ISTANBUL CENTER
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WHAT TO SEE IN ISTANBUL
Located on the narrow waterway known as the Bosphorus, straddling two continents, if there is one city that can truly claim the title of gateway to both Europe and Asia, it is Istanbul, the enchanted city that embraces the blend of European and Asian culture and the home of the ”Alf Layla Wa Layla”, Thousand and One Nights fairy tales.
FAST VISIT AROUND THE HOSTEL
TAKSIM SQUARE
As the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is surrounded by shopping areas on one side and a park on the other. Situated at one end of Istiklal Street, it’s almost impossible to visit modern Istanbul without passing through Taksim at least one once. Istanbul’s funicular and streetcar both end here, and it’s a popular drop-off point for cabs and Ubers taking tourists to Istiklal for shopping.
TAKSIM REPUBLIC MONUMENT
Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı) is a commemorative sculpture group to honor the foundation of Turkish Republic in 1923, commissioned in 1925 by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, it was designed by famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. The Monument is 11 meters tall and is made from bronze and various stones. It is located in Taksim square that is the beating heart of Istanbul and can be reached by tram from the hostel. In today’s Istanbul, celebrations, protests, official ceremonies, and many other activities take place in Taksim Square. In addition, Taksim Square as well as the Taksim Republic Monument marks the beginning of Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), which is the most popular pedestrian street of Istanbul and approximately three million people pass it everyday.
İSTIKLAL CADDESI
Located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, İstiklal Caddesi is visited by nearly 3 million people daily and is the beating heart of the city of Istanbul. This 1.4 km long pedestrian walkway houses everything from cinemas to nightclubs and boutiques to cafés. And is the ideal place for shoppers, with famous Turkish and international brands lining the route. While not quite as upmarket as some other streets, it has many stores that offer top-quality goods. Here you can find everything from clothing to jewellery and unique gifts. Prices are competitive and the selection is infinite. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the historic tram all the way to Taksim Square to view the monument of the republic.
GO ON THE STREETCAR!
Istanbul is a busy and vibrant city and the best way to get around is by tram. It’s affordable, fast and easy. Hop on the tram which will take you everywhere from Taksim Square to the old city. Lose yourself in Sultanahmet, explore the streets of Constantinople, and get lost in the Grand Bazaar. If you stand to the side and watch the streetcar go by, you’ll likely see plenty of local children jumping on and off of it for fun.
GALATA TOWER
Located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter, the Galata Tower offers beautiful views over the Bosphorus Strait toward Sultanahmet, and you can easily pick out the grounds of the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Built in the 14th century, the Tower is 9 stories high and hosts a restaurant café and nightclub.
TAKSIM SQUARE
As the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is surrounded by shopping areas on one side and a park on the other. Situated at one end of Istiklal Street, it’s almost impossible to visit modern Istanbul without passing through Taksim at least one once. Istanbul’s funicular and streetcar both end here, and it’s a popular drop-off point for cabs and Ubers taking tourists to Istiklal for shopping.
TAKSIM REPUBLIC MONUMENT
Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı) is a commemorative sculpture group to honor the foundation of Turkish Republic in 1923, commissioned in 1925 by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, it was designed by famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. The Monument is 11 meters tall and is made from bronze and various stones. It is located in Taksim square that is the beating heart of Istanbul and can be reached by tram from the hostel. In today’s Istanbul, celebrations, protests, official ceremonies, and many other activities take place in Taksim Square. In addition, Taksim Square as well as the Taksim Republic Monument marks the beginning of Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), which is the most popular pedestrian street of Istanbul and approximately three million people pass it everyday.
İSTIKLAL CADDESI
Located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, İstiklal Caddesi is visited by nearly 3 million people daily and is the beating heart of the city of Istanbul. This 1.4 km long pedestrian walkway houses everything from cinemas to nightclubs and boutiques to cafés. And is the ideal place for shoppers, with famous Turkish and international brands lining the route. While not quite as upmarket as some other streets, it has many stores that offer top-quality goods. Here you can find everything from clothing to jewellery and unique gifts. Prices are competitive and the selection is infinite. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the historic tram all the way to Taksim Square to view the monument of the republic.
GO ON THE STREETCAR!
Istanbul is a busy and vibrant city and the best way to get around is by tram. It’s affordable, fast and easy. Hop on the tram which will take you everywhere from Taksim Square to the old city. Lose yourself in Sultanahmet, explore the streets of Constantinople, and get lost in the Grand Bazaar. If you stand to the side and watch the streetcar go by, you’ll likely see plenty of local children jumping on and off of it for fun.
GALATA TOWER
Located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter, the Galata Tower offers beautiful views over the Bosphorus Strait toward Sultanahmet, and you can easily pick out the grounds of the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Built in the 14th century, the Tower is 9 stories high and hosts a restaurant café and nightclub.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is definitely one of the most popular things to see in Istanbul. It was once a church and a mosque, but is now one of the most visited museums in the world. For 916 years it was a church and then following the conquest of the Sultan Mehmed, it was converted into a mosque and remained so for 482 years.
Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is definitely one of the most popular things to see in Istanbul. It was once a church and a mosque, but is now one of the most visited museums in the world. For 916 years it was a church and then following the conquest of the Sultan Mehmed, it was converted into a mosque and remained so for 482 years.
BLUE MOSQUE
Located in the old city, the Blue Mosque, is an unmistakable part of Istanbul’s skyline and one of its prettiest sights. The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul and is so called because of its stunning blue-tiled interior. The building is still a functioning mosque, and visitors can enter if they follow the rules: long pants should be worn and women must have their shoulders and heads covered.
ADMIRE THE VIEW NEAR THE ORTAKOY MOSQUE
The Ortakoy Mosque, while lovely, is better known for what sits outside of it than for any particular features of the building. Set right on the Bosphorus Strait, the Ortakoy Mosque is often photographed with the Bosphorus Bridge directly in the background a lovely example of the blend of old and new that makes Istanbul such a fascinating city.
EGYPTIAN OBELISK
The Egyptian Obelisk sits next to both the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and its size is incredibly impressive: the obelisk is only 2/3 of its original size, with the final third being lost to time!
Located in the old city, the Blue Mosque, is an unmistakable part of Istanbul’s skyline and one of its prettiest sights. The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul and is so called because of its stunning blue-tiled interior. The building is still a functioning mosque, and visitors can enter if they follow the rules: long pants should be worn and women must have their shoulders and heads covered.
ADMIRE THE VIEW NEAR THE ORTAKOY MOSQUE
The Ortakoy Mosque, while lovely, is better known for what sits outside of it than for any particular features of the building. Set right on the Bosphorus Strait, the Ortakoy Mosque is often photographed with the Bosphorus Bridge directly in the background a lovely example of the blend of old and new that makes Istanbul such a fascinating city.
EGYPTIAN OBELISK
The Egyptian Obelisk sits next to both the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and its size is incredibly impressive: the obelisk is only 2/3 of its original size, with the final third being lost to time!
TOPKAPI PALACE
Once the home of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace today is known for its ornate architecture, beautiful grounds, sweeping views of the Bosphorus Strait, and its historical artifacts made by prophets such as Moses, Joseph, and Mohammed. While visiting Topkapi Palace, don't miss to see the harem. The living quarters of the sultan, his family, and his concubines, and as a result, some of the prettiest and most intricate rooms of the palace are located here.
Once the home of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace today is known for its ornate architecture, beautiful grounds, sweeping views of the Bosphorus Strait, and its historical artifacts made by prophets such as Moses, Joseph, and Mohammed. While visiting Topkapi Palace, don't miss to see the harem. The living quarters of the sultan, his family, and his concubines, and as a result, some of the prettiest and most intricate rooms of the palace are located here.
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace is known for its gold and crystal interiors (14 tons of gold in the ceiling alone). Newer and more modern than the Topkapi Palace, this 19th century palace became the new home of the Ottoman sultans.
Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Dolmabahce Palace is known for its gold and crystal interiors (14 tons of gold in the ceiling alone). Newer and more modern than the Topkapi Palace, this 19th century palace became the new home of the Ottoman sultans.
BEYLERBEYI PALACE
Built in the mid-19th century, the Beylerbeyi Palace was used as a summer home for the sultan and his family and was also used to entertain visiting heads of states, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Beylerbeyi Palace hosted Abdul Hamid II, the last sultan of Ottoman Empire, that was held there for six years until his death in 1918.
Built in the mid-19th century, the Beylerbeyi Palace was used as a summer home for the sultan and his family and was also used to entertain visiting heads of states, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Beylerbeyi Palace hosted Abdul Hamid II, the last sultan of Ottoman Empire, that was held there for six years until his death in 1918.
CONSTANTINOPLE WALL
During the Roman empire, the Wall of Constantinople, was one of the most intricate and impressive barriers of time. Though Constantinople’s walls did eventually fail after a lengthy siege by the Ottomans (hence Constantinople’s transition into Istanbul), many pieces of the walls still remain: and even today, you can stroll along this history for yourself.
During the Roman empire, the Wall of Constantinople, was one of the most intricate and impressive barriers of time. Though Constantinople’s walls did eventually fail after a lengthy siege by the Ottomans (hence Constantinople’s transition into Istanbul), many pieces of the walls still remain: and even today, you can stroll along this history for yourself.
GET UNDERGROUND AT THE BASILICA CISTERN
Descending into the Basilica Cistern is a bit like entering another world: it is damp, it is dark, you can hear the water dripping and the rows of columns seem to stretch out into the abyss. At the end there are two giant stone Medusa heads, one of which is upside down, which once served as the base of two of the columns. Their origin remains a mystery to this day.
Descending into the Basilica Cistern is a bit like entering another world: it is damp, it is dark, you can hear the water dripping and the rows of columns seem to stretch out into the abyss. At the end there are two giant stone Medusa heads, one of which is upside down, which once served as the base of two of the columns. Their origin remains a mystery to this day.
TIPS
SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL
GRAND BAAZAR
Spend day losing yourself in the Grand Baazar that houses Mosques, hammams, cafes, and jewelry stalls, and which is located near the hostel, just a short walk down the street. There are more than 5,000 shops, covering 60 streets.
