Go To Istanbul

Night Life in Istanbul

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

2008-08-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

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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

2008-08-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

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

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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.

Blue Mosque

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The Blue Mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. It is very impressive with its beautiful domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Sultan Ahmet 1 founded the Blue Mosque. It was built between 1609- 1616 and also it was named after him. The whole complex was completed in 1616.

It is an extraordinary mosque with six minarets. The dome itself is suspended overhead by four huge, elephantine columns and have 23 m in diameter and it is 43 m in height. There are 260 windows flooding lights everywhere.

Sultan Ahmet I wanted to have a mosque with minarets made of gold which is altin in Turkish. The architect misunderstood him as alti which means six in English. However, the Sultan Ahmed I liked the minarets so much. Prior to that time, no sultan had a mosque with 6 minarets.

Upon the entrance to the mosque, you should pay attention to the gate. The gate is a typical Seljuk- Turkish wooden works with a geometrical design in its center. If you wonder about the star, it symbolizes the Turkish Generation and very typical of early 11-12th Century Turkish Art.

After the gate, you will meet with the breathtaking interior of the mosque with its chandeliers and blue tiles. The mosque is all surrounded by beautiful 17Century Blue Iznik tiles, which give its name to the Blue Mosque. The interior of the mosque is decorated by masses of beautifully designed blue, green, yellow and red tiles. All the more stunning are the color stain glass windows which make this the most colorful mosque

Sultanahmed mosque is just in the middle of sultanahmed square, it is almost in the center of the touristy area. Entry into the mosque is free and it is open from 0900 to 1800. The North door of the Mosque is used for tourists where the west door of the mosque was reserved for Muslim prayers. It is required for ladies to bring a head scarves or you can borrow one from the entrance.

One important warning is; if you happen to visit the mosque while somebody is praying, do not walk in front of them. Muslims didn't like anyone walking in front of them at prayer because it might be misinterpreted that they were praying to the person in front of them instead of to God.

Hagia Sophia

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Once a church, than became a Mosque and now a Museum. Probably one of the most interesting spots of Istanbul. It is called as St Sophia, Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya, the difference is only in the Languages. Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. Ayasofya is the forth biggest Cathedral in the world with its 56m high dome, after Saint Paul in London, Saint Peter in Rome and Duomo in Milan, However the main fact is, it was built more than 1000 years ago from the others.. The museum is open everyday, except Monday. And visiting hours are from 9:30 to 16:30.. The entrance fee is 15 YTL (~ 10 USD) including visit to the upper gallery floor. (Before the upper gallery has got an extra fee.)

The interior of the museum is decorated with splendid Byzantine mosaics. While visiting the museum, you should spare some time to see the upper gallery, where you need to climb up a path inside the building. The upper galleries give the best perspectives inside St Sophia. This is also where you'll see the great mosaics and ambience of the church. It is much more attractive from the second floor and also a pictured summary of the history of the Church can be found on this floor.

"Church of the Holy Apostles'' .. was the first name of the Church when it was built in 360 AD.. The city of Novo Roma (Istanbul) has been built in 6 years and a world wonder architectural Church has been built to represent it is wonder... However it was collapsed in a riot at 414 and once more collapsed again in a riot in 532. The current structure has been built in 537 by emperor Justinian.

Year: 532, Hippodrome Square, Novo Roma;
One of the nicest entertainment of the city was the horse car races, citizens were gathering in the Hippodrome square and were watching the races. Emperor Justinian was also watching the Horse car races, however the games winner was again the emperors side. At the end of the races a quarrel has started, later which leads to a political riot. Emperor could hardly battle the riot with the support of Queen Theodora. But The church of Holy apostles was destroyed during the riot. So Emperor has decided to build a gorgeous church replacing the previous one. He ordered the best architect Antemius and geometrician Isidorus.

Ten thousand workers has worked for five years and built the Divine Wisdom, St Sophia Church. The dome of the church is 55,6 meters high from the ground and has a radius of 31 meters. Even after 1500 years, it is still the fourth biggest cathedral.

In 1453 when Constantinople Felled, Sultan Mehmed Conqueror has turned the church to a mosque and it was used as a mosque for nearly 500 years. Sultan has built four minarets at the corners of building at this time. On the walls of Aya Sophia you can see big circular plates where the name of "Allah" and prophet "Muhammed" is written in Arabic. There are also 4 more big circular plates where names of 4 Halifas were written. Aya Sophia has turned to be a Museum in 1935 by Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic.

