Istanbul

Istanbul is not the capital city of Turkey, but it is so much more. Historically known as Constantinople, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and its economic, cultural and historic center. The city straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait and its old city reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here like the Byzantines and the Ottomans. We'd recommend at least 3-4 nights in Istanbul to explore its many attractions. You can catch really good flight deals on Turkish Airlines, so keep on the lookout for those. 

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Where to Stay:

• I personally prefer to stay in the European Istanbul, where most of the attractions are. 

• Sultanahmet, or the old city, is the heart of Istanbul and what makes up most of what was Constantinople. From here, it is an easy walk to everywhere.

• Beyoglu is our favorite district. Full of restaurants, shopping, bars, and history.

• Karaoky is another cool district north of the old city. Many cafes, shops, restaurants and 19th century architecture.

• If you're into shopping, then stay at the Bazaar district where they have over 3000 shops with everything your heart may desire.

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Where/What to Eat:

• Istanbul, in our opinion, is one of the best cities in the world for food. There is no shortage of excellent food anywhere in the city, but here are some of our absolute favorites:

• Balkan Lokantasi  - Historic eatery fir the everyday working man. 

• Sur Ocakbasi: baby lamb cooked under ground. 

• Try Turkish Kebabs, anywhere. Durumzade or Adana Ocakbasi make them really well.

• Enjoy a lunch or dinner in an elegant restaurant with a beautifully tiled interior serving traditional Ottoman cuisine at Karaköy Lokantasi

• Don't leave Istanbul without trying a proper Doner Kebab. Karadeniz Pide ve Döner Salonu makes them exceptionally well. 

• Eat a fried fish sandwich off a boat under the Galata Bridge.

• Turkish coffee is a ritual. Try some at Mandabatmaz, or anywhere. 

• Try Lahmacun. Think of it as Turkish pizza or flatbread. Tatbak is a great choice to try lgahmacun.

• Get your sugar fix with a scrumptious baklava dessert at Karaköy Güllüoğlu; the best place in the city for baklava. Best complemented with a hot Turkish tea.

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What to Do:

• Spend time exploring the historic downtown (wast al-balad). There are souks (markets) for everything. spices market,

• Spend an evening in Karakoy neighborhood. Grab dinner in one of its many outdoors eateries, or a enjoy a rooftop drink with a view.

• Check out the Grand Bazaar, It's awesome! 

• Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, Topkaki Palace, and Galata Tower.

• Walk around Taksim square, snack your way around, people watch, and do some shopping.

• Bar hop around Beyoglu. 

• Take a river cruise on the Bosphorus. 

• Eat your way around the city.

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