City: Sirkeci
Top Things to do in Sirkeci
What to do and see in Sirkeci, Turkey: The Best Neighborhoods
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
