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5-day City Guide A preplanned step-by-step time line and city guide for Istanbul. Follow it and get the best of the city. PromptGuides.com ©

5-day Istanbul City Guide 2 5-day Istanbul City Guide 3 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Second largest mosque in Istanbul Grand open space The world's oldest covered market Istanbul's most famous attraction Hagia Amazing view on Sophia and the Blue Mosque World-known landmark Oldest neighborhood of Istanbul PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Istanbul > hotels in Istanbul recommended Tested and Take a walk to Grand Bazaar - 10’ Take Tram Line T1 from Sultanahmet stop to Take Tram Line T1 from Sultanahmet stop (Direction:Kabatas) - 25’ Lunch time Take a walk to Süleymaniye Mosque Take a walk to Beyazit Square - 25’ Take Tram Line T1 to Sultanahmet stop Take Tram Line T1 Park Take a walk to Sultanahmet Mosque Take a walk to Blue END OF DAY 1 Beyazit Square Grand Bazaar Eminönü Neighborhood Süleymaniye Mosque Blue Mosque Park Sultanahmet LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 16:50-17:50 16:25-16:40 15:00-16:00 12:10-12:55 11:00-11:45 10:30-11:00 09:00-10:30 Overview of Day 1 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 1 of Overview

5-day Istanbul City Guide 4 5-day Istanbul City Guide 5 20 TL Admission: The Egyptian Obelisk was brought here from The Egyptian Obelisk was brought here the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt to adorn the stadium The Walled Obelisk, built in 10th century, of used to be covered with bronze. Troops to the Fourth Crusade removed the metal make coins The German Fountain is a gift to Sultan his Abdul Hamid from Kaiser Wilhelm II after visit to Istanbul in 1898 Have a rest on a bench near the beautiful fountain and just admire the two imposing Istanbul landmarks Walking along the Blue Mosque take a look at the Egyptian Obelisk, the Column of Constantine and the Serpentine Column Having been the principal mosque of the principal mosque Having been such as Ottoman mosques, Istanbul, many the Süleymaniye the Blue Mosque or after Hagia Sophia Mosque, were modeled to do with the female Its name has nothing is the Latin phonetic name, Sophia. Sophia word for wisdom spelling of the Greek building from the Admire the impressive outside former church and enjoy Walk around in the the stunning architecture the upper gallery for Head up the stairs to the splendid Byzantine mosaics Go early to avoid the crowds MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (Sultanahmet Square) (Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Istanbul) (Cankurtaran PromptGuides.com © Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 4:30pm, Mondays: Closed • Mondays: Closed • 9:30am - 4:30pm, Tue - Sun: park-like square next to Sultanahmet Park Hippodrome or Sultan Ahmet Square features four monuments: (1) Serpent Column, (2) Obelisk of Thutmose III or Egyptian Obelisk, (3) Walled Obelisk, and (4) German Fountain Serpent Column was moved here from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Originally it was cast to commemorate the victory of the Greeks over the Persians during the 5th c. BC Persian Wars Sultanahmet Park is a lovely park lying between Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with a large fountain in the middle and The park is an excellent place for picnic of relaxation. It provides a spectacular view Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, especially at night when they are lit up Milion, a tall marble column in the northern corner of the park, was 'point zero' in the . All distances were measured from here Hippodrome, built in the 3rd c. AD, was a Byzantine chariot racing stadium with a capacity of 100,000 people. Today it is a of (the "Orthodox Vatican") of Constantinople (the for almost a thousand years the After 1453; Sultan Mehmed II converted church into a mosque. Islamic elements (mihrab, , four minarets) replaced Christian features (altar, bells, iconostasis) 1931 Hagia Sophia remained a mosque until when it was turned into a museum. Debates are still going on whether it should be a church, a mosque or a museum Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is an awe-inspiring (Ayasofya) is an Hagia Sophia First it was built as architecture in Istanbul. later became a an Orthodox cathedral, a museum mosque, today it is elements of both the It incorporated unique empires and their Byzantine and Ottoman religions between 532 Hagia Sophia was constructed largest cathedral of its and 537. It was the time seat of the Patriarch Hagia Sophia was the Sultanahmet Park THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Hagia Sophia Hagia 10:30-11:00 09:00-10:30 Attraction Details Attraction the evening Eminönü is one of the busiest neighborhoods of Istanbul. It has only 55,000 residents but more than 2 million people come here daily Take a short walk in the old harbor, enjoying the stunning views Or just walk along the streets to the harbor enjoying the atmosphere Stop for a cup of authentic Turkish tea in one of the traditional tea houses Admire the beautifully-arranged cascade of beautifully-arranged Admire the domes required to use the Non-worshippers are Hippodrome north entrance, off the before entering. Put Remove your