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ISTANBUL<br />

FALL & WINTER GUIDE 2011 – 2012<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>places</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>eat</strong>, <strong>sleep</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>play</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong> <strong>this</strong> fall <strong>and</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

With more than 50 million reviews <strong>and</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ions, <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> makes travel<br />

plann<strong>in</strong>g a snap for the 50 million travelers visit<strong>in</strong>g our site each month.<br />

Th<strong>in</strong>k before you pr<strong>in</strong>t. And if you do pr<strong>in</strong>t, pr<strong>in</strong>t double-sided.


INTRODUCTION<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong>, the most trusted source for where <strong>to</strong> <strong>eat</strong>, <strong>sleep</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>play</strong> <strong>in</strong> thous<strong>and</strong>s of dest<strong>in</strong>ations around<br />

the world, has collected the <strong>best</strong> <strong>in</strong>sider tips from its 50 million monthly visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> produce a unique<br />

series of travel guides. In addition <strong>to</strong> the <strong>best</strong> hotels, restaurants <strong>and</strong> attractions for every type of traveler,<br />

you’ll get gr<strong>eat</strong> advice about what <strong>to</strong> pack, how <strong>to</strong> get around <strong>and</strong> where <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d the <strong>best</strong> views. Be sure<br />

<strong>to</strong> check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com.<br />

You’ll f<strong>in</strong>d reviews for more than<br />

520,000 hotels, 125,000 vacation rentals,<br />

155,000 attractions <strong>and</strong> 715,000 restaurants on<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong>.com. Learn from other travelers<br />

what <strong>to</strong> expect before you make your plans.<br />

PACKING TIPS<br />

1. “For a better underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> catch<br />

the sentiment of the city, try read<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Orhan Pamuk’s au<strong>to</strong>biography <strong>Istanbul</strong>:<br />

Memories <strong>and</strong> the City. You will not<br />

regret it.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

2. Travel<strong>in</strong>g with children? “Get the Time<br />

Out guide <strong>to</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong>. It is by far the <strong>best</strong><br />

city guide, <strong>and</strong> it has a section on activities<br />

for kids.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

3. If you have a six-digit p<strong>in</strong> on your bank<br />

card, consult with your bank before<br />

leav<strong>in</strong>g, as “you need a four-digit p<strong>in</strong><br />

number <strong>to</strong> use ATMs <strong>in</strong> Turkey.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member<br />

Inside<br />

ISTANBUL<br />

Yes, Constant<strong>in</strong>ople has been gone a long time, but <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

has charms that evoke both a bygone era <strong>and</strong> the seductions<br />

of the modern world. In the old city, time seems <strong>to</strong> have<br />

s<strong>to</strong>pped: vendors push h<strong>and</strong>carts, shoesh<strong>in</strong>e boys vie for your<br />

money <strong>and</strong> women dress <strong>in</strong> the modest Muslim tradition. Yet<br />

practically next door, you can f<strong>in</strong>d the ultra chic bars <strong>and</strong> dance<br />

clubs of the Beyo˘glu <strong>and</strong> the trendy restaurants of Ortaköy.<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> straddles Europe <strong>and</strong> Asia literally—the Bosphorus<br />

divides the city across the two cont<strong>in</strong>ents—<strong>and</strong> figuratively, as<br />

the only city <strong>in</strong> the world that has been capital <strong>to</strong> a Christian<br />

<strong>and</strong> then an Islamic nation. Roman antiquities, Byzant<strong>in</strong>e<br />

treasures <strong>and</strong> traces of the Ot<strong>to</strong>man Empire await your<br />

discovery. Most <strong>to</strong>urists f<strong>in</strong>d themselves on the European<br />

side, <strong>in</strong> Sultanahmet, the old city, which conta<strong>in</strong>s the Islamic<br />

treasures of the city: the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace <strong>and</strong><br />

the Hagia Sophia.<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong>’s summers are hot, humid <strong>and</strong> relatively free of<br />

precipitation, with temperatures averag<strong>in</strong>g 82ºF. W<strong>in</strong>ters are<br />

colder; although the temperature rarely drops below freez<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

snowfall is not out of the question.<br />

tripadvisor.com 2


Top<br />

VIEWS<br />

ISTANBUL’S BEST VIEWS<br />

“At the end of the day, you must f<strong>in</strong>d one of<br />

the hill<strong>to</strong>ps (or the roof<strong>to</strong>p of your hotel)<br />

