See & Do

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of the highest

and oldest towers of Istanbul. 63 meter

(206 feet) high tower provides a

panoramic view of the old town. It was

built in the 14th century by the Genoese

colony.

The Galata Tower can be visited and no

early booking is required. You can simply

go on site and pay a small entry fee, then

explore the interior.

https://goo.gl/maps/3YzYdkwTqdancpWc6

Pera Palace

Considered to be the ‘Pearl of Istanbul’,

the Pera Palace Hotel is an historic landmark

located in the Beyoglu district. Opened in 1892,

the hotel catered to the elite of the time, mostly

passengers on the Orient Express. Over the

years Pera Palace Hotel has welcomed an

impressive list of high profile guests including

King Edward VIII, former Turkish President

Atatürk, filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, and writers

Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie. Agatha

Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express

during her stay here.

https://goo.gl/maps/F67bmwnpiTtPLCDx6

Pera Museum

A fascinating mix of historic artefacts,

traditional arts, important paintings

and modern art can all be found in

the superb Pera Musuem.

The most famous painting in Turkish

art history “The Tortoise Trainer” by

Osman Hamdi Bey is a masterpiece

that is the most expensive work of art

ever sold. The painting is exhibited in

Pera Museum.

https://goo.gl/maps/LtFsQq3ixcCWDXNN6

For many visitors, sightseeing in

Istanbul is as much about shopping as

museums and monumental attractions,

and the Grand Bazaar is where

everyone comes. This massive covered

market is basically the world's first

shopping mall, taking up a whole city

quarter, surrounded by thick walls,

between the Nure Osmaniye

Mosque and Beyazit Mosque. The

Beyazit Mosque (built in 1498-1505)

itself occupies the site of Theodosius I's

Forum and has architecture inspired by

the Aya Sofya.

Grand Bazaar

https://goo.gl/maps/dHHGHkE6sxoHc2Cg9

The Spice Bazaar is the place to get

your foodie fix of lokum (Turkish

delight), dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and, of

course, spices. Much of the money that

helped construct it came from the

taxes the Ottoman government levied

on Egyptian-made products, which is

why its name in Turkish (Misir Çarsisi)

means "Egyptian Market." The Spice

Bazaar is one of the most popular

things to do, and at certain times of

the day gets ridiculously crowded with

huge tour groups from the docked

cruise ships. Try to come before 11am

or after 4pm.

Spice Bazaar

https://goo.gl/maps/pDEHwegsSVNPBWNdA

Housed in the palace of Ibrahim Pasa, who was

Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent,

this museum is a must-see attraction for anyone

interested in Ottoman and Islamic art. The carpet

collection on display here is vast and is heralded

by textile experts as the world's best. This is a

prime place to come have a peek at the dazzling

array of styles of Turkish carpets (along with

carpets from the Caucasus and Iran) across the

centuries before setting out on a shopping mission

to purchase your own floor piece. There are also

exquisite ceramics, calligraphy, and wood carving

exhibits ranging in date from the 9th century AD

to the 19th century.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

https://g.page/tiem-muze?share

Kizkulesi is located off the coast of Salacak

neighborhood in Üsküdar district, at the

southern entrance of the Bosphorus. It literally

means "Maiden's Tower" in Turkish. The name

comes from a legend: the Byzantine emperor

heard a prophecy telling him that his beloved

daughter would die at the age of 18 by a

snake. So he decided to put her in this tower

built on a rock on the Bosphorus isolated from

the land thus no snake could kill her. But she

couldn't escape from her destiny after all, a

snake hidden in a fruit basket brought from

the city bit the princess and killed her.

Maiden Tower

https://goo.gl/maps/PjaJSUP6PAqGfZ8s9

Hagia Sophia Museum

Hagia Sophia is the one of the most visited

museums and most prominent monuments in the

world in terms of art and the history of architecture.

It has also been called “the eighth wonder of the

world” by East Roman Philon as far back as the 6th

century.

It was used as a church for 916 years but, following

the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed,

the Hagia Sophia was converted into mosque.

Afterwards, it was used as a mosque for 482 years.

