Viator Viator Travel Blog

What is surprising about Istanbul is not the exotic atmosphere, it’s the cosmopolitan sensation of a city on par with New York or Paris. Sure, the call to prayer echoing from neighborhood mosques is nothing to scoff at — particularly when accompanied by an evening sunset. And sure, many aspects of Turkish culture and history abound.

Yet from the first steps onto the concourse of Atatürk International Airport to a stroll in the well-heeled Taksim neighborhood, Istanbul feels thoroughly sophisticated. Travelers the world over come to Istanbul, and in the most popular areas your as likely to hear English, Russian, German or Spanish as you are Turkish. Modern trams, subways, ferries and taxis move you about town. While Turkey in general remains a good bargain for Western visitors, Istanbul’s reputation as a cheap destination fades in proportion to its upscale development.

The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district

Things to Do in Istanbul: Sightseeing in Sultanhamet

Istanbul’s Sultanhamet (old city) district is a favorite target of backpackers. Hostels, cafes, nargile (water pipes for smoking flavored tobacco) bars and carpet shops line the quaint streets. The Four Seasons Hotel overlooks the neighborhood from a massive building, formerly a Turkish prison (really). Many of the city’s well-known tourist attractions are within walking distance. I stayed at the Orient Youth Hostel, more than adequate though nothing too special. The rooftop view from the bar/café is notable. The Chillout Hostel, Sultan Hostel and Metropolis Hostel were also recommended to me second-hand.

A short walk from Sultanhamet, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is more commonly known as the Blue Mosque, stemming from the avalanche of blue tiles lining the interior. It closes to tourists at various prayer times throughout the day, but its impressive interior is more than worth a wait. Entrance is free of charge, and visitors must remove their shoes before entering the sacred place.

Just across the way from the Blue Mosque, adjoined by a small park, is Hagia Sophia, another of Istanbul’s biggest attractions. Once a church, then a mosque and now a museum, the building is noted as one of the most substantial examples of Byzantine architecture and dates from the mid-6th century under the reign of Emperor Justinian. The various mosaics adorning the interior of the building are second to none.

Down the street is Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years, also now a museum. The Harem section of the palace is only accessible by guided tour, and the grounds include four main courtyards and a series of seriously mystifying and tangled trees. Quite debatable is the authenticity of some of the museum’s collection – the original staff used by Moses to part the Red Sea comes to mind – but interesting nonetheless. If forced to choose between the visiting the museum of Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, I, for one,prefer the palace.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

Quite centrally located is the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, perhaps the must-see of must-sees on any visit to Istanbul.Take pleasure loosing yourself in the twists and turns of the covered marketplace, which after a few minutes of immersion begins to feel like a world of its own. Spices, carpets, clothing, jewelry and pretty much anything one might want is available in a delightfully disorderly environment in more than4,000 shops.

Gold traders make deals amongst all the commotion in a manner resembling a Wall Street trading floor. The Bazaar is closed on Mondays, but throughout the rest of the week it is a flurry of activity. Aphrodisiac teas and candies endorsed by various Ottoman Sultans are rumored to have powerful effect, though I cannot personally endorse any such items. (And yes, you can always book a day tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar over on the main Viator website.)

Things to Do in Istanbul: Taksim

The Taksim district is quite literally the epicenter of modern Istanbul, with shopping, hotels and restaurants. İstiklal Caddesi is a pedestrian only street dead-ending at Taksim Square and running to the Beyoğlu neighborhood on the other end. Small alleys branching off this street are home to popular bars and nightclubs, the twist and turns of these offshoots can be confusing, but are worth exploring for activity after-dark. On New Year’s Eve Taksim Square is the place to be with an impressive fireworks display. Major bus lines and Istanbul’s limited subway system also converge in this area, making it accessible to much of the rest of the city.

Upscale shopping is the rule in this part of town, and the bargains of the Grand Bazaar are nowhere to be found. Istanbul’s wealth and style is in full bloom on sidewalks filled with young and old sporting the latest international fashions.

Things to Do in Istanbul: Nightlife in Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu, on the opposite end of İstiklal Caddesi, is a major destination for nightlife, and there is entertainment to suit all tastes. There are upscale but seriously seedy “gentleman’s clubs,” fine dining and thumping dance clubs. It is perhaps best to check with the locals as to what is the trendiest venue at any given time or any particular night. Babylon and Kemanci are among the best known clubs. Many of the city’s historic pubs are in this neighborhood, as is the Istanbul Modern, an art museum with permanent and rotating collections, housed in a former warehouse. The area does have a reputation for pickpockets and swindlers, so keep purses and wallets close.

Things to Do in Istanbul: Eating & Drinking

When it comes to eating and drinking in Istanbul there are many options, but there are several must-haves for any visitor. The first is döner kebab, and you will have no problem finding the local-favorite cheap and plentiful on nearly any street. Döner strongly resembles the Greek gyro, and consists of meat sliced of a rotating spit and served in pita bread.

Turkish tea is also a must-try, and blends well with smoke from bubbling nargile. Turkish raki (strongly resembling Italian sambuca or Greek ouzo) is an anise-flavored liquor. When mixed with water the concoction takes a milky look with a slightly bitter taste.

Efes Pilsen is the most prevalent of Turkish beers (sort of a Turkish Budweiser) and though not particularly original in flavor one is hard-pressed to find many other native brews available. Turkish coffee – thick and syrupy — is literally coffee-grounds directly dissolved in water and leaves a paste in the bottom of the cup upon consumption. Whether prepping for a late night of partying or along day of sight-seeing it is effective in energizing even the weariest traveler, but there should be no need for caffeine to create excitement over Istanbul.

–Benjamin Cunningham

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s tours and things to do in Istanbul and tours in Turkey. Also check out other Viator blog posts about Istanbul: Hammams in Istanbul, Ode to Istanbul and Istanbul Rules.