İstanbul Guidebook
Places to visit
The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” is a domed monument originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the sixth century A.D. ... In its 1,400 year life-span it has served as a cathedral, mosque and now a museum.
It contains two floors centered on a giant nave that has a great dome ceiling, along with smaller domes, towering above.
“Hagia Sophia’s dimensions are formidable for any structure not built of steel,” writes Helen Gardner and Fred Kleiner in their book "Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History." “In plan it is about 270 feet [82 meters] long and 240 feet [73 meters] wide. The dome is 108 feet [33 meters] in diameter and its crown rises some 180 feet [55 meters] above the pavement.”
In its 1,400 year life-span it has served as a cathedral, mosque and now a museum. When it was first constructed, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This state, officially Christian, originally formed the eastern half of the Roman Empire and carried on after the fall of Rome.
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Гагіа-Софія
No:1 Ayasofya MeydanıThe Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” is a domed monument originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the sixth century A.D. ... In its 1,400 year life-span it has served as a cathedral, mosque and now a museum.
It contains two floors centered on a giant nave that has a great dome ceiling, along with smaller domes, towering above.
“Hagia Sophia’s dimensions are formidable for any structure not built of steel,” writes Helen Gardner and Fred Kleiner in their book "Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History." “In plan it is about 270 feet [82 meters] long and 240 feet [73 meters] wide. The dome is 108 feet [33 meters] in diameter and its crown rises some 180 feet [55 meters] above the pavement.”
In its 1,400 year life-span it has served as a cathedral, mosque and now a museum. When it was first constructed, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This state, officially Christian, originally formed the eastern half of the Roman Empire and carried on after the fall of Rome.
The first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his last years in this palace, before passing away in 1938. This room is now part of the museum.
Dolmabahçe Palace was the first European-style palace in Istanbul and was built by Sultan Abdülmecid between 1842 and 1853, at a cost of five million Ottoman gold pounds, the equivalent of 35 tons of gold. Fourteen tons of gold leaf was used to adorn the ceilings of the palace. At the centre of the hall, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier can be found; it was a gift from Queen Victoria. The chandelier has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and one of the great staircases has bannisters of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany, all in the shape of a horseshoe. Another notable feature is the 150-year-old bearskin, a gift from the Tsar of Russia.
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Палац Долмабаче
Dolmabahçe CaddesiThe first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his last years in this palace, before passing away in 1938. This room is now part of the museum.
Dolmabahçe Palace was the first European-style palace in Istanbul and was built by Sultan Abdülmecid between 1842 and 1853, at a cost of five million Ottoman gold pounds, the equivalent of 35 tons of gold. Fourteen tons of gold leaf was used to adorn the ceilings of the palace. At the centre of the hall, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier can be found; it was a gift from Queen Victoria. The chandelier has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and one of the great staircases has bannisters of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany, all in the shape of a horseshoe. Another notable feature is the 150-year-old bearskin, a gift from the Tsar of Russia.
The Blue Mosque was built to reflect this worldwide majestic power of the Ottoman dynasty complementing the fame of Hagia Sophia. The construction started in 1609 and lasted till 1616 when the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built in full form.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration, is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center. ... When Ahmed I died in 1617, he was buried near the mosque and a mausoleum was built over his tomb.
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Синя мечеть
No:10 Atmeydanı Cd.The Blue Mosque was built to reflect this worldwide majestic power of the Ottoman dynasty complementing the fame of Hagia Sophia. The construction started in 1609 and lasted till 1616 when the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built in full form.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration, is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center. ... When Ahmed I died in 1617, he was buried near the mosque and a mausoleum was built over his tomb.
Galata Tower was the tallest building in Constantinople at 219.5 ft (66.9 m) when it was built in 1348. The upper section of the tower with the conical cap was slightly modified in several restorations during the Ottoman period when it was used as an observation tower for spotting fires.
It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony as part of the defense wall surrounding their district at Galata directly opposite ancient Constantinopolis. They called the tower as "Christea Turris", or "Tower of Christ". ... After the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, it served to detect fires in the city.
