Tramming Through Istanbul in 12 Hours
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AEROSTYLAEROSTYLEE TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ROSEMARIE JOHN (WWW.TRAVELANDBEYOND.ORG) TRAMMING THROUGH ISTANBUL IN 12 HOURS Istanbul is a city that cannot be experienced in a day…. But for those who have a brief stopover and have already witnessed the rich heritage of Sultanahmet, the guide below is an alternative way to experience this vibrant city. 30 Aerospace Singapore MAIN: The Dolmabahçe Mosque, completed in 1855 by architect Garabet Balyan. t’s 8am and outside your hotel 10am Start the day with tram ride Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) also window, you see monuments, to Eminönü to marvel at the beauty known as the Egyptian Bazaar. mosques, minarets, and of the New Mosque and Galata Constructed during the 1660s, churches, pebble paved streets, Tower across the Golden Horn – a the L-shaped shopping arcade trams, people hurrying about and narrow freshwater estuary which is home to about 90 shops that Iyou are trying to absorb everything snakes through the two European sell spices, figs, Iranian saffron, in. You may gasp in wonder, you sides of the city and comes out at walnuts, pistachios, apple tea and may frown at traffic, you may have the Marmara Sea. Stroll around the famous Turkish Delight. You questions on your mind but all the open plaza in front of the New will also find copper pans, tulip- you think about is heading out and Mosque and the entrance to the shaped tea glasses, and ironically experiencing its amalgamation of Spice Bazaar to get your bearings. enough, Indian pashmina shawls. culture, ancient history, scrumptious Bargaining skills is a must. (Open food and some of the friendliest 10.30am A few photographic Monday to Saturday from 8am to people you will ever meet! moments later, enter the Spice 7pm, closed on Sunday). May - August 31 AEROSTYLE 12.30pm Now back outside in the Cruise for a leisurely taste of the plaza, sample some traditional city that straddles two continents. Istanbul street food like Simit, Home to some of the most beautiful a crisp, ring-shaped, savoury roll structures that boasts tranquil covered with sesame seeds or waterside gardens, mosques and Açma, a savoury soft bun that’s landing jetties, the Bosphorus is a bit oily and looks slightly like a considered the world’s narrowest doughnut. You will find these sold strait used for international by push-cart vendors outside the navigation. Select the Short Circle bazaar or its nearby surroundings. Bosphorus Cruise (Kısa Boğaz Down these with hot Turkish black Turu) that takes you from Eminönü tea called Çay. to Istinye and back. This cruise is great for people who are pressed 1pm Next, head to the nearby for time but don’t want to miss a New Mosque (Yeni Camii), an genuine Bosphorus experience. Try Ottoman Imperial Mosque. Casting some Turkish coffee while on board. a massive shadow over the Spice Tickets cost approximately 10 TL. Bazaar, the New Mosque boasts (Available every day in summer sixty-six domes and semi domes in a from April 1st to October 31st). pyramidal arrangement. Construction 5pm Once back at the docks, walk back to the tram station at Eminönü and take a ride to the next station across the Galata Bridge that You may gasp in wonder, spans 500 metres. you may frown at trafFIc, Alight at Karaköy. This ancient seaport is the you may have questions site of old Galata and it on your mind but all you has been a commercial hub for centuries. It think about is heading out is also home to the landmark Galata Tower. Take a slow walk up the hill with clear signage of the Mosque began in 1597, to guide your way. It is a rather commissioned by Sultan Mehmet steep climb so be prepared. You will III’s mother, Valide Sultan Safiye. find many local eateries and shops However, following the death of the along the way. A slow walk would Sultan and several other setbacks, take you approximately 30 minutes it was left idle for many years until to reach the tower. finally being completed in 1663. The beautiful interiors are worth a visit 6pm Purchase a ticket and take during non-prayer times. If you find the lift up to the top. The cylindrical yourself without a covering, there are Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) with scarves on hand for female visitors its conical cap rises high above all and plastic bags available for shoes. other buildings on the east bank (Open daily from 7pm to dusk). of the Golden Horn thus providing a magnificent 360 degree view of 2.30pm Cross the road and tram Istanbul. Built by the Genoese in lines and head to the ferry docks 1348, this stone tower was once and board a two-hour Bosphorus called the Tower of Christ. 32 Aerospace Singapore After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the tower became a prison and naval depot. During the 19th century it was a fire lookout post in order to quickly detect frequent fire outbreaks in the city’s mainly wooden houses. The restaurant on the top floor has lovely cakes and a must try is their strawberry cheesecake. (Open daily from 9am to 8pm. Tickets cost approximately 10 TL). 7.30pm Walk down to the tram station at Karaköy and take the tram to Kabataş where you will change 10pm You can either call it a day over to the Funicular that heads to and return to your hotel or party the the famous night spot of Taksim. It night away in one of the many night is here where you will find branded clubs situated along the Istiklal-Tünel international designer wears and route. You can take the nostalgic night clubs. tram that runs 3km between Istiklal Street, which starts at Taksim 8.30pm Your first stop once in Square and ends at Tünel. Opposite Taksim is to stroll through Istiklal the historic Tünel station is a maze Caddesi (Independence Street), of night-life hotspots just waiting arguably Istanbul’s most famous to be discovered. Asmalimescit street that houses multitude of Street and the charming cobbled shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, lanes running off it are packed with restaurants, cinemas, churches, cafes, restaurants, meyhanes and TOP: The synagogues and mosques. You bars, each with their own unique Spice Bazaar will come across brands like H&M, character. Make sure to try the is the second Mango, Zara and many more that local drink called Raki – an anise largest covered you will find back home and if flavoured hard alcohol. Beware of shopping you’ve had enough shopping, visit nightclubs that do not list the prices complex after one of the largest Greek Orthodox of beverages on their menus. the Grand Bazaar. churches in Istanbul called Aya LEFT: The Triada Kilisesi and photograph its Kizilkayalar’s façade as the church is only open Wet Burger is during service. a great grab- to-go lunch or 9.30pm Hungry? A must try is TRAVEL TIPS dinner! the ! RIGHT: Kızılkayalar’s Wet Burger For easy travel around Istanbul, Taksim’s famous These juicy mini-beef patties are purchase the Istanbul Kart nostalgic tram. doused by an oily, garlic-tomato which can be used on all trams, based sauce before incubating in a trains, funiculars, buses and glass-lined heater. It may not look ferries. It is in essence an all- like much but it tastes delicious. round public transportation The restaurant is rather tiny and boarding pass that provides a it is better to eat standing-up out 10% discount over the normal front. Even the notable Anthony fair. You can purchase this Bourdain has dined there. (Open 24 card at any major transit stops hours daily, the restaurant is located or even at small convenience at Sıraselviler Caddesi 6, Taksim stores. Just remember to top Square, Cost: 3 TL). it up. May - August 33.