Things To Do
What To Know
Please avoid yellow taxis where possible and use Uber instead (booking a yellow taxi via the Uber app is fine), as drivers may sometimes take longer routes. Istanbul is, of course, very popular with tourists, so please be mindful of street hustlers and avoid engaging with street merchants. Carry some Turkish lira just in case, though many places also accept euros or US dollars, and credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend getting a Turkish eSIM, as Turkey restricts most international carriers. Turksim is a reliable option we’ve used before: https://tinyurl.com/3mjratr5 Public transport in Istanbul is excellent. Trams, metro, ferries, and buses are all reliable ways to get around. Pick up an Istanbulkart at any station to use across all public transport.
Historic Sites
The internet is full of “things to do” lists, but these are the places we highly recommend. Istanbul has an incredible history, so for the history geeks among you, try to visit: Hagia Sophia – An iconic symbol of Istanbul The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – A stunning, still-active mosque. They will ask you to cover your head and knees (coverings are available at the entrance) Topkapı Palace Museum – The former palace and treasury of the Ottoman sultans, filled with fascinating artefacts and propaganda. Nearby Gülhane Park is perfect for a break and has beautiful views Basilica Cistern – 6th-century cisterns beneath the city, highly recommend The Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s oldest markets. Great for souvenirs, but prices are often marked up, so prepare to haggle The Spice Bazaar – Famous for lokum, spices, teas, and nuts From the Taksim area, it’s easy to travel to Sultanahmet, where all of these sites are located, but not all in one day
Walks and Sights
Istanbul is full of hills and hidden back streets that are perfect for exploring — especially if you enjoy cafés and cats. If your feet aren’t sore by the end of the day, you probably haven’t done it properly. One of our favorite walks: Start in Taksim and walk down Istiklal Caddesi (Cadde = street). It gets busy, so take your time. From there, continue toward Galata Tower to explore the area, or turn left into Cihangir (a quick look at a map helps). Cihangir is full of charming cafés, bookshops, antique and art stores, street art, and great brunch spots. Keep walking downhill to Kabataş. From here, you can take the tram to Sultanahmet or walk if you’re feeling energetic. Alternatively, stay nearby and explore Karaköy’s back streets, known for cafés, galleries, and boutiques. Other great areas to explore: Ortaköy Mosque and the seaside walk (try stuffed mussels or kumpir). Arnavutköy and Bebek for coffee or brunch — a little more upscale if the mood strikes you.
What about Asia?
Take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar — you can use your Istanbulkart to cross over and back. It’s a lovely way to see the city from the water. While you’re out and about, don’t forget to try some simit and Turkish tea. Kadıköy is one of our absolute favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul. Take the ferry over and simply start wandering. The food and bar scene here is fantastic, and if you’re shopping for souvenirs, it’s often better (and more relaxed) than the European side, as this area is more residential.
Some food recs
Again many lists online but here are some we've tried that are walkable from Taksim: Breakfast/Brunch: Varuna Gezgin Café, Van Kahvalti Evi Coffee: Cihangir and Karaköy are full of great coffee shops. We spent a lot of time in Cihangir, some of our favorite spots to sit and work were: Gramaj, Cuppa Café, Kronotrop Coffe, Meraki Cihangir Restaurants we liked: Helvetia, Antiochia, Tomtom Kebap, No19 dining (great for vegetarians and vegans) Also try a late evening islak hamburger at Bambi café (= wet hamburger – it’s better than it looks and sounds) Some other suggestions that we got but haven’t tried: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi (Olimpos) – Köfte + piyaz – Classic, simple, worth it. Şehzade Cağ Kebabı (Sirkeci) – Cağ Kebab – One of the best in Istanbul. Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Baklava Mükellef or Arnavutköy Balık for fish and meze In Kadikoy: Ciya Sofrasi (honestly don’t bother with anything else, because this place is exceptional –you’ll have seen this place on Chefs Table)
