Turkey – Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey by Gautam Khattak

Last updated: May 26, 2010

Disclaimer: These are notes I’ve written or gathered from various sources. I have not experienced all things in this document nor is it intended to be a definitive guide.

General Tips

Currency: New Turkish Lira (TRY)

Conversion Tool: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=100+USD+to+TRY&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

(Update for current rates)

100 USD = 158.58 TRY

1 USD = 1.59 MYR

100 MYR = 63.05 USD

1 TRY = .63 USD

Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and ferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions, but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies.

Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but Turkish ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the alphabet on their keys. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus and Plus. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of the more expensive places. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. US dollars or Euros are preferred. Some pensions and hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment. When you bring cash make sure that none of the bills have ANY rips in them. Bills sometimes get refused with small rips.

Credit cards are used most places in Istanbul, but lots of cash or access to it is really necessary. Good advice was to change money every few days rather than a lot at once due to the unruly fluctuation of the value of the dollar.

Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Turkey and it is customary to give some small change for most services, or a small percent of the bill. In bigger hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not added to the bill, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15%. For taxi fares it is enough to round up the bill. Attendants at Turkish baths expect to share about 15% of the total bill if service has been good.

Local Customs: Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines. Do not take photographs of or near military and official institutions and always ask permission when taking photographs of people. There is a smoking ban on all forms of public transport and in outdoor venues (including stadiums and playgrounds cafes, bars and restaurants as well).

Don’t wear shorts when visiting a Mosque

Transportation

The best and easiest way to explore the old city is on foot, but to get to other areas, there is a cheap public transport network consisting of buses, taxis or dolmuses (shared minibus taxis), tramways and a new metro system that has relieved some of the pressure of Istanbul’s endless traffic. The rechargeable Akbil electronic transit pass, available from special kiosks, is a discounted way of using local buses, trams, metro and ferries. A useful underground metro line runs from Aksaray to the main city bus station at Esenler and the Ataturk Airport, and another runs north from Taksim Square, passing the Levent districts. Buses are slow and crowded; tickets must be purchased at outdoor kiosks, as bus drivers do not sell them. Dolmuses and private yellow taxis are more comfortable than the city buses and very inexpensive, but it is advisable for foreigners to have their hotel call a private taxi for them and check that the meter is working, as overcharging is common. A taxi’s night rate (gece) can be up to 50% more expensive than the day rate (gündüz). Dolmuses can be hailed anywhere along their set routes. Passenger ferries are a pleasant way to see the city, and there is also a train network running along the Mamara shore. Driving or hiring a car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and poor driving standards.

Tourist Destinations

Istanbul’s most prominent attractions are of the architectural variety, a selection of formidable and historical structures that make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually rewarding.

Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, a huge museum and former cathedral, that is adorned with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque, with its graceful minarets and tiered domes. The 1st century Sunken Palace is supported by hundreds of underground columns, an essential Istanbul landmark.

While sightseeing in Istanbul, Galata Tower offers visitors a 360º panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century Land Walls stand testament to the city’s resistance of its 1453 conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi, is the oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, a must-see while in Istanbul.

From http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060907075010AAFl2lO

Istanbul is an amazing city. It is the place where two continents meet, both geographically and culturally. Above all, it is a city with a great energy, very dynamic and lively.

When you go there, you must see Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace (all in the european part of the city, in the quarter called Sultan-Ahmet, at a walking distance one from another),

Dolmabahce Palace (at the european bank of Bosphorus), Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadesi (street) in the very center of the modern city, modern quarters like Beyoglu, Sisli and Besiktas as well, Golden Horn (a small gulf snicking the european part of Istanbul) and of course Bosphorus (including cruising during which you can enjoy not only Bosphorus itself and its gorgeous bridges, but also splendid palaces at its banks)… and much more!!! This is just a beginning, cause Istanbul is a magnificent city! Go and see!

Istanbul Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji Muzesi) – History Museum (Closed Monday)

Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu

Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey

Tel: 90 212 5207740

Byzas Tours – http://www.byzastoursturkey.com

Address: Ergenekon Cad. No. 20/2 Istanbul Turkey

Tel: +90-212-2257670

Byzantine

Hagia Sophia: (Closed Mondays) The Church of Holy Wisdom, undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural creations in the world used as a mosque during Ottomans and serving as a museum today.

Byzantine Hippodrome: The center for entertainment, amusement and sports in the city during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The Egyptian Obelisk , the serpentine column and the German fountain of Willhelm II are sites to be visited.

Blue Mosque (Closed for Prayer): The Sultan Ahmed Mosque ,one of the most revered masterpieces of the Islamic world . Famous with its blue ceramic tiles and six minarets.

Bosphorus Tour

Golden Horn: The arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Istanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantine. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarsitan, 21 kms. long City Walls, the strongest fortification of the middle age.

Egyptian Bazaar: An exotic food market and bazaar, selling spices , dried fruits, cheeses, olives, as well as towels, slippers, baskets and some jewelry.

Bosphorus Cruise: Passing through palaces of Ottoman, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, ancient wooden houses , modern villas to the opening of the Black Sea.

Rumeli Fortress: Historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture

Bosphorus Bridge: Unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another continent (Asia).

Beylerbeyi Palace: The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its orginal furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asia Side.

Camlica Hill: The highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style.

Ottoman Relics

Topkapi Palace (Closed Tuesdays) : The former imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans , the oldest and the largest remaining palaces in the world.Today , used as a museum to exhibit works of art and many priceless artifacts.

