Completed in 537, the Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for 1000 years until the Ottoman Conquest of Istanbul in 1453. Stand under the massive dome, look up and consider the history that has taken place here.
Price: 30₺
Open: Tues. – Sun. 09.00-19.00 (last entry at 18.00)
The Sultanahmet Mosque, popularly called the Blue Mosque for its blue tile work faces the Hagia Sophia. It’s a nice example of Ottoman mosques. Be sure to dress appropriately, no shorts. Scarves are provided for ladies to cover their heads and shoulders.
Price: Free
Open: Everyday but closed for 90 minutes during prayer time
Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Sultans from the 1460s until the mid 19th century. In addition to wandering the palace grounds, there are collections of arms and armour, jewellery, and religious artefacts on display. Note that entrance to the harem is a separate ticket once you are inside.
Price: 30₺ (+ 15₺ for harem)
Open: Wed. – Mon. 09.00-18.45 (last entry at 18.00)
Price: ₺₺
Easily our favourite restaurant in Istanbul. Turkish friends have said that this is where Turks come when they have been away from home for awhile and want some good food. Recipes at Ciya have been carefully collected from all over the country. You can head inside to see what they are cooking and choose what looks good. No matter what you order, it’s sure to be delicious but lahmacun is a nice, simple place to start.
Price: ₺
Breakfast in Turkey can be an all day affair. It’s definitely the most important meal and Van Kahvalti is one of the best places to enjoy it. Try menemen, gozleme, and bal kaymak.
Price: ₺₺₺
Named for a city in southern Turkey known for its culinary delights, at Adana Il Siniri or “Adana City Limits” you don’t need to order. They’ll bring you food until you’re full! The speciality is Adana kebap. Wash it all down with some raki and salgam. A meal with plenty of alcohol will cost around 170₺ (90CAD) per person.
One of Istanbul’s greatest features is the spectacular skyline along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. There are plenty of stellar rooftop terraces where you can enjoy the view along with a refreshing beverage. Mama Shelter and 360Istanbul – Beyoglu (pictured) are ritzier options. Balkon is better for those looking for something less fancy.
Affectionately called “Beer Street”, Nevizade is a short lane lined with bars and restaurants. It’s chaotic, but the people-watching is second-to-none. The bars along Nevizade are pretty interchangeable but Vera is one that we have frequented in the past. At the bottom of the street you’ll find the James Joyce Irish Pub where Tim’s band The Suspects regularly plays. A word to the wise: avoid the restaurants here as better food can be found elsewhere for cheaper.
Kadikoy is a less chaotic neighbourhood on the Asian side of the city. Lots of pubs have been opening here recently and there are some really nice ones like Zeplin Pub and Ayi. If you’re looking for a bit of a wilder time, Kadife Sokagi a.k.a. Bar Street caters to a lively and hip student scene. Our favourites there are Stereogun and Arkaoda.
Fly into Kayseri airport and transfer to the town of Goreme to visit Cappadocia in central Turkey. Famous for geological formations called fairy chimneys, there is plenty to do here: stay in a cave hotel; visit the underground cities; take a sunrise balloon ride; wander around the open air museum.
It’s possible to visit Ephesus as a day trip from Istanbul, but you might as well take a couple days to see the surrounding areas. If you fly into Izmir, most airlines offer a free shuttle transfer to the town of Selcuk. From there you can take a taxi or a dolmus bus to the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus. Izmir itself is a fantastic city. Other places nearby that are worth a visit include the wine-producing village of Sirince or the beach town of Kusadasi.
Celebrated for its sleepy, relaxing atmosphere, while not being one of the more famous destinations, Kas (pronounced “cosh”) offers much to keep travellers entertained. You can visit an amphitheatre, remnant of the ancient city of Antiphellos, go diving in the Mediterranean, or visit Greece for a day!