shoes (available at the them in a plastic bag put the bag with the entrance). You can shoes on a shelf provided interior decorated Admire the breathtaking designed blue, by masses of beautifully tiles green, yellow and red Enjoy the special atmosphere Modest dress is required both for women and men It is considered polite for a woman to cover her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf in The mosque is impressively illuminated MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS Free Hagia Admission: Spice Bazaar Hagia Sophia (Sultan Ahmet Mh., Tavukhane Sokak 5, Istanbul) Mh., Tavukhane (Sultan Ahmet and Rüstem Pasha Mosque PromptGuides.com © , and Daily: 9am - 6pm • Daily: 9am (a former Byzantine church) on the (a former Byzantine New Mosque built during the late Ottoman period. It is one of the termini of the famous Other highlight is the grandiose Central Post Office also built during the late Ottoman era Eminönü neighborhood is located on the south side of the . It is the oldest part of Istanbul from where the city expanded The neighborhood has been a major transportation hub since Byzantine times and features some of the best known Istanbul attractions: , The impressive Sirkeci Train Station was was a student of the Ottoman star architect Sinan Blue Only two mosques have 6 minarets: the Mosque and the central mosque of Mecca, 7 to the Islamic holy city. The latter now has emphasize its status Officially it is called Sultanahmet Camii (Mosque of Sultan Ahmet). The nickname 'Blue Mosque' was given because of the blue İznik tiles that decorate its interior The central dome is 43 m (140 ft) high and blue 23,5 m (77 ft) in diameter. Over 20,000 tiles adorn its walls Blue Mosque is a grandiose mosque in is a grandiose mosque Blue Mosque 1616 and is was completed in Istanbul. It imperial mosque of the considered the last city the building. Sultan Ahmet I commissioned surpass both His intention was to Süleymaniye Mosque Islam's In an attempt to emphasize the larger superiority over Christianity, opposite Blue Mosque was built Sophia royal palace site of the Byzantine was Mehmet Aga. He The architect's name Eminönü Neighborhood THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Blue Mosque Opening hours: 11:00-11:45 12:10-12:55 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 6 5-day Istanbul City Guide 7 Attraction Details Attraction Do not forget to do some bargaining if you want to buy a souvenir Great experience even for those who hate to shop The mosque is called Bayezid II Mosque commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II. It was the second largest imperial mosque erected after the conquest of Constantinople a Walking towards the Grand Bazaar take and look at the impressive Beyazıt Mosque 's main gate Besides the shops, it gives home to two mosques, two Turkish baths, fountains, multiple restaurants and cafés Have fun getting lost in the labyrinth of the bazaar Enjoy the lively atmosphere Shop for some food, spice, jewelry and clothes Süleyman I and his wife Roxelana are I and his wife Roxelana Süleyman in the courtyard entombed before entering. Put Remove your shoes (available at the them in a plastic bag the bag with you entrance) and carry interior Enjoy the magnificent visit Süleyman I's After leaving the mosque and explore the tomb and rose gardens grounds both for women Modest dress is required and men for a woman to cover It is considered polite her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS Free (Süleymaniye Mh., Profesör Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi 1, Istanbul) Sami Onar Caddesi Mh., Profesör Sıddık (Süleymaniye Admission: (Beyazit Square) (Mollafenari Mh., Ç. Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, Istanbul) (Mollafenari Mh., Ç. Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, PromptGuides.com © Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm, Sundays: Closed Daily: 9am - 7pm • Daily: 9am shops, 30,000 traders, between 250,000 and 500,000 daily visitors market and one of the world's largest buildings Sultan Mehmet II built the market soon after conquering Constantinople as the trading center of the . The bazaar was opened in 1461 The traditional leather stores, spice and pottery shops, carpet, antique, and jewelry dealers are typical of the bazaar. Many shops nowadays sell souvenirs The market is one of the liveliest places of the city The bazaar in numbers: 307,000 m2 (3,30500 sq ft), 61 covered streets, 4,500 The square used to be Istanbul's main the meeting place for centuries. It stands on site of the ancient Roman Forum Tauri The gate between two Turkish flags is the main entrance of the University of Istanbul. The university campus was built as the Ottoman War Ministery, hence its fortress-like appearance Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is the world's oldest The interior is simple, yet breathtaking. The The interior is simple, yet breathtaking. 