Istanbul is located on the northwest part of Turkey. It is the most populated city in Turkey. Istanbul was capital during Byzantine and also Ottoman. Now it is the 8th most visited city in the World. It is located in the point where West and East intersected and contains traces of both cultures.
When To Go :
Istanbul can be visited in 365 days a year while there is not extremely hot or cold but spring and autumn means April – May and September- October are the most preferred months.
Where To Visit in Istanbul :
Although the number of the places can not be counted , i will try to make a list for you. To make it easier for you , i want to explain district to district. It will be better to finish a district fully and move to another one after finishing.
1-) Sultanahmet District :
Sultanahmet District is the old city center of Istanbul and the most important district to visit. You will be able to visit most important musuems , buildings and mosques in this area.
a-) Hagia Sophia Mosque :
Hagia Sophia is the most important building in Istanbul. Was built between 532-537 and the architectural style is copied by mosques and by many other buildings. Despite it was built 1000 years before than Blue Mosque , Süleymaniye Mosque , Selimiye Mosques etc. it is clearly understood that it still much better than all others. It was turned in to a mosque again in 2020 , later in 2024 , it turned to be a museum for foreigners and any foreigners will need to pay 25 euros for entrance.
b-) Blue Mosque :
Blue Mosque was built opposite of Hagia Sophia in 1609-1617. It was a challenge to Hagia Sophia and reason was to build a better one than Hagia Sophia. The importance of Blue Mosque is its more than 20.000 tiles. While its orginal name is Sultanahmet Mosque , it is mostly known as Blue Mosque because of the blue colour tiles in it. Another important topic with Blue Mosque is its 6 minarets. While Masjid Al-Haram also had 6 minarets , it was insolence to build a mosque with 6 minarets. After the reactions , 1. Ahmed built one more minaret in Masjid Al-Haram. So Blue Mosque did not have equal number of minarets with Masjid Al-Haram.
c-) Topkapi Palace :
Topkapi Palace was built in 1478 after the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmet 2. The Conqueror and became the ruling center for Ottoman till the building of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856. It is located behind Hagia Sophia and in use as a museum. Inside Topkapi Palace , you can visit kitchen section , sacred relics section , Ottoman Imperial Harem Section and Hagia Irene Church.
Note : You can buy Museum Pass Istanbul valids for 5 days. Museum Pass will not include Ottoman Imperial Harem Section and Hagia Irene. Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
d-) Sultanahmet Square :
It was known as Hippodrome during Byzantine , Horse Square during Ottoman and now is it called Sultanahmet Square. In the square you will be able to see Obelisk of Theodosius , Walled Obelisk , Serpent Column and German Fountain.
e-) Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum :
Museum is situated at Sultanahmet Square and turned into a museum while it was Ibrahim Pasha Palace before. Inside of the building you will even see some parts of the ruins of Hippodrome. Museum is opened everyday. You can visit the museum with Museum Pass Istanbul.
f-) Basilica Cistern :
Basilica Cistern was built between 527 and 565 years and located opposite to Hagia Sophia. It is one of the popular place which also includes Medusa and Crying Column. It is re-opened after a long restoration process. The entrance is 190 TL ( 08.2022) for non-Turkish Citizens. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid Basilica Cistern . For current information , you can have a look at https://www.yerebatan.com/en
g-) Istanbul Archeology Museums :
It is located on the right side on the way to Gulhane Park from Topkapi Palace. Museum includes 3 parts. These parts are ; Archeological Museum , Museum Of The Ancient Orient and Tiled Kiosk. Istanbul Archeology Museum can be one the best museum in the World. In the museum you can even find so amazing works like Alexander Sarcophagus , Sidamara Sarcophagus , Egyptian-Hittite Peace Treaty , first love poem and many others. Museum closed on Mondays. You can use your Museum Pass Istanbul.
h-) Gulhane Park :
It was in use as the garden of Topkapi Palace during Ottoman. Column Of The Goths and Istanbul Museum Of The History Of Science And Technology In Islam also located in the park. Gulhane Park has 2 differetn entrance. One is on Alemdar Ave. Which the tram passes and other entrance is on Kennedy Ave. on the sea side of Sarayburnu Area. You can feel the coolness in hot summer days. Gulhane Park also has a political meaning. Edict of Gulhane was announced to the public in this park and also Ataturk announced the Latin Alphabet to the public in Gulhane Park.