Arrival

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Arriving Istanbul by Plane

In Istanbul there are two international airports. Istanbul Ataturk airport (IST) and Sabiha gokcen airport (SAW). The first and biggest one is the new modernized Istanbul Ataturk airport (IST). All major international flights are landing to Ataturk airport. And the other one, which works as a sub terminal on the Asian side, is Sabiha gokcen airport (SAW).

There are direct flights to Istanbul from all major cities of Europe and also direct flights to New York & Chicago via Turkish Arilines and Delta for US locations. The other main direct routes are as follows, flights to central Asian cities such as Askabat, Astana, Baku, Yerevan, Dusanbe, Delhi, Bombay, Karachi; Far east cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore; Middle East cities such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Damascus, Lebanon (suspended), Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Tabriz, Tehran, Kartum (Sudan); North African cities such as Casablanca, Tunus, Cairo, Algiers, Nairobi.

Below you can find many useful information and tips about arriving to Istanbul airport. As informed earlier Istanbul has two Airports. Istanbul Ataturk airport, which is on the European side of Istanbul, is used by all major international air companies. The second airport of Istanbul which is called as Sabiha Gokcen airport is on the Asian side of Istanbul and is far from the city center. This airport is used by mainly domestic flights and budget air companies such as Easy Jet, Condor, Germain wings.

Istanbul International Ataturk Airport (IST):
Istanbul Airport has a brand new international terminal active since year 2000, however new extensions made recently and the capacity of the terminal is now over 20 million passengers in a year. The airport is one of the newest airports in Europe and also representing the modern face of Turkiye. Ataturk Airport is located in Yesilkoy, on the European side of Istanbul and It is 28 kilometers to the city center.

When you arrive in to Ataturk airport, your first stop will be the passport control. If you need a visa stamp, you can obtain the visa next to the passport contours. After the passport control, you will be in the arrival hall . See Map

After the recent new extensions, there are 11 Baggage bands, four on left side and seven on right side and in the walking hall, you can see a digital screen which shows the bands upon flights. Previously you need to pay for the baggage trolleys due to the private operator, however after the new contract renewal, baggage trolleys are free and you can find them easily on each corner.

If you need Luggage storage there are no token boxes for the Luggage, however you can store your baggage in a room on the Arrival floor. Open 24 hrs, and the cost is per daily per piece basis. Around 5 USD for normal size bags and 7 USD for big size. On the arrival floor just behind the baggage claim there are two Duty free shops and new ones are open on the new extended area. There are also public phones, which also operates by Credit cards.

When you have your baggage you can now move to the customs. Unless there is a regular control you can walk and pass the custom. After the customs, you will be in the arrival hall. You will see the locals waiting for their relatives and friends. In Turkish culture fairwells and welcomes are very important, so Turks care about to welcome their friends at the airport. So you will always meet with a crowd at the airport. On the arrival hall there is one meeting point, When you walk to the left side you will see the meeting point sign and it is a good alternative to find somebody at the airport.

On the arrival hall, there are branches of bank offices, exchange offices and ATM Machines. Currently the following banks have ATM machines at the Arrival Hall, HSBC, Citibank, Fortis, TEB, Yapi Kredi Bank, Akbank, Garanti Bank and Is bank. They all aaccept foreign ATM cards with visa or maestro signs. There are also small branches of Akbank, Garanti bank and Isbank located on the arrival floor. They exchange foreign currencies without commission. I strongly suggest to have some Turkish money with you, so better change some of your money at the airport. Exchange offices do not ask for commissions and buying and selling rate is very near.

On the arrival hall you can also find information desk and hotel reservation offices. If you plan to rent a car, rental car offices are on the left side of the arrival hall. Just take the left side on the exit and soon you will see them in front. Avis, Sixt, Hertz and Budget rent a car companies has their airport offices. Daily charge for a car differs but the rates starts from 50,- USD per day for short bookings.

Also in the arrival hall, there are Gloria Jeans Coffee, Starbucks and Green cafe where you can have some food. Some other important facilities at the arrival hall are the Drugstore, Flower Shop, WC's, Phone boxes and a Mobile phone rental shop..

Important note: When you have a returning flight from Istanbul, please mind the two hours check in Time. Although there are 160 check in counters in total and 64 Passport control points.. Especially morning hours is extremely crowded, and security controls are really though and taking quiet some time.

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW):
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is 40km (25 miles) from the city center, and located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is Turkey's newest international airport, and opened in 2001. The airport is used mainly for a sub to Ataturk airport. International air traffic is very low. The airport is used mainly for charter flights and some cargo flights are also operating from here.

