Introduction
Doing business in Turkey can be fraught with misunderstandings and bureaucracy but it's a burgeoning destination that is becoming an important hub for East/West deals. Istanbul also remains the imperial capital built on Seven Hills - so pack a sturdy pair of trainers. Traverse the old city within the ruined walls built by the Romans. At night, treat yourself to a cold Efes beer at the Tunel neighbourhood of Beyoglu.
More from Istanbul PDF VersionEssentials
- Ask a local to tell you the story of where the country got its name.
- On each weekday a different neighbourhood features its fresh produce in the open markets.
- Take a ferry ride to the Asian side with a brief stop at the breathtaking Haydarpasa station, then on to Kadikoy.
- Walk on the Ottoman city walls at the Yedikule Fortress Museum.
- Take a cooking course at the Istanbul Culinary Institute.
Two-hour tour
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The Hagia Sophia, Sultanahment ("Blue") Mosque, Covered Bazaar, and Yerebatan Cistern — The Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays and the others are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
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Head for one of the Princes' islands — to escape from the traffic, as these are car-free isles.
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Climb the fortress ramparts at Rumeli Hisari
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Take in an exhibition at the Sakip Sabanci Museum — (Muzedechanga café for lunch).
Sakip Sabanci addesi 22, Emirgan
+ 90 212 323 09 01
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Hotels
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Istanbul Suites
Harbiye Çayiri Sokak 111, Harbiye
+90 212 224 5310
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Park Hyatt - Macka Palas
Tesvikiye, Bronz Sokak 4, Sisli
+90 212 315 1234
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Sumahan
Kuleli Caddesi 51, Çengelköy
+90 216 422 8000
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Dining
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Namli Gurme
Katotopark Alti 1, Karakoy
+90 212 293 6880
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Happily Ever After
Cevdetpasa Caddesi 24/A, Bebek
+ 90 212 263 41 38
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Hotel Empress Zoe
Akbiyik Caddesi 10, Sultanahmet
+90 212 518 2504
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Dukkan
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mahallesi, Atatürk Caddesi 6, Kucukarmutlu
+90 212 277 8860
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Leb-i-der ya
Kumbaraci Yokusu 57/6, Beyoglu
+90 212 293 4989
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Vogue
Akaretler Spor Caddesi 92, BJK Plaza A Blok K:13, Besiktas
+90 212 227 4404
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Asmali Cavit
Asmalimescit Caddesi 16/D, Beyoglu
+90 212 292 4950
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Sunset Grill & Bar
Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Yol Sokak 2, Ulus Parki
+ 90 212 287 0357
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Lucca
Cevdet Pasa Caddesi 51, Bebek
+90 212 257 1255
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Georges Hotel
Serdar-I Ekrem Caddesi 24, Beyoglu
+90 212 244 2423
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Anjelique
Salhane Sokak No:5 Ortaköy
+90 212 327 28 44
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Kantin
Akkavak Sokagi 30, Nisantasi
+90 212 219 3114
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Reading
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Robinson Crusoe 389
Istiklal Caddesi 389, Beyoglu
+90 212 293 6968
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Shopping
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Sivasli Yazmaci — Hand-printed fabrics from Sivasli Yazmaci
Yaglikcilar Caddesi 57
+90 212 526 7748
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YKM Cevahir
Buyukdere Caddesi 22, Sisli
+90 212 380 0343
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Özlem Tuna Design Zone — Jewellery by Özlem Tuna Design Zone
Alibaba Türbe Sokak 21/4, Nuruosmaniye
+ 90 212 527 92 85
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Yalvaç Abi Kitabevi — Custom-drawn cartoons from Yalvaç Abi Kitabevi
Kanyon AlisverisVM Kat: B2 Levent
+ 90 212 353 07 98
Transport
Limousine/car
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Travelium
+ 90 212 240 88 20
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Fitness
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Mars Athletic Club
Harbiye Kadirgalar 3, GMall, Maçka
+ 90 212 232 44 40
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