Under the order of Atatürk and the decision of the

Council of Ministers, Hagia Sophia was converted

into a museum in 1935. Hagia Sophia is open for

visit every day.

https://g.page/ayasofyamuseum?share

The sumptuous and ornate Dolmabahçe Palace shows

the clear influence of European decoration and

architecture on the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

Built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1854, it replaced Topkapi

Palace as the main residence of the sultans. The formal

gardens are punctuated with fountains, ornamental

basins, and blooming flower beds, while inside the sheer

splendor and pomp of the Turkish Renaissance style is

dazzling. The interiors mix Rococo, Baroque,

Neoclassical, and Ottoman elements, with mammoth

crystal chandeliers, liberal use of gold, French-style

furniture, and dazzling frescoed ceilings.

Dolmabahce Palace

https://goo.gl/maps/yiPbsngQbKsMAmZ97

Proving that Istanbul isn't just about

historic sightseeing, this thoroughly up-

to-the-minute art gallery holds an

extensive collection of Turkish modern

art with an ever-changing calendar of

exhibitions, hosting both local and

international artists throughout the year.

This is by far the best place in town to

get your finger on the pulse of Turkey's

contemporary art scene. The galleries

are being temporarily hosted in a

historic Beyoglu building while they wait

for the completion of this art museum's

new permanent home in Karaköy.

Istanbul Modern

https://goo.gl/maps/fJUfqxjeU43pveJ18

HippodromeThe Hippodrome was completed by

Constantine the Great in AD 330. This was

the center of Byzantine public life and the

scene of splendid games and chariot races

but also factional conflicts.

On the northwest side is a fountain,

presented to the Ottoman sultan by the

German Emperor William II in 1898. Then,

heading southwest are three ancient

monuments: a 20-meter high Egyptian

obelisk (from Heliopolis); the Serpent

Column brought here from Delphi by

Constantine; and a stone obelisk that

originally was clad in gold-covered bronze

plating until they were stolen by the

soldiers of the 4th Crusade in 1204.

https://goo.gl/maps/rMaXXba3oKqCs51Y7

Blue Mosque

Sultan Ahmet I's grand architectural gift to his capital

was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the

Blue Mosque today. It built between 1609 and 1616.

The mosque gets its nickname from its interior

decoration of tens of thousands of Iznik tiles. The

entire spatial and color effect of the interior makes

the mosque one of the finest achievements of

Ottoman architecture. A great sightseeing joy of a

trip to Istanbul is wandering amid the gardens

sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Aya

Sofya to experience their dueling domes in twin

glory. Come at dusk for extra ambience, as the call

to prayer echoes out from the Blue Mosque's

minaret.

https://goo.gl/maps/r51wRosaX4rG7N75A

Yedikule Zindanları

Dating back to the reign of

Byzantine Emperor Theodosius

II (408-450), the remains of the

former walls that protected the

Empire still stand today. Start at

Yedikule Fortess and follow the

land walls to the city’s outer

limits.

https://goo.gl/maps/avbqq8rmJgpiyVcM8

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

A highly significant building both in

terms of historical and aesthetic value,

this was the first institution in Turkey to

be organized as a museum. If you enjoy

tracing the past, Istanbul Archaeological

Museum is a must-see. Explore its

striking collections with a wide range of

pieces such as archaic Roman marble

sculptures, sarcophagi uncovered during

the Sidon excavation, Sumerian tablets,

and pieces of the wall of Babylon. After

you finish your tour, relax at the lovely

garden.

https://goo.gl/maps/nymwcReqPLsqTmg89

Basilica Cistern

One of the magnificent ancient

buildings of İstanbul is the Basilica

Cistern located in the Southwest of

Hagia Sofia. Constructed for

Justinianus I, the Byzantium Emperor

(527-565), this big underground

water reservoir is called as “Yerebatan

Cistern” among the public because of

the underground marble columns. As

there used to be a basilica in the

place of the cistern, it is also calledBasilica Cistern.

https://goo.gl/maps/Q1MVxpmaxEhphJVu6

St. Antoine Church

The Saint Antoine church on bustling

Istiklal Avenue is the largest Roman

Catholic Church in Istanbul. An imposing

red brick building, it was originally built

on this site in 1725, but was demolished

in the early 20th century,in order to

make way for a tramway. However the

church was rebuilt by the architect,

Giuliu Mongeri and completed in 1912,

and stands as a fine example of the

Italian neo-Gothic and Tuscan-Lombardstyles.

https://goo.gl/maps/66jtQKsRQoWkfuBQ8

Sitting high on the hill above Sultanahmet

district, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the

most recognized landmarks of Istanbul. It was

built for Süleyman the Magnificent by the

famed Ottoman architect Sinan between 1549

and 75. The interior, dominated by its soaring

53-meter-high dome is notable for its

harmonious proportions and unity of design.