Currently Turkish airlines and some local air companies are operating domestic flights from SAW. For international flights mainy charter companies are operating such as "Easy Jet", "Germain Wings", "Condor", "Corendon", "MyAir" and "Air Arabia" are using this airport very frequently. You can have budget flights to many German cities, major European cities and UAE. Sabiha Gokcen airport is such a small and cosy airport that I call it sometimes as Family airport. You just drive in, park your car and get on the plane.

The airport is located at the Asian side of Istanbul and it is far from the city center. Havas (private shuttle company) is organizing bus transfers to the major points on Asian side of Istanbul. (travel time 30-45 minutes). Havas have also connections to Taksim and 4. Levent ( Business District) by shuttle buses. Also some travel agencies has their shuttles from the airport. The Shuttle buses leaves in front of the domestic arrival terminal. If you are arriving to the International terminal than you need to walk ~150 meter to the right for the Domestic terminal.

Weather

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Turkey has seven climatic regions. İstanbul is situated in the Marmara region, which includes eastern Thrace and Edirne. It's a countryside of rolling steppeland and low hills with an average yearly rainfall of 668mm (26.3in). Rainfall is highest (between 80mm/3.1in and 100mm/3.9in per month) from November to February; July and August have the least rainfall. Humidity follows the same pattern, with the lowest humidity (under 30%) in July, August and September, and the highest (over 60%) - a bone-chilling damp - in December and January.

Temperatures in July and August peak at around 30°C (86°F), with lows around 20°C (68°F). In December and January, temperatures fall as low as 2°C (36°F) and even below: bring a carrot for Frosty. Daily highs reach about 9°C (48°F). April, May, September and October are the best times to visit, with daytime highs usually around 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), and lows from around 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F).

Money & Exchange

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Money

As of 1st January , 2005, Turkey has its new lira. The currency system in Turkey has changed in 2005 and 6 zeros from the old Lira has been removed. During the passing period both old liras and new liras were used, however as of 1st January 2006, old Liras with many zeros are no longer valid. In order not to create any confuison both the old and new liras had the same colors and style..

In the old currency the highest banknote was the 20,000,000,- TL, which is now converted to 20,- YTL and its equivalent to ~15 USD. In the new currency there are the new 50,- YTL and 100,- YTL, equivalent to 37 & 74 USD respectively.

Currently the banknotes and coins that are in use are as follows;
Banknotes: 100,- YTL, 50,- YL, 20,- YTL, 10,- YTL, 5,- YTL and 1,- YTl.,
Coins: 1,- YTL, 50,- YKR (0,5 YTL) 25,- YKR, 10,- YKr & 5,- Ykr.

* Old currencies with many zeros are not valid starting from 01.01.2006. If you happen to receive any of them immediately return them. You can only exchange them at bank offices with 20% loss.

ATM & Credit Cards:
ATMs are everywhere in Istanbul. Using domestic cards on Turkish banks are available everywhere. However, using American, European or other foreign ATM cards, credit cards or debit cards needs more attention. You can get a cash advance on any MasterCard, Visa or any other major international credit card from any bank, but you may not get a cash advance on a debit card. In order to withdraw money from an ATM in Istanbul, you shall use an ATM machine that shows signs for Visa, Mastercard and other credit card logos. Your card must be on one of these systems.

Major credit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, most restaurants, department stores, grocery stores, and big retailers. You can even use your credit card at most of the KFC, McDonald's and Burger Kings as well

Banking
Banking hours in Istanbul are from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. On some big shopping malls there are bank branches which are working during weekends also. Banks are always very crowded and busy in Turkiye, due to constantly growing economy. So in most cases you will find yourself standing in line. There are ticket dispensing machines in almost all banks with a number on it showing your position in the queue. Most of the banks have English speaking personnel in the touristy areas.

Money Exchange
Many foreign banks do use a quiet lower rate at abroad than its in Turkey. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Istanbul at any exchange office or bank 24 hrs. So in order to loose less due to exchange, it is better to change them in Istanbul. Daily exchange rates for all major currencies can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at www.tcmb.gov.tr . This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily rates.

You can change your currencies at Exchange offices, Banks and Post offices. The easiest way to exchange your currency is to use the exchange offices. They are almost in every where. They use a slightly higher rate than Official Central Banks rates but they do not charge commission, so they always offer a better rate than banks. DO NOT ex-change your money on the street. Especially the old Turkish Lira has many zeros that could easily creates confusion, and when you exchange besides exchange offices and banks, you may face with problems.

