Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 82

Neighbourhood Top Five
Standing beneath the magnificent dome of Aya Sofya ( CLICK HERE ) and imagining
what it would have been like to attend a candlelit service in this, the greatest of all Byzan-
tine churches
Uncovering the secrets of the seraglio in opulent Topkapı Palace ( CLICK HERE ).
Learning about the fascinating history of the city in the İstanbul Archaeology Mu-
seums ( CLICK HERE ).
Exploring the watery depths of the atmospheric Basilica Cistern ( CLICK HERE ).
Surrendering to the steam and admiring the historic surrounds in an Ottoman-era
hamam .
Explore: Sultanahmet
The fact that there are so many significant monuments and museums in this area means
that setting an itinerary is important. To do the neighbourhood justice, you'll need at least
three days (four or five would be better).
Plan to visit one of the major museums (Aya Sofya, Topkapı, the İstanbul Archaeology
Museums) each day and then add the less time-intensive sights into your daily itineraries.
For instance, it makes sense to visit the Archaeology Museums and Gülhane Park together
on one day and Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern on another. Topkapı
deserves a day to itself.
The ever-present battalions of tour groups tend to visit the museums first thing in the
morning or after lunch - you will find that queues are shorter and exhibits less crowded if
you visit during lunchtime or later in the afternoon.
Local Life
» Produce Markets There are weekly street markets in Cankurtaran on Wednesday and in
nearby Kadırga on Thursday.
» Backgammon Head to Yeni Marmara ( CLICK HERE ), Derviş Aile Çay Bahçesi ( CLICK
HERE ) or Cafe Meşale ( CLICK HERE ) to join locals in smoking nargiles (water pipes), drink-
ing tea and playing backgammon.