Sightseeing in Istanbul
If you have a decent guidebook take the ferryboat from Eminönü docks to Anadolu Kavağı, spotting opulent palaces along the way. At Anadolu Kavağı be sure to climb the hill to the castle from which there’s far-reaching views across the Black Sea.
Visit the Basilica Cistern (a grand underground Roman reservoir complete with 336 marble columns) shortly before closing time, and wait until the last moment before you have to leave so that you can experience this incredible place almost all by yourself
Plan your time and route well: Istanbul is a large, busy and often hot city so you don’t want to be walking/travelling any further than you have to!
Shopping
The Egyptian Spice Market is a sight to behold, but if you want to actually buy spice head up the road Hasircilar Cd, which runs west, for piles of delicious bargains
Transport
If you’re going to be in Istanbul for a few days, consider getting an Akbil or Istanbulkart which are pre-pay passes that you can top up and which provide discounted travel. But beware: it can be difficult to get your (small) deposit back!
Istanbul tales
The first man ever to fly did so in Istanbul. Using two wings, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from the Galata Tower over the Bosphorus to land in Uskudar on the other side of the water in the 17th century