There are thousands of ATM machines all around Istanbul and Credit cards are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and most merchants. Travelers cheque are also accepted but not as frequent as credit cards. In touristy places, in case you need, you can shop with Euro or Dollar, but carrying Turkish banknotes shall always be preferred. You will pay less with the Local Currency.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than $5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country.

Customs & Regulations

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Turkey uses the Red/Green Channel system, so unless you're carrying something unusual, or get spot-checked by the customs officers, you can walk right through.

On Entry

A) Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.

B) Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.

C) Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.

D) The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.

On Exit

A) Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.

B) Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.

C) Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.

Regulations for Pets

For those who wish to bring domestic animals in Istanbul the followings are required:

Pets have to be 3 months and older
An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
The Identification Card
Vaccination Card.

Note: if you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country

Passports & Visas

2008-08-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

Passport:
Before you travel for Istanbul be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you travel to Istanbul or you may not be admitted.

Visa
Nationals of the following countries DO NOT require a Visa .

For stays up to 90 Days: Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong (Private Authority), Iceland, Iran, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela can enter Turkey with only a valid passport for a three month stay.

For stays up to 60 Days: Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Macedonia can enter Turkey with only a valid passport for a two month stay.

For stays up to 30 Days: Nationals of Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan and Macau private authority passport holders can enter Turkey with only a valid passport for a One month stay .

Nationals of the following countries DO Require a Visa

Those from Australia, Austria , Antigua, Barbuda, Bahama, Barbados, Belgium, Brasil, Canada, Caribbean Islands, Dominik Republic, Dominika, Grenada, Haiti, Netherlands (Holland), Hong Kong (British pass holders) Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Malta, Maldives, Oman, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia , U.K. and the U.S.A . can obtain a multiple-entry sticker type visa at border gates for up to 3 months stay.

Visas at the border gates
Those from Albania, Belarus, Ukraine and Russian Federation can obtain a sticker visa at border gates for up to 2 months stay.

Those from Armenia, Azerbajcan, Bahrain, Estonia, Greek Cyprus, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan and Serbia- Montenegro can obtain a sticker visa at border gates for up to I month stay

Nationals of all other countries require a visa, which can be obtained from the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate on their home country or abroad.

Visa Information & Procedures For Foreigners

Afghanistan: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey
Albania: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain two-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Algeria: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days
Andorra: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Angola: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Antigua-Barbuda: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Argentina: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Armenia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Australia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates
Austria: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Azerbaijan: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Bahamas: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey
Bangladesh: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days
Barbados: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Belarus: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain two-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days
Belgium: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Belize: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Benin: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Bhutan: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey
Bolivia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 60 days
Botswana: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey
Brazil: Official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days
Brunei: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey

Bulgaria: Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days (The exemption for the ordinary passport holders is not valid for the entries at the territorial and railway border gates of Turkey with Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria).
Burkina Faso: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Burundi: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Cambodia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Cameroon: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Canada: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Cape Verde: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Central African Republic: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Chad: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Chile: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
China: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Colombia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Comoros: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Congo: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Costa Rika: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Croatia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 60 days.
Cuba: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Czech Republic: Official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Cote d'Ivoire: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Denmark: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Djibouti: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Dominica: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Dominican Republic: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
East Timor: Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Ecuador: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Egypt: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
El Salvador: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Equatorial Guinea: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Eritrea: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Estonia: Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Ethiopia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Fiji: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Finland: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
France: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Gabon: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Gambia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Georgia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Germany: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Ghana: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Greece: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Grenada: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Guatemala: Official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Guinea: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Guinea-Bissau: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Guyana: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Greek Cypriot Administration: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month single entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Haiti: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Honduras: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Hungary: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Iceland: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
India: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Indonesia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 60 days.
Iran: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Iraq: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Ireland: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Israel: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Italy: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Jamaica: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Japan: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Jordan: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Kazakhstan: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Kenya: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Kiribati: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Kuwait: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Kyrgyzstan: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Laos: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Latvia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Lebanon: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Lesotho: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Liberia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Libya: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Liechtenstein: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Lithuania: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Luxemburg: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Macao Special Administration: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Macedonia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 60 days.
Madagascar: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Malawi: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Malaysia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Maldives: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Mali: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Malta: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Mauritania: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Mauritius: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Mexico: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Moldova: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Monaco: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Mongolia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Morocco: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Mozambique: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Myanmar (Burma): Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Namibia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Nauru: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Nepal: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Netherlands: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
New Zealand: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Nicaragua: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Niger: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Nigeria: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea): Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Norway: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Oman: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Pakistan: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Palau Republic: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Palestine: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Panama: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Papua New Guinea: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Paraguay: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Peru: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Philippines: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Poland: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Portugal: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Qatar: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Romania: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month single entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 60 days.
Russian Federation: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain two month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Rwanda: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
St Christopher Nevis: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
St Lucia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
St Vincent and the Grenadines: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
San Marino: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Sao Tome and Principe : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Saudi Arabia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Senegal: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Serbia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Seychelles: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Sierra Leone: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Singapore: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Slovakia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Slovenia: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Solomon Islands: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Somalia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
South Africa: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
South Korea (Republic of Korea): Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Spain : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Sri Lanka: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Sudan: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Surinam: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Swaziland: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Sweden: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Switzerland: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Syria: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Taiwan: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Tajikistan: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Tanzania: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Thailand: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Togo: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Tonga: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Trinidad and Tobago: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Tunisia: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa.
Turkmenistan: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Tuvalu: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Uganda: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Ukraine: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain two month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
United Arab Emirates: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
United Kingdom: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
United States of America: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain three month-multiple entry visas at the Turkish border gates.
Uruguay: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Uzbekistan: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Vanuatu: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Vatican (Holy See): Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Venezuela: Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days in each six-month period. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Vietnam: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Western Samoa: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Yemen: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
Zaire: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Zambia: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.
Zimbabwe: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey.

