Istanbul Unveiled Archives - Mudanças Constantes https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/category/istanbul-unveiled/ Blog de viagens para inquietos e irrequietos Mon, 08 Oct 2018 19:35:56 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-Untitled-design-1-32x32.png Istanbul Unveiled Archives - Mudanças Constantes https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/category/istanbul-unveiled/ 32 32 [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Asian Side, the rise of the underdog (4/4) https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/27/istanbul-unveiled-asian-side/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=istanbul-unveiled-asian-side https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/27/istanbul-unveiled-asian-side/#respond Wed, 27 May 2015 19:42:42 +0000 https://mudancasconstantes.wordpress.com/?p=312 Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know. Reasons to love the Asian side: you can actually find peace here! Concept stores and cafes, long walks next to the sea and beautiful street art. The Asian side is usually dismissed buy visitors because it doensn’t have the typical and impressive tourist attractions, but i love it. If you have extra time and want to see how locals live, this is where you should head to. What is there for me to do/see Kadikoy is a neighborhood on the Asian side and nowadays is one of the most relevant parts of Istanbul. Young people are everywhere and new bars, cafes and cinemas are blossoming in every corner. The highlights of Kadikoy are: Salı Pazar (the biggest street market in Istanbul, hold every Tuesday), the Haydarpaşa Gari (an old train station), the street art (google Yeldeğirmeni Sokaklarında), Bagdat Caddesi (one of the longest streets in Istanbul, it’s like Istiklal but on the Asian Side) and Dalyan Park (if you are looking for a nice place to run or relax by the sea) Uskudar Beylerbeyi Sarayi is a palace on the Asian side just next to the Bosphorus Bridge. The palace was built during the Ottoman times and it was a summer palace. Smaller than Dolmabahçe, its architecture is similar and the interior is really beautiful. Info: The palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and the entrance (palace + harem) is 20 TL. Princes’ Islands The Islands are a great escape from Istanbul and the city’s stress. Here you will find a peaceful environment, no cars and a lot of green and blue. There are several islands you can visit, the most famous being Buyukada. You can find ferries going there from Kabatas. In the islands you can ride a bike, rent a carriage, hike and swim. (the pictures are from heybeliada)          What is there for me to eat? Mahatma Cafe (the only Vegan restaurant I know in Istanbul): This little cafe/restaurant adapts traditional Turkish food to the Vegan lifestyle. I am far from being a fan of Vegan Food but I really enjoyed the vibe and food of this place. It’s cheap and the owners speak English! Beyaz Fırın (Caferağa Mahallesi) has been voted in Zomato as the top Bakery in Kadikoy. Here you will want to buy all kinds of pastries. Borek, Simit and Sutlaç are some of the Turkish Specialties you should try. Try some fish in the Islands: When I went to Heybeliada I had the best Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich) ever. I don’t know the name of the place but I am quite sure you will find tons of nice places. But never pay more than 6 liras for one.

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Asian Side, the rise of the underdog (4/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know.

Reasons to love the Asian side: you can actually find peace here! Concept stores and cafes, long walks next to the sea and beautiful street art.

The Asian side is usually dismissed buy visitors because it doensn’t have the typical and impressive tourist attractions, but i love it. If you have extra time and want to see how locals live, this is where you should head to.

What is there for me to do/see

Kadikoy is a neighborhood on the Asian side and nowadays is one of the most relevant parts of Istanbul. Young people are everywhere and new bars, cafes and cinemas are blossoming in every corner.

street art kadikoy

The highlights of Kadikoy are: Salı Pazar (the biggest street market in Istanbul, hold every Tuesday), the Haydarpaşa Gari (an old train station), the street art (google Yeldeğirmeni Sokaklarında), Bagdat Caddesi (one of the longest streets in Istanbul, it’s like Istiklal but on the Asian Side) and Dalyan Park (if you are looking for a nice place to run or relax by the sea)

Uskudar

Beylerbeyi Sarayi is a palace on the Asian side just next to the Bosphorus Bridge. The palace was built during the Ottoman times and it was a summer palace. Smaller than Dolmabahçe, its architecture is similar and the interior is really beautiful.

sakipsabancimuzesi.org
sakipsabancimuzesi.org

Info: The palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and the entrance (palace + harem) is 20 TL.