<strong>to</strong> watch <strong>this</strong> excit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> magical city as it<br />

flickers with lights, a jewel <strong>in</strong> the night.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member<br />

Where<br />

<strong>to</strong> PLAY<br />

TOP 10 Attractions<br />

1. Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), Sultanahmet, Em<strong>in</strong>onu District,<br />

212 522 1750<br />

2. <strong>Istanbul</strong> Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji Muzesi), Osman Hamdi Bey,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 520 7740<br />

3. Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet, 212 522 1259<br />

4. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Sultanahmet, 212 518 1330<br />

5. Kariye Museum (<strong>The</strong> Chora Church), Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapy<br />

FAMILIES<br />

“A trip <strong>to</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>ces’ Isl<strong>and</strong> by ferry was the<br />

activity most enjoyed by the children. No<br />

cars on the isl<strong>and</strong>, so you get about by<br />

horse <strong>and</strong> buggy. Interest<strong>in</strong>g old houses <strong>and</strong><br />

excellent waterside restaurants made our<br />

day trip there a pure joy for all concerned.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>ces’ Isl<strong>and</strong>, ferry leaves from Em<strong>in</strong>onu port<br />

ROMANCE<br />

<strong>The</strong> Dolmabahce Palace is “not as<br />

crowded as the Topkapi. It has a perfect<br />

guided <strong>to</strong>ur <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g Western-style<br />

furnished rooms. It’s a quiet <strong>and</strong> romantic<br />

place.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Brussels,<br />

Belgium<br />

Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi),<br />

Dolmabahçe Caddesi , 212 236 9000<br />

“…a pure joy”<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

Kiz Kulesi, <strong>Istanbul</strong>’s “Maiden’s Tower,<br />

is over 2400 years old. While it can be<br />

seen from any western po<strong>in</strong>t along the<br />

Bosphorus, its <strong>in</strong>terior begs <strong>to</strong> be seen. A<br />

sunset viewed from <strong>this</strong> location will be the<br />

cherry on <strong>to</strong>p of your trip <strong>to</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong>.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Kiz Kulesi, off the coast of Üsküdar<br />

6. Sultanahmet District<br />

“Stroll through M<strong>in</strong>iaturk, a park full of<br />

scale models of important build<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>to</strong>urist sites from all over Turkey, <strong>and</strong> a few<br />

Ot<strong>to</strong>man build<strong>in</strong>gs that are outside Turkey.<br />

It is the world’s largest m<strong>in</strong>iature park.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Ankara<br />

M<strong>in</strong>iaturk, Imrahor Caddesi, Sutluce,<br />

212 222 2882<br />

“Take a picnic or get snacks <strong>and</strong> dr<strong>in</strong>ks at<br />

kiosks dotted around the Belgrad Forest.<br />

Jogg<strong>in</strong>g trails, hik<strong>in</strong>g paths are lovely here, as<br />

are the wonderful spr<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>and</strong> you can hear<br />

the birds that are often drowned out by traffic<br />

<strong>in</strong> the city.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Belgrad Forest, Bahçeköy<br />

7. <strong>Istanbul</strong> Modern Museum, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Karakoy,<br />

212 334 7300<br />

8. Suleymaniye Mosque, near <strong>Istanbul</strong> University<br />

For “killer views <strong>and</strong> a gr<strong>eat</strong> cup of coffee, be<br />

<strong>in</strong>spired by the scenery at Pierre Loti Café<br />

<strong>and</strong> go home <strong>to</strong> write that <strong>best</strong>-sell<strong>in</strong>g novel.<br />

Loti is said <strong>to</strong> have conceived his literary<br />

masterpiece, Aziyadé, while gaz<strong>in</strong>g down<br />

at the expansive views of two cont<strong>in</strong>ents’<br />

shores <strong>and</strong> the estuary that separates<br />

them.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Pierre Loti Café, Gumussuyu Caddesi,<br />