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Галатська вежа
Galata Tower was the tallest building in Constantinople at 219.5 ft (66.9 m) when it was built in 1348. The upper section of the tower with the conical cap was slightly modified in several restorations during the Ottoman period when it was used as an observation tower for spotting fires.
It was built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony as part of the defense wall surrounding their district at Galata directly opposite ancient Constantinopolis. They called the tower as "Christea Turris", or "Tower of Christ". ... After the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, it served to detect fires in the city.
This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named as Yerebatan Palace ere among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
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Базиліка Цистерна
1/3 Yerebatan Cd.This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named as Yerebatan Palace ere among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
The Topkapi Palace which also means Cannon Gate Palace once served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century.Topkapı Palace was started to built in 1460 after the conquer of Constantinople by Fatih Sultan Mehmed and completed in the year of 1478.
Topkapı palace is located in between Golden Horn and Bosphorus on the 700.000 square meters area which is located in peninsula of Istanbul and the Topkapi Palace was walled off from the city to provide the necessary security and privacy of itself.The Topkapi Palace ,this gorgeous building was being used by so many important people range from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Sultan Abdulmecid for 400 years long. The aim of usage was varying from education , management to art areas in the past and not only in the but past but also nowadays the Topkapı Palace still remains its historical importance .
Topkapı Palace was started to use as museum after the announcement of Republic of Turkey which is on 3 April 1924.Another important feature of Topkapı palace was that it is the first museum of Turkish Republic.
Topkapi Palace is always crowded and interesting attraction point which attracts tourists from all around the world and has a huge interest and impact on tourists visited it ,Topkapi Palace is also a common point to visit people who lives in Turkey and visiting Istanbul , and also for the ones who wants to see and discover the history of Ottoman Empire and more about the history , because Topkapi Palace is hosting so many important collections, architectual buildings and approximately 300.000 archive documents . This richness of Tapkapi Palace makes it an attraction point for its visitors and another feature which improve its importance is Topkapi Palace is one of the biggest palace museums.
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Палац Топкапі
The Topkapi Palace which also means Cannon Gate Palace once served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century.Topkapı Palace was started to built in 1460 after the conquer of Constantinople by Fatih Sultan Mehmed and completed in the year of 1478.
Topkapı palace is located in between Golden Horn and Bosphorus on the 700.000 square meters area which is located in peninsula of Istanbul and the Topkapi Palace was walled off from the city to provide the necessary security and privacy of itself.The Topkapi Palace ,this gorgeous building was being used by so many important people range from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Sultan Abdulmecid for 400 years long. The aim of usage was varying from education , management to art areas in the past and not only in the but past but also nowadays the Topkapı Palace still remains its historical importance .
Topkapı Palace was started to use as museum after the announcement of Republic of Turkey which is on 3 April 1924.Another important feature of Topkapı palace was that it is the first museum of Turkish Republic.
Topkapi Palace is always crowded and interesting attraction point which attracts tourists from all around the world and has a huge interest and impact on tourists visited it ,Topkapi Palace is also a common point to visit people who lives in Turkey and visiting Istanbul , and also for the ones who wants to see and discover the history of Ottoman Empire and more about the history , because Topkapi Palace is hosting so many important collections, architectual buildings and approximately 300.000 archive documents . This richness of Tapkapi Palace makes it an attraction point for its visitors and another feature which improve its importance is Topkapi Palace is one of the biggest palace museums.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world.
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Великий базар
Beyazıt CaddesiIstanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) is one of the world's greatest shopping destinations and, spanning 30,700 square meters, the largest covered market in the entire world.
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Topkapı Palace, and easily visited afterwards, this important museum complex brings together an array of artifacts from both Turkey and throughout the Middle East, which sweeps through the vast breadth of history of this region.
There are three separate sections in the museum complex, each of which are worthy of a visit.
The Museum of the Ancient Orient displays a collection focused on the Middle East's pre-Islamic art and heritage.
