ISTANBUL Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus divides the city across the two continents. Roman antiquities, Byzantine treasures, and traces of the Ottoman Empire await your discovery. Climate: Istanbul’s summers are hot, humid, and relatively free of precipitation with temperatures averaging 80F-86ºF (approx. 28-30ºC) in July. Population: 15,000,000 Currency: Turkish Lira (TL) Current Parity: 1 Euro=2.1 TL -- 1 USD=1.5 TL Coins: 5,10,25,50 Kr (Kurus) and 1 TL Banknotes: 5,10,20,50,100,200 TL Transportation: For transportation from Ataturk Airport which is located on the European side of Istanbul, you have three options: airport taxis, airport shuttle buses going to several main destinations and the Metro. A taxi from the Atatürk Airport to Taksim would cost around 40 TL. Airport shuttles, run by the firm HAVAŞ are also comfortable. They depart the airport every hour for Taksim and cost 10 TL. You can also take the subway, but you will have to change the line 3 times. Also the subway doesn’t work between 1-6 am. If you are landing at the Sabiha Gökçen Airport which is located on the Asian side of the city, take the HAVAS Shuttle bus to Taksim. That is the cheapest way, since the airport is located outside of the city. The shuttle costs 13 TL. About transportation within the city, around the newer part of Istanbul, the new subway system is very nice and safe. The subway runs from Taksim Square and goes to many directions. Buses also go to almost every direction from Taksim Square. They are cheap and safe but can take hours depending on the traffic. Also be reminded to be careful with the taxi drivers who may try to deceive you. Always ask for and check the taxi-meter. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS Istanbul Archeology Museum: On the west side of the Seraglio Hill in Istanbul stands the Archeological Museum which contains an important collection of prehistoric Greek, Roman, and Byzantine antiquities. The museum consists of two buildings: the main building which dates back to the 1880s and a new six story building. The Museum also hosts the first signed peace agreement (Kadesh peace treaty) in history. The museum is closed on Wednesdays. Address: Istanbul Archeological Museum, Sultanahmet, Istanbul – Turkey Phone: 0212 520 77 42 How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Gülhane stop. Walk along the Alemdar Caddesi (Alemdar Street) and take the mini-street Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu. If you follow the mini-street, you will find the museum on your left. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): It is one of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds. Visitors are allowed except during prayer times. Women can borrow a scarf at the entrance. Address: The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet, İstanbul - Turkey Phone: 0212 518 1330 How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Sultanahmet stop. You will see Firuzaga Mosque in front of you. Once you walk around the mosque and reach Sultanahmet Park, Blue Mosque will be right across the street. Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi): It is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time. Address: Sultanahmet Square, Eminonu District, Istanbul -Turkey Phone: 0212 522 1750 How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Sultanahmet stop. Walk along the Divan Yolu Caddesi (Divan Yolu Street) until you reach the Sultanahmet Square. Go through the square and you will see the museum on your left. Kariye Museum (The Chora Church): This 11th-century church was noted for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been converted into a museum. Address: Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapi Istanbul –Turkey Phone: (212) 631 9241 How to go: The museum and the church are not easily reachable by subway. You would have to change 4 lines and it would take around an hour to get there. The easiest way to go is by taxi or bus. Take the bus number 87 from Taksim Square and get off when you reach Edirnekapı. When you get off the bus you will find Uçbey Sokak (Uçbey street) on your right. Walk along that street until you reach Şeyh Eyüp Sokak (Şeyh Eyüp Street). Turn left and follow the street until you find the museum on your left, on Kariye Camii Street. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): This cistern is built in 532 AD. It was known as the Basilica Cistern during the Byzantine period and was used to provide water to the city. After the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Turks, it was forgotten and nobody knew that it existed. It was re-discovered in 1545 and was used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace. Today it has a rather mystical ambiance. Clever spotlighting makes the water shimmer with colored dancing lights and the water ripples from an occasional fish swishing its tail in exuberance. Address: Sultanahmet, Near St. Sophia Istanbul -Turkey Phone: +90-212 522 12 59 How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Sultanahmet stop. Walk along the Divan Yolu