Istanbul&Fener-Balat District

Historic and modern, European and Asian — that´s Istanbul. The city at the junction of two continents is home to ancient structures like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the Old City, as well as modern businesses, hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the New City. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars and the smell of incense and spices are common in Istanbul. Across the Bosporus Strait, the Asian side of Istanbul offers a glimpse into everyday, residential life.

Istanbul is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. While the majority of the population are Muslims, it´s a mix of cultures and backgrounds fused together in one city. It has a mix of Jewish, Greek and Armenian populations. It is a city where one can truly experience Middle Eastern and Western cultures all at once. From fashionable boutiqes of Nisantasi to the merchants of the Covered Bazaar, this busy city is a home to many people from very diverse backgrounds, with the commonality of its rich history. Turkey´s geography makes it a wonderful blend of people and places. Magnificent scenery along the Bosphorus has drawn people from the ancient world to the contemporary. Istanbul, comprising both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus is a stunning amalgam of sights and sounds. Thousands of years of history is combined with a vibrant, modern and exciting city unlike any other in the world. It takes a lifetime to fully experience Istanbul as there are so many corners, nooks and crannies that demand to be experienced.
.....Istanbul / Historical Peninsula.....

Byzantian Relics
ST. SOPHIA
Built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time.

SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE
Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet aga, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles

HIPPODROME
Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine

TURKISH & ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
GRAND COVER BAZAAR
In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths´ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
.....Ottoman Relics.....
TOPKAPI PALACE
The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.

SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
The mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard
.....Byzantian and Ottoman Relics.....
SPICE BAZAAR
(Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice.

BEDESTEN
exhibits the traditional silk weaving courses and carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education. Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts centre and leatherware show.

BOSPHORUS ON BOAT
A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia.The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yıldız Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Çırağan Palace. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.

DOLMABAHCE PALACE
The word "Dolmabahce" in English means "The filled garden" because the Dolmabahce Palace is founded upon a reclaimed area by filling up the sea. It´s a beautiful 19th Century palace right by the Bosphorus, on the waterfront. It´s in baroque and rococo style and very French. Many people think that it is a small model of the palace of Versailles in Paris, France. It can be visited with a tour guide of the palace as a group. Open everyday from 9:30-17:00 except Mon and Thu.

BOSPHORUS BRIDGE
Unique chance to step from one continent (ASIA) to another (EUROPE)

CAMLICA HILL
The highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style.

BEYLERBEYI PALACE
The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN.

...EATING and CHILLING OUT...
Hayri Kebab House : The tastiest yet cheapest Kebab restaurant in Beyoglu!
Kızılkayalar : Small doner shop at the Taksim end of Istiklal Street. Best Turkish “hamburger!” Cheap and quick.
Bereket : Turkish meals and doner. Cheap and quick
Hacı Abdullah : Turkish meals with a high standard. Mostly for lunches, no alcohol.
Saray Muhallebicisi : Turkish fast food. Pastry.
Inci Pastanesi : Profiterole, lemonade.
Nevizade : Street where meyhanes line up, leading to the Balik Pazari
Refik : Meyhane in Tunel area
Yakup 2 : Refik’s assistant opened another shop, just as good. In Tunel area.
5. Kat : Restaurant and bar in Cihangir with superb view
Tea gardens around Firuzaga mosque
Limonlu Bahçe : Unexpected garden in the middle of Beyoglu, on Yeni Carsi Street.
Lale Iskembecisi : On Tarlabasi Boulevard, towards the end of Taksim.
Udonya Japanese Restaurant : On Tarlabasi Boulevard, towards Taksim end.
Tegik : Chinese, Korean restaurant on Recep Pasa Street. Owner Madame Choi is nice.
Venta del Toro : Spanish restaurant across Galata Tower, beautiful decoration.
Galata Tower Tea House
Galata Tower Restaurant : Restaurant with Turkish show. Superb view (same as that of the tower).
Nupera : Hip restaurant on Tepebasi Avenue, comfort food.
Sofra London Restaurant : Top of Cartoon Hotel. Delicious Turkish food.
Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi : In Balik Pazari, renowned old meyhane.
360° : Check it out