Topkapi Palace
Dating all the way back from the 15th Century, this was the primary royal palace for the duration of the Ottoman Empire. Sitting on the edge of the old city and overlooking both the Bosporus and the Golden Horn, this is one of the most popular sites in Istanbul.
It houses a fine collection of Ottoman artifacts including imperial jewels, porcelain, armour and weapons (although some are so jewel encrusted it is doubtful they were used for fighting, especially the Topkapi Dagger).
In addition, the palace includes holy relics of the Prophet Mohammed that are revered throughout the Islamic world. Finally, there is a great interest in the Harem and, if you are interested in visiting the Harem, you must buy a ticket for the Harem tour.
Entry to the Harem is limited and you should attempt to make a reservation to visit as soon as you arrive in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace is open from 19:00 to 17:00 every day except Tuesday.
The Grand Bazaar
Also opened in the 15th Century, The Grand Bazzar is the world’s largest covered market, and contains more than 4000 shops!
However despite this bargains are hard to come by, but you will find interesting antiques, jewelry, metal work and beautiful carpets if you know what you are looking for. Leave some time off to wonder around the market to appreciate the variety on offer.
It explodes with delicious aromas and is a very popular shopping area amongst residents.
The Grand Bazaar and The Spice Market are closed on Sunday but many other shopping areas are open seven days a week.
The Blue Mosque
Named so as a result of the blue tinge that thousands of tiles give to its interior, with its six minarets and massive dome this is one of Istanbul's major landmarks dating from the early 17th Century.
You will get lost in wonder amidst its beautiful architecture, delightful gardens and impressive fountains so take your time in touring both inside and outside.
A guided tour is a must to get the full scale of this place, and unless you practice Islam, avoid visiting during prayers.
There are over 300 rooms and within these is an extraordinarily interesting collection of architectural styles and interior design.
The Palace is closed Mondays and Thursdays. Illuminated at night, it is spectacular when viewed from a boat on the Bosporus.
When the sun goes down on Istanbul
After the sun sets Istanbul takes off her veil to reveal a whole other side of personality!
Today, there are more exciting restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that’s a lot)!
Babylon and Nu Pera in Beyoğlu are popular night clubs both in the summer and in the winter, while Istanbul Arena in Maslak frequently hosts the live concerts of famous singers and bands from all corners of the world.
Parkorman in Maslak hosted the Isle of MTV Party in 2002 and is a popular venue for live concerts and rave parties in the summer.
The areas around Istiklal Avenue and Nişantaşı offer all sorts of cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs as well as art galleries, theaters and cinemas.
When to go
Istanbul is best visited in spring and autumn which falls roughly from April to May and from September to October.
The climate is perfect during these times but if you travel outside these months you will find the summer to be too hot and steamy and the winter to bring chilly winds and lots of snow.
If you are travelling during the five-day Kurban Bayramı you should also be mindful that banks are shut and ATMs can run out of money. Also during Rama¬dan business hours can be erratic.
Another point to remember if you are travelling in May is that if the Formula 1 Grand Prix is happening hotel rooms tend to skyrocket in price and are also often overbooked.
Getting to Istanbul
The city’s main airport is Atatürk International Airport and is located only 23km west of the heart of Old Istanbul.
ATM’s: For Visa and Mastercard you will be able to get cash advances from ATM’s. The limits on cash withdrawals are generally YTL600 to YTL800 per day.
Changing Money: There are 24-hour exchange bureaux (döviz bürosu) in the arrivals hall at Atatürk International Airport and rates are similar wherever you go. Remember to count the money that you are given and also save your currency-exchange receipts for you may want to reconvert your YTL at the end of your stay.
Credit cards: While Visa and Mastercard is widely accepted, Amex is not very recognized. Budget hostels and hotels, and basic eateries however usually accept cash only.
Travelers Cheques: These can only be changed at a bank or post office.
Turkey is not a bargain travel destination, but below is where you will be able to get good value for your money and conversely where you can expect to spend a lot.
Food: You can enjoy a decent evening meal for YTL15 to YTL30.
Transport: Public transport is both efficient and dirt cheap!
Sightseeing: Many sights have free entrance and others are relatively inexpensive.
Nightclubs: This will sink your pockets! Nightclub entries at the best clubs can be as high as YTL50 and a drink in these places will cost at least YTL20.
Shopping: Shopping at the new generation of malls will blow your budget as designer items are no cheaper here.
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Singapore Airlines flies 6 times a week to Istanbul.
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