Istanbul is so diverse that one cannot define all the different
districts. We have tried to briefly outline some of the main areas
of Istanbul
Sultanahmet
Usually one arrives into Sultanahmet first after leaving the airport.
This area is has a abundent history and is bursting with tourists.
This is where the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome
Yerebatan and Aya Sophia are located. Combined with loads of hotels
and bars, there is ample memento stores combined with museums, historic
sites, markets and mosques. The main area is Divan Yolu where you
will see hundreds of avenues and alleyways to explore this amazing
city’s history. Don't forget also the maze canopyed bazaar
close to Beyazit University is additionally located along this artery.
Eminonu
Positioned along the shoreline of the Golden Horn, Eminonu has lots
of street peddlars selling all sorts of fascinating objects. The
highlight of this area is the Spice Bazaar, the square and Mimar
SinanÕs Yeni Camii is a great landmark with its minarets
standing high above the chaos. One can get a ferry to the Asian
side as well as to the Princes Islands from the dock side. The Sirkeci
main train station is around here and this is where you get the
trains to Europe from here.
District 2
Beyoglu
The heartbeat of Istanbul’s day and nightlife, Istiklal Street
with its paved thoroughfare, is the place to be seen and hang out,
surrounded by a maze of winding lanes full of café’s,
cool bars, continental restaurants, historic cinemas, major theatres
and post boutiques are to be found around Beyoglu. Taksim Square
with the monument to the Republic and nearby the Greek Orthodox
Aya Triade Church. One can catch an old tram past the Rumeli Han,
Cicek Pasaji, Atlas Pasaji, Cite de Pera, Galaltasary Lise up to
the last stop in Tunel Square. All International festivals happen
in this part of the city from the International Istanbul film,
music, theatre, and jazz festivals, as well as Roxy music days,
Bosphorus festival, and Blues festivals.
Tunel
Known as the Bohemian Quarter only recently, but previously this
area was a bad derelict area and now its got redeveloped and
has music venues, cafeÕs, and outside restaurants as well
as bars, antique bookshops, music stores and art galleries.
Karakoy
A busy port with a great fish market, a ferry terminal exists where
all the international cruise ships dock, at this intriguing landscape
at the mouth of the Golden Horn. A huge underground market exists
that has every electrical appliance possible. Up the hill is
Bankalar Caddesi, an historic area full of art galleries and
banks.
District 3
Galata
The Galata Tower is the centre of this area. The world renowned
Turkis film called, Ôbeneath my wingsÕ, is about
a man who flew from this tower with his man-made wings. The main
street in the area is Galip Dede Caddesi, which is full of restaurants
and shops, and there are countless mosques and synagogues hidden
away.
Golden Horn
The best stretch is from Eminonu and Ayvansaray, up as far as Eyup.
At Ayvansaray the old city walls start and go overland to Yedikapi.
Besikas and Ortakoy
Besikta is at the centre of the three way junction that leads up
to Levent. Ortakoy is a busy suburb on the waterfront, with lots
of bars, restaurants and tea houses, and is very popular with
the locals who hang out here at weekends. OrtakoyÕs back
lanes are buzzing with stalls of handicrafts and trinkets on
the summer weekends. The mosque, church and synagogue are all
within a stones throw of each other. The Bosphorus Bridge crosses
the water overhead.
District 4
Bosphorus: Arnavutkoy to Sariyer
On the European side of the Bosphorus shore is sprawled with Ottoman
style mansions, posh cafes and fish restaurants. The shore road
leads to Zekariyekoy, a popular weekend hangout.
Sea of Marmara Coast: Kumkapi to Yedikule
Kumpkapi has many tourists and is quite expensive with views of
the sea, with old city walls and Yedikule fortress.
Asian Side and bosphorus: Kadikoy to Anadolu Hisari
Kadikoy has cobbled lanes and lots of cafes, bars and shops. The
coast road passes a pretty suburb named Yskudar with great examples
of Mimar Sinan’s creations, including the Mihrimah Sultan
and Semsi Pasa Camus. Selimiye Barracks (Florence Nightingale
use to work here during the cruel Crimean War) is up on the hill.
Princes Islands
The four islands named Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kinaliada and Burgazada
attract large crowds to escape the summer heat. Ferries depart
from Sirkeci, Bostanci and Kadikoy. No cars allowed, and has
only horse and traps. There are Greek monasteries here and plenty
of accommodation on the islands to stay over and great restaurants.
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