200 huge central dome is 53 m (174 ft) high. stained-glass windows decorate the mosque In 'addicts' alley' cafés used to serve opium and hashish along with tea and coffee to Beyazit Square is a spacious square next the Grand Bazaar. Officially it is called Hürriyet Meydanı, meaning "Freedom Square" Süleymaniye Mosque is an imposing Süleymaniye the second mosque. It is Ottoman imperial largest mosque in Istanbul symbol of the late The mosque is an epic might and Ottoman Empire's military imperial power for Sultan Süleyman I It was built in 1550-57 star architect, the Magnificent by Ottoman Mimar Sinan also includes a The building complex medrese (Islamic hamam (Turkish bath), a caravanserai (inn school), a hospital and for travelers and traders) Grand Bazaar Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Beyazit Square THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Süleymaniye Mosque Süleymaniye Opening hours: 16:50-17:50 16:25-16:40 15:00-16:00 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 The best 360° views of the city Istanbul's great landmark World heritage site Istanbul's most unusual tourist attraction Popular meeting place Exquisite pedestrian shopping street Tested and recommended hotels in Istanbul > hotels in Istanbul recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © Take a walk to Istiklal Avenue Take a walk to Tower - 15’ Take a walk to - 15’ Take Tram Line T1 to Gülhane stop Take Tram Line T1 Cistern - 10’ Take a walk to Basilica Lunch time to Kabatas stop (Direction: Kabatas) Take Tram Line T1 from Kabatas to Taksim Square Take the funicular END OF DAY 2 Taksim Square Istiklal Avenue Galata Bridge LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Topkapi Palace 18:00-19:00 15:30-16:30 16:45-17:45 15:00-15:30 09:00-11:30 11:40-12:40 Overview of Day 2 Day of Overview

5-day Istanbul City Guide 8 5-day Istanbul City Guide 9 Overview of Day 2 of Overview PromptGuides.com © Medusa Heads Stop for a cup of tea in the restaurant and enjoy the stunning view overlooking the Bosphorus The Harem is well worth the extra charge The "palace" features two Medusa (terrifying female creature in Greek mythology) heads at the far end Before the walking platforms were built visitors had to rent boats to traverse it Walk along the designated walkways lit with glowing red lights and enjoy the ethereal atmosphere and the breathtaking atmosphere Listen to the nice classical music accompanying the sound of endlessly dripping water nad enjoy the relaxing atmosphere Make sure to walk the decks to see the Enter the outer Topkapı complex for free Enter the outer Topkapı gates and the Admire the ceremonial traditional fountains you'll enter the inner After buying the ticket, (the "Museum") and complex of the palace intimate courtyards, visit several increasingly kitchens, council housing the palace and tulip garden chamber, armory, treasury, You'll need to buy a Do not miss the Harem. the Harem's ticket booth separate ticket from entrance) (in front of the Harem Accepting only and Credit Card as payment The The Kitchens, The Section of Arms and due Library of Manuscripts are closed to visit to renovation MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS 10 TL Admission: 20 TL (13 Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet) (İbrahim Paşa Oteli, Binbirdirek Mh., Terzihane Sk 7, 34122 Istanbul) Mh., Terzihane Sk Oteli, Binbirdirek (İbrahim Paşa PromptGuides.com Admission: © Daily: 9am - 6:30pm • Summer, Wed - Mon: 9am - 7pm, Winter, Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm, Winter, Wed - Wed - Mon: 9am - 7pm, Summer, aqueducts from Belgrade forest (12 km away) The cistern covers 9,800 m2 (11,720 sq yards), more than 2 football fields, and has a capacity of 80 million liters (18 million gallons) The cistern was built on the site of a former Basilica, hence its name. Turks call it: Yerebatan Sarayı meaning 'Sunken Palace' 336 pillars (8 m (26 ft) high each) that were reused from earlier Roman ruins, hold up the roof. This explains why the tops of the columns are so different robes, military equipments and Ottoman art robes, military equipments and Ottoman pieces are also on display Basilica Cistern used to be the city's largest underground water reservoir in Byzantine times. It was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian Its purpose was to ensure the city's water supply even in time of droughts and sieges. Water came here via clay pipes and encampments of nomadic Ottomans. It encampments of nomadic stands on Sarayburnu, a strategic point overlooking the Bosphorus Beside the sultan's residence the palace a contained offices, the seat of government, for Harem and also a military training ground Ottoman soldiers After the fall of the Ottoman Empire (1921), the government turned the Topkapi Palace in a museum of the imperial era in 1924 The museum houses such invaluable treasures as the 86-carat Kasikci Diamond, the Topkapi Dagger, prophet Muhammad's cloak and sword. Collection of porcelain, Topkapi Palace used to be the Ottoman Topkapi Palace used for almost 400 Sultans' prime residence World Heritage Site years. It is a UNESCO main tourist since 1985 and Istanbul's attraction in 1459-65 after Mehmet II built the palace It served as the conquering Constantinople. Abdül Mecit I moved the sultan's palace until Palace in 1853 court to Dolmabahçe the tent It was designed to resemble Basilica Cistern Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: Closed • Tuesdays: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Topkapi Palace Topkapi 11:40-12:40 09:00-11:30 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 10 5-day Istanbul City Guide 11 Attraction Details Attraction Walk