Istanbul- A city of Many Treasures
Taksim
Having originated nearly 3000 years ago, Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey, used to be the capital city of Byzantium and later to the Ottoman Empire. The city stretches along the Bosphorus waterway and is considered to be the heart and soul of the country. It has a large number of bars and hotels jostling to grab attention in the busy markets of the city. Ranging from the small hotels to the luxury hotels, you can find a variety of hotels to choose from. And the most significant among the luxury chain of hotels is the famous Four Seasons Hotel which was once a prison lying near the Hagia Sophia. Close by, you will find Empress Zoe hotel that offers exquisite views from the tastefully decorated and fully furnished rooms.
For those of you, who want to enjoy their favorite pizzaz, go straight to Pera Palas Hotel. However, if you want a cheaper option of staying, you can go Bohemian Grand Hotel de Londres.
Istanbul- the city of many treasures--- Do you know why Istanbul is worth visiting? Simple, because it has many wonders located within its territory. Be it the magnificent mosques, luxury hotels, hot night-spots or many other spots providing nature at its best, it is certainly going to make you fall in love with its treasures.
Dining and drinking is favorite among the Turks. You can taste some of the tastiest and freshly baked pastries and vine-leaf rolls. For those who are pure vegetarians, there are numerous dishes to choose from. Night life can be experienced till the wee hours as almost all the drinking places are full to capacity.
However, if you want a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city’s fast life, catch a trip to the Bosphorus. You can munch your lunch at many fish restaurants near the Black Sea.
The best thing about Istanbul is that you can go to almost all the sight-seeing places on foot as they are all within a short walking distance. So, to discover and enjoy the beauty of the beautiful Sultanahmet Meydani Park, go strolling. Have a hot steaming cup of dark Turkish tea. You will see the dominating buildings of the Hagia Sophia church and the Suleymaniye Mosque vying to get attention.
Walk a while and you will come across the Topkapi Palace, once a political hub of the Ottoman Empire. The palace dates back to 1465 and is now converted to a museum having finest collection of the treasury.
If you haven’t visited the famous Grand Bazaar, your visit to Istanbul is considered incomplete. From jewelry to carpets to textiles, you will find almost all the things in this bazaar which is a favorite not only among the tourists but also among the locals. if you prefer walking, you will reach this bazaar from Sultanahmet in 20 minutes. However, you can also take a Zeytinburnu Tram.
There are a number of cheap eating places in the city including the Tarihi Sultanahmet Halk Koftecisi where you can taste hot kofte topped with buttery semolina dish. You can also enjoy vegetarian dishes at Kanaat near the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a hot spot for buying spices, nuts, dry fruits and other Turkish aphrodisiacs. If you are feeling tired, head straight towards the traditional Turkish hamam and relax yourself with a message and hot bath. You can enjoy this facility at Cemberlitas Hamam.
Five famous eating places—Enjoy aniseed-flavored drink in Boncuk at Nevizade Sokak 19, Beyoglu or simply try your favorite fish dishes and tahini ice cream at Balikci Sabahattin at Cankurtaran Sait Hasan Kuyu Sokak in Sultanahmet.
For having mouth watering milky sweet and baklava, you must not miss to dine at Saray in Beyoglu. If you like koftas or meatballs garnished with pistachios and egg kebab, step into Hamdi at Tahmis Cad, Kalcin Sok 17 in Eminonu which specializes in spicy meat dishes. For enjoying cheap kebabs along with grilled meat, go to Bambi at Siraselviler Caddesi, Taksim Square.