish restaurants in the area and you can choose between more than twenty of them.. Since now I have been to 4 of them and I can only comment for them.

Neyzen: is probably the most famous, the most luxurious and the expensive one.. If you do not have a "budget limitation" you can try this one.

Evren: is next to neyzen, they have a good service and fish is good.. Prices are better than Neyzen. But needs to be negotiated.

Kebap Restaurants

Beyti Restaurant: One of the oldest and most famous meat restaurants in the city. Address: Orman sok No:8, Florya- Ist. Near the airport.

Kasibeyaz: One of the best and famous meat restaurants of Istanbul Address: Çatal Sok No:10, Florya- Ist. Near the airport

Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi: Try Turkish meatball in this historical restaurant Located at the Sultanahmed square since 1920. Address: Divanyolu Cad. No:12/ A Sultanahmed.

Develi Kebap: One of the oldest and best kebab restaurants in Istanbul. It has three restaurants around the city. The first and the oldest one is at Samatya; Balik Pazari Gümüsyüzük Sokak.No: 7. Near Fatih. The second one is at Etiler and third is at Kalamis Marina.

Sahan: Another famous kebap house with several branches on the Asian side. Their biggest restaurant is located at Atasehir for over 700 seated capacity, a real kebap factory. Address: Barbaros Mah. Halk Cad no:12 Atasehir. T: +90 216 472 82 50

Niyazibey: Located on the Aisan side of Istanbul, Niyazibey restaurant is famous with its delicious doner kebap. Address: Cemil Topuzlu Cad. No:10 Feneryolu. T: +90 2126 459 12 50

TIKE: A nice kebap restaurant for business dinners. Tike with its 5 restaurants around Istanbul offers a good quality kebap restaurant. Address: Haci Adil Cad. 2. Levent. T: + 90 212 281 88 71

Adana Yüzevler: A Specialist on Adana Kebabs, a popular kebeb style named from the southern city of Adana. Adana kebap is a spicy kebab on a role meat and Adana yuzevler is supposed to be the best place to try this wonderful dish. Nispetiye Cad. No:10 . T:+90 212 287 01 01

Taş Devri: Overlooking to the Bosphorus from the hills of Nakkastepe, Tas devri is another elegant restaurant with its nice kebap alternatives. Address: Gumusyol Cad. No:27, Nakkastepe. T: +90 216 495 65 15

Historical Restaurants

Haci Abdullah: Authentic, traditional Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its appetizers and Turkish dishes. Ad dress: Agacami, Sakizagci Cad. No:17, Taksim Istanbul. T: +90 212 293 85 61

Haci Baba: Authentic, traditional Ottoman and Turkish cuisine. Hundreds of Mezes will make you forget the main course. Address: Istiklal Cad. No:49 Taksim. T: +90 212 244 18 86

Çiya Sofrası: Located inside the Kadikoy Market, probably the best authentic Turkish food restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul. The variety and the taste is amazing, definitely a must try. Adress: Caferaga Mah. Guneslibahce Sok No:43, Kadıkoy. T:+90 216 330 31 90

Kanaat Lokantası: Located at the Uskudar district on the Asian side of Istanbul. This historical restaurant is keeping its taste the same for many years. Address: Selmanipak Caddesi No: 25 , Uskudar. T: +90 216 553 37 91

Konyalı: One of the oldest historical restaurant in the touristy peninsula. Konyali is famous with its specialities. Address: Mimar kemalettin cad. No:5 Vakif Han Sirkeci. T: +90 212 513 96 10

Eski Osmanli Mutfagi: The name of the restaurant is old Istanbul kitchen with historical ottoman courses..

Shopping

Istanbul can easily be a shopping parade for many Tourists. Turkeys being a leading manufacturer for Textile product is creating an enormous demand on Clothes, Fashion wears, linens, towels and other textile products. To shop in Istanbul ranging from the expensive to cheap, from name brand to street fashion, there are great many addresses to visit without exhausting yourself too much.

The markets, Bazaars and malls of Istanbul reflect the socio-economic condition of the areas where they are located. If you like shopping in malls and choose your alternatives in between hundreds of brands, I strongly suggest to visit the Malls page where you can find all the main malls of Istanbul, their addresses and short descriptions.

If you want to shop and see sights of Istanbul, then you shall visit Istiklal street at Beyoglu. Easy shopping, Historical sights, Nice cafes and street fashion.



Grand Bazaar:

Locally called as "Kapalicarsi" is probably the oldest Covered bazaar in the World. Many tourists do tour and shop around the Touristy peninsula, where mainly no locals are not shopping. However there are still some nice products in the Touristy peninsula also. If you are looking for souvenirs and handicrafts, Covered Bazaar and Spice bazaar shall be your address for shopping.

It has more than 4000 shops in one huge building and 64 streets with 22 entrance. The most active and famous street of the bazaar is called the Nuruosmaniye street, where many gold and jewellery sellers are located. Covered bazaar is one of the worlds biggest gold trade centers. So you can see various type of gold products and also elegant jewelries.

