Iskender Kebap is one of the most favuorite kebaps in Turkey. In simple terms it’s made of thin-sliced meats (doner) with yoghurt, pita and butter sauce. But, obviously it’s more than that!!

1 – Kebapci Iskender
The founder of iskender kebap having the privilege to legally use the name “Iskender” comes from the family owning this restaurant since 1867. The restaurant origins from another city – Bursa, and most of the materials from yoghurt to pita comes from Bursa. The only choice in the menu is iskender kebap. It is located in Kadikoy close to the harbour, next to the main post office and has also branch in Erenkoy – Bağdat Street.

2 – Uludag Kebapcisi
Another restaurant originating from city of Bursa specialized on Iskender Kebap considered as the best for some of the gurme in Turkey. Boiling butter dressing the kebap is said to provide this unique taste. Some people used to travel more than 200 km from Istanbul to Bursa just to eat this phenomenol iskender kebap, but now it has a branch in Istanbul. One of the branch is behind the Carrefour in Kozyatagi, and there is also a branch in a popular street – Nispetiye in Etiler.

3 – Niyazibey Kebap
Another Anatolian-side iskender kebap restaurant Niyazibey is considered to offer one of the best iskender kebap in Turkey. The menu is varied, you can try Niyazibey special – a larger size of iskender kebap with various type of meat. Here is the list of branches.

4 – Uludag Et Lokantası
This first branch of this restaurant is founded in Ankara, and this restaurant has a branch in Florya – a neighbourhood close to Ataturk Airport. The restaurant has a huge garden with a capacity of 2.000 – sometimes full of people – giving you a hint how delicious the iskender kebap is.

1 – Miss Pizza
A small pizza house in Cihangir with a cosy atmosphere serving delicious thin crust pizza. Pizza with zucchini and pizza with artichoke(!) are the most recommended ones. Turn left when you come to Cihangir from Taksim Sq. through Sıraselviler; it’s just on the second left street.

2 – Pizzeria 14
Another small pizza house offering tasty pizza with various choices from marine (with crab, smoked salmon and rocket) to marinara (no cheese, only tomato , pesto and thyme). It’s in Nisantası – Guzelbahce Street No.14 very close to American Hospital.

3 – Pizzeria Pidos
Pizza house with menu of great variety of delicious Italian food from salad to deserts. Pizza Filetto – with filet, rocket and mozarella – is highly recommended. It’s very close to Taksim Square, in Dunya Saglik Street No 13 Gumussuyu.

4 – House Cafe
Choose pizza from the extensive menu of House Cafe – Ortakoy and you won’t be sorry at a “feel at home” atmosphere and a wonderful sea view. House Cafe has many other branches for example in Beyoglu – Tunel, Tesvikiye and on the Anatolian side in Caddebostan (also a seaview). Check here for all branches.

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1 – Pano

The place is the main attraction area for wine loving students and young people who go out with their crowded group of friends. The Pano No.10 is the popular house wine and if you are also hungry, shrimp casserole and butcher meatballs are recommended. It is located in Galatasaray, Kalyoncu Kulluk Street no.4 – the street just in the opposite of Galatasaray College on the right of Istiklal Avenue from Taksim.

2 – Viktor Levi

The neighbour of Pano serving various wine, which is most famous for Viktor Levi No.59 made of Bogazkere/Okuzgozu grapes. Most people prefer this winehouse not only for drinking but also for a dinner. This winehouse has also a branch in the Anatolian side – Kadikoy Moda Damaci Street.

3 – Isis

The fourth floor of Isis which is also a cafe bar is a wine house having a variety of more than 150 wine choices with origins of more than 10 countries. The most preferred local wines are Sarafin Merlot and Antik. During the winter, you can also sip your hot wine in front of the fire place. It’s on the right end of Kadife Street (The street of bars) in Moda – Kadıköy.

4 – Şarabi

Having a great variety of wine choices, Sarabi is a well-known wine house Beyoğlu with a modern decoration. Pasaj – a white wine is a popular choice, and Sarabi steak is another recommendation from the menu. The age gap of the crowd is wide, but mostly  young people prefer this wine house. It’s on the right of Istiklal Avenue just close to the entrance of “Cicek Passage”.