Outside in the tranquil garden area is an

interesting Ottoman cemetery that is also

home to the türbes (tombs) of the Sultan

Süleyman and his wife Haseki Hürrem Sultan

(known in the west as Roxelana).

Suleymaniye Mosque

https://goo.gl/maps/qTo8etub5atEBapu6

Chora means "country" in Greek, and this beautiful Church

(originally called the Church of St. Saviour of Chora) lay just

outside old Constantinople's city walls. The first Chora

Church was probably built here in the 5th century, but

what you see now is the building's 6th reconstruction as it

was destroyed completely in the 9th century and went

through several facelifts from the 11th to 14th centuries.

The church (now a museum) is rightly world-famous for its

fabulously vibrant 14th-century mosaics, preserved almost

intact in the two narthexes and fragmentarily in the nave,

and the frescoes along the walls and domes. These

incredible examples of Byzantine artistry cover a wide

range of themes, from the genealogy of Christ to the New

Testament stories.

Chora Church

https://g.page/chora-museum?share

Topkapı Palace

First built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century, this

glorious palace beside the Bosphorus was where the sultans

of the Ottoman Empire ruled over their dominions up until

the 19th century. The vast complex is a dazzling display of

Islamic art, with opulent courtyards lined with intricate hand-

painted tile-work, linking a warren of sumptuously decorated

rooms, all bounded by battlemented walls and towers. Of

the many highlights here, the most popular are the Harem

(where the sultan's many concubines and children would

spend their days); the Second Court, where you can walk

through the vast Palace Kitchens and stand in awe at the

dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and theThird Court, which contained the sultan's private rooms.

https://g.page/topkapi-palace-museum?share

Located in one of Istanbul’s most historic and culturally

charged spots is Pierre Loti, known both as a popular

tea garden and as the dwelling place of the French

novelist by the same name. The contrasting

environment characterizing the area could not be

more pronounced – at the bottom of the hill lies the

Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most important

pilgrimage sites in Turkey, where a companion of the

Prophet Muhammad is thought to have been buried

after the unsuccessful Arab siege of Constantinople in

the 7th century. Pierre Loti, on the other hand, is most

famous for his vividly descriptive writing epitomized in

Ayizadé, a pseudo-biographical novel featuring the

French naval officer’s love affair with a Circassian

harem girl while stationed in Istanbul.

Pierre Loti

https://goo.gl/maps/Wjxp1soD2jrmZWrR7

The Ara Güler Museum opened its doors to visitors on

August 16, 2018, the photographer’s 90th birthday.

The museum’s permanent space is located at

Bomontiada, the historic beer factory turned social

space. Visitors will find a collection of Güler’s best

known and loved work; his black and white records of

a lost Istanbul, of buildings later torn down, old

neighborhoods now transformed, capturing a time

before the city became the vast metropolis it is today.

But visitors will also have an unprecedented

opportunity to go beyond Güler’s iconic photography

to explore the personal journey that shaped him.

Ara Güler Museum

https://goo.gl/maps/NUAXT3Vx1AvX6VLq9

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

https://g.page/KilicAliPasaHamami?share

Commissioned to the great architect Sinan by the

famous Ottoman Admiral Kılıç Ali Paşa as part of the

mosque and school complex, Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

was constructed in between 1578-1583 to serve the

levends (marine forces in the Ottoman navy). Famous

for its architectural lines and majestic dome, the

Hamam is one of the symbolic buildings in Tophane,

Istanbul’s harbor district.

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı has opened after seven years of

meticulous and intensive restoration, and endeavors

to provide you with an experience to remember

within its amazing historical atmosphere.

