Istanbul Hotels

It’s also surprisingly happening. Recently dubbed the ‘World’s Hippest City’, Istanbul’s nightlife is inventive, creative and increasingly hedonistic. The traditional taverns and tea gardens can still be found (the hookah lounges have disappeared, though – victims of the smoking ban), but for Istanbul’s Gen Y crowd, it’s the stylish new bars, restaurants and clubs that capture the attention.

But if that represents new Istanbul, there’s still plenty of the old to enjoy by day, in the form of museums, mosques and more. Walking across the Galata Bridge after a very late night, you cross the Bosphorus Strait, which separates continental Europe and Asia and the site of the rowdy, colourful Besiktas Fish Market.

For those on a cultural bent, the Chora Chura and Blue Mosque contain some of the finest examples of early Christian and Islamic art. You can’t buy it, of course, but the Antique Rug Market of Istanbul and the Arasta Bazaar are both proving grounds for hagglers and treasure troves of rare and beautiful finds.

Whatever your objectives, Istanbul is a city that absorbs you completely, proving to be a real Turkish delight.

Istanbul’s Top 10

Istanbul History

• Topkapi Palace – Former home for several rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
• Aya Sofia – This basilica was built in 537 and converted into a mosque after the 1453 conquest of Byzantium.
• Blue Mosque – This mosque was built in the 17th century and designed to rival the Aya Sofya.
• Istanbul Archaeology Museums – Features collections that were once owned by the Ottoman rulers.
• Yedikule Zindanlari – A fortress with a history that dates back to the 4th century.

Istanbul Art & Culture

• Dance of Colour – Celebrates the unique music, dance and attire of the Sufi Muslims in Istanbul.
• Istanbul Modern – Opened in 2005 and now hosts modern art exhibits.
• The Florence Nightingale Museum – Dedicated to the work of nurses during the Crimean War.
• Rahmi M Koc Museum – Highlights the naval history of the city.
• Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts – Includes a lovely collection of calligraphy and carpets.

Istanbul Shopping

• The Grand Bazaar – One of the most colourful and lively shopping areas in Istanbul.
• Flower Passage – A revitalized home for several food markets.
• Sali Pazari – This a good place to stock up on clothing at unbelievable prices.
• Spice Bazaar – Has everything from culinary spices to types of potions.
• Istanbul Handicrafts Market – Stop here to buy souvenir items.

Gay & Lesbian Istanbul

• Aquarius – The only gay sauna in Istanbul with a pool.
• Istiklal Street – This is where you will find most of the gay- and lesbian-friendly nightclubs.
• Taskim Area – Has hookah cafes that attract gay residents and visitors.
• Gay pride parades – Istanbul hosts several annual gay pride parades with large turnouts every year.
• Private tours of gay clubs and bars are available for men who are unfamiliar with the city.

Istanbul Local

Bordered by water on three sides and a wall on the other, this area is all that’s left of the once-mighty Constantinople. With its architectural roots dating back nearly 8000 years, the Old City is full of history, stories, myths and characters.

Dominated by the Hagia Sophia, there are lesser-known jewels begging to be discovered. The Basilica Cistern is a giant underground water system, equipped with monster-headed columns and newly introduced orchestral music (in case it wasn’t already creepy enough). Get a taste of ancient Rome (and Ben Hur) at the Hippodrome and a taste of everything from the local to the exotic at the Grand Bazaar. For souvenir-hunters, the Bazaar’s Can Antik section offers more than fridge magnets.

Bosphorus

On the European side of the city, Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s most scenic areas, yet is often overlooked by tourists. Once a series of fishing villages, the suburb is comprised of unique subcultures. The Ortokoy neighbourhood is noted for the baroque architecture of the Ortokoy Mosque but is also the city’s bohemian quarter thanks to a plethora of busy, artsy cafés.

The Dolmabahce Palace should not be missed. With 285 rooms and 43 halls, it was the vast administrative centre of the vast Ottoman Empire. To appreciate the scale of the architecture, guided tours are recommended. Less ostentatious but equally well positioned is Macka Park. Situated on the water, the rickety wooden bridge spanning the two sides of the park screams ‘photo opportunity’!