along this elegant pedestrian street and enjoy the special atmosphere, the mix of sounds and smells it is If you walk up from Galatasaray Square recommended to take the Tünel It is a great spot for a nice evening or night walk Be prepare that it is always crowded Travel agencies, restaurants, cafés and restaurants, Travel agencies, with some the square along pubs surround such as most luxurious hotels, of Istanbul's and the Ritz-Carlton InterContinental, of many public The square is the venue and parades, New events such as concerts other social Year Celebrations and happenings memorial to see the Start your visit at the his soldiers, statue of Atatürk and of Independence representing the War the restaurants before Take a rest in one of street, Istiklal exploring the busy pedestrian Caddesi MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE (Istiklal Caddesi) (Taksim Square) PromptGuides.com © Tunnel (or Tünel, the second oldest subway station in ), St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Flower Passage, the fish market, and Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church During the day it is filled with shoppers, in During the day it is filled with shoppers, the night it becomes the center of the city's nightlife It houses boutiques, music and bookstores, traditional bakeries, chocolateries, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, cafés, pubs, restaurants and night clubs with live music The avenue was built in 1870 after a a devastating fire. The area was rebuilt as showcase of Art Nouveau Style The street's name commemorates the triumph of the Turkish War of Independence and the declaration of the Turkish Republic Highlights include: historic tram line; the be found on the southern side of the square Monument of Independence shows Atatürk and other revolutionary heroes. It was erected in 1928 to commemorate the victory of the Turkish Independence War is Istiklal Caddessi (Independence Avenue) an elegant pedestrian shopping street in Istanbul's New Districts. More than 3 million people visit the street daily Taksim Square is the main square of is the main square Taksim Square on the east New Districts. It lies Istanbul's Istiklal busy shopping street, end of the Avenue) Caddesi (Independence of the nostalgic train It is one of the termini Avenue. The that runs along Independence (Tünel), Europe's line ends at The Tunnel subway station second oldest (1875) derives from Arabic The square's name 'distribution. The city's meaning 'division' or by Sultan Mahmud I in main water line, built branched off to other 1732, ended here and parts of the city is still in place and can The stone reservoir Istiklal Avenue THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Taksim Square Taksim YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 15:30-16:30 15:00-15:30 10 TL Admission: Walk all along the bridge On the upper deck watch the row of fishermen cast lines, peering optimistically into murky waters below the Enjoy the excellent view across the city, Golden Horn and ships Have a rest in one of the cafés of the lower level The restaurants in the lower level of the bridge tend to be overpriced The tower was opened to the public in 1967 was opened to the The tower tower from outside Admire the a small set of narrow, Take the and will take you to the winding stairs. They platform restaurant and the viewing and enjoy the Walk around the gallery Golden Horn and the fabulous views of the city if possible Time your visit for sunset, to the tower, take If you don't fancy walking subway) uphill from the Tunnel (the old Karaköy to Tünel In the evenings, the restaurant hosts a dinner and cabaret with Turkish folk dance and belly dancing MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (Bereketzade Mh., 34420 Istanbul) (Bereketzade PromptGuides.com © Summer, daily: 9am - 7pm, Otherwise, daily: 9am - 5pm • daily: 9am daily: 9am - 7pm, Otherwise, Summer, Leonardo da Vinci designed a revolutionary new bridge in 1502 for Galata Bridge's current location. If built, it would have been the longest bridge of its time The original Galata Bridge, the first bridge the spanning the Golden Horn, was built in early 20th century After the old historic bridge became insufficient for modern traffic, the current Galata Bridge was built in 1994 The lower level of the bridge is lined with restaurants and cafés. The upper level offers sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul's old town, especially breathtaking in sunset Hundreds of fishermen stand along the railing trying to catch the biggest fish of the day from Galata Tower using artificial wings for from Galata Tower using artificial wings gliding From the 18th century Ottoman Turks used the tower for spotting fires in the city After a storm destroyed the tower's conic roof in 1875, Galata Tower remained without a top until the 1960's Galata Bridge is a two-level concrete bridge that spans Bosphorus at the Golden Horn Galata Tower is a 62 m (205 ft) high, is a 62 m (205 Galata Tower top. It tower with a conical medieval stone views of Istanbul provides the best 360° tower in 1348 and The Genoese built the (Latin for Tower of called it 'Christea Turris' the fortifications Christ). It was part of of Galata surrounding the citadel the main trading partner The Genoese were city of Galata