2023/10/09

13:28

on the train from Bordeaux to Paris

Three high level itineraries

Sultanahmet + Beyoglu

Get lodging near Taksim Square in Beyoglu and drop off bags

Activities in Sultanahmet until ~6pm

Do dinner and nightlife in Beyoglu

Walk or taxi back to lodging

Sultanahmet + Kadikoy + Beyoglu

Get lodging near Taksim Square in Beyoglu and drop off bags

Go directly to Sultanahmet and do activities there until ~6pm

Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadikoy

Do dinner in Kadikoy

Take the metro (Marmaray) to Beyoglu

Do nightlife in Beyoglu

Walk or taxi back to lodging

Sultanahmet + boat tour + Beyoglu

Get lodging near Taksim Square in Beyoglu and drop off bags

Go directly to Sultanahmet and do activities there until ~6pm

Do a Bosphorus boat tour

Do dinner and nightlife in Beyoglu

Walk or taxi back to lodging

Some more interesting offshoots

Prep

Download the BiTaksi: uber for taxis, might have more supply and might be cheaper

Vocab

Pronunciation help

ş = “sh”

ç = “ch”

ğ = (silent)

Merhaba = hello

Güle Güle = bye

Teşekkürler = thank you

Evet = yes

Hayir = no

Lütfen = please

Bir = one

Iki = two

Google lists

Areas

Sultanahmet

The old city. This is where the most famous historical sites are.

Recommended Walk

Start at the waterfront at Eminönü

Should see docked boats serving fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) and purple pickle juice

Walk up the hill towards the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). Can take the tram to save energy.

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Eat at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Traditional style meatballs (köfte)

Eat in and pick single or double portion, or do takeout sandwich if there is a line.

Other options

Blue Mosque

Can be quick

Basilica Cistern

Surprisingly cool, doesn’t need to take too long

Grand Bazaar

Noteworthy, but a bit repetitive to spend a long time

Beyoğlu

Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi)

Pedestrian Street with tram, lots of shops and cafes

Kadıköy

Şişli

Beşiktaş

Üsküdar