This is a huge topic to cover in one blog, so I will write two differrent pieces one from a local perspective other one from a tourist perspective. Not sure where to start from:)
If you plan to visit Istanbul, be prepared to walk a lot, see lots of history, visit tons of museums, shop and dine! If you have time, I definitely recommend you to spend 7 to 10 days, if you can. Than you can really feel and taste this amazing city.
There are many things we as locals love to do, so here is a list for top ten activities from a local eye:)
1- Walk, shop and dine at Bagdat Street. Bagdat Street is the most popular street not only in Istanbul but in whole country. The street itself runs somewhere around 14km from east to west. The unique thing about Bagdat Street it is one-way traffic, avenue like section (5th Avenue version:)). It is also a home to upscale residential area, especially last few years, whole street going theough a manor restoratioan and re-construction. The one way avenue is home to old pane-trees throughout the street, flanked with shopping malls, luxury stores, department stores, restaurants are one and after another offering international to local cuisine. Weekends are pretty crowded. You can reach Bagdat Street via bus or taxis. There is also a sea bus offering service at Kadikoy and Bostanci. If you have children, make sure to take them to 'Goztepe Park', believe me they will love it! It is one of the biggest playground in Europe, and it is public! There is also a water fountaion in the centre, children run around with their swimwear to refresh during the summer season, there is also a music at the background, this is a MUST!
2- Cross continents with a Ferry Ride from Asia to Europe: This is a classic, and must do! Just hoop on to a ferry that runs every 30 minutes, from Kadikoy (Asian/Anatolian side) and get Besiktas (Europen Side),with a little fee you get to view amazing Bosporus and two bridges. You also will get a glimpse of Yali's (luxury seaside houses from Ottoman Empire, now they are home of wealthy Turks and foreigners). If you are into tea, you have to have Turkish tea in little thin waist tea glasses while you ride on ferry. Believe me, you gotta love this wonderful and unique experience, and will take tons of pictures:)
3- Breakfast in Bebek: Bebek is one of many popular destination among locals, especially during weekends. All cafes and restaurants are packed with diners throughout the day, who likes to indulge Turkish breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sunday brunch's are the best. My favourite places are Kitchenette, Mangerie (this is a hidden gem only locals know about this place, popular among expats as well, on top of an old building, it has an amazing view, offers organic breakfast), Lucca Bar (very popular among Turkish artists and celebrities), Happily Ever After (another chic bakery/coffee/healthy stop. It is located right across the street from Lucca) and Kırıntı (great location, very popular and great food).
4- Caddebostan Beach: This is a public beach, can easily be accessed via walking from Bagdat Street or you can take a taxi or bus. It is pretty crowded during the weekend, young hipsters love to hang around at Caddeboastan Beach. Sea side is closed to traffic, so you can enjoy walking with your kids, they can bike or ride their scooters safely. Thee are also quite a few playgrounds for children. There is a well maintained bike and jogging path. Rental bikes available for a very nominal fee, you can easily locate them along the road. With a glimpse you can see the precious Princess Islands. There are many basketball courts, little coffees and tea gardens along the seaside.
If you want to dine in a nice restaurant, gotta go 'Zanzi Bar', best food and service. It is located in Caddebostan, just ask around they will show you where it is:)
5- Princes Islands: There are total of nine islands in Marmara Sea, but four of them can easily be accessed via Istanbul. You wonder where the name comes from right? During the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, prices and other royalty who were seen as challengers were exiled in the islands, so they are given the name 'Prices Islands'. These days, islands are very popular among locals as well as tourists. Islands are home for wealthy Turks, who owns summer house in there. All islands offer unique experience with local cuisine, monasteries, coffees, beaches and historical sites.
Biggest island is named 'Buyuk Ada (large island), it is also the furthest one from the city. Unique thing about these islands, all the motorised vehicles/transportation's are prohibited except for emergency. Famous and well respected Ayia Yorgi Church and monastery also located in Big Island. There are many restaurants, public and private beaches located in the island, they are pretty crowded during the weekends.
Hebeliada is the second largest island, is also home to Greek Orthodox monastery from 11th century
and Turkish Naval Academy. Last remaining Byzantine church, Kamariotissa, is also located in Heybeliada.
Burgaz Ada is the third largest island, is much smaller and less popular among locals, but probably it is quieter to enjoy. Among few restaurants and beaches, there is also a monastery.
All islands can be accessed via publicly or privately run sea transportation.
No comments:
Post a Comment