Istanbul hostels

2008-08-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

Istanbul has several offers for budget travelers, where Cheap, Clean and safe accommodation is possible. Most of the budget hotels and hostels are located in Sultanahmed district. Hostels offers cheap, budget and clean stay in Istanbul. Many backpackers are choosing to stay at Hostels, where they can meet with other travelers and share their experiences..

In high season, which is from May to October, Hostels are getting full at early morning hours. So you should better have a confirmed reservation at least for the first night. Most hostels are located in Sultanahmed region, Especially if you go behind the Sultanahmet square to the Marmara sea side, (Around Akbiyik Street) you can find several options. However due to new location demands some hostels are moving to Beyoglu district nowadays.

Amphora Hostel / Stone Hotel
Arsenal Hostel
Askin hotel
Bauhaus Guesthouse
Cem Sultan Hotel
Chill Out Hostel ( Chillout)
Cordial House Hotel
Dongyang Hostel (Korean)
GUR Hotel
Hotel antique
Hotel Han
Istanbul Hostel
Konya Pension ( Marmara Pension)
New Backpackers Hostel
Orient Youth Hostel
Paris Hostel Istanbul
Sinbad Hostel
Side Pension
Sultan Hostel
Sultans Inn

Two star Istanbul hotels

2008-08-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Istanbul has several hotels to offer for its visitors. The city has nearly 300 hotels ranging from deluxe hotels to budget hostels and from Historical hotels to Boutique hotels. Below you can find a list of Two Star hotels of Istanbul.

Albion hotel
Gezi Otel
Hotel Butik Star
Hotel Inter
Hotel Star
Pisa Hotel
Tuna Otel
Yeni Saray Otel (Asian Side)
Zümrüt Otel (Asian Side)

Three star Istanbul hotels

2008-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Istanbul has several hotels to offer for its visitors. The city has nearly 300 hotels ranging from deluxe hotels to budget hostels and from Historical hotels to Boutique hotels. Below you can find a list of Three Star hotels of Istanbul.

Akgun Beyazit Hotel
Aksaray Otel
And Otel
Ant Otel
Antea Hotel
Barin Otel
Baron Otel
Bekdas Hotel
Best western Tashan
Birbey Hotel
Cevdet Sunay Otel
Cihangir Hotel
Elan Hotel
Erboy Otel
Ephesus Hotel
Eyfel Hotel
Ferhat Hotel
Florya Park Otel
Golden Age 2 Otel
Grand Asiyan Otel
Grand Ons Otel
Grand Engin otel
Grand Yavuz Hotel
Green Anka Otel
Harem Hotel
History Otel
Hotel Sogut
Ilkay Otel
Imga Otel
Istanbul Olivier otel
Maya Otel
Monaco Otel
Mozaik Hotel
Nazar Hotel
Olimpiyat Hotel
Orient Mintur Hotel
Orsep Hotel
Pera Rose Hotel
Pierre Lotti Hotel
Prestige Hotel
Residence Hotel
Santa Sophia Hotel
Sunlight Hotel
Taksim Select
Taslik Hotel
Topkapi Hotel
Troya otel
Villa Zurich Hotel
Washington Hotel

Istanbul boutique hotels

2008-08-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

In Istanbul Boutique Hotels , which are mainly located in historical buildings are also a very good choice to stay. Some special class hotels offers great comfort, with the old historical motives, some others operate as boutique style for special needs.