Balmumcu Sokak, Eyup, 212 581 2696<br />

9. Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii), Camii Kebir Caddesi<br />

10. Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square, 212 522 4422<br />

“For adults or kids, Rahmi M. Koç<br />

Museum is not <strong>to</strong> be missed. <strong>The</strong>re is<br />

a real submar<strong>in</strong>e that you can visit, old<br />

locomotives, the oldest ferry, old trams of<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> <strong>and</strong> antique cars from Ford-T <strong>to</strong><br />

antique Rolls Royces, plus steam eng<strong>in</strong>es<br />

<strong>and</strong> more.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Hasköy Cad. 27,<br />

Hasköy, 212 369 6600<br />

“<strong>The</strong> most romantic place <strong>in</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong> is<br />

the Ciragan Palace. It has a very nice<br />

jazz bar on the Bosphorus. You can see<br />

all the mosques illum<strong>in</strong>ated. I would like<br />

my boyfriend <strong>to</strong> propose <strong>to</strong> me there.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Athens, Greece<br />

Ciragan Bar, Çiragan Palace, Cad. 32,<br />

Besiktas, 212 326 4646<br />

tripadvisor.com 3


Where<br />

PLAY<br />

<strong>to</strong><br />

BUDGET<br />

“Take an old-styled tramway <strong>to</strong> Moda, or walk<br />

the shore side along the recently completed<br />

quay. This excursion is rarely covered by <strong>to</strong>ur<br />

guides, but you’ll be able <strong>to</strong> glimpse the scenic<br />

enclave of Topkapi <strong>and</strong> the famed Golden<br />

Horn.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Moda Quay<br />

ADVENTURE<br />

Want <strong>to</strong> learn how <strong>to</strong> belly-dance? “Visit<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> Dreams, a shop sell<strong>in</strong>g belly dance<br />

accessories. <strong>The</strong>y will know of any classes <strong>and</strong><br />

will be able <strong>to</strong> organize it for you. You would<br />

also be able <strong>to</strong> buy your hip belt there.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Worth<strong>in</strong>g, U.K.<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> Dreams, Alemdar Mah, Incili Cavus<br />

Sok, No :33/5 Ates Pasaji Sultanahmet,<br />

212 514 5894<br />

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL<br />

We were “very impressed with the<br />

Archaeology Museum. It is huge, with a<br />

lot of monuments, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Alex<strong>and</strong>er<br />

Sarcophagus.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong>, Bottrop,<br />

Germany<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji<br />

Muzesi), Topkapi Palace, 212 520 7740<br />

RELAXATION<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hagia Sophia Museum is<br />

“br<strong>eat</strong>htak<strong>in</strong>g. Its unique architecture <strong>and</strong><br />

size, the golden, gilded geometrical <strong>and</strong><br />

flower-motif mosaic, the wisely appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

w<strong>in</strong>dows that allow the light of the sun <strong>to</strong><br />

illum<strong>in</strong>ate specific <strong>places</strong>, the huge seraglio<br />

<strong>and</strong> many more f<strong>eat</strong>ures make Hagia<br />

Sophia the <strong>to</strong>p sight <strong>to</strong> visit <strong>in</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong>!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Athens, Greece<br />

Hagia Sophia Museum, Sultanahmet,<br />

212 522 1750<br />

“Relax, <strong>eat</strong>, enjoy nature.”<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

At Misir Carsisi, “you can buy the usual<br />

<strong>to</strong>urist fares for less than at the Gr<strong>and</strong><br />

Bazaar. Check out the 350-year-old ceil<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

the maze of alleys filled with haggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

merchants, <strong>and</strong> be transported back <strong>to</strong><br />

the famed trade center of 17th century<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong>.”— <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Misir Carsisi (Egyptian Bazaar), beh<strong>in</strong>d the<br />

Yeni Cami Mosque<br />

Home <strong>to</strong> many festivals <strong>and</strong> concerts,<br />

“Parkorman is a beautiful place <strong>to</strong> spend a<br />

day with your family. It is a very big forest<br />

with a swimm<strong>in</strong>g pool <strong>and</strong> restaurant. You<br />

can relax, <strong>eat</strong>, enjoy nature.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, Athens, Greece<br />

