The Best Things and Places in Istanbul
Rustem Pasa Mosque in Tahtakale (Eminonu , Istanbul)
With a number of Ottoman mosques and many other historical monuments in its map, Istanbul is a top priority on every tourist’s list. Apart from being famous for having historical monuments, it also has the distinction of having some of the best restaurants and boutiques in its periphery.
Being a perfect blend of East and West cultures, you cannot help fall in love with this city beautiful. After all, who would not like to visit a city which welcomes its tourists with tasty food and unparalleled architecture?
One of the most important places worth visiting is the Mosque of Rustem Pasha. It happens to be one of the small mosques built in 1560 especially for the son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. The walls of this mosque exhibits the artistic skills of the time to which it belongs. Made of Iznik tiles of turquoise color, it is indeed a haven on earth.
Located just in the centre of the Sultanahmet, the Byzantine Hippodrome used to be a place for chariot racing. Now days, this place has become a favorite picnic spot not only of locals but also of tourists.
If you want to get an urban flavor of the city, better visit the Spice Market across the Galata Bridge at sunset when the city is engulfed with a rose-colored sky. At this time, the city is at its magical best.
For those having an ear for music, you ought not to miss the signature sound of Istanbul played by the muezzins five times a day. Another place for enjoying some less religious music is to pay a visit to Despina on Fridays and Saturdays. It happens to be one of the best taverns in Istanbul established in 1946. You will be fascinated by the soulful folk music played by the renowned musicians of Turkey. Catch a taxi from Sultanahmet to reach Despina.
Historic Grand Bazaar of the Sultanahmet Istanbul
For shopping freaks, the temptation of visiting the Grand Bazaar is unlikely to be overcome. It is one of the oldest bazaars of Istanbul where you can buy everything under one roof from numerous shops welcoming you with dazzling jewelry to Turkish carpets.
Another shopping bonanza awaits you to be explored while you walk just down the hill and walk to Spice Bazaar. This is the best bet for getting some of the best herbal and flavored spices.
A dish not to be missed during your visit to Istanbul is the Turkish delight known as lokum. It owes it origin to Istanbul way back in 1776. You can buy this delicacy from Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir shop located close to the Spice Bazaar. You can also gift lokum packed as a souvenir to anyone.
You must visit the Topkapi Palace built by Mehmet the Conqueror following his win in 1453. To visit the Harem, you should take a guided tour and enjoy the beauty of this place adorned with elegant kiosks.
Majority of the visitors spend their time visiting the famous shopping malls, but only few visit the bohemian endive.
Hagia Sophia Museum Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
The best building of Istanbul is none other than the famous Hagia Sophia. With its beautiful architecture and domed ceiling, you are likely to fall in love with it. It was regarded as greatest church in Christendom till Constantinople (now Istanbul) was conquered in 1453. It was built by Emperor Justinian in 537.
Talking about best things in Istanbul, how can we miss to mention the best eating place of the city, that is, Nevizade Sokak located on Istiklal Caddesi. You can find locals enjoying fresh fried fish and meze in the evenings.
Talking about the best hotel in Istanbul, we would like to name the Four Seasons located in close proximity to the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya. It was once a prison of Sultanahmet. To book this place, you must place order days before you actually need to stay and also with a whopping cash as the booking price.
However, if you want to look for something affordable to stay, you can go for Hotel Sebnem which offers you comfort at cool prices.
A Day in Istanbul
Pierre Loti Cafe in Eyup
If you have just one day for enjoying various sights and monuments and you want to have maximum enjoyment of this time, then follow the suggestions stated below to make the best of your time. Here we go---
The first and foremost important thing to be kept in mind is never just rush from one spot to another to visit maximum places. It is rather good to just choose and decide to visit four or five destinations to be covered in a day’s time. Only then you can have an enjoyable time. If you want to save your time, go for hiring a taxi or a cab to spend your time judiciously.
Begin your day’s journey by first visiting a traditional coffee house in the city. Try The Pudding Shoppe in Sultanahmet or the Pierre Loti Café in Eyup for enjoying the best coffee in Istanbul. The city has been the hub of coffee trade between east and the west for almost centuries.
Topkapi palace in Istanbul and Bosphorus
The next destination should be the picturesque Topkapi Palace and enjoy the nature’s bounty in its splashing gardens and of course the traditional harem. To enjoy the glory of the city, take a voyage through the waters of the Bosphorus.
The Grand Bazaar ought to be the next favored destination if you want to grab some unforgettable souvenirs along with you while you return back home. The huge bazaar at Carsikapi Cadessi has been established in the 15th century and has about 4000 shops selling everything from beautiful pashminas, leather good, Turkish carpets to antique and exquisite gold and silver jewelry.
A visit to Istanbul is simply incomplete without enjoying some of the famous delicacies of this city. Try lokum, a Turkish delight at Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir in Eminonu. Lokum was a Turkish delicacy enjoyed by the sultan. You can’t help enjoying the unique taste and the flavor especially along with mint tea at the Sirkeci Station just a few yards away.
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey and Bosphorus
Finally, we come to our final destinations for the day, some famous historical monuments, namely Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The good thing about these two religious buildings is that they are located in close proximity with each other in Sultanahmet, despite being associated with different religions.
These two monuments are reminiscent of the history, tradition and the culture of the period to which they belong. As you walk inside, you can actually visualize the colorful culture and the rich tradition of the era when these monuments were built. The Blue Mosque has blue tiles on its roof and hence got its name, the Blue Mosque. The Hagia Sophia has been now converted into a museum exhibiting religious relics.
If you want to have dinner, the best place is to head for the Golden Horn, which can be easily reached by taking a boat. This romantic monument is located in the middle of the beautiful Bosphorus and functions as a restaurant since a decade. It was built as a lighthouse in the 18th century.