The main Archaeology Museum houses statuary and tombs, including the famed sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon that were unearthed by Ottoman architect Osman Hamdi Bey. Also here, you'll find the Istanbul through the Ages exhibit room, which helps you visualize the city's vast and epic history.
The museum's third building is the Tiled Pavilion, built by Mehmet the Conqueror, which houses a wide range of ceramic art.
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Археологічний музей в Стамбулі
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Topkapı Palace, and easily visited afterwards, this important museum complex brings together an array of artifacts from both Turkey and throughout the Middle East, which sweeps through the vast breadth of history of this region.
There are three separate sections in the museum complex, each of which are worthy of a visit.
The Museum of the Ancient Orient displays a collection focused on the Middle East's pre-Islamic art and heritage.
The main Archaeology Museum houses statuary and tombs, including the famed sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon that were unearthed by Ottoman architect Osman Hamdi Bey. Also here, you'll find the Istanbul through the Ages exhibit room, which helps you visualize the city's vast and epic history.
The museum's third building is the Tiled Pavilion, built by Mehmet the Conqueror, which houses a wide range of ceramic art.
Proving that Istanbul isn't just about historic sightseeing, this thoroughly up-to-the-minute art gallery holds an extensive collection of Turkish modern art with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, hosting both local and international artists throughout the year.
This is by far the best place in town to get your finger on the pulse of Turkey's contemporary art scene.
As well as the galleries, the Istanbul Modern has a cinema that hosts a program of film viewings and a library
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Музей сучасного мистецтва в Стамбулі
No:1/1 Meşrutiyet Cd.Proving that Istanbul isn't just about historic sightseeing, this thoroughly up-to-the-minute art gallery holds an extensive collection of Turkish modern art with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, hosting both local and international artists throughout the year.
This is by far the best place in town to get your finger on the pulse of Turkey's contemporary art scene.
As well as the galleries, the Istanbul Modern has a cinema that hosts a program of film viewings and a library
The name comes from a legend: the Byzantine emperor heard a prophecy telling him that his beloved daughter would die at the age of 18 by a snake. So he decided to put her in this tower built on a rock on the Bosphorus isolated from the land thus no snake could kill her. But she couldn't escape from her destiny after all, a snake hidden in a fruit basket brought from the city bit the princess and killed her.
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Дівоча вежа
Salacak MevkiiThe name comes from a legend: the Byzantine emperor heard a prophecy telling him that his beloved daughter would die at the age of 18 by a snake. So he decided to put her in this tower built on a rock on the Bosphorus isolated from the land thus no snake could kill her. But she couldn't escape from her destiny after all, a snake hidden in a fruit basket brought from the city bit the princess and killed her.
Food Recommendations
Fine Dining
The elegant, plant-filled, festooned rooftop terrace of Mürver offers what may well be the best panorama in the city, across the confluence of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus to the tip of the historic peninsula on which old, Asian Istanbul proudly rises. The interior is something else, too, all wooden beams, comfy sofas and an open-plan kitchen. The concept is a twist on the traditional Turkish ocakbaşı (charcoal grilled meat), with all hot dishes prepared on some kind of open fire. Enjoy slow-roasted lamb with firik pilavi (green wheat pilaf), spiced apricot and salted yogurt – it’s gorgeous.
16 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Mürver Restaurant
No:57-59 CaddesiFine Dining
The elegant, plant-filled, festooned rooftop terrace of Mürver offers what may well be the best panorama in the city, across the confluence of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus to the tip of the historic peninsula on which old, Asian Istanbul proudly rises. The interior is something else, too, all wooden beams, comfy sofas and an open-plan kitchen. The concept is a twist on the traditional Turkish ocakbaşı (charcoal grilled meat), with all hot dishes prepared on some kind of open fire. Enjoy slow-roasted lamb with firik pilavi (green wheat pilaf), spiced apricot and salted yogurt – it’s gorgeous.