Parkorman, Büyükdere Caddesi, Maslak,<br />

212 328 2000<br />

“One of the most endur<strong>in</strong>g symbols of<br />

Turkey is that of the Whirl<strong>in</strong>g Dervishes.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Contemporary Lovers of Mevlana<br />

organize a Whirl<strong>in</strong>g Dervish performance<br />

every Friday <strong>and</strong> Sunday even<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />

Sirkeci Tra<strong>in</strong> Station.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Sirkeci Tra<strong>in</strong> Station (Exhibition Hall,<br />

Platform 1), 212 458 8834<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Bosphorus Tour ferry sails north from<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong>, up the Bosphorus, almost <strong>to</strong> the<br />

Black Sea, then back aga<strong>in</strong>. Along the way<br />

it s<strong>to</strong>ps at the small ferry ports that dot the<br />

coast. <strong>The</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape you see is wooded hills,<br />

dilapidated waterside estates of a different<br />

era, sleek modern estates very much of<br />

the present <strong>and</strong> the occasional palace <strong>and</strong><br />

castle.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Fair Lawn, N.J.<br />

Bosphorus Tour Ferry, leaves from<br />

Em<strong>in</strong>onu’s Dock 2<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Blue Mosque is the most beautiful<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g I have ever seen. <strong>The</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scap<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>and</strong> gardens surround<strong>in</strong>g it are gorgeous<br />

<strong>and</strong> colorful. Admission is FREE. This<br />

is an awe-<strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g place of worship.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Durham, N.C.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet,<br />

212 518 1330 (for museum <strong>in</strong>formation only)<br />

“All along the Sea of Marmara are many areas<br />

with workout equipment, but you have <strong>to</strong> go<br />

<strong>to</strong> the Asian side. This is also the <strong>best</strong> place<br />

for jogg<strong>in</strong>g or cycl<strong>in</strong>g, for miles <strong>and</strong> miles!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Kayakoy, Turkey<br />

Waterfront, Sea of Marmara<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> members have posted more<br />

than 8,000,000 traveler pho<strong>to</strong>s on the<br />

site. <strong>The</strong> good, the bad <strong>and</strong> the very<br />

c<strong>and</strong>id. It’s almost like be<strong>in</strong>g there!<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Hippodrome was the scene of<br />

Byzant<strong>in</strong>e chariot races, athletic events,<br />

vic<strong>to</strong>ry celebrations <strong>and</strong> political activities<br />

of the old city. Today, one can also see<br />

the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpent<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Column from Delphi, the Founta<strong>in</strong> of<br />

Wilhelm II <strong>and</strong> the Colossus.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member<br />

Hippodrome (Atmeydani), Sultanahmet<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Suleymaniye Hamam was such a<br />

relax<strong>in</strong>g experience <strong>and</strong> well worth the<br />

money. <strong>The</strong> staff were really nice <strong>and</strong> made<br />

us feel at ease. Have a tea <strong>in</strong> the ‘wise man’<br />

area <strong>and</strong> book the free shuttle <strong>in</strong> advance<br />

<strong>to</strong> be returned <strong>to</strong> your hotel.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, Atyrau, Kazakhstan<br />

Suleymaniye Hamam, Mimar S<strong>in</strong>an Caddesi,<br />

No. 20, Suleymaniye, 212 519 5569<br />

tripadvisor.com 4


What’s<br />

the TOUR<br />

FAMILIES<br />

At Rumeli Cafe, “the staff is gr<strong>eat</strong>, <strong>and</strong><br />

service is attentive. Our salads were<br />

excellent, <strong>and</strong> the kids loved their<br />

steak—it was lit on fire <strong>in</strong> front of them!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Atlanta, Ga.<br />

Rumeli Cafe, Ticarethane Sokak 8,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 512 0008<br />

How <strong>to</strong> Get Around<br />

“Taxis are the <strong>best</strong> transportation <strong>to</strong> get around <strong>Istanbul</strong>. <strong>The</strong>y are<br />

<strong>in</strong>expensive, have meters <strong>and</strong> are easy <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d, most of the time.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Raleigh, N.C.<br />