The Prince Islands are a combination of nine islands off the Asian coast of

Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. Regular or fast passenger ferries operate

to the four of these islands from different parts of the city; from

Bostanci, Kadikoy and Kartal neighborhoods on the Asian side, from Sirkeci

and Kabatas neighborhoods on the European side.

Prince Islands

Shop

Hand-Painted Iznik Ceramics

If you’ve ever been to any of the imperial

mosques around Turkey, it’s likely you

have seen the beautiful dark red and

turquoise hues of the famous Iznik tiles.

Even though the Iznik tiles lived out their

heyday during the Ottoman Empire, the

tradition still continues and there are only

a few places that sell real hand-painted

Iznik ceramic. Definitely drop by Iznik Art

in the Grand Bazaar to get your hands on

some genuine hand-painted ceramics.

https://goo.gl/maps/dHHGHkE6sxoHc2Cg9

Hacı Bekir

The history of this really famous store goes

back to 1777. Haci Bekir, founder of the first

shop in Bahçekapı, made the sweets and

delights himself and created new kinds. The

concept "Turkish delight" was created in Europe

when an English tourist visited this shop in

Bahçekapı and took some samples with him to

England. Haci Bekir was so hardworking and

creative that he was always appreciated-even

by a Sultan of Ottoman Empire.

https://goo.gl/maps/jBD7dZ44fyLu8Nuz5

Classic Turkish Carpets

Turkey is one of the countries in the world

that is famous for its carpets, and

Ethnicon and Dhoku are two stores

(under the same management) where

you can find some of the best examples.

Whether you want a traditional design or

something a bit modern, the two stores

right across from each in the Grand

Bazaar have been around for years,

adding a very Turkish touch to homes all

over the world

https://goo.gl/maps/dHHGHkE6sxoHc2Cg9

Turkish Towels, Peshtemals and Soaps

https://goo.gl/maps/dHHGHkE6sxoHc2Cg9

Güllüoğlu

From a small shop in Havyar Han in 1949,

Güllüoğlu turned out to be a famous chain

store of baklawa and delight. The outside world

knew this brand with its shop in Spice Bazaar

opened in 1985. Europe and America also

knows it with the shops in Manhattan, Brooklyn,

Los Angeles and London.

https://goo.gl/maps/H5DeGvGJWJM6s3Kn6

Mae Zae

Münire Alabaz, the owner of Mae Zae, meaning

“me” and “you” in Sumerian language, introduces

the thrilling design objects that evokes her muses

with other design lovers in her store in Karaköy.

In the urban loft of Alabaz, who got the distribution

rights of her beloved Swedish watch brand, Triwa,

there are Florence’s Marvis toothpastes which shine

with their unique package design, apparels,

decorative home objects, accesories of both Turkish

and foreign designers as well as books with

beautiful illustrations, vintage objects and many

more. And sometimes a Golden Retriever.

https://goo.gl/maps/QqRQRtWSCvkyMtwBA

Zorlu Center

https://goo.gl/maps/h8KJU6hCEYAECSTNA

Kanyon

https://goo.gl/maps/huCvWya8sHS86k426

Yargıcı Boutique

https://goo.gl/maps/fQ71t2QFvXBQ4WTPA

Eat & Drink

Ulus 29

Located in the hills of the Ulus neighborhood,

the place overlooks the Bosphorus and the

view is breathtaking. It is primarily a restaurant

where businessmen and influential people of

Istanbul come dinner. It is also one of the best

wine cellar of Istanbul, with a French sommelier.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 29 Ulus

becomes a nightclub where the stars of the

Turkish TV series and the youth get together to

party. You better make a reservation, otherwise

you may not find space. The place also has an

open lounge every night. Perfect for a drink

with a view.

https://goo.gl/maps/scwt8vxXHHUgmFdn6

Zencefil Kitchen

Zencefil (“ginger” in Turkish) lies near Taksim

Square, and it was one of the first vegetarian and

vegan-friendly restaurants in Istanbul, opening in

1993. Today, it is a local favourite for its many

comforting dishes, which are written on a

chalkboard in colourful letters. Try a grated

zucchini pie, lentil patties, smoked bulgur with

vegetables or a vegetable lasagna – and pair the

meal with ginger lemonade and a vegan

brownie. Find the green-coloured entrance, and

take a seat among the many plants. Also, don’t

miss out on the restaurant’s courtyard, which is

designed like a garden greenhouse.