Fine Dining
The gleaming modern tower block that is the Marmara Pera Hotel, whose rooftop plays host to one of the city’s most sophisticated restaurants, certainly isn't quaint. Mikla is, however, super stylish, with superb panoramic city views across to the old city from the teak-decked terrace, while the elegant interior is all restrained, Scandanavian-inspired mid-century modern. The Turkish-Swedish chef, Mehmet Gürs, is renowned for revolutionising Istanbul’s once staid cuisine – his braised lamb with walnuts, yogurt, goatskin-cured cheese and plums is fabulous, as is the apricot, bulgur wheat and saffron ice-cream. The three-course à la carte menu is surprisingly good value.
93 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Mikla
15 Meşrutiyet Cd.Fine Dining
The gleaming modern tower block that is the Marmara Pera Hotel, whose rooftop plays host to one of the city’s most sophisticated restaurants, certainly isn't quaint. Mikla is, however, super stylish, with superb panoramic city views across to the old city from the teak-decked terrace, while the elegant interior is all restrained, Scandanavian-inspired mid-century modern. The Turkish-Swedish chef, Mehmet Gürs, is renowned for revolutionising Istanbul’s once staid cuisine – his braised lamb with walnuts, yogurt, goatskin-cured cheese and plums is fabulous, as is the apricot, bulgur wheat and saffron ice-cream. The three-course à la carte menu is surprisingly good value.
Doner
For one of the best doner sandwiches in Istanbul, visit Asım Usta. This old-school shop has been serving delicious Black Sea style meat for over 50 years and is always crowded with locals looking to get their hands on one of these tasty sandwiches before they’re gone!
The queue outside the restaurant is like a rite of passage. Nearly every day, you’ll see eager patrons clutching their stomachs and rubbing their hands together with that hungry look in your eye as they wait for hours on end to get inside and order up some doner kebabs made from 100 kg lamb or veal meat hung fresh each morning!
The meat is so good and fresh. The owner, Asım Usta has been maintaining the same quality for years in this tiny shop in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. He spends four hours a day choosing only top-quality veal to create his signature döner kebab sandwich with all of its nuances: cutting it just right, marinating it correctly using yogurt, salt, and pepper before grilling on the oven until juicy perfection!
20 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Karadeniz Döner Asım Usta
No:6 Mumcu Bakkal SokağıDoner
For one of the best doner sandwiches in Istanbul, visit Asım Usta. This old-school shop has been serving delicious Black Sea style meat for over 50 years and is always crowded with locals looking to get their hands on one of these tasty sandwiches before they’re gone!
The queue outside the restaurant is like a rite of passage. Nearly every day, you’ll see eager patrons clutching their stomachs and rubbing their hands together with that hungry look in your eye as they wait for hours on end to get inside and order up some doner kebabs made from 100 kg lamb or veal meat hung fresh each morning!
The meat is so good and fresh. The owner, Asım Usta has been maintaining the same quality for years in this tiny shop in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. He spends four hours a day choosing only top-quality veal to create his signature döner kebab sandwich with all of its nuances: cutting it just right, marinating it correctly using yogurt, salt, and pepper before grilling on the oven until juicy perfection!
Breakfast
Homemade granola, avocado toast & other brunch specialties in a homey nook with coffee & juices. The staff is incredibly welcoming and heart-warming. Very allergy friendly.
Vegan Options
9 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Anemon Galata
No:5 Büyük Hendek Cd.Breakfast
Homemade granola, avocado toast & other brunch specialties in a homey nook with coffee & juices. The staff is incredibly welcoming and heart-warming. Very allergy friendly.
Vegan Options
Street Food- Midye,Kokorec
Chef Midyeci ‘Lord of the Mussels’ Ahmet, restaurateur and mastermind behind Istanbul’s tastiest late-night seafood snack.
28 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Midyeci Ahmet
No:5 Çırağan Cd.Street Food- Midye,Kokorec
Chef Midyeci ‘Lord of the Mussels’ Ahmet, restaurateur and mastermind behind Istanbul’s tastiest late-night seafood snack.
Mid-range
One of the best Ottoman restaurants in the country. You can find very traditional foods there. No alchocol.
52 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Hacı Abdullah Lokantası
No:9/A Atıf Yılmaz Cd.Mid-range
One of the best Ottoman restaurants in the country. You can find very traditional foods there. No alchocol.
