Things to Do

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ART & CULTURE

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Do you enjoy experiencing the performing arts while traveling? Here are a few venues you can check to see if any shows match your interests during your stay: - Ataturk Cultural Center - Zorlu Performing Arts Center - Süreyya Opera House

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PARKS & FORESTS

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If you’re a city-park enthusiast, make sure to explore Istanbul’s parks during your stay—they’re perfect for a relaxing walk. And since you’ll be here in April, you’re in luck: it’s Tulip Festival season! The whole city bursts into color, bringing a little extra joy to your soul and your photos. Here are a few recommendations: - Gülhane Park - Yıldız Park - Emirgan Park - Ataturk Urban Forest - Belgrad Forest Hiking

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MUSEUMS

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Being in Istanbul means you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to museums and exhibition centers. Here are a few recommendations: - Istanbul Archaeological Museums - Istanbul Museum of Modern Art - Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture - Pera Museum - Salt Beyoğlu - The Museum of Innocence - Naval Museum - Dolmabahçe Palace - Sakıp Sabancı Museum - Borusan Contemporary - Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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HISTORY & RELIGION

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If we know anything about Istanbul (not Constantinople), it’s that it’s been around basically forever—since about 6800 BC, to be precise—right at the heart of major civilizations. So it’s no surprise there’s absolutely no shortage of historic and religious sites to explore. Here, we can only highlight a few major ones, but if this is your forte, don’t miss the chance to dig deeper and discover even more! - Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum - Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque [/Church] - The Blue Mosque - Topkapı Palace Museum - Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) - Süleymaniye Mosque - Kariye Mosque [/Church] - Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church - Church of Saint Anthony of Padua

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TOURISTIC SITES

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There are some really lovely neighborhoods in Istanbul that are perfect for spending half a day exploring and soaking in the city’s vibe. Some of them are especially great for city photography. Have a look and see if any of these vibes speak to you! - Bosphorus Tour [from Eminönü Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Cruises] - Princes Islands [from Kabataş Ferry Terminal] - Galata Tower - Rumeli Fortress - The Walls of Istanbul - Coloured Houses of Balat - Pierre Loti - Miniaturk - Former French Orphanage - Ihlamur Palace

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GIFT SHOPPING

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You can’t leave Istanbul without picking up a few classic memories for yourself and your loved ones! While the city has no shortage of shops and malls, here are a few spots in the city center you might want to check out. ***Traditional experience*** - Grand Bazaar - Egyptian Bazaar - Arasta Bazaar - Avrupa Pasajı ***Modern Experience*** - Galata Port - Zorlu Center - Cevahir Shopping mall - Kanyon Shopping Mall - Nişantaşı Neighborhood - Beşiktaş Neighborhood - Karaköy Neighborhood - Kadıköy Neighborhood

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EAT, DRINK, REPEAT!

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Welcome to the most important section of things to do! You absolutely must carve out some time to explore the city’s food scene—the options are endless. Here are some recommendations that cover it all: street food, fine dining, traditional, modern, daytime, and nighttime. Let us know which experiences were your favorites! *** RESTAURANTS *** - Karaköy Gümrük - Mürver Restaurant - Karaköy Lokantası - Nato Lokantası - Mükellef Karaköy - Neolokal - Ali Ocakbaşı Karaköy - Mahkeme Lokantası - Simone Bar Food Wine - Antiochia - Aheste - Asmalı Cavit Meyhanesi - Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi - Le Fumoir at Georges Hotel Galata - Guney Restaurant - Galata Meyhanesi - Pandeli Restaurant - Giritli Restaurant - Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta - Batard istanbul - Apartıman Yeniköy - Çiya Sofrası - Atlas mühürdar 78 - Hane Kadıköy - Zeytuna restoran - Topaz İstanbul - MSA Culinary School Restaurant - Ortaköy Mantı Evi - Inari Omakase Kuruçeşme - Reyhun Iran Restaurant - Çiçek Pasajı - Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu *** STREET FOOD *** - Kızılkayalar - Karaköy Çorba Evi - Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta *** DESSERTS *** - Karaköy Güllüoğlu - Nadir Güllü - Karaköy Köşkeroğlu Tophane - Hafız Mustafa 1864 - Sütiş - Mado - Koska *** CAFE / BREAKFAST / BRUNCH *** - Karabatak - Arada Beyrut - Emirgan Sütiş - Â La Lune Patisserie - Üsküdar (Kruvasan & Kahve) - Polka Kafe - Gaf Moda Coffee and Desserts - Naga Putrika - Moda Aile Çay Bahçesi - Probador Colectiva Cafe - Van Kahvaltı Evi - Limon Kahvaltı Evi - Limonluk Cafe - Rumeli Kale cafe - Susam cafe *** PUBS & BARS *** - Bomontiada - Celtic Irish Pub Istanbul - Joker No:19 - Craft Beer Lab - Blind - Nardis Jazz Club - Bova Jazz Club - Ziba - Geyik - Gizli Bahçe - 360 Istanbul - Rita Moda