Take a “bus <strong>to</strong>ur of <strong>Istanbul</strong> from the Sultanahmet. (An audio guide<br />

is provided <strong>in</strong> English). We got <strong>to</strong> see a few <strong>places</strong> we would not have<br />

otherwise—<strong>and</strong> <strong>this</strong> is always a gr<strong>eat</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>to</strong> any city.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Edmon<strong>to</strong>n, Alberta<br />

WHERE <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>eat</strong><br />

ROMANCE<br />

“Aloran is an elegant restaurant which<br />

serves excellent food, the <strong>best</strong> place for<br />

a romantic d<strong>in</strong>ner. <strong>The</strong> Testi Kebab is a<br />

spectacle for the eyes <strong>and</strong> the palate!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Milan, Italy<br />

Aloran Restaurant, Akbiyik Caddesi Adliye<br />

Sokak No. 11, Cankurtaran, 212 458 8528<br />

BUDGET<br />

“You’ve got <strong>to</strong> get a lick of arguably the<br />

<strong>best</strong> ice cream <strong>in</strong> Turkey at Ali Usta<br />

Dondurmaci. For $1, you get <strong>to</strong> try one of<br />

the 30-plus flavors he’s served, come ra<strong>in</strong><br />

or sh<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>in</strong> as many years.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Dondurmaci Ali Usta, Moda Caddesi No:<br />

264, 216 414 1880<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

“If you want <strong>to</strong> have a <strong>to</strong>tally enjoyable,<br />

family-friendly, low-key experience with<br />

clean, well-prepared, well-seasoned food,<br />

a thoughtful menu, attentive waitstaff <strong>and</strong><br />

the <strong>best</strong> espresso-based coffees <strong>to</strong> be<br />

found, run, don’t walk <strong>to</strong> Cafe Rumist.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Cafe Rumist, Akbiyik Caddesi No.7,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 458 6641<br />

“<strong>The</strong> people at Yengec Fish Restaurant are<br />

fish experts <strong>and</strong> know how <strong>to</strong> get their h<strong>and</strong>s<br />

on the freshest fish <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> cook it. <strong>The</strong>ir<br />

food was among the <strong>best</strong> I’ve ever had. <strong>The</strong><br />

outdoor ambiance was authentic <strong>and</strong> romantic.<br />

Not fake <strong>and</strong> sugary but <strong>in</strong> a genu<strong>in</strong>e way,<br />

where you felt you were enjoy<strong>in</strong>g food with<br />

family.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, New Jersey<br />

Yengec Fish Restaurant, Telli Odalar Sok.<br />

No: 6, Kumkapi, 212 516 3227<br />

“We never broke the bank at Albura. <strong>The</strong>y<br />

have a special flam<strong>in</strong>g pottery dish that<br />

was tasty <strong>and</strong> a bit of silly food th<strong>eat</strong>er. But<br />

hey, it’s on fire <strong>and</strong> was cheap <strong>and</strong> good.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Brooklyn, New York<br />

Albura Café-Bar Restaurant, Yeni Akbiyik<br />

Caddesi No: 26, Sultanahmet, 212 517 9031<br />

For transportation from Ataturk airport, “you have three options:<br />

airport taxis, which are reliable, airport shuttle buses go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> several<br />

ma<strong>in</strong> dest<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>and</strong> the Metro.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member<br />

“Around the newer part of <strong>Istanbul</strong>, the new subway system is very<br />

nice <strong>and</strong> safe. <strong>The</strong> subway runs from Taksim Square, through Nisantasi<br />

(where there are many elegant s<strong>to</strong>res) <strong>to</strong> Etiler (where more modern<br />

shopp<strong>in</strong>g awaits you).”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Raleigh, N.C.<br />

Want more <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>Istanbul</strong>?<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong>.com offers free weekly e-mail<br />

updates filled with new deals, reviews<br />

<strong>and</strong> articles for <strong>Istanbul</strong> or any other<br />

dest<strong>in</strong>ation you choose.<br />

For the “<strong>best</strong> pizza <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn,” try Miss Pizza,<br />

“a small pizzeria with all k<strong>in</strong>ds of unusual<br />

pizzas.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Miss Pizza, Akarsu Cad. Havyar Sokak. No:<br />