Behind the main street, you can find many souvenir shops, Leather shops and Carpet shops. Also Glassware and ceramic shops are very popular. Inside the bazaar, you can also find special shops that sells towels, soaps and bath accessories. Hamams are a must see in Turkey and Hamam stuffs can easily be found in these shops. For silver addicted, there is a passage called Bedesten inside the Covered Bazaar, where you can find very nice and elegant silver rings and accessories.
How to get there: Covered bazaar is at Beyazit / Istanbul. It has around 22 gates but the most easy one to find is the "Nuruosmaniye Gate" near the Beyazit square. If you take a tram from Eminonu, you should get off from Beyazit. And there on the right side, you can easily spot the entrance.

Spice Bazaar:

Spice bazaar is located at Eminonu, near the new mosque. It is the correct place if you are looking for a less crowded place than covered bazaar. Spice bazaar is famous with its hundreds of different spices. You can find all sort of herbs, spices, desserts and of course world famous Turkish delight. Walking through the fragrant smell of coffee and spices, there is much to choose from.

In spice bazaar, there are also some souvenir shops, where you can buy small gifts to your friends. Blue eye is a typical souvenir, that you can bring to your friends. Turks believe that these small blue eyes, do protect us from evil eyes.

How to get there: Spice Bazaar is at the center of Eminonu. Eminonu is a very central location for Tourists cause it is the last stop of the tram and also just near the ferry port. When you reach Eminonu, you will see the "New Mosque" and just on the right side is the spice bazaar.



Istiklal Street:

Probably the most active street of Istanbul. The old "Grand rue de Pera" is now hosting hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants. Istiklal street at Beyoglu is a perfect location for shoppers.

The street lays between Taksim Square till the "Tunel" area. The street is pedestranized and only a historical tram is running from one end to another. On the street you can find many fashion brands, famous Turkish brands and also small shops for budget shoppers. In between houses you can spot some passages and those passages can suddenly turned out to be a nice alternatives. Many shops on Istiklal street are open till late hours. As the life on the street almost never stops, shops are also becoming a part of it.

The recently renovated historic Markiz arcade as well as the Atlas and the Aznavur arcades are must sees if you are for shopping on Istiklal street. Markiz is like a trademark of Beyoglu, it is not a place for cheap crowd. You can find variety of clothes, bags and shoe stores here. Definitely stop by Markiz, which is almost to the end of Istiklal street near the Tunnel area, and feel the history in this futuristic arcade.

The Aznavur arcade is full of stores that sell everything from gifts to clothing, from jewellery to wooden furniture. Those who love the south park characters should visit Aznavur passage. You will find many affordable things for your interest and you can find many small gifts for your friends. Aznavur arcade is just in the middle of Istiklal street near the Galatasaray.
How to get there: Istiklal street starts from Taksim Square and Taksim square is the main center of Istanbul. If you are in the Touristy peninsula Bus "T4" directly goes to Taksim square from S.Ahmet square. An alternative is taking a tram to Eminonu, walking the Galata Bridge, Later taking the small metro from "Karakoy" to "Tunel". Tunel is the other end of Istiklal street, so you can walk till Taksim square from there.

Nisantasi:

It is the most popular shopping district in Istanbul. But for the ones who are looking for high fashion and quality products with very expensive tags.

If you are looking for a LV bag or a Boss shirt, than Nisantasi is the place you are looking for. This nice area of Istanbul is almost tourist free, you can hardly find any tourists here. It is not mentioned on any of tourist guides, However when you get local, Nisantasi will sure attract you. it is one of the first address of many ex-pats, cause the area is so nice. Full of modern deluxe shops, Elegant Cafes, nice restaurants and it has everything you can look for.
How to get there: Nisantasi is some distance from Taksim. You can take a taxi from taxi or a tough walk can also take you there. One other alternative is to take the Taksim- Levent Metro line and get off at Osmanbey stop.



Bagdat Caddesi:

It is the most popular shopping street on the "Other side" of Istanbul, the Asian side. Similar as Nisantasi, Bagdat caddesi is for the ones who are looking for high fashion and quality products with tags.

Bagdat caddesi is a one-way street full of shops, shopping malls, Restaurants, Coffee shops, Elegant stores, Luxury car dealers, Banks and many many more. The street is a bit like narrow looking of Champ Elysee. Bagdat caddesi is also a good place to tour around and make window shopping.

How to get there: Bagdat Caddesi is located on the Asian side of Istanbul so you need to take a ferry to Kadikoy first and continue with "Dolmus". Dolmus (Something like a shared taxi) leaves near the Fast ferry port. You need to take a dolmus to Bostanci and get off around Suadiye .

