A google maps list of some recommended places
https://goo.gl/maps/eBEJQLtJnRqrnUE68
recommendations for visiting Istanbul from 2/9/2015
This is a note I made for a friend doing a long layover in Istanbul
20 hours in Istanbul area/recommendations
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
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
Sultanahmet + boat tour + Beyoglu
Do a Bosphorus boat tour
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
My cousin’s Istanbul Google list
To-The-City Istanbul Google list: my dad’s more visitor-oriented list
Planning Ideas
NYT 36 Hours on the asian side
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
http://www.sultanahmetkoftesi.com
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
this is a note I made a few days ago for a couple friends visiting Istanbul on a long layover
Thinking more about Istanbul area/recommendations for a friend
2 days Sultanahmet / Karakoy
Sultanahmet historic stuff during the day
Galata tower / Istiklal street / taksim evenings
Asmali Mescit / Cihangir nightlife
1 day boat tour on the bosphorus
1 day Besiktas
Dolmabahce palace
Ortakoy in the evening
1-2 day Kadikoy
Take the ferry across to enjoy the boat ride view of the hagia sophia, blue mosque, etc
[ NYT 36 Hours on the asian side](graph/2023-10-09/663fc104-990d-4a91-b5d8-ac75da4a0388/663fc104-7d88-48eb-a784-3cc9c6b022de/663fc104-9a9a-4ad7-b101-21690b111f8f/65db8e53-51a1-4eac-9e72-0de5ca5da5e0)
Uskudar Coastline / Maiden’s Tower viewing at night
1 day misc options
Bebek neighborhood
Sisli neighborhood (Bomonti square and area)
Buyukada Island (day trip to see a quieter, older neighborhood)