https://goo.gl/maps/FiSAYKv1iBgUZ2829

Flower Passage

https://goo.gl/maps/QTenUGMajbSAfm1u9

Flower Passage is the historical passage

in the middle of Istiklal Avenue. The

visitors may enjoy the lively atmosphere

of its lively restaurants.

History of the Flower Passage dates back

to 1870s. During that era, Sultan

Abdulhamit and Sultan Abdulaziz were

coming to that area to watch the

famous Naum Theatre.

The Naum Theatre was one of the

leading cultural centers in Europe for its

Italian opera scenes.

İnci Patisserie

İnci Patisserie is one of the oldest

residents of Beyoglu. They are known

by the best profiterole in town. Since

1944 their tiny and modest pastry shop

had been standing on the main İstiklal

street.

https://goo.gl/maps/ZZisfA4D3vDqTpTj6

Baylan Patisserie

Easily one of the top and oldest pattisseries in

Istanbul. The first store of Baylan opened it doors at

Beyoglu in 1923. Baylan offers well quality, fresh

products. The menu was designed with the

consultation of the three Michelin starred French

Chef Alain Ducasse and it demonstrates the

Luxurious. It is a tastefully designed 3-storey branch

offers restaurant, patisserie and bar together.

Baylan`s signiture is Kup Griye made with ice-cream,

caramel souce and crocan.

https://goo.gl/maps/EabjLPegjYetoJSP8

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is another product that can

be found in many other countries,

however, it’s only in the vicinity of the

Grand Bazaar that you can buy the

Turkish coffee of Nuri Toplar. Established

in 1890, not much has changed in terms

of the excellent Turkish coffee that Nuri

Toplar roasts with wood fire, giving it that

exceptional taste.

https://goo.gl/maps/jWakbTJFwPPLies97

Pelit Patisserie

Pelit is a well-known patisserie in Istanbul and

probably one of the first comes to the mind

when speaking about chocolate. They offer

the good quality service since 1957.

They have many stores in Istanbul but you

may stop by at Pelit Istinye for a sweet break

while you are shopping at Istinye Park

Shopping Mall.

https://goo.gl/maps/G2pkPRmPBvEcs9z99

Divan Brasserie

Divan Brasserie Bebek offers breathtaking

views and a menü that combines the best

of Turkish and international cuisine. Its

sophisticated decor and lavish breakfast

buffet make it the ideal destination for

breakfast.

https://goo.gl/maps/AmR6hcDvd8KHqjy8A

Lucca

Join Istanbul’s yuppie scene at Lucca as it spills

over from Saturday night into a popular

Sunday buffet brunch. The warm lighting,

quieter tunes and extensive spread will help

cure the effects of even their famous Satsuma

cocktail. Lucca, Bebek Location

https://goo.gl/maps/r3noWmE8iJ1tjSyR8

Emirgan Sütiş

Sütiş is a popular restaurant located in

Emirgan. Specialties include the su böreği (a

noodle-kugel-like dish made from sheets of

pastry and white cheese) and menemen (like

scrambled eggs on crack, with tomatoes and

peppers, cheese or meat optional). Expect a

wait anytime after 10am on weekends;

weekdays are quieter. Walk off your breakfast

after with a stroll through Emirgan Park (the

center of the tulip festival in April) or the

Sabancı Museum, a small but well curated

house museum with rotating exhibits. Sütiş

Location

https://goo.gl/maps/4diXBuLpptSnf9xH7

Mangerie

Definitely one of the best places to

start your day, Mangerie is like

something that was transported from

New York to the third floor of a

building in the upscale Bebek

neighborhood overlooking the

Bosphorus. You’ll find everything from

pancakes to Eggs Benedict with bacon

to the classic Turkish breakfast spread.

https://goo.gl/maps/GwoaGSeLssiqyswj6

HünkarIf you decide to spend a day or half-day shopping in Nişantaşı, consider taking a break and eating

at Hünkar, one of the city's best lokantas (eateries serving ready-made food). In business since 1950,

it serves all the classic mezes and grilled-meat dishes.

https://goo.gl/maps/tvnu7gDDxmK5LDVt5

Ali Ocakbaşı

Ali Ocakbaşı is a Turkish restaurant located in Beyoğlu.

