Exploring the neighbourhoods of Istanbul any time of year is an enjoyable experience with its many different streets offering great historical sites, shops, markets and eateries, even more so in winter as now with the holiday season upon us, it is the perfect time to spend the day getting into the festive spirit by wandering round the streets exploring the shops, immersing yourself in the history, enjoying a bite to eat and finding special and unique gifts for the ones you love.
Let’s take a look at some of Istanbul’s neighbourhoods that are well worth the visit.
Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar
In this area of Istanbul you can stroll around the streets in the Old Town and explore historical sites like the Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sofia or the Museum of Islamic Crafts where you can even visit the Underwater Cisterns exhibition. The Archaeology Museum enjoys a lovely garden where you can sit with a coffee from the café before wandering around the Museum gift shop.
One of the best places in Istanbul for shopping is the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar offers everything, textiles, clothing, trinkets, jewellery, foods, spices, you name it. It is worth visiting the Old Bedestan as here you will find unique antiques and jewellery. After shopping you can enjoy some Turkish tea.
Tahtakale and the Spice Bazaar
Tahtakale offers many streets offering a variety of shops, wholesale and commercial. You will find a range of great souvenirs and gifts here. After shopping in Tahtakale a nice lunch at Hamdi which is known for its views would be ideal.
Behind Tahtakale is the Spice Bazaar. The Bazaar offers a range of shops selling spices, dried fruit and nuts, sweets and accessories like handbags etc.
Karakoy to Tophane
You can either take the Tunel or the ferry over to Karakoy. Here you can enjoy strolling around streets lined with splendid cafes and restaurants and enjoy a nice chocolate baklava in Gulluoglu, a popular and well-known Gaziantep baklava shop. While in the area you could always visit the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture and check out their wonderful gift shops. Afterwards make you way over to Galataport where you can enjoy some great cuisine.
Bagdat Street
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul is the very popular Bagdat Street. This one-way street is lined with a great variety of stores and eateries. A popular route for people is to begin at Kadikoy and then stroll along till you reach Suadiye and then walk towards Bagdat Street. The street is lined with shops and restaurants all the way up to Goztepe. You will fine branded stores as well as independent shops, bookstores and cafes and restaurants. There will be lots of festive decorations up too.
Istiklal Avenue to the Galata district
Istiklal Avenue offers a variety of branded stores and a range of fantastic restaurants serving street food type dishes and international cuisine. In the middle of the avenue is the Ara Cafe, a popular place to stop for a drink and food.
From Istiklal Avenue venture to the Galata district where you will find some lovely jewellery stores, art galleries and music stores selling instruments. You can also visit the Galata Tower and enjoy taking in the view of the city from the top deck.
Kadikoy’s Moda
Kadikoy’s Moda is one of the most popular areas on Istanbul’s Asian side. Moda offers a variety of shops, artisan stores, book stalls, cafes, restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops. After you have explored the streets of Moda why not check of Bahariye, an avenue full of shops, shoe stores and great eateries like Saray where you can enjoy some fantastic Turkish dishes.
Source: Daily Sabah
