Tripology Travel Experts Blog

Stepping Out of Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

by Rachel_Paiste, 09/20/2009 06:09

Category: Trip Ideas

Istanbul’s reputation as a cultural crossroads is no exaggeration.  Once you leave the old town, you will see a fascinating mix of old mosques, new modern architecture, and liberals living, dancing, and drinking next to conservative Muslims.
    This article will give you a few ideas on where to go once you step out of the comfort of Sultanahmet.  Moving north, the Galata neighborhood is the easiest area to get to.  Known for food and nightlife, the neighborhood is home to the pedestrian only area of Taksim.  The main avenue, Istiklal Caddesi, bookended by Taksim Square and the Galata Tower, is home to many great shops, bars, restaurants and clubs. [for more on nightlife, click here]
    One of the best meyhanes in the area is Sofyali 9.  The waiter will come with a tray of mezes, and you can choose as many of the small plates as you’d like.  Eat them with a glass of Rakı, Turkey’s anise drink (similar to Ouzo).   
    Another great option for dinner or dessert is the cafeteria in the Galata Tower.  On the 8th floor of the tower you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping Çay or kahve.
     But eating is not the only thing to do outside of Sultanahmet.  Visit the Chora, or Kariye church, home to some of the cities most impeccably preserved frescoes.

     Istanbul’s Hollywood is a neighborhood called Bebek, a 45 minute ride from Sultanahmet.  Start your day out at Bebek Kahve, where you can have a glass of the local brew.  From there walk further north to the Rumeli Fortress, or make your way south to Ortaköy.  Ortaköy is home to winding cobbled streets lined with shops and galleries.  It’s easy to spend an afternoon getting lost in the area.
     If you have time, or want to say you went to two continents in one day, taking a ferry to the Asian side is cheap and simple.  Take the ferry to Uzküdar and visit the Sakirin Mosque, opened just this year and special as the first mosque designed by a woman.  This modern design is a nice change from the many Ottoman styles you will see in your trip to Istanbul.
     From here you can take the beautiful half hour stroll or hop in a cab to Kadiköy.  If you go on a Tuesday, the neighborhood is home to one of the cities largest local bazaars, a place you can pick up everything from fruit to clothes and household items.  From the Bosphorous park you can watch the sun set over the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, then head back to the main square to eat at Çiya, home to the cities best kebaps.
    If you have time, take a Bosphorous cruise.  It’s a great way to see some of the wealthiest and most beautiful areas of the city.  Tripology travel agents can help you plan an Istanbul vacation that's right for you on your upcoming Turkey vacation.

Filed under:  Trip Ideas, Istanbul, Turkey
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