Istanbul city guide

Istanbul, a city with a stunning beauty Istanbul is located on the north western part of Turkey. Spanning over two continents the city is the most populated city of the country and whi,le nolt the actual capital city of Turkey it is still a leading capital of culture, finance and education. Due to its unique location which makes the city a geo-politically important city, Istanbul has suffered many sieges by various civilizations throughout the history. From powerful Roman Empire to prestigious Ottoman rule Istanbul played house to many empires which enabled the city with a diverse culture and stunning historic beauties. Often regarded as the city where East meets West, the city enjoys a rich historical heritage which offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture and history. Apart from its historical importance, Istanbul strikes the visitors with its natural beauties. Bosphorous with its picturesque turquoise colour, gorgeous little islands nestled in the Marmara Sea, various sports facilities and with its generous weather the city is an excellent destination for leisure travels. With its modern structure, vibrant cultural and entertainment scene and numerous shopping facilities, on the other hand, Istanbul offers everything which will satisfy the needs of the modern traveller. Istanbul is a huge city with a huge population, therefore the life in the city may seem chaotic at times, especially if you are coming from a place where everything is well organised. Yet, once in Istanbul you will find a unique system within this chaotic structure which keeps this huge city in a special order keeping the life going as it should. Whether you are here for leisure or business, whether you are looking for an exotic vacation or simply for a tourist holiday in Istanbul it is for sure that you will get much more than what you are searching for. Enjoy your time in Istanbul Gastronomy in Istanbul The cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul reflects itself on the culinary diversity as well. As a city where East meets West, Istanbul has a rich gastronomic kitchen where you can find examples from Eastern and Western cuisines. With thousands of restaurants and cafes serving tantalising specialties from Turkish and international cuisine Istanbul invites you to a memorable culinary experience which will well suit both your taste and wallet. Tramway Cafe/Restaurant Located just a stroll from the historic tunnel, Tramway is an excellent restaurant serving delicious tastes from Turkish cuisine as well as specialties from European cuisine. With a spacious dining area, warm atmosphere, good service and reasonably priced menu Tramway is one of the best places to enjoy a fine lunch/dinner in Istanbul. Address: Istiklal Cad. 346, Beyoglu. Leb-i Derya Leb-i Derya is one of the most popular restaurants among locals. Due to its location at the backstreets of the busy Istiklal street the restaurant might not seem very attractive, yet once you’re inside the it will amaze you with its perfect view overlooking Bosphorus, extensive menu, decent atmosphere and quality food. Not to be missed. Address: Kumbaraci Yokusu 57/6, Tunel, Beyoglu 360 360 offers tantalising specialties from international cuisine with an emphasis on Turkish culinary tradition. Sit back enjoy the best dishes in the town while overlooking the gorgeous city of Istanbul from the restaurants spacious terrace. Address: Istiklal Cad. Mısır Apt. 311/8 Beyoglu. Sultanahmet Koftecisi If you are up for a real Turkish lunch/dinner then located right across Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet Koftecisi is the right place to go. Serving delicious Turkish meatballs together with salad and piyaz (a cold dish made with dried beans and chopped onions) this restaurant gives an introduction into the Turkish cuisine which makes it a must-visit place while in Istanbul. Address: Divanyolu Cad. 12, Sultanahmet as well as various locations throughout Istanbul Bambi Café Bambi is the name for a café chain in Istanbul which serves a wide range of fast food from hamburgers to toasts, from sausages to durum (wrapped meat/chicken chopped into small pieces). Nice place to drop by before a second round of sightseeing, or after a long night out. Inci Nestled in a small shop at the heart of busy Istiklal Street, Inci is a must-visit place serving delicious profiteroles. The shop has a limited number of seats so be prepared for a long wait before you finally find somewhere to seat and enjoy your dessert. Address: Istiklal Cad. 124/2, Beyoglu. Lively nights in Istanbul You have explored the city by day, so now it is time to dive into the colourful nights of Istanbul. Centred on Beyoglu and Ortakoy areas, nights in Istanbul offer a memorable time out. Whether you are up for a few drinks in a relaxed corner or for heavy partying until the first lights in the morning in this magical city you are assured to find what you are looking for. Enjoy your night in Istanbul! 