was of Constantinople. The their trade colony (called According to travel stories Ahmet Çelebi, a Seyahatname), Hezarfen overflew the Bosphorus 17th century aviator, Galata Bridge THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Galata Tower Galata Opening hours: 16:45-17:45 18:00-19:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 12 5-day Istanbul City Guide 13 PromptGuides.com © See all fun activites in Istanbul. Click here > See all fun activites in Istanbul. Click here Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 A taste of One of the most in glamorous palaces the world Charming waterfront area Tested and recommended hotels in Istanbul > hotels in Istanbul recommended Tested and PromptGuides.com © stop (Direction: Istinye Dereici) Take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar - 20’ Take the ferry from Üsküdar to Kabatas Take the ferry from Palace - 30’ in all Take a walk to Dolmabahçe Lunch time Kabatas stop to Kabatas Lisesi Take bus nr. 22 from Ortaköy Neighborhood END OF DAY 3 LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE Üsküdar Neighborhood Palace Dolmabahçe 16:00-17:30 10:00-11:00 11:30-14:00 Overview of Day 3 Day of Overview

5-day Istanbul City Guide 14 5-day Istanbul City Guide 15 Overview of Day 3 of Overview PromptGuides.com © Explore the streets and some mosques in streets and some Explore the this quiet neighborhood walk to see Take a pleasant waterfront Leander's Tower ferry dock is a busy The area behind the many restaurants shopping district, with Kanaat Lokantasi (including the well-known and a number of serving Ottoman cuisine) important Ottoman mosques from the waterfront to You can take a ferry get to Leander's Tower MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS PromptGuides.com © been ruling Üsküdar for a 100 years been ruling Üsküdar Üsküdar features a large number of historical mosques such as Mihrimah Sultan Mosque built by Ottoman star architect Sinan in 1548 Leander's Tower (Kız Kulesi), a tower on tiny island off the coast of Üsküdar was the originally built by the Greeks to control movements of Persian ships. Both and Byzantines and Ottomans used, rebuilt modified the tower Üsküdar is a charming and predominantly Üsküdar is Asian neighborhood on Istanbul's residential the European side side. Its difference from visitors surprises most first-time style of architecture Üsküdar has a different atmosphere and a more relaxed the settlement, The Greeks founded of Gold', in the 7th c. Chrysopolis or 'City staging point in the BC. It was an important of 410 BC Greek-Persian war conquered Before Ottomans finally they had already Constantinople in 1453, THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Üsküdar Neighborhood Üsküdar 10:00-11:00 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 16 5-day Istanbul City Guide 17 20 TL Attraction Details Attraction Admission: All visits are guided and you can visit the palace only in groups (due to security reasons). Tours starts about every 15 minutes It is strictly forbidden to take photos and videos inside the palace Decide which parts of the palace you want parts of the palace Decide which do not miss recommend that you to visit. We wings). This the Selamlık (administrative 90 minutes guided tour takes approximately you can also visit the If you have the time guided tour takes 45 Harem. This separate minutes at the main Buy your entrance ticket(s) entrance gate well-maintained Walk through the palace's pool flanked by lion garden, with a small statues ceremonial Take a look at the magnificent land gate the Follow your guide on the guided tour of administrative wings the Take your time to enjoy the garden and view of the Bosphorus MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (Vişnezade Mh., 34357 Istanbul) (Vişnezade PromptGuides.com © Tue, Wed, Fri - Sun: 9am - 4pm, Mon, Thurs: Closed • Mon, Thurs: Closed Fri - Sun: 9am - 4pm, Tue, Wed, 1924 He died in the palace at 9:05 AM on 10th all November 1938. As a matter of respect clocks in the palace were stopped at this time (equaling 35 tonnes of gold) to erect the castle. 14 tonnes of gold was used for gilding the ceilings The palace has an area of 45,000m2 (11.2 ac), 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets One of the world's largest crystal chandelier, in a gift of Queen Victoria of England, hangs the central hall. It contains 750 lamps and weighs 4,5 tonnes first Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and President of the Republic of , turned in the palace into a presidential residence Dolmabahce Palace, one of the world's most Palace, one of the Dolmabahce in Turkey, and the largest opulent palaces of the last 6 sultans was the royal residence of the Ottoman Empire palace in 1843-56. Abdül Mecid I built the royal palace, The former 13th century up-to-date luxury Topkapi, lacked the building attests to The design of the new influence. It mixes increasing European European styles elements of modern Neoclassicism) with (Baroque, Rococo and and lifestyle traditional Turkish architecture golden coins It cost 5 million Ottoman THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Dolmabahçe Palace Dolmabahçe Opening hours: 11:30-14:00 Take a walk and explore this popular and explore this Take a walk neighborhood shop for hats, hand-made On