TASTE OF istanbul
ISTANBUL in one DAY
It is as beautiful as Rio de Janeiro, as vivid as New York, as imponent as Rome, as romantic as Paris, as fascinating as London...
Istanbul is unique..
Having one leg in Asia and the other in Europe, you can testify how the cultures transform from west to east and vice versa.
The imposing capital of Roman and Ottoman Empires, among the biggest in history, Istanbul is like an open air museum.
Among the skyscrapers and vivid centers of Istanbul, nature is not missing.
The Bosphorus flowing between the 2 continents gifts Istanbul marvelous colours, of natural beauty.
Istanbul is not a city to observe or admire but also to live and experience.
If you do not limit yourself in fancy restaurants or touristy locations but go where the locals go, then most probably you will find yourself at the same table with the locals singing and dancing till late hours, even if it is a week day!
Istanbul is unique..
Having one leg in Asia and the other in Europe, you can testify how the cultures transform from west to east and vice versa.
The imposing capital of Roman and Ottoman Empires, among the biggest in history, Istanbul is like an open air museum.
Among the skyscrapers and vivid centers of Istanbul, nature is not missing.
The Bosphorus flowing between the 2 continents gifts Istanbul marvelous colours, of natural beauty.
Istanbul is not a city to observe or admire but also to live and experience.
If you do not limit yourself in fancy restaurants or touristy locations but go where the locals go, then most probably you will find yourself at the same table with the locals singing and dancing till late hours, even if it is a week day!
hOW to spend one day in istanbul
HOUR BY HOUR ITINERARY
MORNINg
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Sultanahmet Zone - The Historical center
Sultanahmet Zone is the name of the Historical Center in Istanbul. It is quite a compact zone, all the attractions are close to each other, so you can spend one day in Istanbul and see most of the attractiions. But since they are imposing constructions, you may need a good organization to be able to visit them properly. Start your early morning with the HIPPODROME while you wait the main attractions to be opened up. 09.00- The Hippodrome of Constantinople is now only a square where you can quickly observe some Greek and Egyptian Monuments (Two Obelisks and The Serpent Coloumn) which were brought by Constantine to adorn the city. On the other side, closer to the Bluew Mosque, there is the beautiful German Fountain, which was a present from German Empire to Ottomans in 1900. . 09.30 HAGIA SOPHIA - (from 9am to 7 pm. 25 EUR try to get an online ticket or guided tour from web to avoid queues) During the Byzantine era, Hagia Sophia was an architectural marvel and had the unexplanable massive dome, being the largest in the World. 11.00 - BLUE MOSQUE: It was constructed by the Imperor Sultanahmet in 1616, with the intention of surpassing the imposing architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia. Blue Mosque not only surpassed Santa Sophia architectually, but also "mistakenly" surpassed the holiest Mosque in Mecca. While Sultan ordered golden minarets, the intelligent architect pretended to misunderstand this "unlogical order" and built 6 minarets. In Turkish six is ALTI and gold is ALTIN, you may see the wordplay. It is called "Blue Mosque" as blue colour dominates the internal part of the Mosque. The entrance is free but it is closed to visitors during the praying hours. On Fridays it is open only after 14.30. At the entrace they offer you scarf and you need to take your shoes off. 12.00 - THE BASILICA CISTERN MUSEUM: You are probably less curious about this place but I bet this will be the one you will always remember about Istanbul. Purchase an online ticket to not to wait in the long queues. It takes around 30-40 minutes to visit the Cistern and it costs 600 TRY if you visit in the morning. Check out below link and see if you are luck on the day you are in Istanbul to visit this place by night, with a special concert or event. The hours of night shift is from 19.30 to 22.00 and it costs 1000 TRY. https://yerebatan.com/en/news/news-and-announcements/ You can purchase your tickets online only from this link: www.passo.com.tr/en |
HAGIA SOPHIA or SANTA SOPHIA, once had the biggest dome in the World, during the Byzantines.
