Having lived in Istanbul for years, I created this guide around 2018 specifically for my friends who were planning to visit the city. Originally sent as a Word document through email, I've now decided to share it here for easier access and sharing. Enjoy reading it and exploring the vibrant city of Istanbul. Cheers!
European Side
Region: Sultanahmet – Eminönü (1-1,5 day) (The top touristic region)
Places to see & To Do:
· Topkapı Palace
· Basilica Cistern
· Hagia Sophia
· Grand Bazaar
· Sultanahmet Mosque
· Spice Bazaar
· Bosphorus Tour & Anadolu Kavağı @ Asian Side ( Grand Tour)
What to Eat:
· Nothing that special, but Sultan Ahmet Meatball is very famous, not my favorite
Region: Taksim – Beyoğlu - Galata (1 day) – Touristic
Places to see & To Do:
· Most crowded area
· Walk on the Istiklal Street ( Main Street), visit narrow & backstreet (be careful)
· Nightlife is very famous here
· Visit Passages
· Visit Galata Tower
· Eat
What to Eat:
· Taksim is a little world. You can find everything. Any kind of restaurants. (Italian, Vegetarian, Turkish etc.) Some of my favorites are Leb-i Derya, Midpoint, The House Cafe and 360 (Touristic)
· Meyhane: This is the name of Turkish traditional restaurant mainly with Turkish traditional music. The rule is drinking Rakı & eating Meze (Turkish Tapas). Here are the good ones:
o Any Meyhane in Nevizade (Street)
o Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi near Nevizade
o Any Meyhane in Asmalı Mescit
o Galata Meyhanesi
o Any meyhane in Çiçek Pasajı, but touristic
· Wet Hamburger (That’s very famous among locals, mainly eaten after drinks although it's not a healthy nutrition approach ;) )
P.S-June 2021: Due to the political reasons, authorities ruined the soul of Taksim. You can still go but not the same taste and soul.
Region: Beşiktaş , Ortaköy & sea side between the bridges (1 day) – A little touristic (only Ortaköy)
Places to see & To Do:
· Dolmabahçe Palace (Beşiktaş)
· Walk on the seaside from Ortaköy to the 2nd bridge
· Visit every interesting places ( Ortaköy outdoor selling jewellery's etc.)
· Ortaköy-Kuruçeşme-Arnavutköy-Bebek-Rumelihisarı
· Little Bosphorus Tour from Ortaköy
· Visit Starbucks @Bebek (best Starbucks in the world regarding the view)
· Nightlife is very famous in Ortaköy (Reina, Sortie, Angelic) and in Bebek (Luca)
· Breakfast in Rumeli Hisarı is trend among Locals, as of 8 a.m on Sundays
· Galatasaray Island in Kuruçeşme: Very little Island in the middle of the Bosphorus. Night Club, restaurant and Swimming Pool included on it.
· Swimming Pool in Çırağan Sarayı
What to Eat:
· Fish Restaurants along the seaside (Bosphorus) are very famous and must to go: Bebek Balıkçısı & Park Fora are my favourite ones…
· Happily Ever After @ Bebek and Aşk Café in Kuruçeşme
Region: Karaköy – Not touristic
· Great place to hang out and eat in many local and tasty restaurants. I write down the ones that I remember but there are a lot more:
o Mükellef (Meyhane – Modern)
o Karaköy Lokantası (Meyhane)
o Güllüoğlu (For Turkish delights and desserts)
o Demeti (Meyhane - It’s in Cihangir, but very close to Karaköy)
Asian Side
Region: Bağdat Street – Not touristic
Places to see & To Do:
· Main & longest street
· Great for shopping & night life (Premium Region)
· Close to seaside, let’s walk there and hang out on the grass with many nice people especially in Caddebostan close to Bars Street
· Bars Street
What to Eat:
· Lots of fancy and tasty restaurants
Region: Adalar (Prince Islands) – Touristic
Places to see & To Do:
· Büyük Ada ( very calm place & great, No car, no loud)
· Hagia Yorgi Church@ Büyük ada (tough to walk but great view)
· Starbucks Büyük ada ( one of the best Starbucks)
What to Eat:
· Any Fish Restaurant on the sea side
To See: Maiden’s Tower in Üsküdar - Not touristic
· Very Little
· Just a tower in the middle of the sea ;)
· Don’t have to go there just take ferry & see it ;)
Region: Kadıköy - Not touristic
Places to see & To Do:
· Everything for locals and students, very crowded area easy to go there by Ferry (Take Beşiktaş-Kadıköy ferry, go to the roof and enjoy the view) Good for shopping and eat good local food.
What to Eat:
· Çiya Restaurant: The best Turkish traditional Food & Kebap
· A lot of local and international food places and bars