i-) Istanbul Museum Of The History Of Science And Technology :
The meseum is situated in Gulhane Park. It was opened in 2008 and the inventions of muslim scholars are exhibited in the museum. The originals of most of the inventions are exhibited in the museum in Frankfurt. Museum is opened everyday. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid.
j-) Cistern Of Philoxenos :
One of the most important 3 Cisterns in Istanbul , very close to Sultanahmet Tram Station and built around 4th century.
k-) Theodosius Cistern :
Cistern is located at Pier Loti Ave. next to Cemberlitas Tram Station. Cistern was built between 423-443.
l-) Great Palace Mosaic Museum :
Museum is located in Arasta Bazaar near Blue Mosque. You will find mozaics from 5th and 6th century. Museum is open everyday. You can use your Museum Pass Istanbul.
2-) Little Hagia Sophia District :
This area is right next to Çatladıkapı which is a gate to reach to promenade from Hippodrome. I will recommend only 2 buildings to see in this district.
a-) Little Hagia Sophia Mosque :
This mosque was built as a chuch in 527-536 years and it is older than Hagia Sophia.
b-) Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque :
This mosque is 2 minutes by walk from Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. It was built by Sinan. You can see 4 pieces of Black Stone in mihrab , pulpit and dome.
3-) Beyazıt District :
You can reach to Beyazıt District in 10 mins by walk or 2 stations by tram.
a-) Grand Bazaar :
Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest bazaar in the World. There are around 4000 shops in the bazaar. At the same time it can be the most visited turistic place in the World. It was built during Byzantine but the exact date is unknown. Today the best exchange offices to exchange Money or to buy some gold or silver take place in Grand Bazaar.
b-) Main Gate Of Istanbul University :
This gate is something to see which is located in Beyazıt Square. Istanbul University is oldest university in Turkey which was founded in 1453.
c-) Nuruosmaniye Mosque :
First baroque style mosque of Istanbul , located near Grand Bazaar.
4-) Eminonu District :
a-) Spice Bazaar :
Also known as Egyptian Bazaar. With Grand Bazaar , it is one of the 2 oldest turistic bazaars in Istanbul.
b-) New Mosque :
New Mosque is located just in front of Spice Bazaar. It is know as the last big mosque built by Ottoman and lasts longest to build.
c-) Rustem Pasha Mosque :
Another mosque built by Sinan , gets attraction by its tiles with tulip motif.
d-) Bosphorus Tour :
Eminönü is a central point for ferries. You can reach to ferry stations in Eminönü for Kadıkoy , Uskudar , Islands and also bosphorus tours. Especially 2 hours bosphorus tour by Turyol is quite preferred. On the other hand if you stay longer in Istanbul , you can try a long tour which takes totally 6 hours and also stop in Anadolu Kavagi , organised by ‘ Şehir Hatları ‘.
5-) Galata District :
a-) Galata Bridge :
It combines Eminonu and Galata. It is a common activity to walk at the bridge and enjoy the view. Especially hundreds of fishermen during the fishing season , should be seen.
b-) Arap Mosque :
Arap Mosque situated in the area which is full of with hardware shops. It is known as the oldest mosque of Istanbul. It is believed to be built by Arabs which surrounded Istanbul around 8th century. Its architecture is totally different than all other mosques in Istanbul.
c-) Galata Tower :
You can reach to Galata Tower from Bankalar Ave. passing Kamondo Stairs and streets with old Genoese Buildings. It is worth to climb up the hill. Galata Tower is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. It is expected to be built in 528. But it was totally destructed by Crusaders in 1204 and rebuilt by Genoese in 1348. Now the tower is in use as a museum. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid fort he tower.
d-) Galata Mevlevi Lodge Museum :
Museum is situated on the right side of the entrance of Istiklal Street while climbing up the hill from Galata Tower. First Mevlevi Lodge of Istanbul , built in 1491. You can use your Museum Pass Istanbul to visit the place. Museum is closed on Mondays. If you would like , you can also visit Sema(Dervish) Show.