5 Cihangir Beyoglu, 212 251 3278 – 79<br />

“An exquisite<br />

cul<strong>in</strong>ary event”<br />

D<strong>in</strong>ner at the Imbat Restaurant is “an<br />

exquisite cul<strong>in</strong>ary event. While s<strong>eat</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />

elegant <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>timate d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room, sweep<strong>in</strong>g<br />

views of the Bosphorus <strong>and</strong> Marmara Sea<br />

delighted us through three courses of the<br />

most delicious <strong>and</strong> beautifully prepared food<br />

I’ve ever <strong>eat</strong>en.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member,<br />

Berl<strong>in</strong>, Germany<br />

Imbat Restaurant, Orient Express Hotel,<br />

Sirkeci Hudavendigar, 212 520 7161<br />

“<strong>The</strong> price at Malkoc Restaurant was very<br />

good compared with other <strong>places</strong> <strong>in</strong> the<br />

area. <strong>The</strong> lamb kebab was the <strong>best</strong> we had<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>Istanbul</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the service was so friendly<br />

that we went back the follow<strong>in</strong>g day!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, London, Engl<strong>and</strong><br />

Malkoc Restaurant, Akbiyik Caddesi,<br />

Cankurtaran<br />

tripadvisor.com 5


WHERE <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>eat</strong><br />

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS<br />

Boast<strong>in</strong>g a “small <strong>and</strong> varied vegetarian<br />

menu” of soups, salads <strong>and</strong> Turkish dishes,<br />

Parsifal Vejetaryen Res<strong>to</strong>ran is “ovo<br />

lac<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> vegan friendly.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, <strong>Istanbul</strong><br />

Parsifal Vejetaryen Res<strong>to</strong>ran, Kurabiye Sok.<br />

23, Beyoglu, 212 245 2588<br />

HIDDEN GEMS<br />

“Yes, Beyti is really worth the drive from<br />

down<strong>to</strong>wn. Gr<strong>eat</strong> service <strong>and</strong> kebabs at<br />

their <strong>best</strong> - far, far away from st<strong>and</strong>ard<br />

döners. F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g tastier mut<strong>to</strong>n would be<br />

very difficult, if not out right impossible.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are very few celebrities, from movie<br />

stars <strong>to</strong> heads of state, who have not visited<br />

<strong>this</strong> place. In other words, you will be <strong>in</strong><br />

a good company.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member,<br />

S<strong>to</strong>ckholm, Sweden<br />

Beyti Restaurant, Orman Caddesi 8 Florya,<br />

212 663 2990<br />

SPECIAL EVENTS<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

As <strong>Istanbul</strong>’s first pure vegetarian restaurant,<br />

Saf boasts a menu full of vegan, gluten-free<br />

<strong>and</strong> dairy-free cuis<strong>in</strong>e. Each dish is served<br />

“raw” <strong>to</strong> preserve the flavor <strong>and</strong> nutrition.<br />

<strong>The</strong> restaurant also has a w<strong>in</strong>e bar that<br />

specializes <strong>in</strong> unique organic cocktails.<br />

Saf, Club Sporium, Cumhuriyet Caddesi<br />

No. 4/8, Besiktas, 212 282 7946<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Asitane is an Ot<strong>to</strong>man restaurant,<br />

<strong>and</strong> many of the recipes date back <strong>to</strong> the<br />

15th <strong>and</strong> 16th centuries. For a refresh<strong>in</strong>gly<br />

different approach <strong>to</strong> food, tastes <strong>and</strong><br />

atmosphere, <strong>this</strong> is the place <strong>to</strong> go. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

were so many <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g dishes. Each<br />

course was a new delight!”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, Glasgow, Scotl<strong>and</strong><br />

Asitane Restaurant, Kariye Camii Sokak<br />

No. 6, Edirnekapi, 212 534 8414<br />

Watch as the very <strong>best</strong> <strong>in</strong> women’s tennis compete for over $4 million<br />

<strong>in</strong> prize money <strong>and</strong> the title of world champion dur<strong>in</strong>g the WTA<br />

Championship. (Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 25 – 30)<br />

