mattBehold, from a hot air balloon basket, how Turkey screams intricacy in its cuisine, scenery, and culture
West meets East
İstanbul, Şişli, Bahçelievler
I remember on my first trip to Istanbul arriving from the airport as night fell to the sound of the call to prayer and a taxi rushing down cobbled streets. Istanbul is one of my favorite cities, it is a truly unique city spanning both Europe and Asia full of ancient history as well as modern attractions. And now I have a quick stopover there on my way back to Europe so what to do?
Updated 4 years ago
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One of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques both inside and out
- +90 212 458 44 68
Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani, Istanbul, Turkey
- http://www.sultanahmetcamii.org
Stayed in this hotel about 30 minutes drive from the airport. It’s not in the old town area but they have a shuttle bus to nearby points of interest and the metro. Try to get a room with a view of the Bosphorous. Great service from the staff, for example they asked me at breakfast what fruit my daughter liked and brought her blueberries. The next day they brought more blueberries for her unprompted.
- +90 212 384 00 00
39 Cengiz Topel Caddesi, Etiler, Istanbul, Turkey
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/istmd-le-meridien-istanbul-etiler/
The place to go for all your Istanbul souvenirs like spices backgammon board and rugs. Sure you know you’re probably being overcharged a little as a tourist but bargaining is part of the fun.
- +90 212 519 12 48
Kapascasi Esnaflari Dernegi Kalpakcilar Cad. Sorguclu Han, No. 22, Istanbul, Turkey
- https://www.kapalicarsi.com.tr/
Go underground into this ancient and impressive underground drainage system!
- +90 212 512 15 70
Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No: 1/3, Istanbul, Turkey
- http://www.yerebatansarnici.com
The best thing about this place is definitely the view! You are literally on top of the water with the Bosphorus lapping at the window. At night it’s a trendy bar, but it’s pretty quiet during the day so you can have a late breakfast or light lunch. Cocktails were on the sweet side.
- +90 212 263 63 15
Cevdet Pasa Cad, No. 60, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
- http://www.chilai.com.tr/index_eng.html
A museum of modern art showcasing Turkish artists. Currently houses a small collection over 5 floors but good quality art with English and Turkish captions. They currently have an exhibition of photos by Yilidi Moran, a pioneering Turkish female photographer.
- +90 212 334 73 00
Asmalımescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No:99, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Food is ok but they have mulled wine which is perfect for cold istanbul winters!
- +90 212 249 77 00
BEREKETZADE MAHALLESİ VOYVODA SOKAK BANKALAR CADDESİ,No: 2/1, Bereketzade Mahallesi, 34420 Karaköy/Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
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Bebek is a trendy neighborhood overlooking the bosphorous. Has many cafes and small shops along the waterfront promenade.
Bebek Mh., 34342 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
There are a few different airport lounges you can access at ataturk airport if you have a Priority Pass membership, this one is probably the largest and least crowded. Located directly below the food court there is a decent drink selection, a kids play area and showers and toilets inside. The food is unexciting though.
- +90 4442575
Yeşilköy Mahallesi, Atatürk Havaalanı, 34149 Bakırköy, Yeşilköy/Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
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