6-) Beyoglu – Taksim District :
The area which includes Istiklal Street called Beyoglu but because of Taksim Square , i wanted to mention together.
a-) Istiklal Street :
Istiklal Street reach to Taksim Sqaure from Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Mevlevihane) Museum. It is the most crowded Street or avenue in European Continent , visited by billions everyday. It is 1.4 km. It includes many shops , restaurants , churches and many bars and clubs in the back streets. Inside of the Street , the places to visit or just to see ; Narmanli Inn , Asmalımescit Area , Passage Of Europe , Church Of St. Mary Draperis , Terra St. Church , Passage Of Syria , Church Of St. Anthony Of Padua , Passage Of Aznavur , Passage Of Hazzopulo , Galatasaray High School , Passage Of Flower , Nevizade , Algeria Street , Madame Tussauds Istanbul , Grand Pera.
b-) Taksim Square :
Taksim Square is the most known Square in Istanbul. It is the junction for Istiklal Street , Cumhuriyet Ave. , Sıraselviler Ave. and Tarlabaşı Blv. It hosted maany protests and important events in the history and has a political meaning. In taksim Square , you can see Republic Monument , Ataturk Cultural Center which is under construction , Taksim Mosque which is under construction and have some tea in Gezi Park enjoying the bosphorus view.
c-) Istanbul Modern :
Because of Galata Port Project in Karakoy , museum moved near to Tunnel side of Istiklal Street. Museum is closed on Mondays and you can visit by your Museum Pass Istanbul.
d-) The Museum Of Innocence :
The museum is located behind side of Galatasaray High School and founded by the nobelist writer Orhan Pamuk with the name of his book. Museum is closed on Mondays.
e-) Pera Museum :
Pera Museum is a private museum located behind of Odakule. You can find many collections in the museum. Even the famous painting of Osman Hamdi Bey , The Tortoise Trainer , can be seen. Museum is closed on Mondays.
f-) Istanbul Military Museum :
You can reach to museum after 15 mins walk at Cumhuriyet Ave. from Taksim Square. You can spend around 3-4 hours in the museum an deven you can join to a Ottoman Military Band Concert for free.
7-) Aksaray – Laleli District :
a-) Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque :
The mosque situated in the center of Aksaray District and attract with its Gothic Revival Architecture.
b-) Laleli Mosque :
The mosque situated between Laleli and Aksaray Tram Stations and it is one of the most important example of the baroque.
8-) Suleymaniye District :
Suleymaniye District is just 10 mins by walk from Grand Bazaar , a very quiet district which is famous with cafes and nice views.
a-) Suleymaniye Mosque :
Suleymaniye Mosque known as the second best of Sinan after Selimiye Mosque. It looks newer than Blue Mosque while it is actully older. Also in the garden of the mosque you can vsit the Tomb of Suleyman and Tomb of Hurrem. There is the biggest piece of Black above the entrance gate of Tomb of Suleyman. You can enjoy the wonderful view of Golden Horn and Bosphorus from the front garden of the mosque .
9-) Fatih District :
The whole peninsula belongs to Fatih Municipality. Now i will mention about the center district of the municipality.
a-) Sehzade Mosque :
It is one another important mosque by Sinan , situated on the right corner of The Building Of The Municipal Council Of Istanbul .
b-) Column Of Marcian :
Column of Marcian built in 455 and seems similar to the Burnt Column. On the way to Column of Marcian by walk from Sehzade Mosque , you can also see the ruins of The Church of St. Polyeuctus.
c-) Fatih Mosque :
Started to built 20 years after the conquest of Istanbul. Unfortunately it got damaged because of the earthquakes in 1766 and in 1999. The Tomb Of Mehmet 1th and many other statesmen’s tombs take place in the garden of the mosque.
10-) Fener – Balat District :
These are 2 different districts next to each other which is famous with churches , cafes and colourful streets.
a-) Yavuz Selim Mosque :
Mosque located 15 mins by walk from Fatih Mosque. It was built for the name of Selim by the order of his son Suleyman. There is a quiet beautiful view from the garden of mosque.
b-) St. George’s Cathedral :
One of the many churches in Fener District. It is in use actively and visited by Orthodoxes.
