Must-see sights in Istanbul?

Question

I'm going to Istanbul tomorrow for five days.

Anyone recommend the best places to see, bars, restaurants or anything else?

Thanks

Answer 1

For bars, restaurants, you may want to stroll along Istiklal in Taksim, you'll see it from the Golden Horn - look up, locate Galata Tower (go up it, too, if you like - excellent view). Istiklal is right near Galata Tower.

Actually there is the "Tunel", a very old subway that only traverses the length of the hill. It's a unique experience, plus it lets you out right at the foot of Istiklal. While you walk up and down its length, there are so many places to eat, bars, etc. Sorry I can't remember actual names, but if you get out where the "tunel" lets you off, and walk up the street, about halfway up on the right hand side, there is one of m any side-streets with a yellow building, and I think it says "Borek" something in the window. I had the most amazing borek and ezo gelin soup there, and it was really inexpensive. Good luck finding it!

As you walk up that street, you will encounter old churches, embassies, etc. It's really a fascinating walk.

Of course, there is so much else you need to visit while there - Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Spice Market. Don't pay a lot of money for a 'tourist' trip up the Bosphorus - take the regular ferry. You see the same sights - Rumeli Fortress, Anadolou, etc. Go all the way to the last stop (Anadolou), get out, climb up to the fortress, and you will be rewarded with the most amazing views - you can see the Black Sea.

There are so many museums that you should see. Don't forget to visit Yerebatan (The Underground Sistern) - it is located right by the 'Tourist Info' station right between the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia. They say the giant pillars (Medusa heads) were taken from the Aegean centuries ago and were used to build the cistern, then promptly forgotten.

Topkapi Palace - a must. Takes a long time. Pay the extra money to see the Harem.

Go to Cemberlitas Hamam - Turkish Bath. Go at the end of a long day, or first thing in the morning, and prepare to spend some time there - it is a unique experience!

So much more. So little time. If you can spare it, take the ferry to the Princes Islands in the Bosphorus - it takes about an hour to get there (they were leaving on the hour starting at 6:30 am but check when you get to Eminonu). Go to the last island - Buyukada, there is an old greek monastary, Leo Tolstoy's old abode, and many cool places on the island. It is definately worth at least a half of your day.

I'm jealous - have an amazing time.

Answer 2

I travelled on my own and it replaced into fab! it is somewhat no longer effortless to discover your way around nevertheless. in case you wander away, attempt and discover a woman that can assist you. the adult males rip you off! See the hagia sophia, the blue mosque, flow to the asian section, flow to the underground cistern element (cant remember what it is named!) flow to the river and stroll around the bridge at sundown. Its appropriate. additionally consume the freshly cooked fish that has merely been caught from the river. Are you staying in Sultanamet? I stayed in Istanbul hostel, it replaced into super. whether you're no longer staying there, flow as much as its rooftop cafe, they sell cheep yet delicious nutrition and additionally you could chat to fellow visitors.

Answer 3

http://www.balsoy.com/Turkiye/inpictures/si/Istanbul.html

In this site, you can find best places to go in Istanbul with their pictures.

http://www.tourismturkey.org/
http://www.discoverturkey.com/english/iller/e-istanbul.html

and take a look to these sites too.

Have a nice trip..I hope you will enjoy here :-)

Answer 4

get yourself thrown in jail and see the real "sights"