Acropol hotel
A'jia Hotel
Alaturka Hotel
Albatros Hotel
Alzer Hotel
Ambassador Hotel
Amisos Hotel
Anemon Galata Hotel
Angels home Hotel
Ansen 130 Suites
Apricot Hotel
Ararat Hotel
Arcadia Hotel
Arena Hotel
Artemis hotel
Avicenna Hotel
Ayasofya Otel
Ayasofya Pensions
Barut Majestic Hotel
Bebek Hotel
Bentley Hotel
Best Western Amber Hotel
Best western Citadel Hotel
Best Western Nena Hotel
Best Western Obelisk
Best Western Sumengen
Best Western Spectra Hotel
Beyaz Saray Hotel
Blue house Hotel
Bosphorus Palace Hotel
Celal Sultan
Daphnis Hotel
Dersaadet hotel
Divan City Istanbul
Diva's Hotel
Empire Palace Hotel
Eresin crown hotel
Erguvan Hotel
Fatih resadiye hotel
Fehmibey Hotel
Fuat Pasa Hotel
Galata Residence Apart
Galata Antique Hotel
Germir Palace Hotel
Golden Horn Hotel
Hali Hotel
Hippodrome Hotel
Historia Hotel
Hotel Centrum
Hotel Empress Zoe
Hotel Pamphylia
Ibrahim Pasa hotel
Istanbul Airport Hotel
Kariye Otel
Kybele Otel
Legend hotel
Mega Residence hotel
Megara Hotel
Mina Hotel
Naz wooden House inn
Nomade Hotel
Oran Hotel
Orient Express Hotel
Peninsula Hotel
Pera Palas Otel
Petrol Palace Hotel
Poem Hotel
Saba Hotel
Sapphire Hotel
Sari konak hotel
Sarnic Hotel
Sebnem Hotel
Sed Otel
Seres Hotel
Seven hills Hotel
Side Hotel
Sokullu Pasa Hotel
Spina Hotel
St Sophia Hotel
Sude konak hotel
Sultanahmet palace Hotel
Taksim Hill
Tashkonak Hotel
Taxim Suites Hotel
The Central Palace Hotel
Turkoman Otel
Turkuaz Otel
Turquhouse Hotel
Uyan Hotel
Valide sultan Hotel
Vardar Palas hotel
Yesil Ev Hotel
Yusuf Pasa konak
Zeugma Hotel
Zeynep Sultan Hotel

Four star Istanbul hotels

2008-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Istanbul has several hotels to offer for its visitors. The city has nearly 300 hotels ranging from deluxe hotels to budget hostels and from Historical hotels to Boutique hotels.

Below you can find a list of Four Star hotels of Istanbul. Almost all major tourist hotels has their websites and you can have direct links to their websites by clicking the hotel names.

Accura Otel
Adress: Binbirdirek Mah. No:1 Sultanahmet / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 517 98 90 / 90 212 517 99 77

Adela Airport Hotel
Adress: Londra Asfalti No : 38 Atakoy / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 503 31 33 / 90 212 503 42 72

Aden Hotel (Asian side)
Adress: Rihtim Cad. Yogurtcu Sukru Sok. No:2 Kadikoy / Istanbul
Tel: 90 216 345 10 00 / 90 216 346 25 67

Allseasons Hotel
Adress: Molla Gürani Cad. Eminali Yesim Sk.No:5 Findikzade / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 635 83 83 / 90 212 621 45 35

Antik Hotel
Adress: Ordu Cad. Sekbanbasi Sok. No: 10 Beyazit / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 638 58 58 / 90 212 638 58 65

Armada Hotel
Adress: Ahirkapi Sok. No:24 Sultanahmet / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 638 13 70 / 90 212 518 50 60

Askoc Hotel
Adress: Istasyon Arka Sokak No 15 Sirkeci / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 511 80 89 / 90 212 511 70 53

Aygün Plaza Hotel
Adress: Lamartin Caddesi No:53 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 90 90 / 90 212 235 47 47