Suleymaniye Mosque : A beauty outstanding even among all these domes and minarets that define the skyline of Istanbul was built by Sultan Suleyman “The Magnificent” in the 16th century.

Rustem Pasha Mosque: Which is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar, walls, and columns.

Sunken Palace – Also known as the Underground Cistern or Yerebatan Saray, this eerie cavern was built by Constantinople the Great around 532 AD and is held up below ground by 336 columns. Once a set for the James Bond film, From Russia with Love, the cavern today sees tourists crossing over 2 acres of 12 inch deep water, on wooden walkways, to take in the occasional art exhibit or marvel at the intricate design on the columns themselves. There is a pleasant little café topside where the eyes can adjust over some tea.

Telephone: 212 522 1259

Opening time: 9am to 5pm daily except Tuesday

Galata Tower – Erected as a bastion for the walls of the 14th century colony of Galata, the tower offers a 360º panoramic view of the old town. Today it is a sought-after conference venue, offering fine dining at the resident restaurant and belly dancing displays in its own night club.

Address: Galata Kulesi Sokak

Telephone: 212 293 8180

Opening time: 9am to 6pm daily

Dolmache Palace – This second palace of the Ottoman Sultans was once the Sultan’s harem and is an ostentatious interior of crystal chandeliers, the one adorning the grand hall weighing in at four tons (4,000 kg). On the exterior, the palace has an extensive and beautiful garden, yours for the strolling.

Dining & Nightlife

Hatay – http://hatayrestaurant.com/ – Sirkeci District

Konyali Topkapi Sarayi Lokantasi – http://www.konyalilokantasi.com/saray.htm – $$$

Yesil Ev $$$

Ada Cafe & Bistro – http://www.adakitapcafe.com/ $

Antiochia – http://antiochiaconcept.com/ $$

Borsa – http://www.borsarestaurant.com/borsaanasayfa.html $$$

360 Istanbul – At the top of the Misir Apartments building is this a rooftop bar and restaurant with a view that matches its name. Order a martini and look out over the Bosporus, the Hagia Sophia, even the Sea of Marmara. Enjoy the view indoors, too, as this trendy, glass-and-steel bar is one of the top places to see, and be seen, by both jet-setters and Istanbul’s most glamorous denizens. On any given weekend night you might find a D.J. and live musicians collaborating on an electro-funk dance mix as a polyglot crowd in salon-fresh hairstyles and Zara clothes rattles cocktails under the red L.E.D. sign flashing the words “Hot Pornstar.”

Istiklal Caddesi 32/311, Istanbul

Misir Apartment Building, Beyoglu

Phone: 0212/251-1042

Istanbul Nightclubs

Reina: Muallim Naci Caddesi 10 – Ortaköy. T: +90 212 259 59 19, Queen of Bosphorus Reina is the hottest club in Istanbul. It hosts several restaurants and bars that can accommodate over 2000 people. Packed with celebrities. Located just at the edge of the European side of the Bosphorus bridge. Fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts . Open all day from 17:00 to 04:00

Crystal: Muallim Naci Caddesi No: 109, Ortakoy. T:+90 212 261 19 88. Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 24:00 to 05:30 hrs. Probably the best club in town located in Ortakoy. The club has tough bouncers, fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts. If you happen to be there at midnight you might see an empty place, however the club gets its tune only after 02:00 hrs

Samdan: Nispetiye Cad. No:30 Etiler. T:+90 212 263 48 98. For 30 years on Samdan is the most favorite club of Istanbul. It is always popular and crowded. First floor is the restaurant and the second floor is the club. Fancy clothes required. No jeans and t-shirts

Sortie: Opened on 14th of June 2005 at Kuruçesme Caddesi 57 – Kuruçesme, T:+90 212 293 41 10. Located in Kurucesme between Ortakoy and Bebek. The club is a brand new club and is expected to be one of the hottest clubs of Istanbul especially in hot summer nights. Fancy dressing required and bouncers never allow Jeans and same sorts. Cover charge is pricey. Open all day from 18:00 to 04:00, Except Wednesdays.

Babylon: Sehbender Sokak 3, Asmali Mescit- Tu nel/Beyoglu T: +90 212 292 73 63 A premier live music club with a monthly program. Open Thursday to Saturday from 21:30 – 03:00

Roxy: Arslan Yatagi Sokak 3 – Cihangir / Beyoglu T: +90 212 245 65 39. Roxy is one of the hottest club in winter season. the club will be closed from 18th of june till september. So enjoy the never ending nights till 18th of june. Open all day from 22:00 to 04:00, except Sunday & Monday.

Kemanci: Sira Selviler Caddesi 69/1 – Cihangir / Beyoglu. T: +90 212 251 27 23. Kemanci has three floors Hard rock on the main floor, techno on the second and pop-rock on the third floor. Open all day from 21:00 to 04:00

Club 29: Adnan Saygun Cad. Ulus parki, Ulus. T: +90 212 358 29 29. One of the fanciest clubs of Istanbul located in the elegant district Ulus. Open daily till 04:00 am

Shopping

Most shops in Istanbul are open from 8am until roughly 9pm, and religious shopkeepers will close for an hour on Friday at lunchtime for prayers at the Mosque. In many areas shops are closed on Sundays.

Grand Bazaar: (Closed Sunday) The oldest and the largest covered market place in the world with more than 3000 shops owing rich collection of handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.

Helpful Links

Rest of Turkey

Cappadocia

Kusadasi