Other Places to visit in the district ; Bulgarian St. Stephen Church , Church of St. Mary of the Mongols , Pammakaristos Church( Fethiye Mosque ).
11-) Edirnekapı District :
a-) Kariye Mosque( Chora Church) :
It was in use as a museum untill 2 months ago and now it is a mosque. It is famous with the mosaics and frescos inside. It is a mystery if the the frescos will be displayed or not. While mosaics and frescos are the main reason to visit the place , it will lose its importance if the frescos covered.
b-) Mihrimah Sultan Mosque :
Built by Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan , daughter of Suleyman. Mihrimah means moon and sun. That’s why Sinan built 2 of same mosque , one in Edirnekapı and one in Uskudar. This is another love story if you are interested.
c-) Palace of the Porphyrogenitus :
It is an example fort he late Byzantine architecture. It got huge damaged during the war while it is right next to the walls. The famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond thought to be found in the ruins of this palace.
12-) Topkapi District :
a-) Walls of Constantinople :
While Walls of Constantinople reachs out a long way , the most famous part is between Edirnekapi District and Topkapi District.
b-) Panorama 1453 History Museum :
It is a quiet small museum in which you can watch the animations and visuals of the conquest of Istanbul. Museum is opened everyday and entrance fee is 20 TL.
13- ) Eyup District :
a-) Eyup Sultan Mosque :
One of the most famous mosques of Istanbul. Tomb of Eyup Sultan also situated here. Because of its holy meaning for muslims , mosque and around visited by mostly local turists. Especially at the weekend it will be crowded.
b-) Pierre Loti Hill :
One of the best point of Istanbul for view. The hill gets its name from famous French Poet Pierre Loti. You can go up to the hill by cable car near to Eyup Mosque.
14-) Sutluce District :
Sutluce is the district located opposite side of the Golden Horn. There are buses from Taksim Square to Sutluce.
a-) Rahmi M. Koc Museum :
Museum was built for display the development of industry , transportation and telecommunication. There are numerous equipments and machines in the museum. All available from classic cars to first machines and from marine vessels to trains. You will need around a full day for the museum. It is closed on Mondays.
b-) Miniaturk :
In this museum you will find the models of the important places in Turkey. There are 122 models in 1/25 size.
15-) Besiktas District :
a-) Macka Democracy Park :
It is one of the most beautiful park in Istanbul and located between Harbiye and Dolmabahce. You can take place in many concerts and various attractions or have a walk and rest any time of the day.
b-) Dolmabahce Palace :
Located at bosphorus strait and 4-5 mins by walk from Kabatas Tram Station. Dolmabahce Palace completed in 1856 and thereafter sultans used this palace at times. Architecture of the palace known as Turkish Rococo. Kind of a mix of eastern and western architecture. Palace is closed on Mondays.
c-) Yildiz Park :
It was used as a garden of Ciragan Palace before. Now it is in use as park and there are 2 different Kiosk in the park ; Malta Kiosk and Cadir Kiosk.
d-) Yildiz Palace :
Yildiz Palace was completed in 1807. Located right next to Yildiz Park. Now it is closed for visits because of the restoration.
e-) Istanbul Naval Museum :
After Dolmabahce Palace or Yildiz Palace , you can have a wonderful walk to Besiktas Square. While it is the first military museum in Turkey , also one the most important naval museum in the World.
f-) Ortakoy :
Ortakoy Square is one of the most important square in Istanbul , full of with cafes and restorans with the view of Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge.
