101 THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL

1

Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage on Princes' Islands

2

Enjoy the spectacular view of Istanbul Moderns' Café

3

Stroll the streets of Çukurcuma and Galata

4

Enjoy the wonderful scene at Aşşk Café

5

Try pistachio and almond marzipans at Meshur Bebek Badem Ezmesi

6

Eat a truly tasteful Turkish Kebap at Samatya Develi

7

Smoke a Turkish Water Pipe

Also known as Hooka, these stylish traditional smoking pipes are worth a try after a hard day of sightseeing. There are quite a few pipe emporiums found near the Grand Bazaar.

8

Go People-watching in Taksim Square

The Square is at the top of Istanbul’s main public shopping mall, and provides a good chance to sit in a café or restaurant and people-watch. Enjoy a Turkish tea and let the faces, clothing and culture inspire.

9

Book a fancy dinner at Suada in the middle of Bosphorus

10

Visit a Turkish Bath House

The way to relax in Istanbul is to visit a bath house, facilities of which include saunas, pools and massages. Most baths have separate areas for men and women and a few set rules; the most centrally accessible is Cemberlitas Bath, near the Grand Bazaar. Suleymaniye Bath is the only bath in Istanbul that allows mixed bathing. The way to relax in Istanbul is to visit a bath house, facilities of which include saunas, pools and massages. Most baths have separate areas for men and women and a few set rules; the most centrally accessible is Cemberlitas Bath, near the Grand Bazaar. Suleymaniye Bath is the only bath in Istanbul that allows mixed bathing.

11

Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Istanbul: Cihangir

12

See the Blue Mosque

Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it was once on of the most important Mosques in Istanbul. Called the ‘Blue’ mosque for its impressive blue tiling on the interior walls. Conveniently located near another ‘must see’ attraction, the Hagia Sophia.

13

Have a delicious Turkish breakfast in Namlı Karaköy

14

Drink Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is coffee prepared by boiling finely powdered roast coffee beans in a pot, possibly with sugar, and serving it into a cup, where the dregs settle. The necessary equipment to prepare Turkish coffee consists of a narrow-topped small boiling pot called cezve, džezva, xhezve or μπρίκι (bríki) (basically a tiny ewer), a teaspoon and a heating apparatus.

15

Taste the best "baklava" in the city: Karakoy Gulluoglu

16

Enjoy your Turkish coffee at Pierre Loti Café

17

Drink "Rakı" in Asmalimescit

18

Cool Down with a Bosphorus River Cruise

A river cruise is the perfect way to see a city so immense, to gauge the size and to cool down in the heat. There are tour cruises available, or ferries that go to cities edge.

19

Try Turkish fast-food from Taksim Square kiosks

20

Reserve a diner at the Bosphorus' restaurant/night clubs

21

Wine and dine in the terrace of the Medusa Restaurant

22

Go Shopping on Turkish Champs-Elysess: Bagdat Avenue

23

Have an evening cocktail at Nu Teras

24

Attend an open- air theatre concert

25

Enjoy bosphorus sea food in the old city Sultanahmet

26

Eat bosphorus fish sandwich: balık-ekmek

Istanbul Bosphrous is not only known for bringing two continents together but also famous for its delicious sea food. A simple sandwich made with “Palamut” -the most frequent fish of the bosphorus- with onions , tomatoes and fresh baguette is worth to taste. Balik-ekmek is mostly sold in old fashioned fishing boats along the bosphorus. Galata Bridge, Eminonu Harbour, between Bebek and Ortakoy are the places to find that kind of boats.

27

Hop on to a bosphorus cruise boat from Ortakoy

28

Rent a bicycle and tour Princes' Islands

29

Book a romantic dinner at Maiden's Tower

30

Buy a handcraft gift from the sreet vendors in Ortakoy

31

Try the traditional "Coup Grillet" of Baylan Pattiserie

32

An afternoon tea at Beymen Brasserie in Nisantasi

33

Enjoy the best sunset in Uskudar

34

Breakfast at Kale Restaurant in Rumelihisari

35

Have a lunch at Masa Restaurant in Istinye Park Shopping Mall

36

Escape for a romantic getaway in Agva

37

Enjoy the tasty examples of Anatolian Cuisine

38

Pamper yourself with a homemade dessert at Mangerie Bebek

39

Challange yourself and walk along the bosphorus shore

40

See the beaches of the Black Sea

41

Have a glass of Turkish tea and relax in Dolmabahce

42

Watch a good movie with some popcorn.

43

Read your book on a bench in Bebek Park.

44

Buy a present for your friends from the passages of Beyoglu.

45

Go swimming in the middle bosphorus

46

Dance on roof top bars overlooking Istanbul city lights

47

Get full with Turkish "manti"

Try delicious little dumplings boiled in water, served with yoghurt and garlic, and spices on top. Our recommendations are Casita Manti in Etiler, Otantik in Istiklal Street Beyoglu and Cesta Manti in Bagdat Caddesi.

48

Listen to jazz music

Choose a club which suits you best and listen jazz in Istanbul. Our suggestions are Nardis Jazz Club in Galata, Ciragan Q Jazz Club, Istanbul Jazz Center in Ortakoy.

49

Discover Fener and Balat

Surrounded by Byzantine city walls from the 5th century AD to the west, the Golden Horn to the north, Fener and Balat districts are located on the historic peninsula of Istanbul. Landmarks are Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, St. Stephan Bulgarian Church and the Red School.

50

Run the Eurasia Marathon

Istanbul is the only city built on two continents. Have a unique experience and cross two continents along Bosphorus Bridge. 32nd Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon will take place on Sunday, 17 October 2010.

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