Sundays, at the open-air market jewelry and old books Ortaköy Camii perched Do not miss the tiny the Bosphorus on a promontory over bell tower of Ayios Look out for the beautiful Haci Cad), a Fokas Rum's (16 Muallim previously central to Greek Orthodox church Greek community the area's once-large go on a boat tour that If you have the time the Bosphorus area will take you around locals and tourists It is a popular spot for alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants At night, the lights on the mighty Bosphorus Bridge change color, graceful without being kitsch MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS PromptGuides.com © gone. The riot of 1955 had a major impact when, after a bombing of a Turkish consulate in Greece, a Turkish mob and assaulted the Greek minority of Ortaköy killed over a dozen people by Ottoman star architect Mimar Sinan in by Ottoman star architect Mimar Sinan 1556 The Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully It ornamented Neo-Baroque style mosque. its was built in the 18th c, but only received c. current ornate look in the middle of 19th The Çırağan Palace was built in 1871 by a Sultan Abdülaziz as his residence. Until fire severely damaged the building in 1910 the palace served as the Ottoman Parliament. Today it is one of Istanbul's most luxurious hotels is The once famous cosmopolitan population Istanbul's Ortaköy district used to be a Ortaköy district used Istanbul's it is an village. Today romantic fishing located in neighborhood affluent waterfront European bank the middle of Bosphorus' a cosmopolitan area The neighborhood was and Ottoman era. both during the Byzantine and Americans lived Turks, Jews, Greeks here night clubs, cafés, With many art galleries, the district is hugely bars, and restaurants both among locals popular on weekends and tourists of Ortaköy is the One of the oldest buildings Turkish bath. It was built nearly 500-year old Ortaköy Neighborhood Ortaköy YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS 16:00-17:30 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 18 5-day Istanbul City Guide 19 Page 21 Page 21 Page 22 Page 22 Page 23 Relaxing experience Vast collection of beautiful artworks Delight to the senses City Dominates the Old skyline Enchanting mosque PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Istanbul > hotels in Istanbul recommended Tested and Lunch time Take a walk to Rüstem Pasha Mosque - 30’ Take a walk to Suleymaniye Hamam Take Tram Line T1 to Gülhane stop Take Tram Line T1 from Gülhane stop to Eminönü stop Take Tram Line T1 - 15’ (Direction:Kabatas) Mosque - 10’ Take a walk to New END OF DAY 4 Rüstem Pasha Mosque Süleymaniye Hamam Spice Bazaar New Mosque Archaeology Museum Archaeology LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 16:00-17:30 15:00-15:30 12:45-13:15 11:45-12:35 09:00-11:30 Overview of Day 4 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 4 of Overview

5-day Istanbul City Guide 20 5-day Istanbul City Guide 21 10 TL Admission: café where you can have tea and ice-cream alongside cats and broken tombstones Just walking past all the shops with their many nuts, dried fruits, teas, candies and spices is a pure delight are Bargain hunting is the key as most items offered initially for 15-50% more Try some candied chestnuts. They are traditional Turkish sweets It's a lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but you will find it more pleasant The merchants usually are less aggressive and more amicable We recommend not buying the 8in1 or 12in1 tea packs. They are of very poor quality As the museum has an extensive collection has an extensive As the museum the highlights we recommend visiting do not miss Alexander In the main building of statues (several Sarcophagus, the gallery of the Crying Women, rooms), sarcophagus Zeus with many more Busts of Alexander, old age funerary tombs Ancient Orient section The highlights of the Arabic, include the Tablet archives, and Anatolian art Mesopotamian, Egyptian displays Museum of Islamic Art The tiled of the itself is beautiful with external mosaic tiling, and lovely inside architecture. It contains ceramics, chinaware objects and art spread over several rooms Take a breather in the charming courtyard MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS (Alemdar Cad. Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu Sk, 34122 Istanbul) Bey Yokuşu Sk, 34122 Cad. Osman Hamdi (Alemdar PromptGuides.com (Rüstem Pasa Mh, 34116 Istanbul) © Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm, Sundays: Closed Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm, Mondays: Closed • 9am - 5pm, Mondays: Tue - Sun: Nowadays the market has shifted towards satisfying the tourist trade selling goods such as small souvenirs, T-Shirts, pistachios and almonds, coffee and tea or Belly-dancing outfits Stalls running along the outside walls still sell spices. The spice market remained the center of the spice trade in Istanbul The building has an "L"-shape and holds 88 vaulted rooms. It is the second largest shopping complex in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar Egyption or Spice Market is a large covered shopping complex in Istanbul's Eminönü neighborhood. It is part of the New Mosque building complex It was built in 1660 to help finance the mosque's construction