16-) Bosphorus District ( Strait ) :
Here i wanted to mention about bosphorus strait in European Side. You can have some long walks along bosphorus and enjoy the areas , view and fresh air. If you start walking from Ortakoy , you will reach to Istinye Cove in around 2.5 hours. During this wonderful walking , you will pass the areas ; Kurucesme , Arnavutkoy , Bebek , Rumeli Hisari (Rumelian Fortress) , Emirgan and Istinye. You will see most beautiful mansions of Istanbul and you can also visit these places ;
a-) Rumelian Fortress :
Rumelian Fortress was built in 1452 to block the assistance to Istanbul and make it easy to capture. Museum is closed on Mondays. You can use Museum Pass Istanbul. In the past it was possible to walk on the bastions and later banned for security reasons. Also open air concerts inside the fortress are banned too. By this reasons , the number of the visitors quite decreased.
b-) Emirgan Park(Grove) :
Before ending walking on the bosphorus strait , the last place to visit. The park which includes 3 kiosks , 2 ponds , walking tracks , running tracks and playground for children , mostly visited on April-May during Tulip Festival. If you are interested in those millions of colourful tulips , i would recommen 15 April – 15 May to visit.
17-) Kadikoy District :
Kadikoy is located in asian part and it is one of the most beautiful neighborhood in Istanbul. You can reach to Kadikoy by ferry from Eminonun or you can use Marmaray and interchange in Ayrilikcesmesi to Kadikoy Metro.
a-) Moda :
Moda is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul with its colourful streets , classy bars and pubs , Moda Street which is the rival of Istiklal Street and Moda Park which you can watch one of the best sunset.
b-) Haydarpasha Railway Station :
Known as one of the most precious building even in Europe. But of course it is not in Europe. It suffered from fires many times and now under restoration.
c-) Selimiye Barracks :
Built in the time of Selim 3rd and now in use of the 1st Army. Selimiye Military Secondary School is alos inside the barracks and Florence Nightingale Museum was also in the barracks but closed in a recent history.
d-) Bagdat Ave. :
One of the most visited Ave in Istanbul. Total length of the ave is 14 km but real attraction center of Bagdat Ave. is the part between Suadiye and Caddebostan.
18-) Uskudar District :
Uskudar is a district next to Kadikoy in asian side. You can reach to Uskudar by ferry from Eminonu or get Marmaray and reach directly.
a-) Maiden’s Tower :
It is located actually in the bosphorus but the closest district is Uskudar. It is one of the most important symbols of Istanbul. You can visit the tower everyday between 09:00-19:00 and if you would like you can visit after 19:00 as long as you have a reservation for the restaurant in the tower. You can reach to museum from Kabatas by boat.
b-) Mihrimah Sultan Mosque :
Built by Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan , daughter of Suleyman. Mihrimah means moon and sun. That’s why Sinan built 2 of same mosque , one in Edirnekapı and one in Uskudar. This is another love story if you are interested.
c-) Camlica Mosque :
A huge mosque built in 2019. A copy of the Ottoman mosques. The costs were so high. It looks so luxury similar to the mosques in gulf countries. You can reach to mosque by bus 15C in front of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. There is a bus every 15 mins.
d-) Camlica Hill :
Camlica Hill has one of the most beautiful view of Istanbul. It is located just 5 mins by walk from Camlica Mosque. There is also a cafe and also playground for children on the top. Don’t forget to get your jacket with you if you visit there in the evening.
e-) Beylerbeyi Palace :
Is is located right next to Bosphorus Bridge on the bosphorus strait and quite smaller than other palaces. Museum is closed on Mondays. You can visit by your Museum Pass Istanbul.
In addition to these places , Beylerbeyi Area and Cengelkoy Area can be visited too.
19-) Beykoz District :
Beykoz is a huge district next to Uskudar. But i will go about the bosphorus straith of asian side.
a-) Kucuksu Pavilion (Goksu Pavilion) :
Built by Armenian Balyan Family like Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace.Closed on Mondays.
b-) Goksu River(Psilis) :
The river located 1-2 mins by walk from Kucuksu Pavilion , next to Anatolian Fortress. You can spend time in the cafes around the river and enjoy the view and quiet atmosphere.
c-) Anatolian Fortress :
It was built on the corner where Goksu River flow into the bosphorus. It is much closer and older than Rumelian Fortress. It is not a museum and there is a road crossing the fortress.
d-) Kanlica :
You can reach to Kanlica Square in 10 mins by bus from Anatolian Fortress. Here you can spend some time on the cafes adjacent to bosphorus and try some yoghurt with powdered sugar on it. Next to the ferry station , you can get in a small boat which is for at most 8-10 people and pass the bosphorus and reach tp Emirgan. The journey is so enjoyable , you can even touch the water and you will pay around 10 TL per person.