Asian Side

Further south along the Bosphorus towards the Sea of Marmara, Kadiköy has developed into a lively area with up-market shopping, eating and entertainment making it popular especially with wealthy locals. Once prominent in the history of Christianity, the 5th century hosted important consul meetings here, but there are few reminders of that age. It is one of the improved districts of Istanbul over the last century, and fashionable area to promenade along the waterfront in the evenings, especially around the Kalamis marina and "Sahilyolu" between Fenerbahce and Bostanci.

Those who spend all their time in European part of Istanbul, miss out on what great places exist in Asian Istanbul and Kadikoy must be somewhere at the top of that list. The pace of life alone makes Asia a worthwhile and what is more nice is as this part of this city is not Touristy, so you may not see tourist traps. On the Asian side of Istanbul main spots are the Kadikoy district, Bagdat Street Area and Fenerbahce district where the marina lays.

Kadikoy Market & Nostalgic Tram:

When you take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. (Ferries leave in every 15-20 minutes). You will see Kadikoy port after 25 minutes. The old historical theater building will be the first spot you can catch on arrival. Just step out the ferry and now you are in Asia. Sorry no welcome sign..

Once you are in Kadikoy, Walk to the right, on to the second port (old one) and when you are there turn yr back to the sea and walk to the front. Soon you will see the narrow streets of Kadikoy, you can walk along to the Kadikoy market, a nice and cozy place. You will see small roads with many nice shops. Walk to left and right and up and down. You will like to be in Asia. Try to get to Altiyol Square, from there take the road uphill. Bahariye Street is closed for car traffic and only a tram rides there. There are many nice budget shops and nice cafes. While you are going up the Bahariye street, look for the "Sanatcilar sokagi" where many nice handmade stuff, nice silver wears are being sold on a small open-air market.

In Kadikoy there is an old historical tram that runs between Kadikoy and Moda. It is the second nostalgic tram after the one at Taksim Istiklal street. This new Nostalgic tram connects the busy Kadikoy Market to Altiyol and also runs to Bahariye and Moda. Moda is one of the nicest districts of Istanbul.

As the tram makes a ring you can get on this tram and make a full tour. You can see Kadikoy market, You can see altiyol, You can see Moda and come back to where you have started or where you want to get off.

A visit to Kadikoy market can not be completed without a visit to "Ciya restaurant". It is definitely the best restaurant that you can find historical Turkish dishes and several nice recipes with a quiet reasonable price. Ciya restaurant is located inside the Kadıkoy market.

Balloon Above Istanbul : If you plan to visit Istanbul, watch out this new activity which has started on September 15th. 2003. Watch Istanbul up above 200 meters in a Balloon. Turk Balloon is the project name and Kadikoy Municipality is arranging this activity. A huge balloon which can carry up to 30 people at one time is rising up 200 meters above the sea level. The balloon moves only up and down.

The Balloon is taking off near from the Sea bus port at Kadikoy, The Port on the Asian Side. If you take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, it will take you to Kadikoy ferry port in 25 minutes.. There you need to walk around 150 meters to the Sea bus port to the right side.. and the base for the Balloon is there.. Due to the size of the Balloon you can see it easily.



Bagdat Street: It has nothing to do with the Capital city of Iraq, Baghdat. it is just the name of the most famous street of Asian side in Istanbul.

Bagdat caddesi is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. The main street of the residential area. A one-way street full of shopping malls, Restaurants, Coffee shops, Elegant stores, Luxury car dealers, Banks and many many more. The street is a bit like narrow looking of Champ Elysee. Bagdat caddesi is also a good place to tour around and make window shopping. Although there is no square, it is also the meeting point of young's. On weekends and summer, the street is full with young's, who are spending their spare times at cafes, on the street banks or elsewhere..

There are quiet number of shopping alternatives at the street. All famous brands have their brand shops and also some smaller shops with very reasonable cheap prices. Street sellers are also available and they are credited from the municipality. Many people call bagdat street as a big open air shopping mall. And that shall be the reality.

While touring on the street sometimes you can also spot open air Fair shows. Bagdat street from one end to the other is around 10 km, however the main spots are between Suadiye district and Erenkoy district..

Prince's Islands

Also known as Prince Islands or Istanbul Islands, there are eight within one hour from the city, in the Marmara Sea. Boats ply the islands from Sirkeci, Kabatas and Bostanci, with more services during the summer. These islands, on which monasteries were established during the Byzantine period, was a popular summer retreat for palace officials. It is still a popular escape from the city, with wealthier owning summer houses.

Buyukada The largest and most popular is Buyukada (the Great Island). Large wooden mansions still remain from the 19th century when wealthy Greek and Armenian bankers built them as holiday villas. The island has always been a place predominantly inhabited by minorities, hence Islam has never had a strong presence here.

Buyukada has long had a history of people coming here in exile or retreat; its most famous guest being Leon Trotsky, who stayed for four years writing 'The History of the Russian Revolution'. The monastery of St George also played host to the granddaughter of Empress Irene, and the royal princess Zoe, in 1012.

