Taksim is a 24-hour live district, so when you come to Taksim, and you don’t know the time, you cannot easily distinguish what time of the day you are in. People in Istanbul mostly go to a stand up diner to have a snack after long hours of standing, dancing and drinking in the bars or clubs of Beyoglu District.

1 – Bambi

You should try dürüm (wrap with meat) with yellow cheese and drink atom (fresh fruit juice made from several kinds of fruits). Bambi is located just in Taksim Square, on right side of the beginning of Sıraselviler Street.

2 – Kızılkayalar

You should try the phenomenon dewy garlic hamburger of Kızılkayalar – its best partner is an ayran (drink made by yoghurt). It is located in Taksim Square, just in the middle of Istiklal and Sıraselviler entrance from Taksim.

3 – Marmaris Büfe

Another Turkish fastfood restaurant where you can eat delicious toasted sandwiches, the most populer one is the toast with yellow cheese and tongue. It’s located in Büyükparmakkapı Street, the second street on the left of Istiklal from Taksim.

4 – Çılgın Dürümcü

It’s another local fastfood cafe, the meat wrap (dürüm) with mashed potato is unique, delicious and officially registered. Fresh fruit juice choices are also savory. It’s located in Taksim Square, on the right side of the beginning of Sıraselviler.

Istanbul was the capital city for many civilizations like Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Ottomans who competed to construct the best cathedral, mosque, cistern, etc. for more than 2000 years and who left very valuable ancient places which are still standing.

Even you have one day in Istanbul try to see at least one or two of the below attractions.

1 -    Topkapı  Sarayı (Topkapı Palace Museum)

Open between 9.00 am to 05.00 pm except Tuesdays. Topkapı Palace was constructed by the famous conqueror Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It has been the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than three hundred years. The palace is a complex made up of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings and a Harem section where the mother of Sultan lives with his wives. You will need more than 4 hours to visit the whole palace and for Harem section you will need a separate ticket. If you have time we are sure you will be attracted so much by this unique Ottoman constructure.

2 -     Ayasofya (Saint Sophia)

Open between 9.00 am to 04.30 pm except Mondays. Saint Sophia was firstly constructed as a basilica during Byzantine period with arrival of Ottomans it has been changed to a mosque. It was the largest cathedral ever built in the world till the Seville Cathedral was built in 1520 and still it is one of the best samples of Byzantine architecture with its massive dome and 15 meters iconostasis. It was also served as the principle mosque of Istanbul for more than 500 years.

3 – Sultanahmet Cami (Blue Mosque)

Open everyday and no hour limitation. You will need a scarf for women and a long pant for gentlemen, do not forget to take out your shoes before entering the mosque. Its name came from the beautiful blue tiles on the walls and more than 200 stained glass windows let the maximum natural light get in through the mosque.

4 - Yerebatan Sarnıcı  (Basilica Cistern)

Open everyday except Tuesdays. Basilica Cistern is another very interesting Byzantine construction which was used as the water source for the Saint Sophia and Topkapı Palace for years. It has a ceiling supported by 336 massive columns (9 m longed). While you are walking above the cistern you will hear classical music mixed with the sounds of flowing water and at the northwest corner you will see the two-medusa heads, which are also carved into massive columns. It is a magical place where you have to see before leaving İstanbul.

*** All above sights are at the old city and walking distance to each other, for old city arrival please see directions.

Even cleanliness is one of the basics of the Muslim religion, during the Ottoman Empire hamams are not used only for this purpose; Turkish Baths are also places where people from different ranks gather and forget their status. Their original architecture will also attract you besides the perfect relaxation massage. The entrance fees for the ones below are about 20 Euros, with massage the price may go up to 40 Euros.

