Istanbul Things to Do Tips by Tijavi

If it's your first time in Istanbul, it would be advisable to do the ''obligatory'' sights first in Sultanahmet area - Aya Sofya. Blue Mosque, and surrounding areas. Nothing beats the excitement and the adrenaline rush as you drop your bags at the hotel, freshen up and hit the ground running (despite the sleepless evening flight!). It is at this point that your interest and excitement are at their peak and you simply have to rush to do the sights.

After that, you could go back to hotel, get some much-needed sleep, and experience Istanbul nightlife.

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This is one of the highlights of my visit to Istanbul, spending the whole afternoon here exploring the wondrous treasures exhibited in its various halls. You shouldn't miss this one for three reasons:

1) It's the country in a nutshell. As it's virtually impossible for regular travellers to visit every Turkish archeological site, the museum offers visitors a sample of what the country has to offer in terms of archeological treasures, from the prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. I really enjoyed the galleries of statues housing the classical sculptures that could rival those found in Italy and Greece.

Turkiye's Islamic traditions and roots are also well-represented in a separate building, which is a special treat for lovers of Islamic art. The pre-historic artifacts, also housed in a separate building, are also worth visiting.

2) It's a great place to interact with locals. The museum's relaxed environment, unlike those of the hurried pace in bazaars and in Istiklal, gives you a chance to chat with locals, and get to know more of the culture. In my case, I found myself learning a lot about Turkish football from art students who are just as keen to interact with the tourists and practice their English. Thanks to them (the students), now I know a lot more about Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Fenerbahce. The only hitch though, was I made the mistake of revealing that my favorite team was Galatasaray to a group of Fenerbahce die-hards!

3) It's a great place to recharge batteries. Tucked downhill from tourist-magnet Topkapi Palace, it's shaded parks, relaxed ambiance and less crowded halls give visitors a chance to take things on a more leisurely pace. The tea garden outside the museum is a great place to sit down, recharge your batteries and scribble your thoughts on your travel diary.

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Address: Gulhane Park
Directions: From the Topkapi Palace's First Court, take the short walk downhill to the museum complex.
Website: http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3137A2395174CFB32E1BBA8C0B2D99C76C6

Another must visit for first timers is the Galata Tower, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city. One of the best times to climb the tower (through elevator, of course), is about sunset, when the city is basked in hues of deep orange. For more of the tower's history, visit this Wikipedia website.

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Address: Beyoglu District
Directions: From Sultanahmet, take the T4 bus to Taksim. Walk through the entire stretch of Istiklal, where at the other end, the Galata Tower is located.
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galata_Tower

Rumeli Hisari (Fortress of Europe), a massive fortress built in record 120 days by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 as part of his strategy to conquer Byzantine Constantinople, is perhaps one of the best places to enjoy the Bosphorus. The towers and walls offer some of the most strategic location to take snaps of the Bosphorus, admire the equally magnificent Fathi Bridge, cleanse your lungs, or simply soak in the city's beauty. Be careful, though, when going through the steps, most of which don't have safety railings.

Actually, there are two fortresses, one on each side of the Bosphorus. On the Asian side is Andolu Hisari (the Fortress of Asia), which was built earlier in 1391 by Sultan Beyazit I. The two fortresses have been strategically built on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, but I doubt if the two conquerors have envisioned the fortress' hidden nooks becoming favorite dating places for lovers.

Admission fee as of June 2006: YTL 2.50.

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Address: Yahya Kemal Caddesi
Directions: My visit was part of a day-long walk from Dolmabahce Palace to Ortakoy and finally to Rumeli Hisari, following the road that traces the Bospohorus coastline on the European side.

As a trip to the Princes' Islands ("The Islands" or "Adalar" to the Turks) is part of a standard Istanbul itinerary, I do not wish to bore you with details of the islands' history and other "nice-to-know" facts that one could easily obtain from the Internet. Instead, here are some practical tips on visiting the islands:

1) Visit early. Allot at least one day for visiting the islands. Ideally, you should be able to catch the second ferry at about 9 am (first of 9 ferries leaves at 7 am) so that you would have plenty of time for island-hopping. The ferries are docked at the Sirkeci ferry terminal - look for the "Adalar Iskelesi" sign. Be prepared to "squeeze" through a phalanx of visitors especially during summer and spring.

2) Load up your akbil to avoid the inconvenience of queuing up for tickets. One of the good things about traveling around Istanbul is that access to the public transport system is so efficiently facilitated by the akbil. More on this under my Istanbul transporation tips.

3) The beach in Kinaliada, the ferry's first stop, is pebbly, and may be a disappointment for those expecting something better. Still, it does not prevent some visitors from taking a dip.

4) If you plan to walk all the way up to the Hagia Triada Monastery in Heybeliada, watch out for the HUGE dog along Rafah Sehitleri Caddesi, which could REALLY be scary. An alternative is to rent a bike or ride a fayton (horsedrawn carriage). I neither did both, so I did encounter the dog on my way up.

5) When ordering food from one of the many waterfront restaurants in Heybeliada, make sure you ask the price before doing so. A friend got ripped-off in one of these restaurants.

6) Stop by the small shop serving homemade dondurma (ice cream) in front of the ferry terminal in Buyukada. It's a good way to "cool down" after a day's tour of the islands before heading back to Istanbul.

7) Take with you a good sun screen. The sun is scorching hot during summer.

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Although not as grand as the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar definitely deserves a visit. You don't have to buy anything. The place is oozing with color and aromas that will tantalize your senses. The spices on sale are as a riot of colors as they are an assault to your nostrils. And oh, the dates and other dried fruits and nuts, mostly from the Middle East, are an exotic delicacy. There are still more to enjoy and feast your curious eyes on -- potions, herbal remedies, olive oil soaps, etc. Definitely a feast for the senses.

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Directions: Beside Yeni Cami in Eminonu