WTA Championship, S<strong>in</strong>an Erdem, http://www.wtachampionships.com<br />

Discover the latest cutt<strong>in</strong>g edge works from over six thous<strong>and</strong> artists,<br />

from seasoned professionals <strong>to</strong> up-<strong>and</strong>-com<strong>in</strong>g students, exhibit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their pho<strong>to</strong>graphy, pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, sculpture <strong>and</strong> more at the annual Artist<br />

fair. (November 12 – 20)<br />

Artist, Tüyap Fair Convention <strong>and</strong> Congress Center, 212 867 1100,<br />

http://www.istanbulsanatfuari.com<br />

Have d<strong>in</strong>ner at “Zencefil, a vegetarian<br />

restaurant not far from Taksim Square. <strong>The</strong><br />

food was fresh <strong>and</strong> delicious—all tasty,<br />

hot <strong>and</strong> yummy. We were way <strong>to</strong>o full for<br />

dessert.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Brooklyn,<br />

New York<br />

Zencefil, Kurabiye Sok. 3, Taksim, Beyoglu,<br />

212 244 4082<br />

“Each course was a new delight!”<br />

Located <strong>in</strong> “an unassum<strong>in</strong>g sett<strong>in</strong>g,” Çiya<br />

Kebap is “an expert restaurant with<br />

overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g choice of kebaps. Tourists<br />

often miss it, but locals who are <strong>in</strong> the know<br />

swear by it. More than 70 kebaps are listed<br />

on the menu, though generally 20 – 30 are<br />

available.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Bangkok,<br />

Thail<strong>and</strong><br />

Çiya Kebap, Caferag˘a Mah. Günes¸libahçe Sk.<br />

No. 44 Kadıköy, 216 418 5115<br />

Explore a world of Turkish literature at the <strong>Istanbul</strong> Book Fair,<br />

where hundreds of publish<strong>in</strong>g houses present thous<strong>and</strong>s of books for<br />

perusal. <strong>The</strong> theme of <strong>this</strong> year’s fair is “Hope: Dream or Reality?,”<br />

<strong>and</strong> the Writer of Honor is Ferit Edgü. (November 12 – 15)<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> Book Fair, Tüyap Fair Convention <strong>and</strong> Congress Center,<br />

212 886 6843<br />

Take <strong>in</strong> a show at the <strong>Istanbul</strong> Film Festival, f<strong>eat</strong>ur<strong>in</strong>g hundreds of<br />

Turkish <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational films, comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g new films with cherished<br />

classics. <strong>The</strong> festival screens over 200 films <strong>in</strong> 20 different categories<br />

<strong>and</strong> records an attendance of almost 90,000 viewers each year. (April)<br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> Film Festival, Various venues, 212 334 0700,<br />

http://www.iksv.org/film<br />

tripadvisor.com 6


Where<br />

FAMILIES<br />

LUXURY<br />

<strong>to</strong><br />

“Sultanahmet Suites is situated <strong>in</strong> a<br />

residential area, yet is only a five <strong>to</strong> tenm<strong>in</strong>ute<br />

walk <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>urist zone. We were<br />

greeted by the owner, who was immediately<br />

concerned that our seven-year-old have milk<br />

<strong>and</strong> juice. We immediately felt at home.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Surrey, U.K.<br />

Sultanahmet Suites, Kucuk Ayasofya Mah.<br />

Ozbekler Sok. No: 4, 1 Sultanahmet –<br />

Kadirga, 212 638 8022<br />

ROMANCE<br />

“<strong>The</strong> high st<strong>and</strong>ard of the facilities <strong>and</strong><br />

comfort of Sirkeci Konak was matched<br />

with details <strong>and</strong> thoughtful <strong>to</strong>uches that<br />

made it a very special place. No wonder<br />

I couldn’t wait <strong>to</strong> go back!”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, Athens, Greece<br />

Sirkeci Konak, Taya Hatun Sokak No: 5,<br />

Sirkeci, 212 528 4344<br />

BUDGET<br />

“We spent two nights at the Hotel Seraglio,<br />

<strong>and</strong> it was fabulous. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g about our<br />

stay was excellent. <strong>The</strong> hotel is just big<br />

enough <strong>to</strong> have privacy while still small<br />

enough <strong>to</strong> enjoy the utmost <strong>in</strong> service.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, California<br />