Princes’ Islands

The Islands are a great escape from Istanbul and the city’s stress. Here you will find a peaceful environment, no cars and a lot of green and blue. There are several islands you can visit, the most famous being Buyukada. You can find ferries going there from Kabatas. In the islands you can ride a bike, rent a carriage, hike and swim. (the pictures are from heybeliada)

DCIM100GOPRO

DCIM100GOPRO
Lectuces living the good life
Ottoman House
Ottoman House

         What is there for me to eat?

Mahatma Cafe (the only Vegan restaurant I know in Istanbul): This little cafe/restaurant adapts traditional Turkish food to the Vegan lifestyle. I am far from being a fan of Vegan Food but I really enjoyed the vibe and food of this place. It’s cheap and the owners speak English!

Beyaz Fırın (Caferağa Mahallesi) has been voted in Zomato as the top Bakery in Kadikoy. Here you will want to buy all kinds of pastries. Borek, Simit and Sutlaç are some of the Turkish Specialties you should try.

Try some fish in the Islands: When I went to Heybeliada I had the best Balık Ekmek (fish sandwich) ever. I don’t know the name of the place but I am quite sure you will find tons of nice places. But never pay more than 6 liras for one.

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Asian Side, the rise of the underdog (4/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/27/istanbul-unveiled-asian-side/feed/ 0 [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Fatih, where the history lives (3/4) https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/04/istanbul-unveiled-fatih-34/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=istanbul-unveiled-fatih-34 https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/04/istanbul-unveiled-fatih-34/#respond Mon, 04 May 2015 16:56:13 +0000 https://mudancasconstantes.wordpress.com/?p=227 Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know. Reasons to love Fatih: it’s home to some of the most impressive monuments in the world, the Ottoman architecture, the crooked colorful houses, the mix of cultures and religions. What is there for me to do/see Suleymaniye Mosque The best viewpoint in the city: For free!  Overlooking Istanbul from the top of a hill, Suleymaniye offers incredible sights over Istanbul. Besides, it’s much calmer than the Blue Mosque and it’s beautiful inside and outside. Eminonu & Yeni Camii (New Mosque) After Istiklal Street, Eminonu is probably the most crowded place in Istanbul. But Eminonu is different: here you can observe the best of Istanbul’s diversity. Huge groups of tourists are mixed with fishermen, the most conservative muslims and street sellers. Everyone says “if you are looking for something, you will find it in Eminonu”. The streets behind the Spice Bazaar are a messy but delightful world: Muslim clothes, phones, wedding dresses, fabrics, food… you name it, they have it. Yeni Camii has my favorite interior out of all mosques I have visited in Istanbul. Most people don’t even bother visit but look at it! Balat & Fener Neighborhoods If you want to know how Istanbul looked 100 years ago, visit these neighborhoods. Here you will find a different Istanbul: it’s the most conservative and somewhat, poor part. But it has a real feel to it. The old houses are still untouched or rehabilitated and the area has some beautiful colors perfect for photography lovers. Recommend Stops: Chora Church and Fener Greek Patriarchate Pierre Loti The Pierre Loti Café is a nice place to stop by and rest for a while. It rests on top of a hill, looking to the Golden Horn and it’s reachable either by walk or by a funicular ride (recommended). Caferaga Medresesi   Just next to Hagia Sophia there’s this former Quran School that has now been converted into a Turkish Arts school. Here you can see people working on their crafts and if you also want to learn you can contact them for a workshop.  Just next to it, you can also find the shop of a true Ebru master Coşkun Uzunkaya who paints amazing pictures on water. Hodja Pasha Dance Shows You have probably heard about the Whirling Dervishes before. This “dance” is actually a religious ritual, but it’s a very beautiful ceremony to witness. Hodja Pasha in Sirkeci also hosts shows with traditional Turkish dances. I have been to Rythm of the Dance show and I thought it was a nice show. However, I didn’t pay to assits. I think 70 Liras is a bit too much but if you want to learn a bit more about Turkish culture and dances, it’s a good bet. What is there for me to eat? Balik Ekmek Perfection on a sandwich: Grilled fish, salad an onion on a bread loaf. These are sold next to the Galata Bridge and under it as well. The price is around 6TL and it’s the perfect choice for a lunch by the Bosphorus. Sultanahmet Köftecisi The most famous place in town to have Kofte. This place doesn’t have a menu nor does it accept cards as payment method. Everything is simple and fast. You sit, order Kofte, eat and go out. But it is THE place to go if you want to try the best Kofte for a cheap price. Simit & my favorite bakery Cigdem Pastanesi has my favorite Simit! It’s crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and a bit sweeter than the ones you get on the streets. Here you will also find a huge range of Turkish pastries to keep you full of energy while travelling.