Aziyade Hotel
Adress: Piyerloti Cad. No:62, Gedikpasa Sultanahmet / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 638 22 00 / 90 212 518 50 65

Berr Hotel
Adress: Akdeniz Cad. No:78 Fatih / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 534 20 70 / 90 212 534 20 79

Best Western Eresin Taxim
Adress: Topcu cad. No:34 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 256 08 03 / 90 212 253 22 47

Best Western Senator Hotel
Adress: Gençtürk Cad. Sirvanizade Sokak No:7 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 528 18 65 / 90 212 522 73 93

Best Western The President
Adress: Tiyatro Cd No:25 Beyazit / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 516 69 80 / 90 212 516 69 99

Black bird Hotel
Adress: Gencturk Cad. No: 51 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 511 74 54 / 90 212 511 45 16

Bulvar Palas Hotel
Adress: Ataturk Bulvari No: 152 Aksaray / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 528 60 81 / 90 212 528 60 81

Büyük Sahinler Hotel
Adress: Mesih Pasa Cad.No:73 Lalei / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 518 74 40 / 90 212 518 75 40

Carlton Hotel Istanbul
Adress: Fevziye Caddesi No: 22 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 511 42 24 / 90 212 519 35 07

Cartoon Hotel
Adress: Tarlabasi Blv No:36 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 93 28 / 90 212 238 52 01

Color Hotel
Adress: Millet caddesi No:82 Findikzade / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 631 20 20

Crystal Hotel
Adress: Recep pasa cad. No:9 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 237 85 00 / 90 212 237 94 80

Çara Otel
Adress: Koca Ragippasa cad. No:19 Laleli / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 638 89 00 / 90 212 638 33 43

Dila Hotel (Asian side)
Adress: Mühürdar Fuat Bey Sokak No:5 Kadikoy / Istanbul
Tel: 90 216 418 83 83 / 90 216 418 98 94

Elite Otel Istanbul
Adress: Sehit Muhtar Cad. No.58 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 297 13 13 / 90 212 297 62 40

Elite Hotel (Asian side)
Adress: Cumhuriyet CaddesiTan Sok. No:4 Kucukyali / Istanbul
Tel: 90 216 388 87 87 / 90 216 417 78 86

Euro Plaza Hotel
Adress: Tarlabasi Bulvari No:292 Tepebasi Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 254 59 00 / 90 212 238 13 74

Feronya Otel
Adress: Abdulhakhamit cad No:72 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 09 01 / 90 212 238 08 66

Golden Age 1 Otel
Adress: Topcu Cad. No:22 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 254 49 06 / 90 212 238 45 05

Grace Hotel
Adress: Mesrutiyet cad. No:38 Tepebasi Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 293 39 55 / 90 212 252 43 70

Grand Anka Otel
Adress: Molla Gurani Cad. No:46 Findikzade / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 635 20 20 / 90 212 534 18 55

Grand Halic Hotel
Adress: Tepebasi bulvari refik saydam caddesi No:153 Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 69 80 / 90 212 249 70 66

Grand Hilarium Hotel
Adress: Fabrika Sokak 3-5 Yenikapi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 517 00 83 / 90 212 517 01 21

Grand Hotel Gursoy
Adress: Sehzadebasi Cad. No:17 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 512 58 42 / 90 212 526 60 75

Grand Star Hotel
Adress: Siraselviler caddesi No:79/1 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 70 70 / 90 212 252 90 90

Green Park Hotel Taksim
Adress: Abdulhakhamit Cad No: 50 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 05 05 / 90 212 237 76 46

Günes Otel (Airport)
Adress: Nadide Caddesi Gunay Sok. No: 10 Merter / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 483 30 30 / 90 212 483 30 45

Hilton Parksa Hotel
Adress: Bayildim Caddesi No:12 Maçka Besiktas / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 310 12 00 / 90 212 258 56 95

Holiday inn Istanbul city
Adress: Millet Caddesi No: 187 Topkapi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 530 99 00 / 90 212 530 99 24

Holiday inn Marina
Adress: Sahilyolu Ataköy / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 560 41 10 / 90 212 559 49 05

Hotel Villa Suite ( Ex-Dilson Hotel)
Adress: Siraselviler Caddesi No:49 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 96 00 / 90 212 249 70 77

Inter Conti Hotel
Adress: Ortaklar cad. No:30 Mecidiyekoy / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 288 16 42 / 90 212 272 95 05

Istanbul Yigitalp Hotel
Adress: Gencturk Cad. Cukur Cesme Sok. No: 38 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 512 98 60 / 90 212 512 20 72