Caddesi (Divan Yolu Street) until you reach the Yerebatan Street and you will find it on your left. Istanbul Modern Art Museum: Temporary and permanent exhibition halls, photography gallery, cinema hall, video art area and new media art area make up the platform that presents diverse forms of art that can be experienced at Istanbul Modern in addition to an arts library, a shop that combines design with art and its cafe and restaurant that offers its visitors a fantastic view of Istanbul. Address: Meclis-i Mebusan Street, Istanbul – Turkey Phone: 0212 334 73 22 How to go: Take the funicular subway(F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram(T1) to Tophane. Once you get off the subway walk along the Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi (Meclis-i Mebusan Street). On your right side you will find the museum behind the Nusretiye Mosque. Ibrahim Pasha Palace (The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum): One of the largest, private residences of the Ottoman Empire, this palace has been converted into the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts exhibiting a variety of artworks, Korans, and antique carpets. Address: Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Sultanahmet Istanbul - Turkey Phone: +90-212 518 18 05 How to go: Take the funicular subway(F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram(T1) to Sultanahmet stop. You will see Firuzağa Mosque in front of you. Walk around the mosque and go through Sultanahmet Park. You will find the museum on your right side, across the Sultanahmet Mosque. Topkapı Palace: Building was first constructed in 1459 by Sultan Mehmet II who had conquered Istanbul in 1453.This was the main Palace that was used by the Sultan, his family and thousands of staff. There are many different areas that helped to run the complex from courtyard, to meeting rooms, harems and much more. It is an amazing place to see. It is not only immense in size and structure but also full of history and tales to tell. Address: Sultanahmet Square, Sultanahmet, Eminönü İstanbul How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram(T1) to Gülhane stop. Walk along the Alemdar Caddesi (Alemdar Street) and follow Soğukçeşme Sokağı (Soğukçeşme Street). The palace will be on your left. Suleiman Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii): It is the second largest mosque in the city, and one of the best-known sights of Istanbul. It was built on the order of Suleiman the Magnificent and constructed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan. The mosque is modeled in part on the style of a Byzantine basilica, particularly the Hagia Sophia, which was perhaps a conscious move on the part of the sultan to create continuity and a symbolic connection with the city's past. It is open to visitors daily 9:30am-4:30pm except prayer times. There is no cost for visiting and women can barrow headscarf at the entrance. Address: Süleymaniye Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Beyazıt. Once you get off you will see the Beyazıt Mosque which is also beautiful. If you follow the street named Fuat Paşa Caddesi behind the mosque, you will reach the Suleiman Mosque. Galata Tower: It is 68m/223ft high and was originally built in Byzantine times, was restored in 1423 by the Genoese and again in 1875; it now contains a restaurant and a night-club and offers the best general view of the city. Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi, 34420 Istanbul, Turkey Phone: 0212 293 81 80 How to go: You can easily reach the tower by walking along the most famous and popular street of Istanbul: Istiklal Street. If you do not prefer to walk, you can always take the old tram from the Taksim Square until the end of the line. Once you get off the nostalgic tram walk until the end of the Istiklal Street until you reach Galip Dede Caddesi (Galip Dede Street). Take the second ministreet on your right, you cannot miss the tower. Dolmabahçe Palace: It is a huge edifice in what is called Turkish Renaissance style built by Abdul Mecid in 1854, which was the main residence of the Sultans until 1918 and now is a museum. It is also used for important state visits. It has a perfect guided tour and interesting Western-style furnished rooms. Address: Dolmabahce Palace, Besiktas, İstanbul – Turkey Phone: 0212 236 90 00 How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. Once you get off the subway, walk along the Meclis-i Mebusan Street until you reach the Dolmabahçe Caddesi (Dolmabahçe Street). You will see the palace on your right side. Pera Museum: It was established in 2005 by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. The collection is housed in the former Bristol Hotel, constructed in Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu in 1893 by architect Achille Manoussos. The museum exhibits three permanent collections - Anatolian Weights and Measures, Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics, and Orientalist art. In addition to exhibits, the museum hosts a broad range of cultural events. Facilities include multipurpose exhibition space, auditorium, and an activity space for visitors. Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.65 34443 Tepebaşı - Beyoğlu - İstanbul Phone: + 90 212 334 99 00 How to go: The best way to reach Pera Museum is by walking from Taksim Square along the Istiklal Street. Keep walking until you pass Galatasaray Lisesi ( Galatasaray High School) –which has a spectacular architecture that you cannot miss- and stop when you see the St. Antuan Catholic Church on your left. Take the mini-street on your right named Kallavi Sokak and keep walking until you reach Meşrutiyet Street. Turn left and keep walking until you witness the spectacular architecture of the Pera Museum. Ortaköy: This is a district nearby the Bosphorus that is worth a visit. Spectacular view of the Bosphorus, beautiful architecture of Ortaköy Mosque, famous mashed potato stands, mini bazaars that sell every kind of accessories, shisha cafes and many more. You can also take a mini Bosphorus Tour from the port. Address: Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, Istanbul How to go: Ortaköy is not reachable by subway. You can take a bus from Taksim Square to Ortaköy; buses are cheap but usually crowded and slow. The buses you can take to reach Ortaköy are: 40, 40T, 42T. You can also take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş and you can take a cab from there which should cost a small amount of money. If you like walking you can also do that, it is a beautiful way to walk with interesting sights on the way. It should take around 40 mins from Kabataş to Ortaköy. The Bosphorus Tour: Ferries sail north from Istanbul up the Bosphorus almost till Black Sea then back again. Along the way it stops at small ferry ports. The landscape you see is wooded hills, dilapidated waterside estates of a different era, sleek modern estates very much of the present and the occasional palaces and castles. How to go: Bosphorus Tour Ferry leaves Eminönü Dock II at certain hours. To reach Eminönü, take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram (T1) to Eminönü and you will see the docks. Princess Islands: They are a chain of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. The name comes from princes and princesses exiled in Byzantine times. There is no traffic on the Islands and the only transportation is by horses and carriages. They are incredibly peaceful and popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul especially during summer. The four largest of the nine islands are Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada. How to go: The islands are just a short ferry ride from both the Asian: Bostancı, Kartal and European sides Sirkeci/Eminönü, Kabataş, or Yenikapı docks. Ferry services are provided by Istanbul Seabuses (İDO), a firm operated by the municipality of Istanbul. It takes approximately one and a half hour from the European side and around 40 minutes from the Asian side. If you prefer to go from Kabataş – European side – you should take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabataş. From the station, the directions will lead you to the docks. If you prefer to go from the Asian Side you should go to Kadıköy (for directions please see how to go to the Asian side of Istanbul). Asian Side of Istanbul Istanbul brings together two continents: Europe and Asia. The museums and attractions above are located in the European side. Asian side is mostly residential and compared to the European side tourist attractions are not that many. If you are interested in visiting the Asian side, you can visit Kadıköy district and take the nostalgic old tram and go to Moda, which was the fashion center in Ottoman times. Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the summer palaces used and it has a delicate architecture. You can also visit the Haydarpaşa Main Train Station, which is located nearby the sea and has a spectacular architecture. If you are looking for a popular district full of shops, cafes, and restaurants Baghdad Street is the place to go. It is also possible to find many good fish restaurants located by the seaside. How to go: To reach Kadıköy from Taksim you can either take Dolmuş (a transportation vehicle which is in between a taxi and a bus. It is way cheaper than a taxi and way more comfortable than a regular bus) from Taksim Square right in front of the AKM – Atatürk Kültür Merkezi – Atatürk Culture Center. You can also take a cab from Taksim to Beşiktaş or to Eminonu which should not cost much and then from Beşiktaş or Eminonu you can take a ferry to Kadıköy. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes. EVENTS During the summer, there will be numerous festivals especially in Istanbul. The tickets will be available online soon at www.biletix.com. June 39th International Istanbul Music Festival: Two main venues are used for the International Istanbul Music Festival—the Hagia Eirene Museum and the Ataturk Cultural Centre. Visitors should make sure to attend a classical or traditional music concert inside the 4th-century St. Irene’s Church, the first ever to be built by Emperor Constantine, one of many amazing heritage sites utilized during the event. A member of EFA since 1977. Website: http://www.iksv.org/muzik/english/muzik.asp?cid=120 July Jazz: 18th International Istanbul Jazz Festival will amuse Jazz lovers. The International İstanbul Jazz Festival began in 1984 as part of the İstanbul Festival. Jazz gems have included: Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Stan Getz, Ornette Coleman and a host of other great musicians. Since 1994, the International Jazz Festival has been a singular event hosting not only jazz, but also rock, pop, blues, reggae and new age concerts, among others. The concerts simply overflow the venues and spill out into the streets, encouraging one to question the boundary between music producer and consumer. The International İstanbul Jazz Festival is a founding member of the International Union of Jazz Festivals. Website: http://www.iksv.org/caz/english/program.asp Rock: For rock fans, Rock’n Coke Istanbul is planned to take place in July also. The rock festival, sponsored by Coca-Cola, and co-operated by the Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation (IKSV) and the Pozitif Promotion, will take place as an open-air event at Hezarfen Airport in Istanbul. The event hosts approximately 120 local and foreign musicians. Website: http://www.rockncoke.com/ Tango: If you are interested in Tango, International Istanbul Tango Festival is just for you. The festival's goal is to provide quality activities to the world's tanguer(a/o)s in Istanbul, the wonderful city, where the civilizations, cultures, and continents encounter. Website: http://www.istanbultangofestival.com/Festival2011English/ Folk: For those of you who are interested in local folk dances, you can visit International Harmanfolk Culture Festival. The aim of the International Eurasia Culture Festival is to introduce Turkish Culture and world culture through sharing customs and traditions in the arts of dance and music. The goal is to bring people together for peace, friendship and love. The festival encompasses: Folk dances, Modern dances, Classic dances, Country dances, Ballet, Folk music, chorus, classical music groups, Instrumental music groups, brass bands, country music, and solo music. Website: http://www.harmanfolk.com/avrasya.htm RESTAURANTS Around Beyoglu Istanbul Modern Cafe: It is preferred for doing business, outdoor seating and low-budget. Address: Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi Istanbul Phone: 0212 334 73 22 Cuisines: Turkish, Pizza, Pizza & Pasta, Italian $ Parsifal Vegetarian Restaurant: Features a varied vegetarian menu with changing specials on some days: soups, salads, and mains. Open 11.00-23.00 daily. Address: Kurabiye Sokak, 13 Beyoglu, Istanbul Phone: +90-212-2452588 Cuisines: Ovo, Lacto, Vegan-friendly, Turkish, International $ Cezayir: Cezayir serves Turkish cuisine with an international influence. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are essential. Address: Hayriye Cad. 16, Beyoglu, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 245 9980 Cuisine: Turkish $$ Taksimoda Cafe: This New York-style café has excellent views of the bustling Taksim Square, as well as a stunning summer terrace to enjoy. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Address: Taxim Hill Hotel, Sıraselviler Caddesi (street) 5, Taksim, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 334 85 00 Cuisine: Differs from Mexican to Turkish $$$ Hacı Abdullah: Haci Abdullah Restaurant is a great symbol of Beyoğlu’s history, and Ottoman hospitality still survives here. Here lightens history and memories. Address: Ağa Camii, Atıf Yılmaz Cad. (Eski Sakizagaci Cad.)No: 9/A 80070 Beyoğlu / İstanbul Phone: +90212 293 85 61 - 293 08 51 Cuisine: Turkish, Ottoman $$$ 360 Istanbul: An aptly named restaurant, 360 is situated on a rooftop terrace and has beautiful views and a sleek concrete and glass design. Reservations are required. Address: Misir Apartmani K8, 311 Istikal Caddesi, (street) Beyoglu, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 251 1042 Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean and Oriental $$$$ Leb-i Derya: These fancy restaurants have three branches named Rumeli, Richmond and Kumbaracı. All of them are located in Beyoğlu district and have an amazing menu. In order to live the beauty of İstanbul, to be enchanted by the magic of the Bosphorus and to witness the unique view of the moonlight, Leb-i Derya is the place to go. Addresses: Kumbaracı: Kumbaracı Yokuşu 57/6 Tünel, Beyoğlu, Istanbul -- 0212 293 49 89 Richmond: Istiklal Street, Richmond Otel, No:227 Beyoğlu,Istanbul – 0212 243 43 75 Rumeli: Istiklal Street, Rumeli Han C Blok No:43 Beyoğlu, Istanbul – 0212 251 10 08 Cuisine: Local, International, Turkish, European $$$$ Around the City Imbat Restaurant: Enjoy a stunning view of the Bosphorus while dining. Reservations required. Address: Sirkeci Hudavendigar, Istanbul 34120, Turkey Phone: +90 212 520 71 61 | www.imbatrestaurant.com Cuisine: Mediterranean $$ Pashazade Restaurant: The restaurant is styled in the manner of an Ottoman wooden house. Address: Ibn-i Kemal Caddesi 5/A Sirkeci, Istanbul 34120, Turkey Phone: +90 212 513 37 50 | www.pasazade.com Cuisine: Ottoman-Turkish $$ The House Cafe – Ortakoy: Boasting two terraces on the Ortaköy's waterfront, this trendy restaurant's décor blends beautifully with its seaside location. Open daily, reservations required. Address: Salhane Sokak 1, Ortaköy, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 227 2699 Cuisine: varies from Italian to Turkish $$ Feriye Lokantasi: It is a multi-purpose venue with its own bar, café, conference hall and two separate seasonal venues for the one restaurant. The best way to enjoy this facility is on the outdoor terrace on a balmy summer evening. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations required. Address: Ciragan Cad. 40 Ortaköy, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 227 2216 Cuisine: Turkish cuisine cooked in the Ottoman tradition $$$ Çiya Kebap Restaurant: Located in the Fish Market district of Kadiköy, Çiya offers classic Turkish food in a fancy way. Address: Caferaga Mah. Güneslibahce Sk. 48/B Kadiköy - Istanbul Phone: (216) 336 30 13 Cuisine: Turkish, Ottoman $$$ Asitane: It is set in a 19th century mansion overlooking the Golden Horn, Asitane (one of Istanbul's Ottoman Empire names). Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended. Address: Kariye Camii Sokak 6, Edirnekapi, Istanbul Phone: (0) 212 534 8414 Cuisine: Authentic Ottoman cuisine, featuring Central Asian, Anatolian, Middle Eastern and Balkan influences $$$$ Bebek Balıkçı: Enjoy the experience of eating fish with an unforgettable taste of a drink at ”Bebek Balıkçı”, watching the magnificent view of the Bosphorus, meandering directly in front of you in the sun and moonlight. Address: Cevdet Paşa Cad. No:26/A Bebek, İstanbul Phone: +90 0212 263 34 47 Cuisine: Fish, Seafood $$$$ Poseidon Bebek: Almost as soon as this Bebek Bosphorus-front restaurant got a face-lift back in 2003, the actors, politicians, expats, and sporting celebrities started to roll in. The bay at Bebek is particularly scenic with the twin fez-like towers of the Egyptian consulate rising above Bebek marina. Poseidon is the 2003 Timeout Best Fish Restaurant. Address: Küçük bebek Cevdet Paşa Cad. No : 58 D : 1 Beşiktaş – İstanbul Phone: (0212) 287 95 31 Cuisine: Fish, Seafood $$$$ Clubs Reina: Being the most prestigious and famous club of Istanbul, it has a very strict dress code. It is located nearby the Bosphorus where you can enjoy a spectacular view as well as a club and various restaurants inside. Address: Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Ortaköy / İstanbul Phone: 0212 259 59 19 Anjelique: One of the most popular night clubs. Be careful with the strict dress code. Address: Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane Sk. no 5 Ortaköy / İstanbul Phone: 0212 327 28 44 / 45 Nardis Jazz Club: For Jazz lovers, this awarded club will be the best option. Address: Kuledibi Sok. No:14 Galata İstanbul Phone: 0212 244 63 27 SHOPPING Grand Bazaar: Souvenirs, spices, Turkish Delight, leather goods, carpets, kilims and earthenware are all popular buys but do not forget to bargain! The world famous Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) is, owing to its architecture, history, location, and sheer variety of merchandise, one of Istanbul's most significant tourist sites. How to go: Take the funicular subway (F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram(T1) to Beyazıt. Once you get off the tram you will find a mini-street on your left which is named Çarşı Kapı Caddesi (Çarşı Kapı Street). At the end of the street you will find the enormous bazaar. Istiklal Street: This cobblestone street attracts both locals and tourists who walk along to enjoy the many restaurants, cafes and shops. Many of the city's movie theaters are also located here. Istiklal Street is the center of nightlife, culture and fun in Istanbul with its 18th and 19 th century's Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings, night clubs, bookstores, cinemas, museums and churches. How to go: Istiklal Street begins from Taksim Square which is the heart of the city. You can never miss it. Malls: It is possible to find many high-fashion brands as well as popular or low-budget brands in 170 malls of İstanbul. The most popular and biggest ones are Cevahir, Kanyon, Forum Istanbul, and İstinye Park. Most of them are easily reachable from Taksim/Beyoğlu by subway. Cevahir: Take the M2 subway from Taksim to Şişli / Mecidiyeköy. You can easily access the mall by taking Cevahir exit. Kanyon: Take the M2 subway from Taksim to Levent. Directions inside and outside the subway station will lead you to Kanyon. Forum Istanbul: Take the funicular subway(F1) from Taksim to Kabataş. From Kabataş take the modern tram(T1) to Yusufpaşa stop. Change the line here and take M1-Aksaray metro until Forum Istanbul/Kocatepe stop. You will reach directly the inside of the mall. Istinye Park: Take the M2 subway from Taksim to Oto-Sanayi stop. From there the mall offers free shuttle services every 10 minutes since it is not reachable by other transportation.