1. Visit Ortakoy – catch the tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas (the last stop on the line) then get out and walk along the road that 

runs parallel to the water towards the big bridge that runs  between Europe and Asia.   Ortakoy is just before the bridge and

you will see a sign with a little arrow pointing to the right that  says “Ortakoy Meydane” – this leads you to Ortakoy square

which has lots of little cafes and markets.  The walk takes about  35-40 minutes.  On the way you can stop in at Dolmabahce

Palace (easy to find – on the water).  Try to time your visit so that you get to Ortakoy around sunset when the bridge light up and

change colours.  When you leave it will be dark, so it’s a good idea to catch a taxi back to the Kabatas tramway station and

then catch the tram back to Sultanahmet.

2. Stroll along Istiklal Caddesi (Avenue) in Taksim – catch a tram to  Kabatas - get off the tram and go down the stairs to catch the

funicular (a one stop metro that takes you up the hill to Taksim  Square).  Then take a stroll along Istiklal, Taksim’s main street.

Make sure you explore some of the side streets – in particular,  look out for a building on the right side called “Cicek Pasaji” and

turn into the street on the right immediately past it – This is  where the fish markets are – it’s a great place for people  watching.

3. Once back on Istiklal Cadessi again, turn left at Galatasary Lisesi  (high school) and then take the first street on the left to get to

the French district – some cute cafes and interesting  architecture here.

4. Visit Asia - catch a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy (on the Asian  continent).  From the ferry, cross over and explore the streets in

this area for a taste of Turkish life away from the tourist areas.

5. Explore the Spice Bazaar District – walk up the lane to the right  of the Spice Bazaar (as you stand facing it with your back to the

water) and then turn into the first street on the right. This is  where Turkish people come to buy all manner of things at cheap

prices – in one of the streets off to the left, you will find a Hamam  cafe – an old Hamam that is now a café  serving great coffee and

snack food at excellent prices.  A bit tricky to find but worth it – not far from the Rustem Pasa Mosque.

6. Go to a Turkish Bath (Hamam) for the experience of a lifetime – trust us you have never felt as clean as you will be afterwards.

We recommend the Cemberlitas Hamam:  http://www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr/html/en

7. Visit Nisantasi – catch a metro from Taksim Square to  Osmanbey, then head out of the subway and wander along

Rumeli Caddesi towards charming Nisantasi. We recommend a  visit to get an idea of the contrast between rich and poor in

Istanbul, and also to get a glimpse of life away from touristy  Sultanahmet.  If you’re feeling adventurous, you could wander all

the way down to the water and then walk along to Kabatas and  catch a ferry back to Sultanahmet (allow a few hours if you

decide to do this).

8. Have a drink on Galata Bridge - utterly charming,  Galata Bridge  crosses the famous Golden Horn.

It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk downhill from  Sultanahmet (just follow the tram tracks down

toward the water).  Underneath the Bridge there  are a number of restaurants and cafes – it’s a

great place to have a drink after a day of  sightseeing and watch the world go by.

9. Visit a Meyhane – a Meyhane is a traditional  restaurant serving alcoholic drinks and meze, and

generally there is live Traditional music.  Here you  will be able to sample the famous Turkish drink

Raki – don’t forget to drink lots of water with it  and snack on lots of different meze throughout

the night.  A good, traditional Meyhane to try is  Cumhurriyet Mehanesi which can be found in the

fish market street off Istiklal Caddesi (see number

10. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands – so close  to Istanbul, but so peaceful in comparison.  You

can get there by catching the public ferry from  Kabatas ferry terminal (an easy tram ride from

Sultanahmet).  There are 9 Princes Islands, but we  recommend Heybeliada (Heybeli Island).  It has

restaurants, delicatessens and a monastery on top  of a hill. There are no cars on the islands – so

getting around is done by horse and cart, on foot  or bicycle.

(goholidayturkey.com)