 |
| Hagia Sophia |
Our top 10 things to do in Istanbul may not by yours but there is sure to be a similarity.
 |
| Old Istanbul a painting on the wall of the Grand Bazaar |
1. Stroll around the historic part of Istanbul. This stroll would include visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome, Suleymaniye Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
 |
| Bosphorus Ferry |
2. The Istanbul ferries. Istanbul would not be the attraction it is without the Bosphorus, which divides Istanbul in two. The European side and the Asian side. Any ferry trip is an adventure but to take the day trip up the Bosphorus toward the Black Sea is a delight.
 |
| Princes Islands |
3. A day trip to the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara. Emy and took two trips to the Islands. There are no cars on the islands other than electrical vehicles so the islands are very quite. As it was summer we enjoyed our time swimming, strolling around and having a fish meal.
 |
| Istiklal Caddesi |
4. A walk down Istiklal Caddesi from Taksim Square. Enjoy a carton of chestnuts as you stroll with the crowds passed the shops. The lower part of the street is very bohemian with numerous music shops and clothing fashion shops. A lot of graffiti adds to the bohemian atmosphere.
 |
| Whirling Dervishes |
5. A show of the Whirling Dervishes. We watched a free show at a cafe just opposite the Blue Mosque.
 |
| Gulhane Park |
6. A wander in the gardens of Gulhane Park. This garden offers shade and therefore, coolness from a hot afternoon. At the entrance just a few meters from the entrance to the Topkapi Palace there are vendors selling chestnuts or corn as well as bottled water. Groups of locals and visitors sit beside the fountain and the pool with feet in the water. Others sit on park benches or on the grass admiring the flowers. Beautiful butterflies fly from flower to flower. In the evening a cafe overlooks the Bosphorus and a coffee can be enjoyed with a view to die for.
 |
| The circumcision ceremony |
7. A view of the Golden Horn from Pierre Loti cafe. This can be done by taking the bus or ferry or even by walking along the Golden Horn. Visit also Eyup Sultan Mosque where the circumcision ceremonies take place for Moslem boys aged about 10 years.
8. A walk across Galata Bridge and a visit to Galata Tower. Include a fish sandwich and hot cup of tea at Karakoy.
9. A visit to Kadakoy on the Asian side of Istanbul to watch the sun set over the historic centre.
 |
| Walk besides the Bosphorus |
10. A walk along side the Bosphorus. Go to Sariyer by ferry and walk some of the way back. The walkway is an absolutely beautiful walk and it goes on and on for kilometres. If it is a weekend many of the young boys are swimming and men are fishing along the route.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading my post. All posts are my own unless a guest writer's name is published with the post, in which case I do not necessarily agree with the writer's views. Please note all photos (other than those acknowledged by name) are taken by me, my wife, or a third party we have asked to take the photo. As such all photos are personal and subject to copyright, © David Pollock.