Princes’ Islands

Named after the exiled Ottoman royals who called them home, the Princes’ Islands are the most multicultural of modern Istanbul’s suburbs, housing a large Greek and Armenian community.

Amidst the pines of the central summit on Buyukada Island lies the Greek Orphanage. Originally a hotel, now a possibly haunted abandoned house, the four-storey building is the largest wooden structure in Europe. On the other summit stands the Hagios Giorgios Church. Although architecturally average, its cobblestone path provides the best views of the sea.

Galata

Most visitors come to Galata for the nightlife. The Beyoglu district houses some of the coolest bars with an array of music to suit all tastes. The Atlas Axis serves up amazing world music and good food at a very reasonable price. During the week, Dulcinea is a popular museum and café, but over the weekend it becomes home to Istanbul’s re-energised techno music scene. A hidden gem is the Haymatlos Bar – a second-floor dive bar with some of the best local folk music around.

Istanbul Food & Drink

Istanbul’s cuisine embraces the best of traditional Asian, European and Middle Eastern foods, while still evolving to reflect the city’s modernising outlook. From local bistros providing traditional Turkish fare to world-class hotel restaurants offering international culinary delights, there’s so much on offer.

Istanbul Events

As one of Europe’s greatest clothing suppliers, the Istanbul Fashion Festival in February provides a proving ground for new designers and established fashion houses.

In May, Formula One comes to town for the Turkish Grand Prix. One of the 20 races on the international F1 circuit, the event attracts thousands of fans from around the world.

For half of July, jazz fans gather in Istanbul for the biggest horns and best scatting around. With acts also embracing everything from electronica to rock, the festival has attracted some of music’s biggest names, including Ray Charles and Miles Davis.

The Whirling Dervishes are symbolic of Turkey and the Middle East as a whole, their swirling and mesmerising dancing styling being a unique expression of culture. Every December in Konya (to the south of Istanbul), the Mevlana Festival commemorates the founding of this order of dancers.

When To Go

During April and May, schoolchildren are in class and parents are at work. This leaves museums, historical sites and even shopping malls ripe for you and your aimless wandering. Not being pushed around and actually having time to enjoy a timeless piece of art or history should never be underestimated.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons in terms of climate. Summer delivers scorching heat and winter is rather miserable – especially in a city where walking should be your main mode of transport.

If you’re open to a religious experience, visit during Ramadan. The Islamic month of fasting (so no indulgences during daylight) makes for raucous nights, with festivals and fares livening up the streets. By day, though, not much is open – and the people you’ll meet are likely to be cranky.

What To Miss

River Cruises The Bosphorus is majestic – it shimmers in the morning, glistens in the midday sun and sits reflectively and still at night. You do not need an air-conditioned, leather-seated cruise boat to enjoy this. Instead, take a ferry – the local commuters are worth the trip alone.

Shoeshine Scam A little boy will be walking in front of you and a brush will fall out of his bag. You grab the brush and run after him; he seems grateful as you return it. He even offers a shoeshine. You wouldn’t normally, but you say ‘OK’, a good deed done in return for your own selfless act. He will finish, smile at you and demand 10 times what a regular shoe shine would cost.

Hotel taxis If you wish to travel around the Old City, walking or a taxi is the way to do it. But hail your own cabs as hotels will charge extra for calling one. Just learn the name of your destination and a vague direction so you can correct your driver if he’s taking ‘the scenic route’.

Getting Around

Boats Since the city is separated by water, a boat trip will be unavoidable. Fortunately, the views are incredible from such a low vantage point, as the city seems to grow towards the sky.

Public transport Thanks to heavy government investment, buses and trains are the best ways to travel long distances on either side of the river.

Bikes and cars These are options, but not recommended. Traffic is absurdly congested on the old roads around Istanbul, so don’t expect a relaxed trip. Also, the roads are poorly constructed and usually very hilly, so avoid cycling unless you have thighs of steel.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Weather