Fine Dining
MSA, The Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul, is the leading professional culinary institution in Turkey accredited by 4 different international awarding bodies. MSA is also the only school that has been awarded with ‘The Highest Standard of Quality Education in Culinary Arts’ recognition by WACS, The World Association of Chefs Societies.
In Sakıp Sabancı Museum, MSA’s Restaurant serves a menu having both local classics from the Turkish kitchen, including foods inspired from Istanbul street food, and popular foods from across the globe; all-time favorites of the MSA Professional Team.
Our instructor chefs and the accompanying students present these ever popular dishes and drinks with a personal touch, in the unmatched atmosphere of the museum, to the museum guests, as well as to all the good food lovers.
MSA’nın Restoranı
42 Sakıp Sabancı Cd.Fine Dining
MSA, The Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul, is the leading professional culinary institution in Turkey accredited by 4 different international awarding bodies. MSA is also the only school that has been awarded with ‘The Highest Standard of Quality Education in Culinary Arts’ recognition by WACS, The World Association of Chefs Societies.
In Sakıp Sabancı Museum, MSA’s Restaurant serves a menu having both local classics from the Turkish kitchen, including foods inspired from Istanbul street food, and popular foods from across the globe; all-time favorites of the MSA Professional Team.
Our instructor chefs and the accompanying students present these ever popular dishes and drinks with a personal touch, in the unmatched atmosphere of the museum, to the museum guests, as well as to all the good food lovers.
Breakfast
One of the best breakfast place on this list is Dogaciyiz Gourmet. The food is reasonably priced but the best part about it is that there are plenty of options for everyone – you can order a traditional Turkish breakfast if you want to feel like you’re in Istanbul! The ambiance here is great too – it’s never noisy or crowded with plenty of space so everyone can enjoy a late weekend breakfast.
Dogaciyiz Gourmet was created to offer an extraordinary Turkish breakfast experience. They make all of their dishes from scratch with ingredients sourced locally. You can tell how much care is taken when you walk into the restaurant- everything looks so clean! The staff are friendly too -you’ll feel like a regular before long!
19 місцеві жителі рекомендують
DOĞACIYIZ GOURMET
No: 41A Akarsu Ykş. Sok.Breakfast
One of the best breakfast place on this list is Dogaciyiz Gourmet. The food is reasonably priced but the best part about it is that there are plenty of options for everyone – you can order a traditional Turkish breakfast if you want to feel like you’re in Istanbul! The ambiance here is great too – it’s never noisy or crowded with plenty of space so everyone can enjoy a late weekend breakfast.
Dogaciyiz Gourmet was created to offer an extraordinary Turkish breakfast experience. They make all of their dishes from scratch with ingredients sourced locally. You can tell how much care is taken when you walk into the restaurant- everything looks so clean! The staff are friendly too -you’ll feel like a regular before long!
Breakfast
For a more traditional Turkish breakfast experience, Namli Gurme is a perfect choice. The restaurant has been serving up delicious fare for over 40 years and they are best known for their pastirma (cured beef) which can be served with fried eggs or plain.
In the bustling and ever-changing city of Istanbul, it can be difficult to find a delicatessen that caters both to those who have been living here all their lives as well as newcomers. However, Namli Gurme is proving itself not only able but also willing to change with the times by running a breakfast spot in Karaköy which aims at catering equally towards locals and tourists alike.
76 місцеві жителі рекомендують
Namlı Gurme
No:6 Rıhtım Cad.Breakfast
For a more traditional Turkish breakfast experience, Namli Gurme is a perfect choice. The restaurant has been serving up delicious fare for over 40 years and they are best known for their pastirma (cured beef) which can be served with fried eggs or plain.
In the bustling and ever-changing city of Istanbul, it can be difficult to find a delicatessen that caters both to those who have been living here all their lives as well as newcomers. However, Namli Gurme is proving itself not only able but also willing to change with the times by running a breakfast spot in Karaköy which aims at catering equally towards locals and tourists alike.