BAĞDAT CADDESI
Surrounded by shopping malls, elegant luxury boutiques and top international brands, Bağdat Caddesi is one of the best places to shop in Istanbul. Stretching for 14km on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, it is a great place to spend a day.
ABDI İPEKÇI CADDESI
The Nişantaşı neighbourhood is a popular destination for those looking to go luxury shopping in Istanbul. The upscale neighbourhood is one of the most stylish areas, often drawing comparisons to cities such as Paris. The shopping rivals that of big European cities particularly along Abdi İpekçi Caddesi in the heart of the district. Exclusive designer boutiques are found here along with Beymen, Turkey’s premier department store, which is a must-visit.
NISPETIYE CADDESI
Nispetiye Caddesi is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul thanks to Akmerkez, one of the largest shopping malls in the city. Located in the neighbourhood of Etiler in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Akmerkez is a four-floor mall with more than 250 stores across 180,000 square metres.
NURUOSMANIYE CADDESI
Istanbul is world famous for its fine carpets, jewellery and antiques and if you are looking to invest in such goods then head over to Nuruosmaniye Caddesi. The pedestrian boulevard is one of the main streets leading up to the Grand Bazaar and is lined with wonderfully vibrant shops. The street is home to Armaggan, a Harrods-sized store offering an impressive seven floors of traditional crafts, furniture, locally sourced art, textiles and jewellery. It’s a must-visit for those looking to enjoy local art and the rich heritage of Istanbul.
HAVE TEA WITH A SHOPKEEPER!
Don’t be surprised when you are offered a tea while out shopping! Having tea with a shopkeeper is a common practice in Istanbul!
GRAND BAAZAR
Spend day losing yourself in the Grand Baazar that houses Mosques, hammams, cafes, and jewelry stalls, and which is located near the hostel, just a short walk down the street. There are more than 5,000 shops, covering 60 streets.
BAĞDAT CADDESI
Surrounded by shopping malls, elegant luxury boutiques and top international brands, Bağdat Caddesi is one of the best places to shop in Istanbul. Stretching for 14km on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, it is a great place to spend a day.
ABDI İPEKÇI CADDESI
The Nişantaşı neighbourhood is a popular destination for those looking to go luxury shopping in Istanbul. The upscale neighbourhood is one of the most stylish areas, often drawing comparisons to cities such as Paris. The shopping rivals that of big European cities particularly along Abdi İpekçi Caddesi in the heart of the district. Exclusive designer boutiques are found here along with Beymen, Turkey’s premier department store, which is a must-visit.
NISPETIYE CADDESI
Nispetiye Caddesi is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul thanks to Akmerkez, one of the largest shopping malls in the city. Located in the neighbourhood of Etiler in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Akmerkez is a four-floor mall with more than 250 stores across 180,000 square metres.
NURUOSMANIYE CADDESI
Istanbul is world famous for its fine carpets, jewellery and antiques and if you are looking to invest in such goods then head over to Nuruosmaniye Caddesi. The pedestrian boulevard is one of the main streets leading up to the Grand Bazaar and is lined with wonderfully vibrant shops. The street is home to Armaggan, a Harrods-sized store offering an impressive seven floors of traditional crafts, furniture, locally sourced art, textiles and jewellery. It’s a must-visit for those looking to enjoy local art and the rich heritage of Istanbul.
HAVE TEA WITH A SHOPKEEPER!
Don’t be surprised when you are offered a tea while out shopping! Having tea with a shopkeeper is a common practice in Istanbul!
ISTANBUL NIGHTLIFE
ORTAKOY
Once a fishing village, Ortakoy is now the area for upmarket chic looking and the place to party. The waterfront is surrounded by bars and clubs, where the hip young professionals love to hang out.
CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS
How often can you visit two continents in a matter of minutes and not even have to go through customs! Take a cruise on the Bosphoros and go to Asia!
PLAY BACKGAMMON
This popular game dates back 5,000 years in the Persian empire and is going strong today in the city of Istanbul and you can find it in local café offering boards to use!
SMOKE A HOOKAH
Also known as Shisha or waterpipe, Hookah lounges are very popular in the city. Hookahs are flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe. It became popular in Turkey in the 17th century and was a status symbol for those in the city.
ORTAKOY
Once a fishing village, Ortakoy is now the area for upmarket chic looking and the place to party. The waterfront is surrounded by bars and clubs, where the hip young professionals love to hang out.
CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS
How often can you visit two continents in a matter of minutes and not even have to go through customs! Take a cruise on the Bosphoros and go to Asia!
PLAY BACKGAMMON
This popular game dates back 5,000 years in the Persian empire and is going strong today in the city of Istanbul and you can find it in local café offering boards to use!
SMOKE A HOOKAH
Also known as Shisha or waterpipe, Hookah lounges are very popular in the city. Hookahs are flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe. It became popular in Turkey in the 17th century and was a status symbol for those in the city.
VISIT A TURKISH BATH
Try one of the famous Turkish Baths of Istanbul and experience the traditional hammam!
Try one of the famous Turkish Baths of Istanbul and experience the traditional hammam!
