This post is based upon these two areas of Istanbul because they are the areas with the highest density of visitor attractions and hotels (for more information on what to see in Istanbul click here) and also because the traffic is sometimes so congested that travelling around Istanbul can take ages. Nobody wants to spend their trip in traffic, do they?
Sultanahmet
If staying in the
heart of the old city appeals you will probably favour Sultanahmet, which is
the original location of Constantinople and the area that contains many of the
city’s celebrated architectural treasures.
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| Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey |
The Sights
The Blue Mosque
and Haghia Sophia sit on opposite sides of Sultanahmet Square with Topkapi
Palace only a short walk away on Seraglio Point and the Basilica Cistern
underground nearby. Sultanahmet is also the museum district of Istanbul with
the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Museum of Archeology and the Great
Palace Mosaics Museum all in the area. Caglaoglu Hamam, one of the more recently built Ottoman Empire Turkish baths that dates back to the early 1700s,
is a couple of blocks away. A 20-minute walk up the hill from Sultanahmet, or a
few stops on the tram, brings you to the Grand Bazaar, home to almost 4,500
shops and an easy way to lose an afternoon. Read more about that here.
The Golden Horn and Eminonu area is at the bottom of the hill Sultanahmet sits on top of and is also worth exploring. The old Eminonu Train Station that used to be the destination of the Orient Express, is down here, along with unimaginably beautiful Rustem Pasa Mosque, the exotic Egyptian Bazaar and the waterfront.
The Golden Horn and Eminonu area is at the bottom of the hill Sultanahmet sits on top of and is also worth exploring. The old Eminonu Train Station that used to be the destination of the Orient Express, is down here, along with unimaginably beautiful Rustem Pasa Mosque, the exotic Egyptian Bazaar and the waterfront.
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| Ceramics for sale in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey |
Dining and
Nightlife
There are several
restaurant options around Sultanahmet but the area is geared towards tourists
and prices are often higher than elsewhere in the city. Since the area is so
busy during the day it is a good spot to grab a quick bite to eat during the
day inbetween sights but the options thin out a bit in the evenings. To get the
most authentic food, and at the best price, the trick is to go to restaurants
that look full of locals.
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| Iznik Ceramic Tile in Rustem Pasa Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey |
Taksim – in Beyoglu (pronounced ‘Bay–oh–loo’)
Beyoglu is the
area to the north of the Golden Horn. It was originally used as a
base for European merchants and is now the cultural heart of Istanbul with the
most active entertainment and nightlfe in the city. Its historical European
connection, and the fact that many foreigners live in this area, contribute to Beyoglu
feeling more cosmopolitan than others and explains the number of Catholic
churches in the area. Many foreign embassies are based in Beyoglu.
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| Galata Tower, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey |
The Sights
Taksim Square, containing the Monument of
the Republic, has historically been an important
centre of political protest and various parades and gatherings. Protests have
now been banned from the square but are often held in the surrounding streets.
Taksim is also a transport hub with a subway linking the top of the hill with
the Bosphorus shore and a tramline passing along Istiklal Caddesi to Galata
Tower.
Istiklal Caddesi
is a long avenue lined with fashion stores, bookshops, music stores, chocolate
shops and cafes. As the street descends towards the Golden Horn it offers
magnificent views across the water to Sultanahmet. The view from the top of the
Galata Tower is wonderful.
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| Ortakoy Mosque from a Bosphorus boat cruise, Istanbul, Turkey |
If you make your
way down the hill to the east of Taksim Square it is only a short walk to
Dolmabahce Palace, home to Ataturk, and a short bus ride further brings you to
Ortakoy which has lively street markets at weekends beneath the Bosphorus
Bridge. It is also possible to catch boat trips up the Bosphorus from Kabatas. Read more about that here.
Dining and
Nightlife
Ignore the
imposing Burger King on the fringe of Taksim Square, and the various other
international chains have appeared in the area, there are some wonderful and authentic
Turkish restaurants and cafes in the area. Cicek Pasaji (Flower Avenue, so
called because the building used to contain flower shops) is a building about
halfway along Istiklal Caddesi. It is a high-ceilinged walkway lined with
restaurants and winehouses on either side set out like outdoor dining. You will
quickly notice the restaurants are full of locals. Istiklal Caddesi also offers
patisseries selling pastries (both sweet and savoury), cakes, chocolates and
Turkish delight. A few streets back from Istiklal Caddesi, to the north, the
area comes alive at night with café after café spilling out onto the streets. The
area offers nightclubs for the party animals and a more casual café culture for
others.
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| Ciciek Pasaji, Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey |
If you want the
convenience of being able to explore Sultanahmet and areas further up the
Bosphorus Topkapi provides a great central location and easily available nightlife
after a hard day’s exploring. If you are limited for time staying in
Sultanahmet may be more convenient. Transport between the two is available on
buses, part of the way can be completed on the tram and walking between the two
takes a leisurely hour or two (depending how many times you stop!)
Have you been to
Istanbul? Where would you suggest visitors stay?
