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Istanbul

How to spend top weekend in Istanbul - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Istanbul Walks on charming French Street, mastering the ancient art of smoking narghile, degustation of seafood under the Galata Bridge or on the roof of an old house – you will find all these and much more in wonderful Istanbul. Such a vibrant, unpredictable, and authentic city is not easy to find.
It is hard to find a more flamboyant oriental city than Istanbul. This amazing place is also perfect for a family vacation. Children will be fascinated with numerous interesting landmarks … Open
Are you tired of noisy tourist streets that are often not a paragon of cleanness? If so, head to Area Fener where you will be able to relax from big city life and enjoy a truly aristocratic atmosphere. Fener is also known as the main Christian district in Istanbul. During many centuries, the richest and most noble families lived there. Beautiful stone houses that have remained since that time still look absolutely fascinating with facades decorated with flowers and treillages on windows painted in different colors. The absence of numerous travelers is another advantage of this calm and clean district. Only sometimes one can see a romantic couple that admires the historical splendor in complete silence.
Many know about a good Turkish tradition to smoke hookah. However, even experienced travelers forget about another smoking tradition of the country – narghile. At the same time, the best narghile cafes in Turkey are located in Istanbul. They are distinguished by luxurious décor and an incredible choice of tobacco. The most authentic cafes with a genuine atmosphere of national heritage are open in Tophane . There are three awesome narghile cafes near Tophane Nusretiye Mosque - Can Nargile, Nargilem, and Erzurum Nargile. Besides an awesome choice of tobacco, these cafes serve best Turkish coffee in the city. Some regular customers visit the cafes for a mere purpose of drinking a cup of signature coffee that is cooked with fried pistachios. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Zoe Teras Lounge & Bar & Club is surely one of best restaurants devoted to national cuisine. Its tables are placed on a large outdoor terrace. The restaurant is open until late in the … Open
If you’re dreaming of visiting France, but arrived in lively Istanbul by a twist of fate, there’s still a way to make your dream come true. Simply head to charming Fransiz Sokagi that was completely restored a few years ago. Facades of buildings painted pink and yellow, exact copies of Parisian gas torches, pedestrian-only cobblestone roads, and numerous charming cafes that serve French cuisine – a walk in “small France” is a wonderful way to diversify your vacation.
Ortakoy Mosque of Istanbul Many travelers consider Galata Köprüsü the best place for walking, but not many decide to look under the bridge. That’s a mistake as there’s much interesting there. The best fish restaurants in Istanbul are located under the bridge, and so these venues are sought after by foodies and travelers who prefer prestigious dining. Grilled fish remains the signature dish served at these restaurants. If you are used to tasting delicacies while listening to music, head to this part of Istanbul in the evening.
Residents of Istanbul have several distinct national characteristics. In Istanbul, as well as in any city in the country, the natives have great respect for religious customs and traditions. … Open
So now it’s clear where to find the best dinner, but what about breakfast? Indeed, it’s not that easy to find an unusual place for it. Romantic Tavan Arasi café in Fransiz Sokagi is a nice place to hide from numerous tourists. The café has a spacious terrace located on the roof of a historical building. The terrace can be reached by retro elevator. For a moderate price, visitors will be able to try magnificent national treats – Turkish dumplings with yoghurt, tuna salad, and, of course, fragrant Turkish coffee.
The bulk of the massive New Mosque in Istanbul Do you want to try a mysterious adventure? Then head to Buyukada Island that is located not far from the Istanbul seaside. There is an old mansion on the island where Leo Trotsky lived during his exile. The mansion was put up for sale several years ago, but not many want to purchase it. The old semi-destroyed house attracts numerous adventure seekers. Locals say the house is cursed and claim they saw a ghost of Trotsky among old items.
Istanbul - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

City tours, excursions and tickets in Istanbul and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Istanbul
♥   Castle 'Anadoluhisaru' , 11.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Yoros Castle' , 20.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Istanbul and around
♥   Art museum 'SALT (institution)' Istanbul, 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museum of Turkish Calligraphy Art' Istanbul, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Tiled Kiosk' Istanbul, 1.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum' Istanbul, 1.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Pera Museum' Istanbul, 1.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Istanbul
♥   Palace 'Tophane Palace' , 1.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Topkapı Palace' , 1.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Aynalıkavak Palace' , 2.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Dolmabahçe Palace' , 3.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Ihlamur Palace' , 4.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Istanbul

Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022

In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah. Read this

19.03.2024

Istanbul by photo artists

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Visiting neighbours of Istanbul for exclusive entertainment

Walk through hidden local streets, sneak to a small cafe, breathe and enjoy Istanbul from inside. Stay out from the beaten track during your city weekend, discover the soul of Istanbul as a real travel gourment. Follow our guide, take one of the exclusive services and spend your time in Istanbul unforgettably and with a full passion!
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