Top Ten Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey's Capital offers brilliant Food, Shopping and History

May 11, 2009

Gazing from banks of the river Bosphorus, which divides Istanbul into East and West, one of the world's greatest cities is laid out, ready to discover.

In amongst the concrete build-up that’s Istanbul, there’s a perpetual energy and movement: of cars, of people, of one of the world's largest cities alive and bustling with progress. The skyline is a haze of mustard-yellow, where the smog bleeds into the refracted gold-desert sunlight, punctuated by the proud Minarets of Mosques. Istanbul is a city alive with so much to offer in terms of history, culture and entertainment. Like the rings on a tree, each layer yearns to be examined, to reveal its own personal history.

Explore Turkish History at Topkapi Palace

The Palace was the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years and is now an amazing, authentic museum to Turkish history. The long sweeping verandas and open courtyards lead to each extravagantly decorated building, including the Harem, an area of over 100 rooms where the King's mother, wives, mistresses and eunuchs permanently resided . There are many historical artefacts to see, including jewels, guard weapons and items of Islamic historical importance.

Cool Down with a Bosphorus River Cruise

A river cruise is the perfect way to see a city so immense, to gauge the size and to cool down in the heat. There are tour cruises available, or ferries that go to cities edge.

Be Amazed by the Hagia Sophia

No visit to Istanbul is complete without seeing Hagia Sohpia. Built as a church around 500 AD, its now a museum and an incredibly grand example of Byzantine architecture. Must of the building is richly decorated with mosaics, some that curiously reference Christian mythology. The sheer size of the main hall, with its huge dome towering high, above makes this one of the most awe-inspiring Cathedrals in Europe.

Try the Local Cuisine

Most people who claim not to be fans of the jelly-sweet Turkish Delight are converted upon trying it in Turkey, where it seems to have a more complex flavour, a delicate blend of subtle fragrances. Or else try baklava a sticky, crunchy pastry that melts and crumbles in the mouth and is full of sweet, aromatic flavour. And, of course, no visit to Istanbul is complete without trying the local savoury, the Doner Kebab.

Go Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

Of a size and depth to rival the biggest shopping malls in America, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest covered markets in the world, with well over 1000 stalls. From spice shops, to clothing stores, the throngs of people bustle about this consumerist Mecca as Istanbul truly comes alive.

The way to relax in Istanbul is to visit a bath house, facilities of which include saunas, pools and massages. Most baths have separate areas for men and women and a few set rules; the most centrally accessible is Cemberlitas Bath, near the Grand Bazaar. Suleymaniye Bath is the only bath in Istanbul that allows mixed bathing.

See the Blue Mosque

Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it was once on of the most important Mosques in Istanbul. Called the ‘Blue’ mosque for its impressive blue tiling on the interior walls. Conveniently located near another ‘must see’ attraction, the Hagia Sophia.

Smoke a Turkish Water Pipe

Also known as Hooka, these stylish traditional smoking pipes are worth a try after a hard day of sightseeing. There are quite a few pipe emporiums found near the Grand Bazaar.

Catch a bus or Taxi to Eyup, at the estuary of the Bosphorus, for more authentic Turkish culture. This is a place of historical and cultural importance for many Turks and there are some significant Mosques and mausoleums to see. Take a walk up the hill, past the graves on the incline, and come to a little café at the top, which affords amazing views of Istanbul from a shaded, leafier position.

Go People-watching in Taksim Square

The Square is at the top of Istanbul’s main public shopping mall, and provides a good chance to sit in a café or restaurant and people-watch. Enjoy a Turkish tea and let the faces, clothing and culture inspire.

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