The island consists of two hills, both surmounted by monasteries, with a valley between. Motor vehicles are banned, so getting around the island can be done by graceful horse and carriage, leaving from the main square off Isa Celebi Sokak. Bicycles can also be hired.

The southern hill, Yule Tepe, is the quieter of the two and also home of St George's Monastery. It consists of a series of chapels on three levels, the site of which is a building dating back to the 12th century. In Byzantine times it was used as an asylum, with iron rings on the church floors used to restrain patients. On the northern hill is the monastery Isa Tepe, a 19th century house.

The entire island is lively and colorful, with many restaurants, hotels, tea houses and shops. There are huge well-kept houses, trim gardens, and pine groves, as well as plenty of beach and picnic areas.



Heybeliada 'Island of the Saddlebag', because of its shape, is loved for its natural beauty and beaches. It also has a highly prestigious and fashionable water sports club in the northwest of the island. One of its best-known landmarks is the Greek Orthodox School of Theology, with an important collection of Byzantine manuscripts. The school sits loftily on the northern hill, but permission is needed to enter, from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Fener. The Deniz Harp Okulu, the Naval High School, is on the east side of the waterfront near the jetty, which was originally the Naval War Academy set up in 1852, then a high school since 1985. Walking and cycling are popular here, plus isolated beaches as well as the public Yoruk Beach, set in a magnificent bay. There are plenty of good local restaurants and tea houses, especially along Ayyildiz Caddesi, and the atmosphere is one of a close community.

Burgazada Smaller and less of a tourist infrastructure is Burgazada. The famous Turkish novelist, Sait Faik Abasiyanik lived here, and his house has been turned into a museum dedicated to his work, and retains a remarkable tranquil and hallowed atmosphere.

Polonezkoy

Polish Village; Polonezköy, although still within the city, is 25 km. away from the centre and not easy to reach by public transport. The name is translated as "village of the Poles" and has a fascinating history: It was established in 1848 by Prince Czartorisky, leader of the Polish nationals who was granted exile in the Ottoman Empire to escape oppression in the Balkans. During his exile, he succeeded in establishing a community of Balkans, which still survives, on the plot of land sold to him by a local monastery.

Since the 1970s the village has become a popular place with local Istanbulites, who buy their pig meat there (pig being forbidden under Islamic law and therefore difficult to get elsewhere).

What attracts most visitors to Polonezkoy is its vast green expanse, which was designated Istanbul's first national park, and the walks though forests with streams and wooden bridges. Because of its popularity, it gets crowded at weekends and the hotels are usually full.

When you reach to Polonezkoy, you will see the small square. It can easily be called the center, there lays a nice tea house under the shadow of an old tree. The famous Leonardo cafe is just adjacent and some small restaurants and shops are also available. You may also have the chance to see the small honey museum. Honey from Polonezkoy is very popular.

After a short rest at the center, you shall see the signs of the walking path. There is a 5 km long walking path a long the forest nearby. It is a tough path with up hills and down hills, however it is great for a healthy weekend. If you succeed to complete the path, you will end up in the same place and now is the time for some food. Many restaurants in Polonezkoy are using touristy tariffs, so just be careful about the cost.

Golden Horn

This horn-shaped estuary divides European Istanbul. One of the best natural harbors in the world, it was once the centre for the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests. Today, attractive parks and promenades line the shores, a picturesque scene especially as the sun goes down over the water.

At Fener and Balat, neighborhoods midway up the Golden Horn, there are entire streets filled with old wooden houses, churches, and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times. The Orthodox Patriarchy resides at Fener and a little further up the Golden Horn at Eyup, are some wonderful examples of Ottoman architecture. Muslim pilgrims from all over the world visit Eyup Camii and Tomb of Eyup, the Prophet Mohammed's standard bearer, and it is one of the holiest places in Islam. The area is a still a popular burial place, and the hills above the mosque are dotted with modern gravestones interspersed with ornate Ottoman stones. The Pierre Loti Cafe, atop the hill overlooking the shrine and the Golden Horn, is a wonderful place to enjoy the tranquility of the view .

Ortakoy

Ortakoy was a resort for the Ottoman rulers because of its attractive location on the Bosphorus, and is still a popular spot for residents and visitors. The village is within a triangle of a mosque, church and synagogue, and is near Ciragan Palace, Kabatas High School, Feriye, Princess Hotel.

The name Ortakoy reflects the university students and teachers who would gather to drink tea and discuss life, when it was just a small fishing village. These days, however, that scene has developed into a suburb with an increasing amount of expensive restaurants, bars, shops and a huge market. The fishing, however, lives on and the area is popular with local anglers, and there is now a huge waterfront tea-house which is crammed at weekends and holidays.

Taksim & Beyoglu

Beyoglu is an interesting example of a district with European-influenced architecture, from a century before. Europe's second oldest subway, Tunel was built by the French in 1875, must be also one of the shortest - offering a one-stop ride to start of Taksim. Near to Tunel is the Galata district, whose Galata Tower became a famous symbols of Istanbul, and the top of which offers a tremendous 180 degree view of the city.

