Istanbul, Turkey

Best Places to Stay

• **Luxury**: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Pera Palace Hotel, Raffles Istanbul
• **Mid-range**: Hotel Sultania, The Marmara Pera, Ottoman Imperial Hotel
• **Budget**: Cheers Hostel, Hostel Mundo Judio, Cheers Gallery Hostel

Best Places to Eat

• **Fine Dining**: Mikla, Neolokal, Çiya Sofrasi (for regional Turkish)
• **Traditional Turkish**: Kebapçı İskender, Hacı Abdullah Lokantası, Pandeli
• **Seafood**: Kumkapı area restaurants, Balıkçı Sabahattin, Lokanta Maya
• **Street Food**: Simit (sesame bread), döner, kokoreç, midye dolma (stuffed mussels)
• **Sweets**: Baklava at Gulluoğlu or Karaköy Güllüoğlu, Turkish delight, künefe

Best Sites to Visit

• **Historic Peninsula**: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern
• **Galata & Beyoğlu**: Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue, Taksim Square
• **Bosphorus**: Bosphorus cruise, Ortaköy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress
• **Markets**: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), Arasta Bazaar
• **Neighborhoods**: Kadıköy (Asian side), Balat, Fener, Moda

Sample 2-3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Peninsula

• Morning: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (visit outside prayer times)
• Afternoon: Topkapi Palace (Harem sections require separate ticket), Basilica Cistern
• Evening: Sunset at a rooftop bar overlooking the historic peninsula, dinner in Sultanahmet

Day 2: Bosphorus & Northern Shores

• Morning: Bosphorus cruise (public ferry or private tour), see Rumeli Fortress and Anatolian Fortress
• Afternoon: Explore Ortaköy (Sunday market if applicable), Bebek or Arnavutköy for waterfront mansions
• Evening: Dinner in Bebek or Ortaköy, explore nightlife in Beyoğlu

Day 3: Markets & Local Life

• Morning: Grand Bazaar (jewelry, carpets, ceramics), Spice Bazaar (Turkish delight, spices, teas)
• Afternoon: Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue (tram ride down), Taksim Square
• Alternative: Explore Kadıköy on the Asian side (market, Moda seaside, Barış Manço Museum)
• Evening: Farewell dinner with meze platters and raki, or try a traditional Turkish bath (hamam)

*Note: Get an Istanbulkart for public transport (ferries, buses, metro). Many museums are closed on Mondays. Dress modestly when visiting mosques (remove shoes, women should cover head). Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar.*