Beşiktaş – Istanbul
Cistern of Theodosius
There of dozens of Byzantine era cisterns located throughout Istanbul’s ancient city’s foundations but the largest and most notable is the Basilica Cistern which was closed at the onset of the pandemic and remains closed for extensive renovations until an undesignated future date. The most notable of the other cisterns is the Cistern of Theodosius which remains open to the public as a museum.
Topkapi Palace Museum
Six years after the conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Ahmed II constructed a palace as his new personal residence which remained the residence of the Ottoman empire’s sultans and the center of administrative function of the empire for four centuries until the construction and occupation of the more modern and accommodating Dolmabahçe Palace by Sultan Abdulmejid I in 1856 (following 13 years of construction on the palace).
Dolmabahçe Palace
Sultan Abdulmejid I began work on Dolmabahçe Palace in 1843 on a new luxurious palace overlooking the Bosphorus on the site of a prior palace. It is estimated that the cost of construction and furnishing the Dolmabahçe Palace was close to US $2 billion. After the Turkish revolution and the official dissolution of the Ottoman empire by decree of the new Turkish government in 1924, the ownership of the palace devolved to the Turkish state and it is operated as a museum today.
İstiklal Caddesi
Most major metropolitan areas have one special pedestrian-only thoroughfares that are the hub of tourist activity in the city. In Istanbul that spot is İstiklal Caddesi. It’s the best place in Istanbul to walk and people watch, to shop, to soak in the culture, and to lounge around in a café sipping a Turkish coffee and enjoying a sweet Turkish delight.
The Spice Bazaar – Mısır Çarşısı
The historic building at this location used to serve as a busy textiles and spice bazaar. The recently remodeled building now primarily contains kiosks selling spices and candy. It’s a paradise for both cooks and candy lovers.
Fatih – Istanbul
Istanbul’s Best Turkish Baths
City’s Nisantasi – Shopping Mall
City’s Nisantasi is Istanbul’s most prestigious shopping mall, situated in the posh shopping district of Nisantasi and housing over 150 stores, cafes, and restaurants. The multi-storied mall also boasts a large cinema and is within walking distance of two 5-star hotels.
Nişantaşı – Istanbul
Galata Tower
Galata Tower, originally erected in the fourth century, was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade, but later rebuilt in 1348 in the Genoese colony of Istanbul known as Galata. Although it originally was constructed for military defense purposes, it was used after the fall of Constantinople as a watchtower for fires and today is open to the public as a museum. It provides a 360 degree view of Istanbul.
Restaurant 24
Restaurant 24 is the rooftop restaurant of a small boutique hotel near to Galata Tower. The menu elevates Turkish dishes and ingredients to gourmet level. The décor is upscale. The service staff friendly and efficient. Great spot for a romantic evening meal overlooking the Bosporus. Also a great place for an early morning breakfast, opening at 8:00 am and offering both a Turkish breakfast spread or scrambled eggs for the less adventurous.