City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
Top 10 Neighborhoods in Istanbul, Turkey
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Sultanahmet District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,447 reviews
The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Reviewed By ColinMc1951 - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
This area is the location of the most historic places and buildings in Istanbul. And all within walking distance of each other - the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace and a number of Sultans tombs (found at the side of Aya Sophia and entrance is free). The area has nice gardens to sit and rest and look around at the beauty of the buildings. It is truly an amazing area to explore. I have visited many times and consider Istanbul to be a safe place for tourists.
2. Ortakoy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,786 reviews
This charming neighborhood of renovated old buildings is home to many restaurants, shops and artist galleries.
Reviewed By SpotBoy
You can never tire of the mosques in the city, and the one in Ortakoy is special, located on the water, it glistens as the sun starts to set. Some lovely markets to pick up gifts, souvenirs, trinkets etc, but the star attraction are the fantastic waffles, piled with as many toppings as you can handle, and the really enthusuastic sellers... Then take your waffles (or savoury potatoes if you fancy) and enjoy them under the Bosphorus Bridge!
3. Beyoglu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
This neighborhood in the modern section of the city is home to many foreign consulates, and is popular for its restaurants and nightlife.
Reviewed By RicardoR511 - Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
There are many historical places in Istanbul but Beyoglu is where you should stay. Choose a hotel or hostel in this area ( they are cheaper ) and everytime you go out the door you will be in the most lively streets of Istanbul. Plenty of shopping malls, restaurantys, pubs, those stores selling those delicious turkish candies ( also cheaper in this district ). Beyoglu is where we want to stay.
4. Balat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
This neighborhood of Istanbul was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Today you can still find many synagogues here, as well as a more diverse group of residents.
Reviewed By RamonaGuide - Paris, France
Balat with Öner, licensed Tour Guide I had a great half day tour in Balat, the Fatih district that used to be the traditional Jewish quarter of Istanbul, with a private guide. Balat is considered conservative, but it is full of colour, and even though it was and still is a poor area of the city, today it is a tourist attraction, due to its atmosphere. Cute narrow and cobbled streets, typical houses, small art galleries cafes, restaurants and shops with souvenirs, this is Balat ! I visited the area many years ago and I wanted to see it again. And with Öner it was really different. I enjoyed every moment! He showed me the renovated old Imperial Palace and the former Byzantine churches of Fanar. When I saw the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus years ago (a late 13th-century Byzantine structure called Tekfur Sarayi today), it was just a ruin. They did a good job regarding the restoration, as good as could be done with the few remains, after so many centuries. Öner was a great guide! I even visited a church closed to the public due to his connections. In the winding, tangled alleys of Fanar/Balat, it is really good to go with a local. Öner is a patient person, very attentive and very kind. I highly recommend him and his tour in Balat. Thank you Öner for such a wonderful day!
5. Bebek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Located on the Bosphorus shore, Bebek Park, named for the district in which it is found, was opened to the public in 1908 after the Proclamation of the Second Constitutional Era. it was restored by a team led by the italian architect Ermanno Casasco and reopened as Turkan Sabanci Bebek Park in 2008.
Reviewed By Tedz87 - Bradford, United Kingdom
Bebek is a lovely up market area in Istanbul, along the Bosphorus. It has some amazing cafes and and boutique shops and a long stroll across the promenade is always enjoyable.
6. Fenerbahce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By _erol_arslan - Istanbul, Turkey
The Fenerbahce parc shown as in the picture is quite a long green area near the sea, just in the front of the princess islands. You can sport, walk, bike as you wish. İn the week days it is calm and quiet. A perfect place to relax. İn summer time there are also a small beach to swim .
7. Kucuk Pazar
8. Galipdede Caddesi
9. Besiktas
10. Eminonu Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 816 reviews
Reviewed By Ginges_revenge - Brisbane, Australia
Every time we went through this area, it was always vibrant, busy and bustling. From being a transport hub with buses, trams, boats and ferries to being the entrance to the spice market, the Sultan Ahmet tourist area, the Golden Horn and over the Galata bridge to the Beyoglu/Taksim area, its also a great place to sit in a café and have Turkish tea and pastry and watch the traffic, both foot and water go by. Its so cosmopolitan, so vibrant, I loved it. Even if you just go through it, take it in as its an amazing area.