BLUE MOSQUE, just in front of HAGIA SOPHIA, separated by a park
The park that separates Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, hosts Hurrem Sultan Hamam. A traditional Hammam dates back to 16th century, ordered to built by the beloved wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, Hurrem Sultan
The Basilica Cistern, on the southwest side of Hagia Sophia
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lunch
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13.30 LUNCH:
Do not miss the meatballs of Sultanahmed when you are in this zone. They are famous in all over Turkiye. The best place to taste them is the historical one, since 1920 they sell at the very same place these metaballs (kofte) Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi. The location is 2 minutes from The Basilica Cisterna and just between the Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Park. Try the meatballs together with PIYAZ, a special bean salad. Drink Ayran like the locals, salty yoghurt drink. The prices are very convenient, remember this is a quick lunch. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9vwn76whoVs4JndG6 14.30 TURKISH COFFEE & DESSERT After lunch, try a delicious Turkish dessert or Turkish coffee, at the "Hafiz Mustafa Confectionery" in a fascinating building of historical Literature Association . Since the location is amazing even if you are not in the mood of dessert/coffe, enter and take a look inside. You just need to walk 2 minutes from the restaurant towards the Grand Bazaar. Here is the position: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZaUqWtaivHHqDH6SA |
A historical restaurant, since 1920, imitated by many.
Hafiz Mustafa Confectionary shops are all over Istanbul.
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AFTER LUNCH
15.30 GRAN BAZAARThis is the bazaar of the oriental fables, this is the biggest covered market place in the World. It is active since 1400s with its 4,000 shops, 500 stalls and 21 gates and it is easy to get lost. Somehow you will find a gate to go out and then try to get your orientation to reach your next stop. Never purchase anything before (instensely if you can) negotiate the price.
It is free and open between 8.30-19.00 everyday. There are coffee shops and restaurants inside, even the famous Nusr’et Steakhouse, if you will be able to find it. You can spend your entire afternoon here, so be careful if you are tight on time. |
Gran Bazaar, never purchase before negotiation.
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evening
18.00 GALATA BRIDGEPass the bridge by walk from Sultanahmet Zone to Pera Zone. If you walk the bridge upper side, you will see the people fishing with Golden Horn view. If you walk the lower part then you will pass in front of many restaurants calling you in for a drink, coffee, narghile or seafood.
18.30 GALATA TOWERGalata Tower built by Genovese Colony during the Byzantines used as as a fire station for centuries.
If you would like to climb up to see the wonderful view from the terrace, 650 TRY (8.30-23.00) There is also a restaurant but I do not recommend as it is quite touristy and pricey. You better check from below link if the terrace is open as often they do restorations: https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=GLT04&distId=MRK (Be also aware that the the prices in TRY can quickly change in Turkey) The best thing about the tower, except for the view is the ambiance of the neighborhood, full of cafes just behind the famous Istiklal Street. |
Galata Bridge towards the Galata Tower
GALATA BRIDGE connects Historical Center to the Modern
GALATA TOWER AND GALATA NEIGHBOURHOOD FULL OF CAFES
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19.00 istiklal streetThe famous Istiklal Street is one of the most vivid places in Istanbul 24 hours. You can walk freely or grab something delicious even at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning. There are shops, restaurants, bars, clubs on this street and the narrow streets behind.
The things not to miss in Istiklal Street are: 1- Funicular/Tunel from Karakoy to Beyoglu. This is one oldest urban railway operative in Europe, inaugurated in 1875, is the second-oldest in the world, after the London Underground. It is in a little square behind the beginnings of Istiklal Street towards the Galata Tower. 2- ASMALIMESCIT: This is a zone where upper scale Turkish youth (respect to Nevizade, another zone in this street) get together after 21 full of bars and restaurants. 3- CICEK PASAJI (Flower Passage) . Built on the fire ruins of a prestigious theatre during the 1800's, this historic passage/galleria hosted a traditional Greek Winehouse when first restaurated and now a passage of traditional Turkish Restaurants with alive music for dinners. It is called flower passage as after the Russion Revolution a noble Russian refugee woman opened a flower shop and during 1940s the passage was full of flower shops. A passage not to missed, you can enter from the main gate and exit from the side door directly to the fish market. 4- NEVIZADE: Follow the fish market street to the opposite direction of Istiklal Street and you will not miss the long narrow street of Nevizade on your right side. Bars and restaurants lined up one after the other spread their tables around the street making a perfect place to have a traditional Turkish dinner or to have fun after dinner till late hours. You will observe Turkish people singing loudly drinking "raki" (Turkish national distilled drink) and dance all in one street. 5- TAKSIM SQUARE: This is the main square where all the protests happen. In normal days, it is important to know one of the most famous local street food of Istanbul is found here, "islak hamburger" meaning wet hamburger. |
Iconic Istiklal Street Tram
Fish Market behind Istiklal Street and Flower Passage, irresistable street food - fried squid and kokorec
Bosphorus view from 360 Istanbul a famous club located in the upper floor of Building MISIRLI APARTMENT
Istiklal Street, in Ottoman Empire where the Europeans resided, called "PERA" zone
Istiklal Street by night, full of life 24/7
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dinner
food options in istiklal street, pera and taksim zone
Dinner options are many. But not everywhere is good to eat in Istiklal Street as it became so much touristic in the last years and the quality of the ingredients the restaurants use decreased due to the economic situation in the country.
