Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 146

Neighbourhood Top Five
Enjoying getting lost in the labyrinthine laneways of the world's oldest shopping mall,
the glorious Grand Bazaar ( CLICK HERE ).
Shopping in and around the seductively scented Spice Bazaar ( CLICK HERE ).
Viewing the Old City's skyline while walking across the Galata Bridge ( CLICK HERE )
at sunset.
Visiting the remarkably intact külliye of the Süleymaniye Mosque ( CLICK HERE ), the
greatest of İstanbul's Ottoman monuments.
Embarking on a foodie adventure in Aksaray's Little Urfa ( CLICK HERE ) district.
Explore: Bazaar District
There's loads to see in this district so you'll need to plan your time to make the most of it.
Ideally you should dedicate a full day to the bazaars, starting at the Grand Bazaar in the
morning, having lunch and then walking down Mahmputpaşa Yokuşu to the Spice Bazaar
and Eminönü.
Another day could be spent following our Mosques & Monastery walking tour. On this
you'll visit two important Ottoman mosques, get a taste of local life while lunching at a
regional eatery in the Kadın Pazarı (Women's Market) near the Aqueduct of Valens, and
see one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the city: the Monastery of Christ
Pantokrator.
Nothing much is open in this district on Sundays - visit Monday to Saturday only. And
try to avoid the mosques at prayer times and from late morning to early afternoon on Fri-
day, when weekly group prayers and sermons are held.
Local Life
» Tahtakale Locals shop in the streets between the Grand and Spice Bazaars rather than
in the bazaars themselves. Head to Mahmputpaşa Yokuşu and Hasırcılar Caddesi to join
them.
» Kadın Pazarı This atmospheric square in the Zeyrek neighbourhood is full of regional
eateries and produce shops.