Introduction
Doing business in Turkey can be fraught with misunderstandings and bureaucracy but it's a burgeoning destination that is becoming an important hub for East/West deals. Istanbul also remains the imperial capital built on Seven Hills - that means pack a sturdy pair of trainers. Traverse the old city within the ruined walls built by the Romans. At night, treat yourself to a cold Efes beer at the Tünel neighbourhood of Beyoglu.
More from Istanbul PDF VersionEssentials
- Ask a local to tell you the story of where the country got its name.
- On each weekday a different neighbourhood features its fresh produce in the open markets.
- Take a ferry ride to the Asian side with a brief stop at the breathtaking Haydarpasa station, then on to Kadiköy.
- Walk on the Ottoman city walls at the Yedikule Fortress Museum.
- Take a cooking course at the Istanbul Culinary Institute.
Two-hour tour
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The Hagia Sophia, Sultanahment ("Blue") Mosque, Covered Bazaar, and Yerebatan Cistern — The Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and the others are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
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Head for one of the Princes' islands — to escape from the traffic, as these are car-free isles.
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Climb the fortress ramparts at Rumeli Hisari
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Take in an exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum — (Muzedechanga café for lunch).
Sakip Sabanci addesi 22, Emirgan
+ 90 212 323 09 01
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Hotels
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Istanbul Suites
Harbiye Çayiri Sokak 111, Harbiye
+ 90 212 224 53 10
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Park Hyatt - Maçka Palas
Tesvikiye, Bronz Sokak 4 Sisli
+ 90 212 315 12 34
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Sumahan
Kuleli Caddesi, 51, Çengelköy
+ 90 216 422 80 00
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Dining
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Namli Gurme
Katli Otopark Alti 1, Karaköy
+ 90 212 293 68 80
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Happily Ever After
Cevdetpasa Caddesi 24/A, Bebek
+ 90 212 263 41 38
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Hotel Empress Zoe
Schwarzenbach Akbiyik Caddesi 4/1 Sultanahmet
+ 90 212 518 25 04
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Dükkan
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mahallesi V/ Atatürk Cad 6 Küçükarmutlu
+ 90 212 277 88 60
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Leb-i-der ya
Kumbaraci Yokusu 57/6, Tünel
+ 90 212 293 49 89
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Vogue
Spor Caddesi, bJk Plaza, a Block, 13F Akaretler, Besiktas
+ 90 212 227 44 04
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Asmali Cavit
Asmalimescit Caddesi 16/D, Asmalimescit
+ 90 212 292 49 50
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Sunset Grill & Bar
Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Yol Sokak 2, Ulus Parki
+ 90 212 287 03 57
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Lucca
Cevdetpasa Caddesi 51/B Bebek
+ 90 212 257 12 55
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Hotel Les Ottomans 29
29 Adnan Saygun Cad, Ulus Parki Içi 1, Ulus
+ 90 212 358 29 29
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Anjelique
Salhane Sokak No:5 Ortaköy
+90 212 327 28 44
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Kantin
Akkavak Sokak 16/2 Nisantasi
+ 90 212 219 31 14
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Reading
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Robinson Crusoe Kitabevi
Istiklal Caddesi 389 Taksim
+ 90 212 293 69 68
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Shopping
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Sivasli Yazmaci — Hand-printed fabrics from Sivasli Yazmaci
Yaglikçilar Caddesi 57, The Covered Bazaar
+ 90 212 526 77 48
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YkM Cevahir
Cevahir Alisveris Merkezi Büyükdere Caddesi 22, Sisli
+ 90 212 380 03 42
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Özlem Tuna Design Zone — Jewellery by Özlem Tuna Design Zone
Alibaba Türbe Sokak 21/4, Nuruosmaniye
+ 90 212 527 92 85
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Yalvaç Abi Kitabevi — Custom-drawn cartoons from Yalvaç Abi Kitabevi
Kanyon AlisverisVM Kat: B2 Levent
+ 90 212 353 07 98
Transport
Limousine/car
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Travelium
+ 90 212 240 88 20
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Fitness
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Mars Athletic Club
Harbiye Kadirgalar 3, GMall, Maçka
+ 90 212 232 44 40
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