The restaurant serves a menu which fuses traditional

and modern Anatolian cuisine, with signature grilled

dishes including kebab served with aubergine, and

cubes of marinated chicken. Elsewhere on the menu,

you’ll find meatballs stuffed with onions and bulgur

wheat, and a range of salads, breads and gluten-free

baked goods.

https://goo.gl/maps/pFrTWe2vt383HS6x9

Located in the Nisantasi neighborhood, close

to Taksim, Spago is an iconic one, where

master chef Wolfgang Puck maintains a

cutting-edge role as a culinary force and

leader in fine dining. This rooftop restaurant

& lounge combines the excellent views over

the Macka Park and the Bosphorus with its

unique contemporary design and lounge

atmosphere. Spago offers an open terrace

for all year-round. You can enjoy ambient

music, signature cocktails, high-end spirits

and fine champagne. This place is also a

prime venue for celebrity spotting in Istanbul.

Spago Restaurant & Bar

https://goo.gl/maps/B4k4XmAggLYYaq4u6

360Istanbul is a famous roof-top restaurant, bar

and night club located in 19th century apartment

building overlooking the old embassy row in

Beyoglu on the famous Istiklal Street. It offers 360

degrees breathe taking views of Istanbul. 360 is

open for lunch and dinner, offering a twist on the

modern Turkish meze fused with the traditional

Turkish cuisine and international cuisine as well as

an exclusive wine selection. Many of the main

courses are our original recipes again mixing

Turkish and international influences coupled with

an ingeniously engineered and extensive wine &

dessert menu.

360 Istanbul

https://goo.gl/maps/dD3myuG7EksGLJD6A

Neolokal is a fantastic restaurant located in

Karakoy. The Neolokal team aims to serve its

visitors genuine food inspired by mother

earth and modelled and designed from

traditions. Main dishes include; Katmer & Tirit

(pulled beef in duck juice, pistachio filo,

colourful yogurts, tarhana cream), Grilled

Seabass (Seafood sausage, potatoes, celery

cream, wild mustard greens) and Lamd &

Chard Sarma (apple and ‘uveyik’ wheat, lamb

jus, rose pickled apples).

Neolokal Restaurant

https://goo.gl/maps/gb96MLWm6TYwyarcA

At Râna, formerly known as Topaz, the best of

Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine come

together. Overlooking the Bosphorus, the

serene atmosphere of Râna recalls the stone

it is named after in its geometric design that

is complemented by modern decor. The

restaurant offers two tasting menus: modern

and traditional. The first comprises innovative

dishes like goose liver terrine with cranberry

marmalade and walnut, while the latter

includes classics like Turkish ravioli with beef

and strained yogurt. Râna’s wine list has

acquired national recognition with an award

from local magazine Gusto and the staff is

happy to provide pairings on request.

Rana Meyhane

https://goo.gl/maps/wwE8L2N7pCcN7b8y9

For expert French cuisine in Istanbul, look no further

than St. Regis Brasserie. Housed in the luxury St.

Regis Istanbul hotel, the intimate restaurant

comprises both indoor and outdoor dining areas with

elegant accents like oak, brass and onyx. The fare is

seasonal, including contemporary, French-inspired

dishes with a Turkish touch. An expansive menu

includes a variety of salads, handcrafted pasta and

sandwiches among appetizers and main courses. Try

the St. Regis Brasserie meatballs or pan-fried black

bream with a signature Bloody Mary from the cocktail

menu. Be sure to leave room for dessert – the

restaurant offers raspberry cake, rice pudding,

tiramisu and mascarpone cheese cake.

St. Regis Brasserie

https://goo.gl/maps/rumg8iEjSmdtcq3W7

Once an Ottoman police station, Feriye’s

building is a rare example of 19th-century

classical Ottoman architecture. An advocate

for Turkish gastronomy, Feriye holds regular

seminars and special food presentations.

