Things To Do
Nisantasi
A historical area with lots of cafes and restaurants, and luxury brands. There are 3 main streets: Abdi Ipekci Caddesi - where all the designer shops are and St. Regis Hotel is here as well with a panoramic terrace. Rumeli Caddesi - parallel street to Abdi Ipekci. Atiye Sokak - a little small street, traffic free, and the cutest one of the areas, it connects the first two streets.
Bebek Coast
Seaside (Bosphorus) area with little boutiques and local tastes. Mangerie - a cosy café/restaurant with a Bosphorus view, it is on the top floor of a building. Chilai - a very nice seaside restaurant with delicious food. Abbas - a tiny place that is famous for its waffles (definitely to try!).
Ortakoy, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
It is a historical square on the seaside with great view and a historical mosque. Try Kumpir (Jacked Potates) and Gozleme from the little tent-like places all next to each other.
Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, The Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Spice Market. The area is called Eminonu and the places are all close to each other. These 6 things are not to miss for sure.
Galata Tower
An upcoming historical area with restaurants, cafes and shops also the Galata Tower.
Balat
Another historical area with local shops and colourful buildings.
Kuzguncuk
Historical area in the Asian side with local shops and colourful buildings - Kuzguncuk Tarihi Firini (historical bakery) - Noop Breakfast & Pancakes - Nail Kitabevi & Cafe (book store) - Cinaralti Cafe - Perihan Abla Street (cute buildings)