From the Tunel area to Taksim square is one of the city's focal points for shopping, entertainment and urban promenading: Istiklal Cadesi is a fine example of the contrasts and compositions of Istanbul; fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas, markets, restaurants and even hand-carts selling trinkets and simit (sesame bread snack) ensure that the street is packed throughout the day until late into the night. The old tramcars re-entered into service, which shuttle up and down this fascinating street, and otherwise the street is entirely pedestrianised. There are old embassy buildings, Galatasaray High School, the colorful ambience of Balik Pazari (Fish Bazaar) and restaurants in Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage). Also on this street is the oldest church in the area, St Mary's Draperies dating back to 1789, and the Franciscan Church of St Antoine, demolished and then rebuilt in 1913.



The street ends at Taksim Square, a huge open plaza, the hub of modern Istanbul and always crowded, crowned with an imposing monument celebrating Ataturk and the War of Independence. The main terminal of the new subway is under the square, adjacent is a noisy bus terminal, and at the north end is the Ataturk Cultural Centre, one of the venues of the Istanbul Theatre Festival. Several five-star hotels are dotted around this area, like the Hyatt, Intercontinental and Hilton (the oldest of its kind in the city). North of the square is the Istanbul Military Museum.

Taksim and Beyoglu have for centuries been the centre of nightlife, and now there are many lively bars and clubs off Istiklal Cadesi, including some of the only gay venues in the city. Beyoglu is also the centre of the more bohemian arts scene.

Beylerbeyi Palace

The area of Beylerbeyi on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus has been settled since Byzantine times. According to the famous 18 th century traveler Inciciyan, Constantine the Great erected a cross here, after which the area was known as the Istavroz Gardens. Under the Ottomans this area was an imperial park or hasbahçe. Inciciyan relates that the name Beylerbeyi was given to this area in the 16 th century because Mehmet Pasa who held the title of beylerbeyi (governor general) built a country house on the site.

The sultans built several country houses and pavilions on the imperial estate here, and in 1829 Sultan Mahmud II built a wooden waterfront palace.

Sultan Abdülaziz demolished this wooden palace to build the present Beylerbeyi Palace in 1861-1865. Designed by the well known Ottoman architect Sarkis Balyan, the palace was generally reserved for summer use by the sultans or to accommodate foreign heads of state visiting the Ottoman capital. The Prince of Serbia, the King of Montenegro, the Sah of Iran and Empress Eugenie of France are among the royal guests who stayed here. The deposed Sultan Abdülhamid II spent the last six months of his life and died here in 1918.



The interior design of Beylerbeyi Palace is a synthesis of diverse western and eastern styles, although the layout of the rooms follows that of the traditional Turkish house, consisting of a central sofa with closed rooms situated at the four corners. The furnishing and decoration of the Selamlik or public apartments are more ornate than those of the Harem.

The palace consists of two main storeys and a basement containing kitchens and store rooms. The palace has three entrances, six state rooms and 26 smaller rooms. The floors are covered with rush matting from Egypt which protected the inhabitants against damp in winter and heat in summer. Over this are laid large carpets and kilims, mostly made at Hereke. The furnishings include exquisite Bohemian crystal chandeliers, French clocks, and Chinese, Japanese, French and Turkish Yildiz porcelain vases.

One of the features which distinguishes Beylerbeyi from other Ottoman palaces of the period are the terraced gardens on the sloping hillside behind the palace. There are two pavilions on these terraces, the Sari Kösk beside the pool on the upper terrace, and the Mermer Kösk with its interior fountain and marble walls, which provided a cool refuge in the summer heat. The Mermer Kösk, the large pool on the lower terrace and the tunnel are the only parts of the palace remaining from the earlier timber palace of Beylerbeyi. The attractive Ahir Kösk is a fascinating example of Ottoman palace stables, and of particular interest as the only such building to have survived in its original state.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent commissioned the Suleymaniye Mosque, which was designed by Architect Sinan and built between the dates 1550-1557. This mosque is the central piece of a kulliya, which crowns one of the seven hills of Istanbul. This complex of buildings comprises a madrasa, a medical madrasa and hospital (dar'us sifa), a dining hall (dar'us ziyafe), a caravanserai, a bath, hospices (tabhana) and shops. It is the largest mosque in Istanbul

Four minarets rise from the corners of the courtyard; are said to signify Salesman's position as the fourth Ottoman ruler of Istanbul. And the ten balconies of the minarets indicate he was the tenth sultan to reign since Osman founded the Ottoman dynasty. The mosque has three entrances. Inside the mosque you will be dazzled. Suppose the best alternative after Blue mosque is the Salesman's mosque and in the back garden, there lays the tombs of Süleyman and his Russian wife, Roxelana.

