There are basically three main central areas to Istanbul. Probably no need to go out of your way to see the mosques as you will come across one every 20 metres or so. Remember to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off and dress modestly for going into anywhere religious.
Some research beforehand on the history of Istanbul would be very useful as it will help you understand the various purposes that a lot of the sites you will visit have had over the millennia, especially the move from Christianity to Islam.
1. Beyoglu
The more modern and shopping area of Istanbul. There are lots of places to eat all around here as well as bars and places to go out.
Things to see
• Galata Tower
• Istiklal Caddesi (The main shopping street)
• Dolmabahce Palace (I thought this was one of the best sites we visited.)
• Istanbul Modern (Contemporary Art Museum)
2. Sultanahmet
This is the Old city and is on the South Side of the Golden Horn. It is the centre of the historical area. There are lots of decent hotels and tourist eating places especially in the streets behind the Blue Mosque.
Things to see
• Haggia Sofia
• Blue Mosque
• Hippodrome
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Topkapi Palace (Several of the interesting exhibits are closed, but the religious artifacts and the Treasury are worth seeing, as is the Harem which requires a separate ticket.)
• Archaeological Museum
• Basilica Cistern
• Old Bazaar
3. Bazaar Quarter
As it says on the box, this is the area with all of the markets and local style shops
Things to See
• Grand Bazaar (Great to see as it is the biggest in the world but to actually buy things I suggest the Old Bazaar.)
• Suleymaniye Mosque (The interior is currently closed but it is nice to walk around it)
• Constantines Column
• Spice Bazaar
• Catch a ferry from Eminonu to Uskudur or Kadikoy on the Asian Side. Its on 1.50 TYL each way and takes 20 minutes.
General Tips
Use the trams around town or the metro. Buy tokens (jeton) at vending machine near the station for 1.50 TYL. You can catch a tram from outside the Grand Bazaar down to Sultanahmet then down the hill to Eminonu. Across the Galata Bridge and along the water to Kabatas. The Dolmabahce Palace is here and back at Kabatas you catch the furnicular back up the hill to Beyoglu. Walk down the hill again to the Galata Tower.
Try some of the snack food that is for sale from vendors and small shops. The various things can be very tasty and cheap. We had a hamburger that was on a steamed bun from the top of Istiklal Cd, lots of kebabs around the place and a tasty Chilli Chicken Sandwich in Galata.
Buy either of the DK guides- Top 10 Istanbul or Istanbul. They were both invaluable to us.
Some research beforehand on the history of Istanbul would be very useful as it will help you understand the various purposes that a lot of the sites you will visit have had over the millennia, especially the move from Christianity to Islam.
1. Beyoglu
The more modern and shopping area of Istanbul. There are lots of places to eat all around here as well as bars and places to go out.
Things to see
• Galata Tower
• Istiklal Caddesi (The main shopping street)
• Dolmabahce Palace (I thought this was one of the best sites we visited.)
• Istanbul Modern (Contemporary Art Museum)
2. Sultanahmet
This is the Old city and is on the South Side of the Golden Horn. It is the centre of the historical area. There are lots of decent hotels and tourist eating places especially in the streets behind the Blue Mosque.
Things to see
• Haggia Sofia
• Blue Mosque
• Hippodrome
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Topkapi Palace (Several of the interesting exhibits are closed, but the religious artifacts and the Treasury are worth seeing, as is the Harem which requires a separate ticket.)
• Archaeological Museum
• Basilica Cistern
• Old Bazaar
3. Bazaar Quarter
As it says on the box, this is the area with all of the markets and local style shops
Things to See
• Grand Bazaar (Great to see as it is the biggest in the world but to actually buy things I suggest the Old Bazaar.)
• Suleymaniye Mosque (The interior is currently closed but it is nice to walk around it)
• Constantines Column
• Spice Bazaar
• Catch a ferry from Eminonu to Uskudur or Kadikoy on the Asian Side. Its on 1.50 TYL each way and takes 20 minutes.
General Tips
Use the trams around town or the metro. Buy tokens (jeton) at vending machine near the station for 1.50 TYL. You can catch a tram from outside the Grand Bazaar down to Sultanahmet then down the hill to Eminonu. Across the Galata Bridge and along the water to Kabatas. The Dolmabahce Palace is here and back at Kabatas you catch the furnicular back up the hill to Beyoglu. Walk down the hill again to the Galata Tower.
Try some of the snack food that is for sale from vendors and small shops. The various things can be very tasty and cheap. We had a hamburger that was on a steamed bun from the top of Istiklal Cd, lots of kebabs around the place and a tasty Chilli Chicken Sandwich in Galata.
Buy either of the DK guides- Top 10 Istanbul or Istanbul. They were both invaluable to us.
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