If you would like to see a more real market go to this one!
It's lined with wholesalers knocking out 'Lacoste' T-shirts and 'Levi's' jeans in basement workshops.
Crowded with real estambulians.
Get lost around the streets between the gran bazaar and the spice market.
Instead of paying to see the views from Galata Tower, you can go to the Anemon Galata Hotel.
It has a really nice terrace where you can enjoy the same views having a nice coffee or a cocktail.
recommendation by hasankemaluysal
In the era of Byzantines, Hagia Sophia was built as the "Great Church". After the conquest of Constantinople, and the city was named as Istanbul, the Great Church also converted into a great mosque. For over 500 years, Hagia Sophia served as the main mosque of Ottomans and had been a model for many other famous mosques. Fortunately, the Christian mosaics from Byzantines have remained and conserved! The museum is a little highly priced but worth of seeing for sure.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque is known as Blue Mosque thanks to its blue tiles and mosaics covering the interior walls. One of the unique properties of Blue Mosque is its 6 minarets since there is only 2 mosques in Turkey with 6 minarets. Blue Mosque holds its place being the most touristic mosque in Turkey with its size and free entrance! The courtyard is also worth of seeing. Be aware of Friday prayers, would be extremely crowded. Ah by the way, you must take off your shoes before entering...
The famous Kanlıca Yogurt has the origin of Istanbul. Its fame doesn't have anything to do with the yogurt itself, but the various sweeties you are adding inside it, such as marmalades, crunchy sugar and etc. The hometown of this amazing yogurt tradition is also a great place to rest! Especially when you are tired of all the crowd of Istanbul, Kanlıca is a great place to run away and chill out. Best way to reach is with boat so you can also both staying there and voyaging over see.