360 Istanbul Are you ready to dance the night out? With its fascinating design and generous menu including the best local and international drinks 360 is the right place to enjoy the lively nights in Istanbul in a refined setting accompanied by the best views over the city. Istiklal Cad. Mısır Apt. 311/8 Beyoglu Balans and Jolly Joker Balans is a music and performance hall ( Jolly Joker) which has a busy event schedule. Mostly packed with university crowd, Balans is well worth checking out. Address: Balo Sok., 22 Beyoglu Roxy One of the most popular nightspots in Istanbul, Roxy hosts various live music performances, dance and concept parties offering the greatest entertainment in the city. Closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Entrance fee: 40 YTL (weekends). Address: Sıraselviler Cad. Aslanyatağı Sok. 5 Beyoglu Babylon Babylon is a leading live music venue housing various live music events by various local and international bands & singers throughout the year. Entrance fees vary for each event. Address: Sehbender Sok, 3 Tunel-Asmalimescit-Beyoglu Hamam Nestled in the terrace of a historic 16th century building, Hammam is a trendy place to enjoy a fascinating night out in Istanbul. Address: Istiklal Cad. Bahceli Hamam Sok, 3. Studio Live Studio Live is another popular nightclub among the locals in Istanbul. Housing various local and international music events as well as DJ performances and dance nights, Studio Live is a must-see place while in Istanbul. Address: Atif Yilmaz Cad. 17/A Beyoglu Nevizade Street Located in Beyoglu District adjacent to Istiklal Street, Nevizade is the best place to be if you enjoy a more relaxed kind of entertainment. With various bars & restaurants (specialising mostly in see food) it hosts Nevizade Street offers the best of entertainment in a laid back atmosphere. Catz Bebek Located right across Bebek Mosque, this is a trendy place where you can enjoy a couple of drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. With its rich menu including best quality local and international spirits served lovely setting by attentive staff Catz Bebek invites you into a memorable night in Istanbul. Address: Bebek Mahallesi Cevdetpasa Cad. Hamam Sok. 2. Topkapi District This is a cosy district where you can find various cafes where you can sit and chat with friends while eating hand-made delicious bakeries called “gozleme”. Flavoured Shisha is a must-try while in Topkapi. Key events in Istanbul International Film Festival (Annual, in April) Held in various venues in Beyoglu area, Istanbul International Film Festival is a leading festival showcasing numerous local and international films and hosting directors and movie stars from all around the world. International Theatre Festival (Annual, late May/ early June) International Theatre Festival is a three week festival during which numerous plays meet the audience in various venues throughout the city. International Istanbul Music Festival (Annual, June) Held by Istanbul Culture and Art Organisation (IKSV) International Istanbul Music Festival is a leading event housing performances by world-famous artists and orchestras filling the city with a musical air. Efes Pilsen One Love Festival (Annual, June) Held on the longest day of the year, Efes Pilsen One Love festival features rock music performances, dance shows and many other colourful events bringing the lovers of rock music into the city. International Jazz Festival (Annual, July) International Jazz Festival showcases excellent local and international jazz performances attracting thousands of visitors each year. Akbank Jazz Festival (Annual, October) Sponsored by Akbank (a private bank company in Turkey) Akbank Jazz Festival is another key event in the city’s music scene. The festival is held in various venues throughout Istanbul. Efes Pilsen Blues Festival (Annual, November/December) Turkey’s only blues festival, Efes Pilsen Blues Festival gives the lovers of blues music the opportunity to meet the leading performers in the world’s rock music scene. International Istanbul Biennial (From September to November) Sponsored by Koç Companies Group, International Istanbul Biannial aims at promoting contemporary Turkish works of arts. Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon (Annual, last Sunday of October) Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon starts from the Asian side of Istanbul, and ends on the European side, on route passing the most beautiful sights of the city offering the participants a unique experience. Widely attended by thousands of local and international runners, this marathon is not to be missed if you are in Istanbul in October. Book your Istanbul hotel online with gtahotels and get the best rates for your Istanbul accommodation http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/istanbul.htm