Galata Tower

The slightly sloped section stretching from Tunel to the shores of Halic is called Galata due to the Galata Tower. Galata Tower has dominated Beyoglu skyline since 1348 and still offers the best panoramic views of the city. Until the 1960s Galata tower was a fire lookout tower. Now the upper floors hold an uninteresting restaurant-nightclub, and a panorama balcony. The panorama balcony is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (7 pm in summer). The entrance fee is 7 YTL, roughly 5 USD. There is a lift which helps you to climb the first 7 floors and up there you need to climb two more floors to visit the panorama balcony. When you open the door to the balcony, a strong wind is welcoming you and a small shock, you were not expecting to be that high. But the marvelous 360 degree view, will soon let you enjoy its beauty. Galata Tower is 61 meter tall, and 140 meter above sea level. The diameter of the tower is 8,95 meter, where wall thickness is 3,75 meters.

History of the tower: During the reign of Byzantines, Genoese conquered the region, which stood at opposite shores of old Istanbul, and they decided to build a tower. Their aim was to surround the region with walls and they wanted to build a watchtower in the middle of the wall for defense purposes. At the time, they named the Tower "Jesus Tower." The tower originally had a spire and a large cross on its top.

The Galata Tower did not only serve for defense purposes and as a watchtower, but it was also a part of the communication system, which had been built by Romans and then inherited by the Byzantines. People used to communicate by building fires at high and easily seen places. Therefore, the most important communication centers of Istanbul were the mountain of Bulgurlu, Fenerbahce, Galata Tower and Sarayburnu. Galata Tower, which captures our attention by its non-Islamic architecture, became famous in the Islamic world when Hazerfen Ahmet Celebi flew from, the Tower to Uskudar with the help of artificial wings. In 1794, however, the spire of the fire-damaged tower, was opened and the building was restored in an architecturally rather different style.

Hippodrome

The square in front of the Blue Mosque covers the site of the ancient "Hippodrome", one of the most famous areas in Byzantine Constantinople. The original Hippodrome was constructed in 200 AD. by Emperor Septimus Severus, when he rebuilt the town of Byzantium. After Severus, Constantine the Great made Constantinople new capital and gave much more importance to this area. The Hippodrome was the heart of the civil activities. Propaganda activities, rebellions, fighting's and eventually chariot races took place in this area. The Hippodrome continued to serve as primarily a sports center as well as a gathering place of the people for centuries during the Byzantium Era. After the Ottomans took over, it was also used for the same purpose.

There are various monuments in Hippodrome Area. The most attractive one is the "Egyptian Obelisk". This building was originally constructed by Pharaoh Tutmosis III(1549-1503 BC). It was 60 m. (200 feet) high and weighed 800 tons. When shipped from Egypt to Constantinople, it was split into three and only the very top of it survived. It was erected to Constantinople during the reign of Theodosius I in 390. There is a marble base with sculptured relief's representing the Emperor's watching of chariot races with his family. The obelisk is made of pink granite and it depicts Praraoh Tutmosis III with Sun God Amon Ra.

Another building in Hippodrome Area is so-called "Serpentine Column". The three intertwined bronze serpents form the column. This column was brought from the Temple of Apollo, Delphi Greece dedicated to God by the 31 Greek cities who defeated the Persians at Platea in 479 BC. It was brought by Emperor Constantine the Great.

The third monument in this area is called as "Colossus" or "the column of Constantine Porphyrgenitus". This column looks much more eroded and the purpose is thought to have a parallelism with the Egyptian Obelisk.

The last monument in Hippodrome Area is the "German Fountain" or "Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II". It is an octagonal building with water taps around which was constructed in 1898. Inside the fountain, there are lovely mosaics which depicts the signatures of Wilhelm II and Sultan Abdulhamit II, the sultan of that time .

Chora Church

Chora Church (Kariye Camii in Turkish) is the most interesting Byzantine church after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The importance of the church does not come from the building itself , the frescoes and the mosaics are superb and reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Art. The Chora Church Museum is open every day from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m except Wed.

There are no remains left from the original church and the first form of the present structure dates back to 11C. The church was founded by Maria Doukaina, mother-in-law of Alexius Comnenos I between 1077-1081. Today's church was constructed after two centuries, the walls were reverted with superb mosaics and a pareclession was added decorated with beautiful frescoes. The founder of the church was Theodore Metochites. He was also an astronomer, poet, theologian and philosopher. Actually he lived a very sad life, after Palaeologus was replaced by another emperor, he was sent to exile. After he came back to Constantinople, he devoted himself to the church as a monk and he died there. Early in the 16C, the church was converted to a mosque by Attic Ali Pasha and the mosaics were covered with plaster. In 1948, it was restored by Byzantine Institute of America and opened as a museum in 1958.

Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower or Leander's Tower or as called in Turkish "Kizkulesi" is constructed 2500 years ago. It was built over a small rock located over the border of Marmara sea and Bosphorus it also takes place between Asian and Europan continents. The history of the tower begins from Ancient Greek civilizations and continues with Byzantium and Ottoman civilizations. Leander Tower is served as a light house and many stories were told about its history. One of the story is about the love between Hero and leandros. One night leandros was trying to reach to Tower by swimming to reach to his secret love. The light of Tower goes off and Leandros drawns when he was trying to meet his love.

Today leanders tower is used as a restaurant and cafe and with its perfect location it hosts locals and tourists. In order to reach the tower you need to pass to the Asian side by a ferry. Ferries leave from Eminonu to Uskudar and it takes around 15 minutes. From Uskudar ferry port, you need to walk next to the Tower and just across the tower small boats carries visitors to the tower. You can enjoy the beauty of the bosporus and have a snack if you want. I just want to remind that the prices are relatively high at the cafe.

Miniaturk

Istanbul has a new Maquette park which has began to operate as of April 23rd,2003. The mini Turkey park called Miniaturk and have mini models of old ottoman architectural works in Turkey. On miniaturk Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage is being displayed with their maquettes.

If you plan a visit to Istanbul, this is a must see event, you should put in to your agenda. You can have snap to all main structures in Turkey in such a short time. On the park there are 105 models of architectural structures. 45 of them belongs to structures from Istanbul, another 45 structures from the rest of Turkey and some 15 models made by Turks that are on the borders of other countries. All maquette structures are 1/25 of their original size.

The park is located over on a 56-hectare area along the coast of the Golden Horn. Hagia Sophia, Aspendos Theater, Suleymaniye Mosque, Sumela Monastery, Fairy Chimneys, Mount Nemrud and the ancient city of Ephesus are some of those among the historical and cultural works of art in the park. There is also a small bridge which is copied from the Bosphorus bridge between Europe and Asia.

Dolmabahce Palace

The word "Dolmabahce" in English means "The filled garden". Because the Dolmabahce Palace is founded upon a reclaimed area by filling up the sea. It's a beautiful 19th C palace right by the Bosphorus, on the waterfront. It's in baroque and rococo style and very French. Many people think that it is a small model of the palace of Versailles in Paris, France. It can be visited with a tour guide of the palace as a group. Open everyday from 9:30-17:00 except Mon and Thu.

If you stay in the touristy peninsula than you shall get on the Tram to Sirkeci direction. The tram will go first to Sirkeci and eminonu district and later continues to Karakoy by passing the Galata bridge. Take the tram and do not get off untill the last stop. When you reach the last stop of Tram, you will be in Kabatas district and its only 200-300 meters to Dolmabahce palace. You will see a place where Sea buses and Ferries port (Kabatas), you need to get off from here. When you stopped at kabatas walk to the front and after 200 meters you will see the Dolmabahce palace on the Right side at the seaside.



There are two parts on the palace "Selamlik" and "Harem", and both have different entrance fees. Fees are for Selamlik 12 YTL (~7 USD) and for Harem is 10 YTL. You can have a ticket for both of them for 18 YTL. On the entrance there are tour guides arranged by the palace and they are gathering people and you are touring the palace with small groups. You need to wear blue plastic covers to your shoes. Palace itself could remind you of the Versaille palace in Paris, however for me it is more elegant. During your visit you will stop inside the room of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish republic. He has passed away in this palace and his room is still kept in the same order.

The palace altogether is decorated with French Baccarat and Czech Bohemian crystal chandelliers. The entrance hall is the hall where the visitors were used to welcomed. This part is the official part (Selamlik) of the Palace that was only open to the men. The women and the children lived in a different part called "the Harem". The Sultan's bedrooms were also in the Harem Part. The founder of Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died in this palace in 1938, His room is also in the Harem Part of the Palace. There are many portraits in the palace by famous artists, like Aivazosvky of Russia. It's a very ornate palace with its 285 rooms, 43 large halls and 6 Turkish baths. The large old carpets on the floor are Hereke Carpets which were exclusively woven for the palaces. Some rooms have a great parquet floor with three different woods inlaid into each other by using no nails. Many of the palace fabrics and the curtains were also coming from Hereke, a small town 50 miles,70 kms. to the east of Istanbul. The palace fabrics today were replaced by new ones which are very similar to the original ones.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi in Turkish) is one of the the largest covered markets in the world with its 4400 shops in 64 streets and with 22 gates . It's a real heaven for shoppers. It looks like a labyrinth at first sight but it's actually not that complicated. All you have to do is to keep your eyes on the main street (the jewelry street). The Bazaar was first constructed in 1464 with the order of Mehmed II 'the Conqueror' and had many restorations over the years due to the extensive fires and destructive earthquakes. There are tens of cafés, a police station, little mosques, tourists information points in the bazaar.

