When we travel, we usually start to think what to bring as a gift for our family and friends on the last day of our journey, but it is always better to get organized before!

1 – Turkish Coffee
It is an original taste, a bit stronger than espresso. It differs from other types of coffee by its cooking style. You cook coffee with sugar in a special pan – so if you buy turkish coffee you will need this pan. Best coffee can be bought from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop which is next to Spice Market, you can also get coffee pan in spice market or  from the shops around it as well as in every shopping mall.

2 – Evil eye
Another original gift from Istanbul, we believe that evil eye protects us from the negative energy, mostly we have one in our house and one in our car. Also we believe that it brings luck to every new born baby. You can get it in every gift shop around the city, also there are bracelets, rings and earings made from the evil eye. Best one is from blue glass with a white, yellow and black point in the middle.

3 – Spices and Turkish Delight
If Turkish cuisine is popular through out the world, one of the reason is the fresh ingredients and spices we have. You will find countless types of spices and we strongly suggest you to buy some not only for your friends but also for yourself. Turkish Delight is another delicious taste that you can bring to home with you. Many flavors can be added to Turkish delight such as nuts, wallnuts, pistacchio, rose essence  and all of them are available at Spice Market. One of the best brand for Turkish delight is Hacıbekir, you can find their shop in the old city.

4 – Peştemal
It is a kind of cotton towel mostly used in hamams to wrap your body. Recently it is very popular in all trendy beaches and pools that it gets dry very easily and it does not make any weight in your bag. You can find in Grand Bazaar in many colors and sizes.

1 – İnci Pastanesi

If you like chocolate, you must taste delicious “profiterol” in İnci before you leave Istanbul. It is a very old pastry shop with 5 small tables, most of the time you have to wait at the queue just to get a portion but when you taste it we bet you will order the second immediately. It on the right of Istiklal Street No. 124/2.

2 – Bahar Pastanesi

Since 1973, they are popular with their pastries. They are the right adress for breakfast or for 5 o’ clock tea, and they have several branches.

a) Bahar pastanesi at Tesvikiye, very small shop, maybe it is better to pack the breakfast. (Atiye Street No. 3/A).

b) Bahar pastanesi at Arnavutköy, beautiful view of Bosphorus, freshly brewed Turkish tea and simit (Turkish bagel). (1st avenue no.48).

c) Bahar pastanesi at Kınalıada, it is on one of the Prince’s Islands, easy to go by ferry (suggested for summer), it can be a very good choice also for breakfast before renting a bike or making an island tour. (Ali Boran Square 1/1).

3 – Baylan Pastanesi

It is located at Asian side of Istanbul, if you have time to take the ferry from the port of Karakoy or Besiktas, close to the old city, you will also enjoy the nostalgic ferry trip. They are serving amazing tastes since 1923 but mostly famous with ‘Cup Griye’ vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, toasted almond, pistachios and served with freshly baked cats’tounge biscuits.

4 – Gezi Pastanesi

Next to İstanbul Opera and Ballet center (AKM) in Taksim Square, they are famous with home made chocolates but all type of pastries are delicious, it is very convenient to have a cup of coffee with small snacks after a tiring day or just before a concert (For your information, AKM is under reconstruction).

1 – Hotel Armada

It is situated at the heart of the Old City, within walking distance of many of the major attractions. Delightful rooftop terrace provides a breathtaking close-up view of the Saint Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. The most important distinguishing element of the Armada Hotel is its professional staff, most of whom have been here since the hotel’s foundation in 1994. They are Armada family members who attend to each Armada guest with individual care and respect.

2 – Divan City Istanbul

It is a member of local hotels group chain in Turkey located in Mecidiyeköy (business district). You will have direct access to ring roads, airports, metro station and just walking distance to shopping malls. Divan City Istanbul meets all your professional and business needs with its contemporary design, fresh interiors, functional style and modern facilities.

3 – Larespark Taksim

It is very close to the Taksim square where is alive for 24 hours and Beyoğlu (Pera) is at walking distance that means you will have chance to walk around Nouveau art buildings by feeling their energy or you can get relaxed and totally refreshed in your hotel’s health club by a Turkish bath.

4 – The Marmara Pera

The Marmara Pera is another superior 4-star hotel in Beyoglu very close to the historical Pera District. You can enjoy the mystique of old Istanbul and the charm of Istiklal Street at the chic cafes and bistros around the hotel or you can enjoy  the marvelous view  of Galata tower besides the Marmara Sea from your comfortable room.

 If you would like to have a Bosphorus view room on a five star hotel basis, below alternatives will fulfill all your needs.

1 - Ciragan Palace Kempinski

It is a renovated Ottoman palace where you can feel the luxury and glamour like a Sultan. It is located on the shores of the Bosphorus that you can always enjoy the view from your room, award-wining restaurant Tuğra or from the pool. It has also a palace section with 6 suites for the VIP guests with butler service.

2 – Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus

This is the second Four Seasons in Istanbul, the first one is located in the old city just across the Saint Sophia where as the new Four Seasons is at the Bosphorus overlooking the Asian shore. You can have your breakfast or lunch by watching the ships passing in front of you. It has also a very chic urban spa and most of the rooms have magnificent Bosphorus view. 

3 – The Ritz Carlton Istanbul

If you need the genuine care of the Turkish hospitality, there is no doubt that The Ritz Carlton Istanbul is one of the best five star hotel in Istanbul with 244 rooms overlooking the Bosphorus. It is located at the city center, very easy to access the old city and other touristic attractions as well as the popular pedestrian ways like Nişantaşı and Istiklal Avenue.

4 – Swissotel The Bosphorus

Another international chain hotel located at the city center offering luxurious accommodation with the spectacular Bosphorus view that can be enjoyed from most of the 600 rooms available. Apart from Amrita Spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool enable guests to get relaxed and enjoy their stay.

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.