Here you are some list of restaurants and kiosks that you can eat without hesitation:
LOW COST DINNER:
1- KIOSK KIZILKAYALAR - Taksim Square
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gwpHLr7inSGV2ag9
This is an institution in Istanbul, where you can taste the famous wet burgers moistened with homemade Turkish tomato sauce. This legendary wet hamburger has a story; The owner of this small kiosk, who was once a street vendor, was selling burgers prepared by his wife. That day his wife used too much sauce and the box containing the burgers became damp and all the burgers became soggy. They sold out of all their burgers that day, and some of their customers wanted a second one! So from that day on, he started selling his burgers only wet. Another name for this burger is "igrenc" which means "disgusting", this is definitely not a compliment but confirmation of its fame, no matter what you call it, everyone loves it. Since the burger sauce contains a little garlic, if you don't want to try it, you can try their gigantic doner kebap. Do not forget to try "Ayran" with it, a National alcoholic drink made only with yoghurt, water and salt. It may sound you weird but you may also fall in love.
2- MERCAN KOKOREC: - CICEK PASAJI
http://www.mercankokorec.com.tr/?utm_source=restaurantguru&utm_medium=referral
Mercan Kokoreç has many branches, but the one you can try today is located at the fish market just behind Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage). You must try "KOKOREC" even though knowing that it is made of lamb or goat intestines may give you some hesitation. It is a favorite street food of many locals. If you can't bring yourself to try Kokoreç, you can opt for Fried Mussels (MIDYE TAVA) and Fried Calamari (KALAMAR TAVA) with a special sauce called TARATOR, made with yogurt, garlic, lemon, and breadcrumbs. Don't forget to taste Stuffed Mussels (MIDYE DOLMA) topped with a few drops of lemon, just like the locals do. You can sit at one of the few shabby tables set up on the street and sample a bit of everything. The Turks around you will appreciate your willingness to try these best-kept secret street foods in Turkey.
3- KUMPIR: - ISTIKLAL CADDESI
https://maps.app.goo.gl/psdJyWDVP8NPQwjK7
Personally, I never fell in love with kumpir since my university years when we used to eat it just to fill our stomachs with cheap food. But without exception, whoever I have brought to try kumpir from Italy has gone crazy for it! So, if Italians like it, then go for it. It is simply baked potatoes smashed with butter and cheese. You can add any of the Turkish salad specialties from the display window. The best kumpir place on Istiklal Street is Patatos, right in the middle of Istiklal Street, close to Çiçek Pasajı.
MEDIUM RANGE DINNER IN A RESTAURANT:
1- Taksim Sütiş:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/psVGm2LR4gttjkez7
You will not be able to find a real kebab place on Istiklal Street or in the historical center, as they have become very touristy and the quality has dropped. However, Sutis, a pastry chain, oddly serves the best kebab options in Istiklal for years. If you are a beginner in kebab, start with Iskender Kebab. If you love spicy food and are ready to fully immerse yourself in Turkish culture, then try Adana Kebab or Urfa Kebab. The only difference between them is that Adana kebab is hot, while Urfa is not. Also, be sure to try some dessert along with traditional Turkish tea, which they will likely offer you at the end of your meal.
2- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GfuguF1LvdKZQyvn9If you have extra time and a desire for an authentic Turkish culinary experience, both in terms of food and atmosphere, then Zubeyir is one of the famous 'ocakbasi' restaurants preferred by locals. Similar to Japanese Yakitori restaurants, ocakbasi establishments offer an interactive dining experience where the grill master cooks your meal right in front of you and presents a variety of Turkish specialties without requiring you to choose among them.
3- Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jw7NKfBph5JXcR9c7
A historic Meyhane of Istanbul founded in the early years of Turkish Republic, still famous and mostly frequented by Turkish group of friends after work, seeking relaxation with good food and drink. There is a table symbolically reserved for Atatürk marked as "reserved forever". Since Atatürk generally preferred to eat roasted chickpeas (leblebi) with his rakı, as a tribute to him, these chickpeas are also served to the customers together with rakı.
HIGH END DINNER IN A RESTAURANT:
1- Eleos Beyoglu:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oyASdyc5KsP5FNbKA
It's actually a Greek restaurant, and I wouldn't suggest it if Greek and Turkish cuisines didn't share some of the same fish specialties. However, it's important to note that the dishes served here are Turkishized versions of Greek food, differing from the original. The atmosphere inside is amazing, with a terrace offering views of the Bosphorus – what more could you ask for? However, it can be difficult to find a table without a reservation. While the entrance might seem discouraging, hidden within a building full of shops, discovering Eleos is a pleasant surprise.
2- Yeni Lokanta:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2VQf1VaUPVasLwHZ8
A young and emerging chef cooks Turkish specialities in a creative way, suggested by Michelin Guide but still affordable as has not yet got a star. You can either try single specialties from the menu or choose tasting menu. It is in a narrow side street of Istiklal Street.
3- Nicole :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X3A3zJKPtddLML4W8
One of the few Michelin Star restaurants in Istanbul, Nicole is located on a sloping side street of Istiklal. Be prepared to pay around 120 EUR/USD per person, with an additional 80 EUR/USD for wine pairing (featuring only Turkish wines). The food is creative and contemporary Turkish, loyal to traditional tastes.The building used to be a dormitory for French nuns and has been restored while respecting its origins. The restaurant's name, Nicole, originates from one of the owners. The cherry on top is that there is a breathtaking view of the historical peninsula and the Bosphorus simultaneously.
4- Mikla:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hhde7G4iCLE8MBCN8
Another rare Michelin Star restaurant in Istanbul, located at the top floor of Marmara Pera at the Taksim Square guarantees a spectacular view on Bosphorus. The price range of a tasting menu starts from 150 EUR/USD 2 different wine paring options cost 90 EUR/USD and 130 EUR/USD. This restaurant has been in the list of 50 Best Restaurants of the World for 7 years in a row.
Here you are some list of restaurants and kiosks that you can eat without hesitation:
LOW COST DINNER:
1- KIOSK KIZILKAYALAR - Taksim Square
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gwpHLr7inSGV2ag9
This is an institution in Istanbul, where you can taste the famous wet burgers moistened with homemade Turkish tomato sauce. This legendary wet hamburger has a story; The owner of this small kiosk, who was once a street vendor, was selling burgers prepared by his wife. That day his wife used too much sauce and the box containing the burgers became damp and all the burgers became soggy. They sold out of all their burgers that day, and some of their customers wanted a second one! So from that day on, he started selling his burgers only wet. Another name for this burger is "igrenc" which means "disgusting", this is definitely not a compliment but confirmation of its fame, no matter what you call it, everyone loves it. Since the burger sauce contains a little garlic, if you don't want to try it, you can try their gigantic doner kebap. Do not forget to try "Ayran" with it, a National alcoholic drink made only with yoghurt, water and salt. It may sound you weird but you may also fall in love.
2- MERCAN KOKOREC: - CICEK PASAJI
http://www.mercankokorec.com.tr/?utm_source=restaurantguru&utm_medium=referral
Mercan Kokoreç has many branches, but the one you can try today is located at the fish market just behind Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage). You must try "KOKOREC" even though knowing that it is made of lamb or goat intestines may give you some hesitation. It is a favorite street food of many locals. If you can't bring yourself to try Kokoreç, you can opt for Fried Mussels (MIDYE TAVA) and Fried Calamari (KALAMAR TAVA) with a special sauce called TARATOR, made with yogurt, garlic, lemon, and breadcrumbs. Don't forget to taste Stuffed Mussels (MIDYE DOLMA) topped with a few drops of lemon, just like the locals do. You can sit at one of the few shabby tables set up on the street and sample a bit of everything. The Turks around you will appreciate your willingness to try these best-kept secret street foods in Turkey.