There are thousands of things you can find and purchase in the Grand Bazaar. You can find all kinds of stuff in the Bazaar, varying from Silk carpets to leather coats and from gold to fake brand T-shirts. The gate that one usually enters into the bazaar is called "Nuruosmaniye Gate" that means "the light of the Ottomans". That takes you directly to a shining street full of jewelry stores. Jewelry is one of the things could be purchased. Gold prices are not low but due to the lower workmanship costs, you may find a huge variety of gold, precious stones and semi precious stones like sapphire, ruby or emeralds at reasonable prices. Bargaining is a must. Before you purchase, it's recommended to ask more than 3-4 shops so that you can get the best price. The main street goes all the way up till the other exit and it's all full of jewelry stores. Covered bazaar is also known to be one of the most important gold markets in the world.



When you're walking on the streets in the Bazaar, some people might approach you and invite you to see their collections of carpets. They are commission-men but you may also reject them. They might seem insistent but if you don't care about them, they will go away. Carpet shops are usually spread out to smaller parallel streets and the purchasing decision is usually very hard. When you walk into a carpet shop, you're first offered coffee, tea or coke without any obligation of buying usually with a warm smile. The carpets are from several different regions of Turkey and the salesman tells about them one by one starting from less quality ones to higher quality ones (higher price of course!)

Covered Bazaar is definitely one of the must-sees of Istanbul, however you should be ready for the Hassle of shop owners. And I suggest not making any shopping from the street sellers .

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace" or "Yerebatan sarayi" in turkish,, was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily.

Basilica cistern or better known as Yerebatan sarayi is a very authentic place and a must see in Istanbul. The cistern is located at the Sultanahmet square, when you are about to reach the Sultanahmet Square on the right bank you will see the basilica cistern. There is a small building next to the tram line, there leads the stairs down to the Basilica cistern. Basilica is open every day from 09:00 hrs to 17:30 and the entrance fee is 10 YTL (~7 USD) for foreign visitors.

Underground waterway was used as a reservoir for water storage for the Great Palace and other buildings. It is 132 m length, by 65m wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern. Most of the column capitals are either in Corinthian or Doric Style.



Walk to the back of the Cistern, and you will find one upside down Medusa head supporting one of the columns. Why it is upside down has been a question of much discussion, but the best guess is that the people who placed the stone believed that if the head was upside down, it would ward off evil spirits.

Not far from the upside-down Medusa head is a second Medusa head, which is sideways. Why one head is upside down and the other is sideways only deepens the question about their orientation. Perhaps the builders felt that to place two heads in the same orientation would empower the evil forces living in the snakes on Medusa's head. Also, their presence in the Cistern in the first place is interesting. Perhaps, since they were underwater for most of the ages, the evil forces remained safely submerged.

Today it has been completely renovated. Water still drips melancholically through the ceiling, and the brick-domed ceiling echoes classical music.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is definitely the best looking palace in Turkey. Home for the Ottoman Sultans, is now a perfect place to be a Museum to reflect the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of living. The Museum is open between 9:00 am-5:00 pm everyday except for Tuesdays. The Harem section needs a separate admission fee. There is a discounted fee for the students. The Harem Section can be visited with a separate ticket in the ticket office near the Harem entrance. The tours to Harem are operated every half hour from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Topkapi palace has now an audio guide system which can be rented on the entrance for a cost of 10,- YTL. The audio guide system is much like a big mobile phone. All important items on the palace was identified with numbers and if you dial the code number of the item or place, you can get a full description of it. Currently the system is available on following languages, English, Germain, French, Spanish and Italian.

When Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople in 1453, he found the palaces of the Byzantine Emperors in such ruins as to be uninhabitable. He chose a large area on the broad peak of the Third Hill as the site of his first imperial residence. He constructed a great complex of buildings and gardens here and they came to be known as "Eski Saray" which means "The Old Palace". A few years later, he decided to have his palace on the N side of the First Hill which had been the acropolis of the ancient Byzantium. He constructed a massive wall surrounding the area along the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. This took place during the period 1459-65 after the Sultan left the former palace to women of his father's harem. The Harem in Topkapi Palace in its present state dates back to the reign of Murat III(1574-95), Mehmed IV(1648-87) and Osman III(1754-57).



Topkapi Palace was more than just the private residence of the Sultan and his court. It was the seat of the supreme executive and judiciary council, the Divan and the training school, the Palace School. In the First Courtyard, there were a hospital, bakery, arsenal, a state mint, a part of the treasury and the Outer Service. It was open to public. The Second Courtyard was open to people who had business with the council. The Third Courtyard was reserved to the Sultan's household and palace children. The Fourth Courtyard was exclusively reserved for the Sultan's use.

Topkapi Palace continued to be the principal residence for four centuries until in 1853, Sultan Abdul Mecid I moved into the new palace of Dolmabahce on the Bosphorus. The old palace was used as house for the women of the departed sultans and their servants until the Harem was officially disbanded in 1909. In 1924, Topkapi Palace was converted to a museum with the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The final step was the opening of the Harem to the public in 1960.