Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 207

Sampling the sights, smells and flavours in the historic Balık Pazarı ( CLICK HERE ).
Seeing dervishes whirl in a 15th-century semahane (whirling-dervish hall) at the Gal-
ata Mevlevi Museum ( CLICK HERE ).
Investigating the convivial cafe, bar and restaurant scenes in Cihangir and As-
malımescit .
Joining the locals promenading along İstiklal Caddesi ( CLICK HERE ).
Explore: Beyoğlu
If you have the time, it makes sense to spread your exploration of this neighbourhood over
two days. The first day could be spent in Galata, Tophane and Tünel, visiting sights such
as the İstanbul Modern and wandering around the fascinating streets. The second day
could be spent walking from Taksim Meydanı (Taksim Square) along İstiklal Caddesi,
veering off into the districts of Cihangir, Çukurcuma, Asmalımescit and Tepebaşı.
If you only have one day, start in Taksim Meydanı and work your way down İstiklal,
exploring the Balık Pazarı, heading into Tepebaşı to visit the Pera Müzesi and then back-
tracking to İstiklal Caddesi to start our walking tour.
Even if you are staying in another neighbourhood, it makes sense to follow the lead of
locals and head here every night for dinner, bar-hopping and clubbing.
Local Life
» Streetside cafes Take a break and enjoy a glass of tea at old-fashioned outdoor cafes
such as Hazzo Pulo Çay Bahçesi ( CLICK HERE ) off İstiklal Caddesi, Kardeşler Cafe in Ci-
hangir and Cafe Gündoğdu in the square below Galata Tower.
» Football & nargile If you're in town when a Süper Lig or UEFA match is being played,
head to one of the Tophane Nargile Cafes to drink tea, smoke a nargile (water pipe) and
join the fans in making your team allegiances clear.
» Tea by the Bosphorus To enjoy a million-dollar view with a cheap glass of tea, try the
ramshackle çay bahçesis at the edge of the Bosphorus opposite the Fındıklı tram stop.
There's even a kids' playground nearby to make toddlers happy.