by Turkey Holidays on September 13, 2008
The great city of Istanbul is not just mosques and museums. Although it is certainly replete with historic attractions, modern Istanbul is nearly as famous for its nightlife as it is for its history and culture. Turn your gaze up to the sky, and you will realize that the city’s rooftop bars are the key.
While there are a number of expensive superclubs along the Bosphorus, there is an equally glamourous but more comfortable alternative along the rooftops. Istanbul’s sensational skyline and picturesque waterways provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a moderately priced drink among the stars. Many of the rooftop bars offer live music, and dancing is common after midnight. Don the best your suitcase has to offer, and end your holiday properly.
by Turkey Holidays on September 10, 2008
Day 2: Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
Begin the second day of your travels with a visit to the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace. While you are there, make sure that you see the Treasury and take the tour of the Harem. Also on the palace grounds, you will find the entrance to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which houses a collection of famous and priceless artifacts. Among them you may discover the original Treaty of Kadesh, signed by Pharoah Ramses and the Hittite King.
When you leave the palace grounds, turn right just outside the main gate and follow along Sogukcesme Sokagi to experience a walk through what appears to be a 19th century Ottoman neighborhood. Afterward, take the tram at Guilhane to Bayezit. This brings you to the entrance into the Grand Bazaar, also known as the Covered Bazaar, which has an amazing 6,000 shops spread over 58 streets.
Day 3: A Day on the Bosphorus
Taking the daylong cruise up the Bosphorus is an essential experience; however, allow some extra travel time so that you will be able to get a good look at the flavourful Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Yeni Cami before boarding the ferry. The day includes a variety of sights along the Asian and European shores as well as a visit to nearby Rumeli Castle.
Spend the afternoon walking Istanbul’s busiest streets; among them is Istiklal Caddesi, an elegant avenue showcasing authentic Turkish architecture that is filled with boutiques, cinemas, art galleries, cafes, libraries, bookstores, night clubs, and much more. Pause your afternoon exploration to enjoy Ottoman music played by the Mehter Band at the Military Museum in Harbiye. From the Military Museum, try and take a taxi to the trendy seaside village of Ortakay. Here you will find cafes, restaraunts, and sidewalk vendors beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Enjoy dinner at one of the many places on the quay or head back to Beyoglu for a meal at one of the local taverns or fish bazaars.
by Turkey Holidays on September 9, 2008
Turkey has much to offer as a tourism destination; however, many of the sights are spread out all over the country, which can make it difficult to see everything of importance in one week. Fortunately, there is more than enough to do and see in and around the city of Istanbul.
Day 1: The Arrival
After arriving in Istanbul, it is a good idea to go ahead and check into your hotel before heading out to see the sights.
To begin, the best way to get acquainted with the old city of Sultanahmet is to find the Hippodrome. Use this as your orientation point to get to the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. On the way, stop at one of the authentic tea gardens for refreshment, but try to avoid the ones closest to the Hippodrome as they are less authentic than the ones near the Blue Mosque.
After touring the Blue Mosque, you will find that there are many other notable sights close by. You can take a walk through the imposing Ayasofya and explore the ancient underground Yerebatan Cistern. The incredible Byzantine Mosaics at St. Savior Chora should be seen if you have time.
Have dinner at one of the many rooftop restaraunts in the city. If you are visiting during the summer season, you can also watch the sound-and-lights show held in Sultanahmet Park, which can be found under the Blue Mosque each evening.