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Fatih, where the history lives (3/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know.

Reasons to love Fatih: it’s home to some of the most impressive monuments in the world, the Ottoman architecture, the crooked colorful houses, the mix of cultures and religions.

What is there for me to do/see

Suleymaniye Mosque

The best viewpoint in the city: For free!  Overlooking Istanbul from the top of a hill, Suleymaniye offers incredible sights over Istanbul. Besides, it’s much calmer than the Blue Mosque and it’s beautiful inside and outside.

fatih

Eminonu & Yeni Camii (New Mosque)

After Istiklal Street, Eminonu is probably the most crowded place in Istanbul. But Eminonu is different: here you can observe the best of Istanbul’s diversity. Huge groups of tourists are mixed with fishermen, the most conservative muslims and street sellers. Everyone says “if you are looking for something, you will find it in Eminonu”. The streets behind the Spice Bazaar are a messy but delightful world: Muslim clothes, phones, wedding dresses, fabrics, food… you name it, they have it.

Yeni Camii has my favorite interior out of all mosques I have visited in Istanbul. Most people don’t even bother visit but look at it!

Balat & Fener Neighborhoods

If you want to know how Istanbul looked 100 years ago, visit these neighborhoods. Here you will find a different Istanbul: it’s the most conservative and somewhat, poor part. But it has a real feel to it. The old houses are still untouched or rehabilitated and the area has some beautiful colors perfect for photography lovers.

150771_10202926831526607_4561978972216763692_n

Recommend Stops: Chora Church and Fener Greek Patriarchate

Pierre Loti

The Pierre Loti Café is a nice place to stop by and rest for a while. It rests on top of a hill, looking to the Golden Horn and it’s reachable either by walk or by a funicular ride (recommended).

Caferaga Medresesi

10917282_831723453554099_7220953211966260679_n

 

Just next to Hagia Sophia there’s this former Quran School that has now been converted into a Turkish Arts school. Here you can see people working on their crafts and if you also want to learn you can contact them for a workshop.  Just next to it, you can also find the shop of a true Ebru master Coşkun Uzunkaya who paints amazing pictures on water.

Hodja Pasha Dance Shows

You have probably heard about the Whirling Dervishes before. This “dance” is actually a religious ritual, but it’s a very beautiful ceremony to witness. Hodja Pasha in Sirkeci also hosts shows with traditional Turkish dances. I have been to Rythm of the Dance show and I thought it was a nice show. However, I didn’t pay to assits. I think 70 Liras is a bit too much but if you want to learn a bit more about Turkish culture and dances, it’s a good bet.

What is there for me to eat?

Balik Ekmek

by Denisa Avamil
by Denisa Avamil

Perfection on a sandwich: Grilled fish, salad an onion on a bread loaf. These are sold next to the Galata Bridge and under it as well. The price is around 6TL and it’s the perfect choice for a lunch by the Bosphorus.

Sultanahmet Köftecisi

sultanahmetkofte

The most famous place in town to have Kofte. This place doesn’t have a menu nor does it accept cards as payment method. Everything is simple and fast. You sit, order Kofte, eat and go out. But it is THE place to go if you want to try the best Kofte for a cheap price.

Simit & my favorite bakery

Cigdem Pastanesi has my favorite Simit! It’s crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and a bit sweeter than the ones you get on the streets. Here you will also find a huge range of Turkish pastries to keep you full of energy while travelling.