1 – Cağaloğlu Hamamı

Florance Nightingale, German Emperor II  Wilhelm, Harrison Ford and Cameron Diaz were the visitors of this famous historical Hamam. Newyork Times chose as one of the 1000 places you have to see in the world and its popularity does not come only because its historical value but also the magical atmosphere inside. It was built in 1741 by II Mahmut to bring in revenue to support St Sophia. It is open for gentlemen from 8:00 am till 22:00 and for ladies from 8.00 am till 20.00. You can have the full therapy or just lie on the hot platform and enjoy the place. It has also a juice bar and a restaurant inside.

It’s located on Yerebatan Street – visit their website for specific directions and other information.  

2 – Çemberlitaş Hamamı

It is one of the unique marks of the Great Architect Sinan in the Old City. It is 424 years old and recently renovated. The dressing room areas are roofed with large domes which are called as cold section. Entrance from the hot area to the bathing area is through a wooden door built under the middle dome. It is open everyday between 06:00 – 24:00.

It is located on Çemberlitas Square on Divanyolu Street  - visit their website for directions and other information.

3 – Süleymaniye Hamamı 

It is another original Turkish bath built by Sinan. It is very close to the Old City. Both men and women sections are open between 07:00 – 24:00. Its capacity is 32 people, so most probably you will need a reservation. Tea & Coffee, hookah and lemonade are also served after the therapy.

It’s on Mimar Sinan Street, Süleymaniye. For directions, click here.

4 – Üsküdar Çinili Hamam

It is built in 1641 by one of the powerful queens of the Ottoman Empire – Köşem Sultan. Its name came from the beautiful tiles in the mosque next to it. Men’s section is open between 07;00-22:00 and for women it is open between 8:00 am till 18:00. Men’s section also has a sauna. Its original structure is kept well formed with many renovations till now.

It is located at the Anatolian side. Its address: Murat Reis Mahallesi, Çavuşdere Street, Üsküdar, you can take a taxi from Üsküdar and it would cost about 10 TL.

TIPS:

It is obvious that if it will be the first time in a Turkish bath you will feel that it is far from a Far East massage therapy. In all Turkish baths, men & women sections will be separate.

There are three main sections in a hamam: First section will be soğukluk where you will get undressed and after you left your dresses in a locker you will be given a pestemal (a cotton body wrap) and you will pass into the lukewarm section to adapt your body temperature. Next section will be the hot area where the central heating stone platform is located, it is surrounded by small basins (kurna) and private bathing cubicles. In this section you must keep in mind that overall heat will be high for pregnant women and people also who suffer from heart diseases or tension.

According to your preference, you may lie on this stone platform and get your bath on one of the basins or an attendant can help you for the scrub and massage, normally massage can be a tough than you have tried before that it is better to talk with your masseur before the therapy.

Bosphorus is always beautiful, especially in the mornings. It’s a great start for a day to have your breakfast with a view of Bosphorus, and the places below are the ones that you can enjoy the view and have a good breakfast. People in Istanbul mostly choose to have their breakfast outside their house on weekends, so if you want to skip the crowds, choose to go to these restaurants on weekdays.

1 – Bebek Cafe
A popular place for a long time, nothing luxurious, it is operated by the same people for years and everything is set up to get relaxed and listen to the Bosphorus. It is always busy and it is not easy to find a table next to the Bosphorus, you will enjoy your linden tea with your ‘peynirli simit’ (Turkish bagel with cheese).
It’s just next to the dock in Bebek, close to the park.

2 – Lokma
With its perfect location, this place serves breakfast from a menu of a lot of choices. Get your book with you and come to Lokma in the morning to see one of the best views from the European side, including the view of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on the Bosphorus. After breakfast, there’s also a beautiful walking route from Hisar to Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Ortaköy depending on how strong you got your breakfast.
From Taksim or Sultanahmet you should get to Kabatas by tram, and get on a bus to Rumeli Hisari – bus 22RE, there are also direct buses from Taksim. Taxi from Taksim should cost maximum 20 TL.

