Top places in the Anatolian Side: 1.Camlica Hill (Great views of the city)2. Hidiv Kasri (former residence in Ottoman times-now a restaurant-great views) 3. Fenerbahce (residential area-nice walks on Bosphorus) 4.Anadolu Hisari---must go!!!! (little town with alot of seafood restaurants) Cheapest place to eat lots of fish in Istanbul & great views by the water---take a boat from European side 5. Beylerbeyi palace--take a boat from European side 6.Buyuk Ada (Big Island)one of the islands in Bosphorus--very unique with old Turkish Villas Finally, when you are in Turkey must vist a Hamam:) a Turkish Bath--Galata Hamam is historical & you may also visit Galata Tower while you are there!!! If you want luxury hamam-must check out 5 star hotels hamams--I have been to Princess Hotels Hamam in Maslak, very nice luxury for a good price!!! Enjoy your trip!! Celine
Hi everyone!!! I travel to Istanbul often!!! Best flights are at low season-October-March!!! The old city (European side) is where most of the museums and historical places & you could find nice prices at hotels!! (check Sultanahmet hotels when searching online) Taksim is another center close to most atractions in the European side, tourist friendly,many hotels!!! On the European side---top ten places to see: 1.Blue Mosque 2.Topkapi Palace 3.Hagia Sophia 4.Cistern 5.Grand Bazaar 6.Dolmabahce Palace 7. Ortakoy (hang-out on Bosphorus) & Ortakoy Mosque 8.Maidens Tower 9.Rumeli Hisari (One of the top views of Istanbul 10. Tour on Bosphorus (European Coast) by Tour Boats from Ortakoy!!! I hope this helps!!! Have a great trip!!!!
Finally, when you are in Turkey must vist a Hamam:) a Turkish Bath--Galata Hamam is historical & you may also visit Galata Tower while you are there!!! If you want luxury hamam-must check out 5 star hotels hamams--I have been to Princess Hotels Hamam in Maslak, very nice luxury for a good price!!! Enjoy your trip!!
Celine