Istanbul is a shopping paradise, you can find any kind of materials in different qualities and accordingly different prices. We have listed the interesting shopping districts below; not only for shopping but also to feel the spirit of İstanbul.

1 – Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
If you would like to see the oriental face of this marvellous city, you must visit these two bazaars. Grand Bazaar is one the largest covered market with its 4.400 shops and Spice Market was the last point for the legendary silk road where the goods from Asia tranferred to the Europe during 13th century. They are located in the old city very close to the top historical places, but you can get lost very easily while checking the interesting shops, salesmen and beautiful carvings on the ceilings.
Do not hesitate to bargain while shopping – especially for souvenirs, carpets, other oriental materials.

2 – İstiklal Caddesi
Another story starts in İstiklal avenue, you can take the tram from Taksim square to the end but it is always better to walk on this original pedestrian street to see all type of Turkish people walking up and down. Some passageways with small shops (like Atlas, Aznavur, Terkos Passageways) sell very original / hand made or 2nd hand clothes. It is crowded during any time of the day as many night clubs and bars located on this cosmopolite avenue.

3 – Teşvikiye / Nişantaşı
Here we are in Champelysee or 5th avenue of İstanbul. If you are looking for Louis Vuitton, Escada or Armani that is the place but you can also find small boutiques, nice small cafes , hip hotels and many Art Nouveau buildings. Especially on Saturday nights it gets crowded with many people who come to the famous pubs and cafes.

4 – Bağdat Avenue
Located at the Asian side. You can find many cafes and restaurants, besides many international famous brands such as Gap , Mango, Zara and Lacoste. Keep in mind that in summer and mostly at the weekends it is almost impossible to pass the avenue by car because of the heavy traffic.

TIPS ** In İstanbul mostly shops open at 9,00 am and close at 8,00 pm, they are also open on Sunday between 12,00 pm to 6,00 pm.

The island’s name means saddle bag in Turkish, deriving it from the two hilltops that embrace the lower harbours, though the Greeks called the island Chalki.

1 – Visit Halki Seminary:
Dating from 1844, it was the main school of theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church’s Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It’s on the top of a hill covered with pines; and the harmony of the dark green and dark blue adds to the beauty of this old seminary. You can visit the monastry except on Sundays. Reservation: 0216 351 85 63 – 0216 351 84 17.

2 – Have a breakfast at Halki Palas:
It’s the oldest and the most glamorous hotel in Princess Islands dating back to 1850s, renovated after a fire in 1991. The hotel rooms have a wonderful view, it’s a good weekend break for Istanbul residents. If you are on a daily visit to the island breakfast at this hotel is highly recommended. You can also enjoy the swimming pool from June to the end of August.
Check their website here.

3 – Eat at a fish restaurant in the marina:
There are many restaurants close to the marina with good service quality and delicous food, especially fish with the combination of beautiful mezes and raki.

4 – Relax at Değirmenburnu:
It’s a picnic area with a broad view of Anatolian coast of Istanbul and other Princess Islands with a walking distance of 5 mins from the marina. A bottle of beer at the sunset would be a highlight for your Heybeliada visit.

1 – Go to Kalpazankaya:
The best way to get to Kalpazankaya is by foot, because the nature on your way is beautiful, and it takes around 30 minutes. You may also use the coach, but it would be more costly (around 15 USD one way). When you get to Kalpazankaya, under the shadow of the pines, you’ll see a wonderful foreland creeping into the sea with a wonderful view of Heybeliada. You may enjoy a lunch or a drink in the outdoor restaurant, sunset is the most recommended time for this beautiful place. During weekends, early reservation is a must.

2 – Visit Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos:
Dating back to 830s, this church was re-established in 1896. Today, it is the parochial church of the Greek residents of Burgazada. The church is close to the center.

3 – Eat at Barba Yani:
It’s a Greek restaurant very close to the marina with delicious mezes, raki, fish and a wonderful hospitality. The music gets louder in the late hours, and you may eventually find yourself dancing on the table thanks to the music, ambiance and raki.

4 – Do Trekking and go to Bayrak Hill:
Don’t use the trackway, but use the direction with the bushes and trees to the get to the highest point of Burgazada (160m). It’s not a very difficult or long trekking route; and when you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degrees view of the Marmara Sea including all the Princess Islands and the coast of Istanbul.