20-) Islands :
While there are many Princes’ Islands in Marmara Sea , there is settlement only in 5 of them. They are full of people especially in the weekends in summer for their architecture , picnic areas and walking tracks. It will make you feel that you are in another World. There are ferries to islands from Kabatas everyday. After having a 1 hour 40 min journey by ferry , you can reach to Buyukada ( Big Island ) which is the most popular one. This is a very famous and enjoyable journey that there are even some songs about the ferry journey to islands. During this journey you will stop in Kadıkoy , Kinaliada , Burgazada , Heybeliada and then Buyukada. If you forget to get off , you will reach to Bostanci Station in asian part. Buyukada is much bigger than other islands and there are many things to do here. But if you would like to be in a quiter place , you can prefer others.
21-) Florya District :
Florya is a very close district to Ataturk Airport(IST) which is not in use anymore. You can reach to Florya directrly using Marmaray. You can spend time in one another beuatiful park name Florya Park , visit Istanbul Acuarium which is really big and can swim in Gunesli Beach.
SHOPPING
All the year round millions of people come to Istanbul for shopping from all around Turkey and from all around the World. I would like to mention about shopping areas for both turists and bussiness people.
For especially turists which would like to buy anything , Mahmutpasha area which is between Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. To buy souvenir about Istanbul ,next to Galata Tower , Galata Kulesi Street and Galip Dede Ave. For carpets and rugs , Sultanahmet District and Arasta Bazaar. For anything about weddings , Mahmutpasha Area , Sogutlucesme Ave. in Kadikoy and Fevzi Pasha Ave. in center of Fatih. For fur , leather and wholesale , Laleli Area , Zeytinburnu Area or Merter Area. For electronic devices especially camera , mobile etc. Dogubank Building in Sirkeci District. There are some industrial zones for furniture , chem etc. The most known is Ikitelli Industry Zone. If you would like to visit shopping malls , the biggest one is Forum Istanbul. Marmara Forum and Cevahir also one of the most visited. If you would like to find some luxury , then you can visit Zorlu Center and Istinya Park.
FOOD
One of the most important thing in a travel should be tastying some new food , Street tastes etc. Istanbul can be one of the best in this topic. From all around of Turkey , best chefs generally cook in Istanbul and you can find all kind of authentic foods. You can find best foods for really good price in Istanbul. I would like tos hare my list with you.
1-) Durumcu Emmi :
Durumcu Emmi located in Kadikoy , just 5 mins by walk from Sogutlucesme Marmaray and Metrobus Stations and Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Normally Durum is Wrap. But their best is Beyran. Beyran is known as a soup but more than it. While cooking beyran requires a long process , it is not a common dish. It includes lamb meat , rice , garlic , some spices and has a great and intense taste. While the place is huge , you will still need to wait in the line even at midnight. One portion is 27 TL and will be enough for one person. My second suggest is lahmacun. They cook Antep style lahmacun and it is really tasty. On the other hand you can try some different kinds of kebaps for 45 TL each and double size compare to other places.
2-) Baran Et Mangal :
It is located in the restarants Street under the Aqueduct Of Valens behind Fire Station in Fatih Center. My favourite is zırh kebap. It is the best zırh kebap ever an done portion is only 27 TL. They serve homemade ayran which is good with kebap and they offer some mezes , salads , fried peppers and fried tomatoes for free. Lamb chops also so special here. It should be the best lam chops ever. One portion had 4 pieces and costs around 60 TL. In this kind of foods , the most important thing is the quality of the meat. We have a lamb in the western part of Turkey , called Trakya Kıvırcık. The reason that they serve such taste kebab and chops is because they have their own farm.
3-) Siirt Seref Buryan 1892 :
It is located under the Aqueduct of Valens behind the fire station. It is cooked like well kebab or tandouri kebab. It is my another suggest to try in Istanbul.
4-) Meshur Unkapani Pilavcisi :
While we mention about the places next to the aqueduct , just opposit of the main road you will see Unkapani Pilavcisi. Pilav means rice. You will find the best and most known place for rice.