Kalyon Otel
Adress: Sahilyolu Cad. Sultanahmet / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 517 44 00 / 90 212 638 11 11

Kent Hotel
Adress: Ordu Cad. Hazinedar Sok. No:2 Beyazit / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 638 29 85 / 90 212 638 28 13

Kervansaray Otel
Adress: Sehit Muhtar Cad.No:61 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 235 50 00 / 90 212 253 43 78

Klas Hotel
Adress: Harikzadeler Sok.NO:48 Laleli / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 511 78 74 / 90 212 512 33 54

Konak Hotel
Adress: Cumhuriyet Cad. Nispet Sok. No:7 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 225 82 50 / 90 212 232 42 52

Lamartine Hotel
Adress: Lamartin Cad. No:25 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 254 62 70 / 90 212 256 27 76

Lares Park
Adress: Topcu cad. No:23 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 254 51 00 / 90 212 254 71 60

Lion Hotel
Adress: Lamartin Cad. No:45 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 256 90 90
Fax: 90 212 250 18 11

Marble Otel
Adress: Siraselviler Cad. No:75 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 24 48 / 90 212 252 05 27

Halki Palace (Asia side)
Adress: Heybeliada, Prince's Island
Tel: 90 216 351 00 25 / 90 216 351 84 83

Mim hotel Istanbul
Adress: Fulya Bayiri Ferah Sok.No:16 Nisantasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 231 28 07 / 90 212 230 73 77

Nippon Hotel
Adress: Topçu Cad. No:10 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 254 99 00 / 90 212 250 45 53

Nanda Hotel
Adress: Fevziye Caddesi No:3 Sehzadebasi / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 520 17 01 / 90 212 520 51 93

Ozmen Otel
Adress: Mesihpasa cad. No:90 Laleli / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 517 94 00 / 90 212 518 02 87

Piano Forte Hotel
Adress: Feyzullah Efendi Cd No: 17 Kiztasi Fatih / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 534 20 80 / 90 212 531 19 24

Point Hotel (Ex- Taksim Plaza)
Adress: Topçu Cad No:8 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 92 20 / 90 212 238 92 38

Prince Hotel
Adress: Nobethane Cad. Kargili Sok. No:5 Eminonu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 513 25 50 / 90 212 522 43 59

Richmond Hotel
Adress: Istiklal Cad. No:445 Tunel Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 54 60 / 90 212 252 97 07

Riva Hotel
Adress: Aydede Cad. No:8 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 256 44 20 / 90 212 256 20 33

Romance Hotel
Adress: Hudaverdigar Cad. No:7 Sirkeci / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 512 86 76 / 90 212 512 87 23

Royal Hotel Istanbul
Adress: Aksaray caddesi. No. 16 Laleli / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 518 51 51 / 90 212 518 51 60

Savoy Hotel
Adress: Siraselviler Caddesi, No:29 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 93 26 / 90 212 243 20 10

Seminal Hotel
Adress: Sehit Muhtar Cad. No: 23 Taksim / Istanbul

Sevcan Hotel
Adress: Londra Asfalti No:44 Florya / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 425 05 70 / 90 212 624 71 23

Taksim Gonen Hotel
Adress: Aydede Cad. No:15 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 297 22 00 / 90 212 238 87 90

Taksim Square Hotel
Adress: Siraselviler Cad. No: 15 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 292 64 40 / 90 212 292 64 49

The Madison Hotel
Adress: Receppasa cad. No:23 Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 238 54 60 / 90 212 238 51 51

The Marmara Pera Otel
Adress: Mesrutiyet Caddesi Tepebasi , Taksim / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 251 46 46 / 90 212 249 80 33

The Metropol hotel
Adress: Ibni Kemal Caddesi No:38 Sirkeci / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 514 16 29 / 90 212 527 89 52

The Plaza Hotel
Adress: Barbaros Bulvari no:137 Besiktas / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 274 13 13 / 90 212 273 15 90

Yasmak Sultan Hotel
Adress: Ebusuud Caddesi No:18-20 Sirkeci / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 528 13 43 / 90 212 528 13 48

Yenisehir Palas Hotel
Adress: Mesrutiyet caddesi oteller sok. No:1/3 Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 252 71 60

Zurich hotel
Adress: Harikzadeler Sok. No:37 Laleli / Istanbul
Tel: 90 212 512 23 50 / 90 212 526 97 31

Five star İstanbul hotels

2008-08-11T17:30:00.000-07:00