Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 187

Sipping tea and enjoying the Golden Horn view at the Pierre Loti Café ( CLICK HERE )
in Eyüp.
Spotting landmarks on the shore when arriving at Ayvansaray İskelesi on the Golden
Horn ferry .
Explore: Western Districts
It's a great shame that so few visitors head to this fascinating part of town. Try to dedicate
at least one day of your stay to exploring the area; two would be better.
Spend the first of these taking the Golden Horn (Haliç) ferry trip from Eminönü, alight-
ing at Ayvansaray and then following our Walk Along the Walls tour. Make sure that you
allow enough time to admire the Byzantine mosaics and frescos at the Kariye Museum
(Chora Church).
If you are able to spend a second day here, we highly recommend that you start your
day following our Mosque & Monastery walking tour in the Bazaar District ( CLICK HERE )
and then continue uphill towards the Fatih Mosque. Sites such as the Fethiye Museum and
the Sultan Selim Mosque are only a short walk away.
Note that these districts are deathly quiet at night and on Sundays, so you're best off ex-
ploring during the day on weekdays or Saturday.
Local Life
» Produce shopping Locals shop along Fevzi Paşa Caddesi in Fatih, on Murat Molla
Caddesi in Çarşamba, along Vodina Caddesi in Balat and at the Çarşamba Pazarı (Wed-
nesday Market) in Fatih.
» Gathering spots Popular local gathering spots include the terrace of the Sultan Selim
Mosque ( CLICK HERE ) and the forecourts of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque ( CLICK HERE ) and
Fatih Mosque ( CLICK HERE ).
» Ferry hopping Regular commuters enjoy catching up with friends and neighbours over
a glass of tea on the Golden Horn ferry.