Istanbul Favorite Tips by pieter_jan_v

Turkish Delights

Favorite thing: Turkish Delights is a must to buy and bring home.

No problem finding these. There in many shops in the Grand Bazar area, around Taksim square and at the Airport as well.

There are many kinds with and without nuts.

Public Bathrooms

Favorite thing: Istanbul has great public bathroom facilities. All shopping malls have free facilities and the public bathrooms at the major tourist attractions and streets are well maintained and cleaned; a small fee covers the service of paper towels and more.

... and you quicly learn that BAY = MEN and BAYAN = WOMEN

Taksim Square Monument

Favorite thing: The Taksim square eye catcher is the Istiklal Aniti or Independence Monument. It was sculpted by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica and erected in 1928, five years after the foundation of Turkey.

The monument commemorates the Turkish Republic founder Kemal Ataturk (also a military commander); other heroes are part of the sculpture as well.

Souvenirs

Favorite thing: Souvenirs are plenty in stock in the tourist areas; roughly from the Taksim square to the Grand Bazar and Blue Mosque.

Take your time, pick a quiet business, offer half the price and be entertained for half a hour.

If you are in a rush; just buy the first souvenir that attracts you (or wait till you are in the tax free zone at the airport and join the last battle there).