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Fatih, where the history lives (3/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/05/04/istanbul-unveiled-fatih-34/feed/ 0 [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beyoglu, the Heart of Istanbul (2/4) https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/27/istanbul-unveiled-beyoglu/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=istanbul-unveiled-beyoglu https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/27/istanbul-unveiled-beyoglu/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2015 20:02:50 +0000 https://mudancasconstantes.wordpress.com/?p=189 Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know.  Reasons to love Beyoglu: You can find everything you want here, cheap food, “cheap” drinks (as cheap as it gets in Istanbul), hipster cafes, street music, street art and one of the most crowded streets in the world. What is there for me to see/do? Istiklal Caddesi (Avenue) You can’t say you visited until you have been to this street. It has 1.4 kilometers of length and around 3 million visitors every day. Throughout the street there are countless stores: international and Turkish brands, cafes, restaurants… As the street deserves its own things to do, here it goes: Photograph the Historical Red Tram | Taste the Street Food: Cheap Doner/Durum, Içli Kofte, Wet Burgers, Freshly Squeezed Juices… | Check out the Flower (Ciçek) Passage| Visit the Free Art Galleries (Arter, SALT, Galeri’nev…) | Hunt the mean panda graffiti’s | Get tricked by an ice cream man | Enjoy its night life | Join the locals and dance and sing with them. Cihangir This is the Hipster Neighborhood of European Istanbul. Antique stores, nicely decorated cafes and fancy restaurants are some the things you will find here. My favorite part is its architecture as it’s a mix between Ottoman and European. The famous “French Street” is here as well. Karakoy It’s the paradise for the ones who have a sweet tooth. Here you will find the best baklava houses in town and delicious home-made cakes. To make the sweets even tastier, the neighborhood has an amazing view towards the old part of Istanbul and the perfect sunset shot. Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum is  also located in Karakoy. Recommended places: Karaköy Güllüoğlu for Baklava and Mum’s Café for a Cake Galata Besides the famous Galata Tower (which you should climb), Galata is a historical neighborhood and what used to be a Jewish area. If you pay close attention you will see hidden synagogues (to visit you have to contact the Rabi in advance). Here is also where you can find the most creative gift shops and cheap fruit – in the street that goes down to Karakoy.  What is there for me to eat/drink? Best Value for Money Restaurants: Marmara Café & Yemek Kulubu Both located in Istıklal Caddesi, these are my favorite restaurants when I want to eat a proper meal and not pay much for it. Marmara Café has the best fresh juices in town (for 3 or 4 TL) and traditional Turkish dishes. Yemek Kulubu seems like a tourist trap from the outside, but it’s actually very loved by the Turks. It’s in a beautiful building, which immediately makes you think that is overpriced, when it is actually not! Here you can get some Turkish and international dishes for a very decent price. Nevizade Sokak (Street) This is mandatory place if you want to explore the liveliness of Istanbul. Young and old, foreigners and Turks meet here to drink and eat. If you want to have a typical Turkish dinner and observe the locals having fun, it’s the place to go. If you are on a budget check the prices before ordering. Raki, Meze and Fish are the specialties. The Cheapest Doners in town At the entrance of Istıklal Caddesi there are at least 15 doner stalls. Prices start at 5TL for a chicken durum and a red meat one will be around 9TL.    

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beyoglu, the Heart of Istanbul (2/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]>

Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know.

 Reasons to love Beyoglu: You can find everything you want here, cheap food, “cheap” drinks (as cheap as it gets in Istanbul), hipster cafes, street music, street art and one of the most crowded streets in the world.

What is there for me to see/do?

Istiklal Caddesi (Avenue)

You can’t say you visited until you have been to this street. It has 1.4 kilometers of length and around 3 million visitors every day. Throughout the street there are countless stores: international and Turkish brands, cafes, restaurants…

As the street deserves its own things to do, here it goes:

Photograph the Historical Red Tram | Taste the Street Food: Cheap Doner/Durum, Içli Kofte, Wet Burgers, Freshly Squeezed Juices… | Check out the Flower (Ciçek) Passage| Visit the Free Art Galleries (Arter, SALT, Galeri’nev…) | Hunt the mean panda graffiti’s | Get tricked by an ice cream man | Enjoy its night life | Join the locals and dance and sing with them.

Cihangir

P1290982

This is the Hipster Neighborhood of European Istanbul. Antique stores, nicely decorated cafes and fancy restaurants are some the things you will find here. My favorite part is its architecture as it’s a mix between Ottoman and European. The famous “French Street” is here as well.

Karakoy

P1050688

It’s the paradise for the ones who have a sweet tooth. Here you will find the best baklava houses in town and delicious home-made cakes. To make the sweets even tastier, the neighborhood has an amazing view towards the old part of Istanbul and the perfect sunset shot. Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum is  also located in Karakoy.

Recommended places: Karaköy Güllüoğlu for Baklava and Mum’s Café for a Cake

Galata

10366175_10202358834605653_6293193490384530899_n

Besides the famous Galata Tower (which you should climb), Galata is a historical neighborhood and what used to be a Jewish area. If you pay close attention you will see hidden synagogues (to visit you have to contact the Rabi in advance). Here is also where you can find the most creative gift shops and cheap fruit – in the street that goes down to Karakoy.

