Exploring Istanbul Through my Eyes as a Local Guide

Maiden’s Tower Stop, Location here

During my last visit to Istanbul Turkey last February, I didn’t know that I will enjoy my trip that much. I stayed during my vacation in a beautiful Hotel, found on google maps, near the famous Galata Tower called “Hotel Des Arts”.

Istiklal Street is a famous street that attracts all types of tourists due to its shopping places, variety of food restaurants and having different choices for entertaining. Taksim Square is located 23 mins (walking) far from the hotel. On my way to visit Dolmabahçe Camii, Inclined railway station F1 (non stop) is really nice to use from Taksim Square to Kabatas Station.

F1 Inclined Railway Station, Location here

Taksim Square, Location here

Turkish famous destinations in Istanbul:

I have visited different famous places known in history.

If you visit Fatih, the capital district of Istanbul, Topkapi palace must be your first destination. It is a beautiful huge palace occupied by sultans for hundreds years ago. The palace is surrounded with historical walls and the main gate is really awesome. The place is now considered a museum and there are many interesting and beautiful old treasures from the Ottoman period.

Topkapi Palace Stop, Location Here

While walking on Kabasakal street (3 mins walk), you will see Hagia Sofia on the right. Hagia Sofia is considered as one of the best touristic destinations in Istanbul. It used to be a Byzantine church, then used as a mosque, and now as a museum with glittering mosaics of Biblical scenes.

Hagia Sophia Museum Stop, Location here

A short walk (4 mins) from Hagia Sofia toward Sultanahmet Square, I reached the Blue Mosque. The most beautiful and interesting Mosque you can see in Istanbul. Very historical and wonderful. It is still opened for prayers and even for tourists. I was absolutely surprised by their amazing architecture and the stories behind them during the years.

Sultan Ahmad Mosque Stop, Location here

Turkish famous restaurants in Istanbul:

During my visit to Istanbul, I managed to visit known restaurants.

Al Madina by Burrak is a good place for delicious Turkish Meze experience. The food presentation was good. Hummus was the best meze. A special dish called “Hatay medeniyetler” cooked in a casserole with tomato and pepper, the taste was delicious. At the end, you can order Knefe with cheese which is the best dessert here.

Seven Hills Restaurant has an awesome view of The Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia. You can enjoy the tasty Turkish meze with some seafood plates while enjoying this wonderful view.

Seven Hills Restaurant Stop, Location here

During my visit to the Grand Bazaar, I went to “Nusret Steakhouse Sandal Bedesteni” for lunch. I tried lokum burger and NusrEt special burger. NusrEt special burger is really good and juicy. Lokum burger taste was average. Baklava is super good and its presentation makes your experience really funny and nice.

Nusret Grand Bazaar Stop, Location Here

When in Taksim, the best Breakfast or tea break you can get in Istanbul is surely at Hafeez Mostafa. They have wide varieties of sweets. Baklava is super delicious and fresh. Knefe is a must! Super delicious and not too sweet. I enjoyed the most their tea and their delicious baklava.

Last Stop Hafiz Mustafa, Location Here

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Hi @Christoo00 ,

Welcome to Connect!

When I was reading your post, I was feeling like I am again in Istanbul. I’ve visited the town in 2018 and I can say that this is one of my favourite destinations that I’ve visited. I am curious which place did you like the most there? Which other places could you visit? My favourite was Dolmabahçe Palace with its amazing history.

I would like to visit the town again as I think I can find something else that I didn’t notice.

For more information about Connect, you can read those articles: Your guide to Connect and How to choose a topic for your Connect post. Another great thing is to introduce yourself.

Come back! :smile:

You HAVE TO eat at Çiya (That’ll be in Kadıköy) before you even consider leaving town…

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Hello dear,

Yes Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapi Palace are the best Historical places in Istanbul. For shopping & fun, you must go to Taksim and Istiklal Street

The city is really cool destination for travelers. I enjoyed it a lot. You can follow me on Instagram for more cool content:

https://www.instagram.com/christoo00

Here is where I studied Industrial Product Design. It is by Istiklal Street. Till 2012, Istiklal was celebrated as a cultural hub where you could enjoy opera, see plays, attend film festivals, discover dive bars and so on… Now it’s a giant shopping mall for tourists and it’s upsetting for most Istanbulians. I am still glad that you enjoyed it well enough. Kadıköy is trending more over the last 7 years among locals. If you like exploring how locals like spending their time, you definitely should pay a visit.

I love Topkapı Palace and its gardens. I LOOOOVE the balcony where you can see the whole city and everywhere feels super close! Historical Peninsula is like a layered history cake, I hope you visited Archaeological Museum ( that is right behind the Topkapı Palace). It gives every visitor more of a perspective for other cultures that called Istanbul home.

Last tip is for your dear ears: The last Byzantine chant before Istanbul was fallen. Remastered as if it was performed in Aya Sofya.

I hope you like it.