and its maintenance The name of the market derives from the fact that, once, spice imported from Egypt was the main commodity sold here The Museum of Archaeology exhibits Greek The Museum of Archaeology and Roman finds and that of early Istanbul civilizations. Highlights are the and the Sarcophagus of the Crying Women The Museum of the Ancient Orient features as finds of more ancient civilizations, such the world's oldest written peace agreement, the 13th c. BC Kadesh Treaty between the Ramesses II of Egypt and Hattusili III of Hittite Empire The Museum of Islamic Art () shows off beautiful Islamic ceramics and tiles Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a world Museum Istanbul Archaeology next to Topkapi Palace class museum right museums: (1) It is made up of three (2) Museum of the Archaeological Museum, of Islamic Art Ancient Orient, (3) Museum more than one The collection includes about 5000 years million objects and spans established the museum Osman Hamdi Bey archaeologists in 1881 to prevent European from taking away the and treasure-hunters countries historical finds Spice Bazaar Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Archaeology Museum Archaeology 11:45-12:35 09:00-11:30 Attraction Details Attraction Blue Mosque Admire the enchanting mosque from the outside Remove your shoes before entering. Put them on a shelf provided with Enjoy the impressive interior decorated the famous blue Iznik tiles Modest dress is required both for women and men It is considered polite for a woman to cover her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf The mosque is impressively illuminated in the evening Admire the traditional architecture of the traditional architecture Admire the mosque before entering. Put Remove your shoes them on a shelf provided interior decorated with Enjoy the impressive marble Iznik tiles, gold and both for women Modest dress is required and men for a woman to cover It is considered polite a mosque. We her head when entering your own scarf recommend bringing illuminated in The mosque is impressively the evening It is less crowded than the It is best to avoid prayer times MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS Free Free (Hasircilar Carsisi-Eminonü, Istanbul) Admission: Admission: (Eminönü, Istanbul) (Eminönü, PromptGuides.com © Daily: Dawn - Dusk • Daily: Dawn - Dusk • Daily: Dawn Hagia Sophia The beautiful potted plants in the courtyard make the place especially enchanting The row of workshops below the mosque was built up to help finance the construction of the temple The architect was Ottoman imperial architect, Mimar Sinan. Like many other mosques, its design was inspired by beautiful mosques in Istanbul's Eminönü quarter It was built in 1561-63 by Princess Mihrimah in memory of her husband, Rüstem Pasha. Princess Mihrimah was the daughter of Süleyman the Magnificent Rüstem Pasha was an Ottoman General and statesman. He was Süleyman's Grand Vizier (greatest minister of the Sultan with absolute power of attorney) This mosque is famous for the lavish use of Iznik tiles. Large quantity of tiles decorates its walls with a wide variety of geometrical and pretty floral patterns by a multi-domed ceiling. Blue and turquoise İznik tiles richly decorate the walls Valide Sultan Turham Hatice is entombed here along with 6 sultans and many princes and princesses The spice market was originally built to finance the construction of the New Mosque Rüstem Pasha Mosque is one of the most New Mosque is a large, classical, New Mosque mosque in Ottoman imperial traditional-style district Istanbul's Eminönü in 1597 by the mother It was commissioned Sultan, mother of queen, Valide Safiye Mehemet III was halted. First the Later the construction for heresy, later architect was executed after her son's death Safiye was expelled in 1663 under the The mosque was finished Hatice Sultan, mother patronage of Turhan of Mehmet IV gloomy. It is dominated The interior is rather Rüstem Pasha Mosque Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS New Mosque Opening hours: 12:45-13:15 15:00-15:30 Attraction Details Attraction

5-day Istanbul City Guide 22 5-day Istanbul City Guide 23 Attraction Details Attraction 35 First enjoy the hot room where you will lie on the hot room where First enjoy of the room slab in the center a hot marble for about 40 minutes a body exfoliation After that you will have and washing followed by a soap massage service in a specialized way You will be dried off room to relax and You can rest in another charge) enjoy a drink (extra for families and The hamam is suitable males or females will couples only. Single not be admitted Only cash is accepted MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS Admission: (20 Mimar Sinan Caddesi, Süleymaniye ) Sinan Caddesi, Süleymaniye (20 Mimar PromptGuides.com © Daily: 10am - 12midnight • Daily: 10am The experience feels like going back to the The experience feels like going back to Ottoman times This hamam is out-of-the-way meaning and fewer tourists. It is busier late afternoon in the evening The scrubbing and massage can hurt occasionally but it feels wonderful afterwards Suleymaniye Hamam is a Turkish Bath that Hamam is a Turkish Suleymaniye Mosque beautiful Süleymaniye is part of the complex 1550, it is the oldest Being operational since The building was hamam in Istanbul. star architect Sinan designed by Ottoman and families. It It specializes in couples helpful and highly employs a friendly, professional staff lasts 90 The entire hamam experience includes the hot room, minutes. The service and a soap washing, peeling (scrubbing), massage THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Süleymaniye Hamam Süleymaniye Opening hours: 16:00-17:30 PromptGuides.com ©