Istanbul is famous with its breathtaking view of Bosphorus, day or night you must enjoy it with a nice cocktail at a roof.

We tried to list the best 4 roof bars in Istanbul for you as below;

1 – Lebiderya :

(Friday – Saturday 11:30 – 03:00 Other days 11:30 – 02:00)

It is at the top floor of Richmond Hotel on İstiklal avenue. All tables are Bosphorus view and beside the tables there is a large oval bar, where you can taste coctails specially prepared by fresh fruit and our suggestion will be ‘ Derya’ which is made of apple vodka, apple juice, mint, lemon and sugar.

Click here for reservations and directions.

2 – 360 :

(Week days 12.00 – 02:00 on weekends 15.00 – 04:00)

It is also on İstiklal avenue at the top of a popular 19th century apartment (Mısır apartmanı). Its name comes from its exclusive decoration all around is covered by large windows that enables you to enjoy the beautiful İstanbul view from 360 degree angles , at the weekends you can also enjoy live performances of DJs and professional dancers. We suggest 360 especially for bar after dinner .

For directions and reservations, click here.

3 – Vogue :

(Monday – Saturday 12:00 -02:00 / Sunday 10:30 – 01:00)

Vogue is located in Beşiktaş, on its large terrace you can enjoy the marvellous Bosphorus view and by the help of the large mirrors  view is also available indoors. They serve lunch and dinner and brunch on Sundays but also you can have only a Mohito at this lovely roof bar.

The restaurant/bar is located in Spor Cad.  BJK Plaza A Blok Floor: 13.

0 212 227 44 04

4 – Ceylan Inter Continental / City Lights Bar :

(Open everyday between 2:00 pm – 2:00 am)

Unique Bosphorus view very close to Taksim will accompany you to have a relaxed and enjoyable time. Exotic cocktails and tasty snacks will be offered with five star quality service.

Click here for directions.

1 – Mini Dondurma:
A very small ice cream shop serving excellent ice cream in Bebek for more than 40 years. It’s an unavoidable stop in your visit to Bebek.
See their website.

 
2 – Ali Usta:
It’s one of the most famous ice cream maker in Istanbul. They buy the most quality milk from outer towns of Istanbul to make the delicious ice cream. Ice cream with Turkish coffee is a strong recommendation. It’s located on Moda Avenue 264/A Kadikoy.

3 – Yaşar Usta:
It’s an ice cream stand in Bostancı serving home made ice cream with various fruits. The tastes of the fruits are so real and natural, and this makes the ice cream an irresistable one. It’s very close to “minibus avenue” on the left of the street in front of Shell.

4 – Mado:
It’s an ice cream chain in Turkey, serving Maraş Ice Cream which is a traditional type of ice cream with an elastic texture.
See their website.

Although there are some alternatives to go for swimming in Istanbul, if you have a few days to spend for sun and sea, some beautiful places are available out of Istanbul. These places can be reached by motorway, and since you’ll need mobility where you visit, you are recommended to rent a car.

1 – Bozcaada:
Bozcaada is a tiny island on North Aegean Sea, with wonderful food, wine, beaches and a bohemian atmosphere. There’s something that makes you feel peaceful and happy on this island as soon as you get off the ferry. There are many pensions and guest houses to stay in the center which are owned by local, friendly people. The sea is crystal clear and it’s usually cool even at the hottest time of the year.

2 – Gokceada:
Gokceada is the greatest island (more than 40 km from one to the other end) in Turkey, being on the furthest west of the country. The island is not very touristic and this makes it a bit more unique and peaceful. The sea is clean and beautiful, and it’s also a suitable place for windsurfers. If you want to see natural beaches, old villages and eat good food as fish or the famous puding with mastic, Gokceada is the place.

3 – Assos:
It’s a tiny town on the shore in the North Aegean Sea where Aristotle lived before. Though the town is historic and offers old stone houses, temples, castle; it also has beautiful beaches in the surrounding areas. The restaurants in the center serve delightful fish with a wonderful seaview.

4 – Kıyıkoy:
A small village on the shore of Black Sea with a beautiful beach. It’s a wonderful spot where nature is still untouched and having the features of Black Sea and Meditarenean climate together. You can enjoy the sea, food, nature all at once.

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).