A port city, a legacy of the Byzantine Empire, a metropolis that combines European splendor and Asian flavor – all this is Istanbul, especially attractive in the fall. While the lockdown does not allow entry into many countries, it’s time to take a closer look at this Turkish city, located at the crossroads of cultures, on both sides of the Bosphorus.
How to get there and where to stay
A plane ticket from Moscow will cost from 9300 rubles* per person round trip. From the airport to the city center you can take the Havaist shuttle bus or taxi.
When you have only a few days, it is better to stay in the historical quarter of Sultanahmet or in neighboring Beyoğlu, which are located in the European part of the city. If you want to feel the oriental flavor and atmosphere of the local party, settle in Kadikoy – an Asian area with dozens of authentic cafes and bright graffiti on the facades of buildings.
Here are some suitable options:
Parkhouse Hotel & Spa – from 3600 rubles* per night per person;
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul – from 8400 rubles* per night per person.
What to see and try in different areas
When you open a map of Istanbul, you can be a little confused – there are about 40 districts in the city. Tourists will be most interested in walking around Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray and Laleli, Besiktas, Beyoglu, Sisli, Kadikoy and Uskudar. Below is a list of places where you can have a cup of coffee, have lunch and just have a good time.
Sultanahmet
Here, within walking distance are the main historical monuments of Istanbul: the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, which recently turned into a mosque, Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque and others. After a fun day of sightseeing, enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the establishments listed below.
Kosk 1981 Cafe & Restaurant
You need to come here not only for delicious food, but most importantly for the show, which is organized here personally for each guest. So, no one will definitely be left indifferent by the literally fiery presentation of the dishes. The waiters bring meat and vegetables in clay pots and heat it with burning torches. In addition, you can try traditional kebab, fish, and shish kebab. Sometimes good-natured waiters treat guests to baklava for tea.
Myterrace Cafe & Restaurant
Go here to have breakfast or watch the sunset and be sure to climb to the very top of the restaurant. The terrace offers views of the minarets of the old city and the vast Bosphorus. The restaurant offers a colorful interior and delicious fresh fish dishes.
Beyoglu
The famous Galata Tower is located here, a must-see. From the observation deck under its very roof there is a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn Bay. Charge your gadgets, because you will have to take a lot of photos.
Mikla
Mikla is located on the top two floors of the Marmara Pera Hotel, located in the city’s historic district, and has been ranked among the world’s 50 best restaurants since 2015. In addition to gastronomic pleasures, the establishment offers an open terrace with views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus. Try beef steaks and red Turkish wine. We recommend booking a table based on sunset time to enjoy the magnificent view.
Kadikoy
They say that to understand Istanbul, you need to go to the Asian part of the city. There are few attractions here, but away from the tourist streets, in Kadikoy, you can feel the whole atmosphere of the city and try to get lost among the locals.
Bitro Coffee Shop
A cozy place to stop by for a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate cake. At the entrance to the cafe you will be greeted by a vintage bicycle attached to the ceiling. The thing about Istanbul coffee shops is that in almost every one of them you can find a whole warehouse of amazing things. It’s the same in Bitro Coffee Shop – mini-copies of American muscle cars, ceramic dishes and Japanese dolls are placed on the shelves. The coffee shop has a patio with inspirational quotes from the movie Forrest Gump on the walls and local cats snoozing on colorful pillows.
Walter’s Coffee Roastery
A coffee shop inspired by the TV series Breaking Bad. Here it’s easy to feel like a movie character: you can try on the yellow overalls that the main characters often appeared in on camera, or try to brew your own coffee in a flask. Here you can take dozens of great shots and buy merchandise as a souvenir.
And these are just a few examples of places worth checking out. There are hundreds of coffee shops and restaurants in Istanbul that do not have time to appear on the map. Therefore, the real adventure when traveling around Istanbul is to find those very places.
What to bring as a souvenir from Istanbul: a guide to bookstores
The bustling metropolis is home to a surprising number of small, independent bookstores and boutiques where you can stop for a cup of tea, leaf through beautiful publications, and buy unusual gifts for your loved ones.
Homer Bookshop
In Galatasaray, hidden among the courtyards is a bookstore with bright stained glass windows and a double staircase, open since 1995. Homer has a large selection of books on archaeology, literature, history of Turkey and Byzantium. You can purchase English-language publications on the history and culture of Istanbul as a gift.
Minoa Books & Coffee
A store that offers a calm atmosphere amidst the busy Besiktas area. There are about 40,000 books, periodicals and even cultural comics in English and Turkish. A variety of notebooks and home decor items are also on sale. There is a cafe where you can order drinks and light snacks. Dolmabahce Palace and Mačka Park are within walking distance.
Pandora
This is a chain of stores located in different parts of the city. Each has many books in English, as well as in other languages of the world. Main topics: literature and art. We recommend visiting Pandora in Beyoglu as it is one of the most attractive areas of Istanbul for tourists.
Fil Books
Fil Books is a trendy combination bookstore and café in Karaköy, near the Galata Tower. A two-story space with a bright interior and a cozy outdoor area. In Turkish, Fil means elephant, which explains why souvenirs of this animal are everywhere. Be sure to buy something as a souvenir for yourself and your family.
On the top floor of the store you can relax on the sofa or swing chairs with a book and a hot drink. It’s great to enjoy desserts and coffee while leafing through books on photography and art. They can also be purchased as a gift.
Sometimes workshops and various photography events are held here – this is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. In addition to souvenirs and accessories, Fil Books has a wide selection of independent publications, children’s books and magazines. After shopping, be sure to take a stroll through Karaköy, which is filled with small, independent boutiques, cafes, and bakeries.
When traveling to Istanbul, take a break from the maps and devote time to leisurely walks among the winding streets – this way you will be able to discover unique places that will remain in your memory forever.
*Prices valid at time of publication
If you are looking for a place to stay while traveling, we recommend booking a hotel on OneTwoTrip.