5-day Istanbul City Guide 24 5-day Istanbul City Guide 25 Page 27 Page 27 Turkey's best landmarks in miniature size Beautiful frescoes and mosaics PromptGuides.com © Tested and recommended hotels in Istanbul > hotels in Istanbul recommended Tested and From Eminönü take bus nr. 47, 47E or 47C to Miniatürk From Eminönü take stop (Direction: Yesilpinar) or 47C from Miniatürk stop to Take bus nr. 47, 47E Eminönü) Eminönü (Direction: Lunch time Eminönü stop to Edirnekapi stop Take bus nr. 32 from (Direction: Cevatpasa) Church of St Saviour Chora END OF DAY 5 Miniatürk LEAVE HOTEL LEAVE 15:30-16:30 10:00-12:00 Overview of Day 5 Day of Overview PromptGuides.com © Overview of Day 5 of Overview

5-day Istanbul City Guide 26 5-day Istanbul City Guide 27 10 TL 10 TL Admission: Admission: Walk around and enjoy the more than 50 fabulous mosaic panels dating from about 1310, most in excellent shape Do not miss the garden behind the church As the frescoes are very fragile no flash photography is permitted Byzantine city walls a If you are in a hurry we recommend taking taxi to get to Church of St Saviour Chora Other features of the park include a of the park include Other features and boats, a railway, model cars miniature hall, and a cinema, an indoor exhibition kids playground; ideal for m2, Miniatürk is the With an area of 60,000 in the world largest miniature park area and explore Walk around the open most important and Istanbul's and Turkey's impressive landmarks families with kids It is a must-visit for (Avcıbey Mh., Kariye Türbesi Sokak 16, Istanbul) (Avcıbey Mh., Kariye Türbesi Sokak 16, MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos MORE Info and Photos > MORE Info and Photos TIPS & INSIGHTS TIPS & INSIGHTS THINGS TO DO THERE THINGS TO DO THERE , Blue , Hagia Sophia PromptGuides.com , © (İmrahor Caddesi 90, Istanbul) (İmrahor Caddesi Dolmabahçe Palace Thurs - Tues: 9am - 4:30pm, Wednesdays: Closed • Thurs - Tues: 9am - 4:30pm, Wednesdays: Weekdays: 9am - 7pm, Weekends: 9am - 8pm • 9am - 8pm • 9am - 7pm, Weekends: Weekdays: Galata Tower , The world class interior decorations were added in the middle of the 14th century. They are considered to be the finest example of Byzantine art More than 100 mosaics and frescoes decorate the walls. They are illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary and depict other Biblical images When the church was converted into a mosque in 1511, the frescoes and mosaics were plastered over. This helped preserve these masterpieces strength plastic-based material to withstand strength plastic-based the elements The museum traces a 3000-year history Church of St Saviour Chora is a secularized museum in Istanbul since 1948 Originally it was built as a Byzantine church in the 11th century. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine churches Miniatürk, a beautiful outdoor museum and a beautiful outdoor Miniatürk, most important park, displays Turkey's size (1:25 scale) buildings in miniature categorized in three There are 120 models (2) Istanbul and (3) sections: (1) , territories the former Ottoman Models recreate such attractions as Mosque the Temple of Artemis Bosphorus Bridge or made of industrial The miniatures are Church of St Saviour Chora Opening hours: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Opening hours: YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS Miniatürk 15:30-16:30 10:00-12:00 Attraction Details Attraction PromptGuides.com ©

5-day Istanbul City Guide 28 5-day Istanbul City Guide 29 • CharlesFred • Galata Ashley Dinges • Ortaköy • Blue • Üsküdar • Süleymaniye • Grand Bazaar: Curious Expeditions Bruno Girin • Rüstem Pasha kiwanc xiquinhosilva Tolga "Musato" Suleymaniye Hamam zz77 chocorayto Travel in Istanbul (AK) • Basilica Cistern: Photo by gsz • Church of St Saviour Chora: Photo by • Church of St Saviour Chora: PromptGuides.com • Istiklal Avenue: Photo by © • Sultanahmet Park: Photo by • Sultanahmet • New Mosque: Photo by • Archaeology Museum: Photo by • Archaeology Museum: Photo • Dolmabahçe Palace: Photo by • Dolmabahçe Palace: Photo • Beyazit Square: Photo by • Süleymaniye Hamam: Photo by • Süleymaniye Hamam: Photo • Eminönü Neighborhood: Photo by • Eminönü Neighborhood: • Galata Bridge: Photo by Salim Virji wendymehndi Clint Koehler xiquinhosilva kiwanc carinny youngrobv sdhaddow PromptGuides.com • Topkapi Palace: Photo by laszlo-photo cercamon S-Square brunoboris eurotrip_it Mosque: Photo by • Miniatürk: Photo by Neighborhood: Photo by Neighborhood: Photo by Spice Bazaar: Photo by Photo by • Taksim Square: Photo by Tower: Photo by Mosque: Photo by Mosque: Photo Mosque: Photo by Attraction details Photo by Hagia Sophia: Map http://www.bing.com/maps Cover photo #3: Photo by Cover photo #3: Cover page Cover by #1: Photo Cover photo by #2: Photo Cover photo Photo credits Photo PromptGuides.com ©

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