3- KUMPIR: - ISTIKLAL CADDESI
https://maps.app.goo.gl/psdJyWDVP8NPQwjK7
Personally, I never fell in love with kumpir since my university years when we used to eat it just to fill our stomachs with cheap food. But without exception, whoever I have brought to try kumpir from Italy has gone crazy for it! So, if Italians like it, then go for it. It is simply baked potatoes smashed with butter and cheese. You can add any of the Turkish salad specialties from the display window. The best kumpir place on Istiklal Street is Patatos, right in the middle of Istiklal Street, close to Çiçek Pasajı.
MEDIUM RANGE DINNER IN A RESTAURANT:
1- Taksim Sütiş:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/psVGm2LR4gttjkez7
You will not be able to find a real kebab place on Istiklal Street or in the historical center, as they have become very touristy and the quality has dropped. However, Sutis, a pastry chain, oddly serves the best kebab options in Istiklal for years. If you are a beginner in kebab, start with Iskender Kebab. If you love spicy food and are ready to fully immerse yourself in Turkish culture, then try Adana Kebab or Urfa Kebab. The only difference between them is that Adana kebab is hot, while Urfa is not. Also, be sure to try some dessert along with traditional Turkish tea, which they will likely offer you at the end of your meal.
2- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GfuguF1LvdKZQyvn9If you have extra time and a desire for an authentic Turkish culinary experience, both in terms of food and atmosphere, then Zubeyir is one of the famous 'ocakbasi' restaurants preferred by locals. Similar to Japanese Yakitori restaurants, ocakbasi establishments offer an interactive dining experience where the grill master cooks your meal right in front of you and presents a variety of Turkish specialties without requiring you to choose among them.
3- Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jw7NKfBph5JXcR9c7
A historic Meyhane of Istanbul founded in the early years of Turkish Republic, still famous and mostly frequented by Turkish group of friends after work, seeking relaxation with good food and drink. There is a table symbolically reserved for Atatürk marked as "reserved forever". Since Atatürk generally preferred to eat roasted chickpeas (leblebi) with his rakı, as a tribute to him, these chickpeas are also served to the customers together with rakı.
HIGH END DINNER IN A RESTAURANT:
1- Eleos Beyoglu:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oyASdyc5KsP5FNbKA
It's actually a Greek restaurant, and I wouldn't suggest it if Greek and Turkish cuisines didn't share some of the same fish specialties. However, it's important to note that the dishes served here are Turkishized versions of Greek food, differing from the original. The atmosphere inside is amazing, with a terrace offering views of the Bosphorus – what more could you ask for? However, it can be difficult to find a table without a reservation. While the entrance might seem discouraging, hidden within a building full of shops, discovering Eleos is a pleasant surprise.
2- Yeni Lokanta:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2VQf1VaUPVasLwHZ8
A young and emerging chef cooks Turkish specialities in a creative way, suggested by Michelin Guide but still affordable as has not yet got a star. You can either try single specialties from the menu or choose tasting menu. It is in a narrow side street of Istiklal Street.
3- Nicole :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X3A3zJKPtddLML4W8
One of the few Michelin Star restaurants in Istanbul, Nicole is located on a sloping side street of Istiklal. Be prepared to pay around 120 EUR/USD per person, with an additional 80 EUR/USD for wine pairing (featuring only Turkish wines). The food is creative and contemporary Turkish, loyal to traditional tastes.The building used to be a dormitory for French nuns and has been restored while respecting its origins. The restaurant's name, Nicole, originates from one of the owners. The cherry on top is that there is a breathtaking view of the historical peninsula and the Bosphorus simultaneously.
4- Mikla:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hhde7G4iCLE8MBCN8
Another rare Michelin Star restaurant in Istanbul, located at the top floor of Marmara Pera at the Taksim Square guarantees a spectacular view on Bosphorus. The price range of a tasting menu starts from 150 EUR/USD 2 different wine paring options cost 90 EUR/USD and 130 EUR/USD. This restaurant has been in the list of 50 Best Restaurants of the World for 7 years in a row.
BYE BYE ISTANBUL...