 What is there for me to eat/drink?

Best Value for Money Restaurants: Marmara Café & Yemek Kulubu

Both located in Istıklal Caddesi, these are my favorite restaurants when I want to eat a proper meal and not pay much for it. Marmara Café has the best fresh juices in town (for 3 or 4 TL) and traditional Turkish dishes. Yemek Kulubu seems like a tourist trap from the outside, but it’s actually very loved by the Turks. It’s in a beautiful building, which immediately makes you think that is overpriced, when it is actually not! Here you can get some Turkish and international dishes for a very decent price.

Nevizade Sokak (Street)

200519031-001

This is mandatory place if you want to explore the liveliness of Istanbul. Young and old, foreigners and Turks meet here to drink and eat. If you want to have a typical Turkish dinner and observe the locals having fun, it’s the place to go. If you are on a budget check the prices before ordering. Raki, Meze and Fish are the specialties.

The Cheapest Doners in town

At the entrance of Istıklal Caddesi there are at least 15 doner stalls. Prices start at 5TL for a chicken durum and a red meat one will be around 9TL.

 

 

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beyoglu, the Heart of Istanbul (2/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/27/istanbul-unveiled-beyoglu/feed/ 0 [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beşiktaş, the sleepless district (1/4) https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/26/istanbul-unveiled-besiktas-15/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=istanbul-unveiled-besiktas-15 https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/26/istanbul-unveiled-besiktas-15/#respond Sun, 26 Apr 2015 14:23:58 +0000 https://mudancasconstantes.wordpress.com/?p=163 Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know. Reasons to love Beşiktas: Its liveliness and young soul; it’s a great source of cheap bars, restaurants and breakfast places; has the Bosphorus just next to it and nice areas to walk by it; has the best clubs in Turkey; it never sleeps. What is there for me to see/do? Yıldız Park Istanbul doesn’t have many parks and green areas, so this place is a little gem. There are old Ottoman houses and pavilions which were converted into cafes/restaurants (they are not very pricy as they belong to the city) and nice paths through the “forest” to hike or run. I think it’s a great place to escape Istanbul’s traffic and if you are around in spring and summer, the flower pathways are lovely. There are also squirrels wondering around Ortakoy Ortakoy is where I live, but no, that’s not why you should go there :p . It’s a lovely and lively neighborhood by the Bosphorus which has cozy cafes and bars, perfect to spend a calm afternoon. The prices are kind of high, when compared to other places in town, but you have a great view. You can see Sultanahmet with all the minarets, the beautiful Ortakoy mosque and old ottoman style houses. Çirağan Palace It’s not like you can visit the palace, because it’s a hotel nowadays but you can take a look. The palace is huge, and really beautiful. The gates are extremely detailed and to see the front, you can take a ferry from Ortakoy to Eminonu (just a few per day) or a Bosphorus Cruise. Bebek & Arnavutköy These neighborhoods are full of cafes next to the Bosphorus and beautiful, renewed houses which are actually worth millions of euros. It’s the perfect place to take a walk by the Bosphorus, appreciate architecture and enjoy the views and the sun. This is the most expensive part of Istanbul, so be aware that the prices will be very high. Beşiktaş This is one of the perfect places to go if you want to see how people in Istanbul live and behave. Beşiktaş has markets, street food and cheap restaurants, which makes it the perfect place for social meetings. What is there for me to eat/drink? Breakfast Quarter – Beşiktaş Beşiktaş has a whole quarter just for breakfast (kahvaltı)– search for Celebioglu Sokak. On weekends they are completely full; especially if you wake up late (people have breakfast after 11am). My favorite things to order are: a breakfast plate (cheese, ham, jam, butter…), eggs with sucuk (Turkish sausage) and pişi (fried dough) *drooling a bit right now*. Be sure you don’t miss the Turkish breakfast experience! If you want to learn more about Turkish breakfast and food click here. Ortakoy Clubs Ortakoy is home to the most famous and exclusive clubs in Istanbul: Reina, Anjelique, Sortie… These are places where all celebrities go and where drinks are stupidly expensive. On the bright side, you have the most amazing view over the Bosphorus and Istanbul by night. So if you want to experience the best night life in Istanbul, this is the place to go. Anjelique is usually the most recommended. Kumpir & Waffles – Ortakoy These are Ortakoy’s specialties. Kumpir is a baked potato filled with whatever you want. There are several food stalls serving it and screaming for your attention. As for the waffles I guess it doesn’t need much explanation, just you can also put a LOT of stuff on top. Bebek Starbucks Starbuck doesn’t sound very Turkish I guess… but this one is worth to pay a visit. You can get a nice cake for 2.5€ and amazing view to go with it. This Starbucks occupies a whole building, 3 or 4 floors, just next to the Bosphorus. It’s perfect both by day and night. Hope you have a great time discovering Beşiktaş! If you have more suggestions tell me 🙂