5-) Vefa Bozacisi :
After 2 mins walk from Unkapani Pilavcisi , you will reach to Vefa Bozacisi on Vefa Ave. The shop opened more than 100 years ago and seems so authentic. Boza is sth made with fermented wheat and sth you should try.
6-) Nusr-Et Steakhouse :
Mr. Nusret known as the best butcher in all around the World. He has many branches not only in Istanbul. I can say that quality is top. Especially the branh in Etiler District is great. While you wait for a seat , you can enjoy some drink with a dj performance. I think Dallas Steak and New York Steak preffered mostly in steaks category. If you would prefer beef fillet , lokum beef fillet is the best. If you are a group of people , you can try rack of lamb. Nusr-et burger and lokum burger are also worth trying.
7-) Sazeli :
Sazeli is a concept awarded steakhouse in Florya District. The quality is so close to Nusr-Et and prices are half of it. They have a various menu. You can try everything here , especially Dallas Steak and New York Steak are great.
8-) Meshur Tavaci Recep Usta Bostanci :
This is also another special place. Located in Kadikoy District , just 5 mins by walk from Bostanci Marmaray Station. This place is famous with ‘ diced lamb fried on iron plate ‘. It is the best one. Prices are a bit higher for portion but they serve some free or very cheap mezes , so price will be ok in total. On the other hand i liked their branch in Izmir. You can ask for some hommade butter , baklava or some mezes , fantastic.
9-) Ciya Sofrasi :
Ciya Sofrasi is located in the center of Kadikoy , mostly visited by tourists because of varios kebabs and mezes.
10-) Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi Selim Usta :
This is an old and famous place in old city center , 1 min by walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station. It is famous with kofte , and you can also try haricot bean salad.
11-) Akin Balik :
Located next to Fish Market in Karakoy. You can always find fresh fish here. My favourite is Blue Fish from bosphorus , if you can catch the season.
12-) Hamdi Restaurant Eminonu :
Hamdi Restoran located in Eminonu District near Spice Bazaar. You can try some various tasty kebabs and mezes with a nice view.
13-) Donerci Sahin Usta :
Doner is a traditional turkish food and very famous all around the World. While there are famous people like Bayramoglu , i will recommend Donerci Sahin Usta in the entrance of Grand Bazaar. It will be a bit difficult to reach to Bayramoglu in Kavacik Area.
14-) Midyeci Ahmet :
Midyeci Ahmet is the most preferred place for kokoreç and mussels. It is located in the center of Besiktas and probably you will need to wait in the line for a while.
15-) Sehzade Cag Kebap :
Cag Kebap is kind of a doner just served in a different way and Sehzade Cag Kebap is known the best place to try it. The location also great that it is located in old city part.
16-) Can Can Tantuni :
Another turkish traditional dish is Tantuni. You can find the best of it in Can Can Tantuni , especially Tantuni which served with yoghurt is really delicious. It is just in 5 mins by walk from Sagmalcilar Metro Station.
17-) Meshur Dondurmaci Ali Usta :
Ali Usta is the most famous place for ice cream in Istanbul. The place located in Moda Street , in a central area in Kadikoy.
Famous Places with View
There are many restaurants in Istanbul whicih is more famous with view , rather than the food. While some of the luxury places , some of them are really cheap. I would like to write the places without any explanation. In Sultanahmet District ; Seven Hills Restaurant and Fine Dine Istanbul. In Suleymaniye District ; Husnu Ala , Aga Kapisi and Mimar Sinan Terrace Cafe. In Galata District ; Galata Kule Restoran. In Istiklal Street ; 360 Istanbul and Midpoint Beyoglu. In Ulus District ; Ulus Cafe. In Uskudar District ; Kiz Kulesi Restaurant. In Kadikoy District ; Moda Aile Cay Bahcesi , Midpoint Fenerbahce , Happy Moon’s Fenerbahce. In Anatolian Fortress District ; Sabanci Ogretmen Evi and Big Chefs.
Istanbul is really a huge city and there are much more options of couse. I will keep going on updating the list. If you would like , you can make suggestions. For more information , you can also follow me on instagram ; mo_rp_he_us Thank you for reading.
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