The restaurant draws on Ottoman cooking

techniques from the 12th to 19th century

and includes such delicacies as spicy cured

beef and manti (filled dough pockets).

Feriye can host a wide range of events: the

à la carte restaurant caters for cocktail

parties and sit-down dinners, and in

summer the huge terrace can

accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

Feriye Palace

https://goo.gl/maps/Br4MUaW2ws8E9xgG6

Located on the roof of the Marmara Pera hotel,

its sublime views over Istanbul include the Hagia

Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. With retro

chrome furniture and a bar made from wooden

railroad ties, Mikla is urban, sleek and stylish. The

unique menu reflects the Turkish-Scandinavian

background of Chef-Owner Mehmet Gürs. Gürs

skillfully merges Turkish and Scandinavian

cooking techniques, producing delicacies such

as raw grouper with olives and lemon, and a

Turkish coffee vanilla slice with raspberry sorbet.

The roof terrace bar of Mamara Pera is perfect

for pre-dinner drinks. Take in soft jasmine scents

and sip on a generously measured martini as

you watch the sun set on this historic city.

Mikla

https://goo.gl/maps/aLLTq7Z3Ak1djW2x9

Located on a hilltop in Ulus Park with spectacular

views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Asian

shoreline, Sunset Grill & Bar is the ultimate

romantic restaurant in Istanbul. There is a wide-

ranging menu of Turkish and international cuisine

with a strong Japanese influence. A sushi bar

opened here in 2000, in 2006 Japanese Master

Chef Hiroki Takemura joined Sunset Grill & Bar,

introducing a selection of new Japanese cuisine,

and in 2015 Director of Culinary Innovation Chef

Fabrice Canelle joined the team, bringing the

finest examples of Mediterranean cuisine to the

menu. Sunset Grill & Bar has been named as one

of the best restaurants in Europe by Zagat, and

Time Out Istanbul declared the restaurant of the

best in Istanbul

Sunset Grill&Bar

https://goo.gl/maps/XzcjZ8hpfVpKMSpx8

Sur Balık restaurants serve well-

prepared seafood receipts of world

cuisines, mezzahs and Mediterranean

specialties with outmost care for thehealth and palatial taste of guests.

Sur Restaurant

https://goo.gl/maps/KVCR3yY1za32hNKU6

Kokoreç is a dish of the Balkans and Anatolia

consisting mainly of lamb or goat intestines,

often wrapping seasoned offal, includingsweetbreads, hearts, lungs or kidneys.

Kokorec is one of the most consumed fast

foods in Turkey.

It is the most recommended kokoreç

restaurant in Istanbul.

Şampiyon Kokoreç

https://goo.gl/maps/f9wsVKAqNEPTuzVg7

The absolute breakfast staple, simit (a round

pastry covered entirely in sesame seeds) has

become somewhat of an icon in terms of

Turkish street food. Ask for some olive paste

and grab a glass of Turkish tea from

somewhere to make it complete.

Simit

A popular street food from Istanbul,

especially in the Eminönü neighborhood,

balık ekmek is a freshly grilled fish fillet

packed in half a loaf of white bread with

plenty of onions, tomatoes, salad, and

herbs.

Balık Ekmek

https://g.page/Tebek?share

Baked potatoes filled with everything

imaginable is a pretty great street food.

Make sure to get some sausages and Rus

Salatası (mayonnaise salad with potatoes,

carrots, peas, and pickles).

Kumpir

https://goo.gl/maps/iSpYAHrGBkeRjPBc7

Nusr-et Steakhouse opened its doors in 2010

and has been the number one steak house in

Istanbul ever since. It offers top quality steaks

with a charming boutique atmosphere. It has

three locations in Istanbul. Nusr-et stands out

with its rich menu and outstanding service.

Nusr-et Steakhouse

https://goo.gl/maps/8WA3CPC3kV6GzjoH8

Günaydın Steakhouse

https://goo.gl/maps/JU4iCatcXXTC1KJE6

Günaydın has worked its way up to the top once again

offering superb aged steaks, quality burgers and an

interesting menu with excellent service and flavorful

dishes. Günaydın has several branches across the country

and is unique with its modern, yet homey menu, which

includes meat selections, several types of meatballs,

salads, homemade dishes and Turkish desserts.