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beşiktaş, the sleepless district (1/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> Istanbul unveiled is a series of 4 posts that intends to show, in detail, my 4 favorite “districts” (I have no idea how to call them). The idea is to go beyond the touristic path, as you can find that in every travel book and website, and show you places that usually only locals know.

Reasons to love Beşiktas: Its liveliness and young soul; it’s a great source of cheap bars, restaurants and breakfast places; has the Bosphorus just next to it and nice areas to walk by it; has the best clubs in Turkey; it never sleeps.

What is there for me to see/do?

Yıldız Park

Istanbul doesn’t have many parks and green areas, so this place is a little gem. There are old Ottoman houses and pavilions which were converted into cafes/restaurants (they are not very pricy as they belong to the city) and nice paths through the “forest” to hike or run. I think it’s a great place to escape Istanbul’s traffic and if you are around in spring and summer, the flower pathways are lovely. There are also squirrels wondering around

Ortakoy

P1040957(1)

Ortakoy is where I live, but no, that’s not why you should go there :p . It’s a lovely and lively neighborhood by the Bosphorus which has cozy cafes and bars, perfect to spend a calm afternoon. The prices are kind of high, when compared to other places in town, but you have a great view. You can see Sultanahmet with all the minarets, the beautiful Ortakoy mosque and old ottoman style houses.

Çirağan Palace

It’s not like you can visit the palace, because it’s a hotel nowadays but you can take a look. The palace is huge, and really beautiful. The gates are extremely detailed and to see the front, you can take a ferry from Ortakoy to Eminonu (just a few per day) or a Bosphorus Cruise.

Bebek & Arnavutköy

P1050853

These neighborhoods are full of cafes next to the Bosphorus and beautiful, renewed houses which are actually worth millions of euros. It’s the perfect place to take a walk by the Bosphorus, appreciate architecture and enjoy the views and the sun. This is the most expensive part of Istanbul, so be aware that the prices will be very high.

Beşiktaş

This is one of the perfect places to go if you want to see how people in Istanbul live and behave. Beşiktaş has markets, street food and cheap restaurants, which makes it the perfect place for social meetings.

What is there for me to eat/drink?

Breakfast Quarter – Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş has a whole quarter just for breakfast (kahvaltı)– search for Celebioglu Sokak. On weekends they are completely full; especially if you wake up late (people have breakfast after 11am). My favorite things to order are: a breakfast plate (cheese, ham, jam, butter…), eggs with sucuk (Turkish sausage) and pişi (fried dough) *drooling a bit right now*. Be sure you don’t miss the Turkish breakfast experience!

If you want to learn more about Turkish breakfast and food click here.

Ortakoy Clubs

Ortakoy is home to the most famous and exclusive clubs in Istanbul: Reina, Anjelique, Sortie… These are places where all celebrities go and where drinks are stupidly expensive. On the bright side, you have the most amazing view over the Bosphorus and Istanbul by night. So if you want to experience the best night life in Istanbul, this is the place to go. Anjelique is usually the most recommended.

Kumpir & Waffles – Ortakoy

These are Ortakoy’s specialties. Kumpir is a baked potato filled with whatever you want. There are several food stalls serving it and screaming for your attention. As for the waffles I guess it doesn’t need much explanation, just you can also put a LOT of stuff on top.

Bebek Starbucks

Starbuck doesn’t sound very Turkish I guess… but this one is worth to pay a visit. You can get a nice cake for 2.5€ and amazing view to go with it. This Starbucks occupies a whole building, 3 or 4 floors, just next to the Bosphorus. It’s perfect both by day and night.

Hope you have a great time discovering Beşiktaş! If you have more suggestions tell me 🙂

The post [EN] Istanbul Unveiled Series: Beşiktaş, the sleepless district (1/4) appeared first on Mudanças Constantes.

]]> https://www.mudancasconstantes.com/2015/04/26/istanbul-unveiled-besiktas-15/feed/ 0