3 – Ortaköy House Cafe
House cafes are now 7 branches throughout İstanbul, all have the same comfortable large chairs with a low lounge music and finely selected dishes on a menu. If you would like to add also a beautiful view of Bosphorus bridge and Ortaköy Mosque that is the place, you can have a large breakfast with all the specialities but if you like the place (we bet you are) why don’t you also come for a sunset drink? Do not forget you will be just one meter away from the Bosphorus.
When you come to Ortakoy, anyone can give you directions to the House Cafe.

4 – Mangerie
Actually their style is similar to House Cafe located at Bebek – very popular place with nice cafes & restaurants, especially at weekend you will need a reservation to take your seat on the Bosphorus view large balcony, you will sip your tea with freshly baked bread and cakes.
It’s on Cevdetpasa Street 69, Bebek.

Authentic local cuisine of east Meditterenean and the city of Gaziantep is served here with an ultimate taste. Except for the kebabs, the menu changes everyday; the kebabs are also delicious but the rest of the menu is more unique. Eat as much as you can, the soups, the main courses with or without meat, salads, pilafs, desserts and sorbets are wonderful. The restaurant is located in a crowded street of Kadikoy – Guneslibahce Street No.43 walking distance from the harbour. Their website is inviting: http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php

2- Haci Abdullah

A traditional restaurant in Istanbul with history of more than 100 years, Hacı Abdullah is one of the best places to taste traditional Turkish food. From the main courses Beğendili Kebap (kebab with eggplant puret), Elbasan Tava (lamb casserole with yoghurt) are the favorites. Check their website: http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/wp-content/English/index.html

3 – Hünkar

The food is delicious and less olive is involved when compared to other traditional Turkish restaurants, so you do not feel discomfort even if you eat forcing your limits. You can see the varities of the menu from an open counter; and choose from there. Hünkar Beğendi (sultan’s delight, lamb stew served on mashed eggplant) would be good choice of main course. Oven baked rice pudding is also worth trying as a dessert.

4 – Abracadabra

You can taste modern interpretations of Turkish food at this prototype restaurant in a waterside residence. Most of the fresh and natural ingredients of the menu is directly brought from the producers, and provides a real taste. If you’re looking for experimenting Turkish food, first go to the classic ones (as above) to understand, then visit Abra Cadabra for well-modified versions. The restaurant is located on Arnavutkoy Street just across the dock of Arnavutkoy.

Even you are not interested in shopping so much you can enjoy a cold , rainy winter day in one of the below malls.

1 – Kanyon

It is one of the best shopping malls in Istanbul with its modern architectural style, its spread over 4 levels and its innovative positioning allowing visitors to really connect with top local and international brands such as Harvey Nichols, further as most walking areas are covered and climate controlled. If you are lucky you can also catch a live open-air performance too. For eating, our suggestion will be Konyalı Restaurant where you can taste best dishes from Ottoman & Turkish cuisine.

Kanyon is located on Buyukdere Avenue, in Levent, you can take the subway from Taksim to the Levent Stop. Vist the English version of the website for more information: http://www.kanyon.com.tr/ .

2 - Istinye Park

İstinye Park is another huge shopping mall, it is not close to the city center but if you are already located at the business area (Maslak) you can visit. It has both outdoor and indoor shops where you can find also a little local Turkish bazaar and an IMAX cinema, the mall’s glass roof lets you to feel the sun or watch the stars. If you like kebab and Turkish food you must try Gunaydın restaurant.

3 – Akmerkez

Another awarded mall in European side of the city. You will find a large variety of stores and also the best Italian food in İstanbul . Papermoon is popular not only with their excellent food but also their service quality (average check will be between 70-100 Euro per person).

For location details and other info visit http://www.akmerkez.com.tr/ .

4 – Palladium

It is at the Asian side and if you have limited time for İstanbul most probably it will be a far alternative but if you stay at that part of the city, this is the bestshopping mall. It is the tallest building at Asian side and sunlight is maximized with its giant glass sphere.You can also have a nice lunch or dinner in Kitchenette where mostly mediterrenean cuisine served.

The best way to get there is to take a taxi, if you take it from Kadikoy or Bagdat St., the fee will be around 15 – 20 TL.