Backyard Restaurant

https://goo.gl/maps/ThzeepPUF3MEjpLq9

Backyard is situated in a fantastic gardens of the historic

French Orphanage, in between the Arnavutkoy and Etiler

neighborhoods of the Besiktas district. This is a lovely

place overlooking the Bebek bay, where you can enjoy

great food alongside refreshing drinks and cocktails. They

offer variety of egg dishes and Turkish platters for

breakfast and brunch, and a selection of salads, pastas

and entrées for lunch and dinner, at the Backyard. You

can experience their Aperitivo hour tapas selection and

enjoy cocktails or a glass of wine in the garden.

Zubeyr Ocakbaşı

https://goo.gl/maps/ztq5CDRP2ui64tDL8

Located close to the Taksim Square, this

restaurant is a “Ocakbasi” (restaurant with an

open grill in the middle). The main attraction of

this kind of establishments is to eat around the

grill. You may have to book before going there,

because the seats next to the grill are always

taken. In this area you will find many other

Ocakbasi but for us this one is he best. Start

with ordering some mezes, I suggest you try the

“Kozde Patlican” (mashed grilled eggplant), a

Gavurdagi Salata and the Van Tzaztiki. for the

main course try a “Cop Sis” or a “Sebzeli Acili sis

kebab “(skewered meat with spices and

vegetables).

Cafe Privato

https://goo.gl/maps/RFBFyJLPQtKzKhY5A

This is a café whose reputation is widely known

throughout the city. Enjoy a wide variety of

traditional Turkish breakfast and brunch items and

discover very best of this excellent cuisine. It’s

guaranteed that whatever you choose from the

extensive menu, it will be fresh, beautifully

prepared and delicious. Look no further than Café

Privato for the perfect start to your morning or a

warm and intimate location for a mid-morning

snack. Especially recommended are any of the

dishes containing the delicious and locally sourced

cheeses.

Unter

https://goo.gl/maps/3tH51QykkPgjNrVi7

Housed in a 1960s corner shop, Unter was a pioneer

when it opened on a dark backstreet in Karakoy in 2012. It

still draws crowds, especially on the weekends, when a DJ

spins a playlist into the night. During the winter, regulars

drift to the cozy second floor, where a fireplace heats the

bar and seating area. In the summer months, folding

glass doors open to create an indoor-outdoor bar

flanked by exposed-brick walls and an open kitchen.

There's a full menu and noteworthy cocktails like the

Golddigger (gin, vodka, orange juice, and sparkling wine)

or The Hulk (gin, lime, and cucumber juice)—throw in a

charcuterie platter and you’ve got the perfect setup.

Karabatak CAFÉ

Karabatak is a coffeehouse located in

Karaköy, Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. The

building – once a metal-bashing workshop

– was beautifully converted into a warm,

welcoming, unashamedly bohemian cafe.

https://goo.gl/maps/9jsN1cykrfTXAMte8

Smyrna is a bar with the gorgeous, non-sequitur

novelty of a vintage store. The walls are painted

in vibrant colors and the walls are lined with

books, pictures, posters, and random curiosities.

This is a prime location for casual drinks with

friends as it offers a warm and social environment

as well as an array of delicious drinks.

Smyrna

https://goo.gl/maps/q3k1TwT1NUMgumvu9

Guide to Transportation in Istanbul

The best taxi service in Istanbul! No matter where you

are, you can request a taxi and watch it arrive real-time.

Pay by credit card or cash. Even visually impaired or

impaired passengers can use BiTaksi very easily. BiTaksi

is safe, fast, and easy.

This is what is written on the web. We can’t guarantee

as we don’t use it often.

Download for Iphones

Download for Androids

In districts such as Levent, Gayrettepe and

Beşiktaş, there can be a serious traffic jam at

especially 7-9 am and 5-8 pm.

Using subway is a good way to avoid this traffic

jam. You can buy single-use metro tickets from

ticket filling machines to use metro.