Hotel Seraglio, Amiral Tafdil Sokak No. 28<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 516 7676<br />

“<strong>The</strong> White House Hotel <strong>and</strong> its staff<br />

exceeded our expectations <strong>in</strong> every way.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y arranged a pickup <strong>and</strong> dropoff <strong>to</strong> the<br />

airport. <strong>The</strong>y arranged a wonderful boat<br />

trip on the Bosphorus. <strong>The</strong>y did it all <strong>and</strong><br />

always with a smile. Stay here but leave a<br />

room for us on our next visit!”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, K<strong>in</strong>vara, Irel<strong>and</strong><br />

White House Hotel <strong>Istanbul</strong>, Alemdar<br />

Mahallesi Catalcesme Sokak No.21,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 526 0019<br />

STAY<br />

“I couldn’t wait <strong>to</strong><br />

go back!”<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

“We cannot praise the Hotel Sapphire<br />

highly enough. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g was h<strong>and</strong>led <strong>in</strong> a<br />

warm <strong>and</strong> proficient manner by the friendly<br />

staff. <strong>The</strong>y have free wi-fi, a subterranean<br />

pool <strong>and</strong> a buffet with enough choices <strong>to</strong><br />

keep a teenager happy!”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong><br />

Member, Brisbane, Australia<br />

Hotel Sapphire, Ibni Kemal Caddesi No.14<br />

Sirkeci, 212 520 5686<br />

“Heaven, thy name is 5Oda! Upon arrival, we<br />

were immediately oriented <strong>to</strong> some of the<br />

<strong>best</strong> restaurants, art venues <strong>and</strong> sights <strong>in</strong> the<br />

area. Our room was a quiet haven, outfitted<br />

with first class beds, l<strong>in</strong>ens <strong>and</strong> mattresses.<br />

But, the most charm<strong>in</strong>g part? For breakfast,<br />

you r<strong>in</strong>g up, <strong>and</strong> a div<strong>in</strong>e spread is brought <strong>to</strong><br />

your room <strong>and</strong> arrayed on your d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g table.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Cambridge, Mass.<br />

5Oda, Sahkulu Bostan Sokak No:16 Beyoglu,<br />

212 252 7501<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Orient Express Hotel is very good<br />

value for money. Very helpful staff <strong>and</strong> very<br />

well located <strong>in</strong> the heart of the his<strong>to</strong>rical<br />

part of the city, just walk<strong>in</strong>g distance from<br />

the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Hagia Sophia.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member,<br />

Bucharest, Romania<br />

Orient Express Hotel, Hudavendigar<br />

Caddesi No.34, Sirkeci, 212 520 7161<br />

“This was our second time at the Four<br />

Seasons, <strong>and</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>, it achieved perfection.<br />

Gr<strong>eat</strong> rooms <strong>and</strong> bathrooms, flawless<br />

service <strong>and</strong> beautiful, communal spaces.<br />

It’s pricey, but you’re pay<strong>in</strong>g for the<br />

superb service <strong>and</strong> the beautiful views.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, London, U.K.<br />

Four Seasons <strong>Istanbul</strong> at the Bosphorus,<br />

Ciragan Caddesi No. 28, Besiktas,<br />

212 381 4000<br />

“We stayed at Ada <strong>Istanbul</strong> with kids <strong>and</strong><br />

found the hotel <strong>to</strong> be perfect for a family stay.<br />

Gr<strong>eat</strong> views from the rooms <strong>and</strong> the roof<strong>to</strong>p,<br />

where a sumptuous breakfast is served.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Sharjah, UAE<br />

Ada Hotel, B<strong>in</strong>birdirek Mahallesi Sehit<br />

Mehmetpasa, Yokusu Sokak No: 30,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 518 8475<br />

Have questions about <strong>Istanbul</strong>? Get<br />

<strong>in</strong>sider advice from local experts <strong>in</strong> our<br />

forums. <strong>The</strong> majority of questions are<br />

answered with<strong>in</strong> 24 hours.<br />

“We have stayed <strong>in</strong> lots of hotels <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Hotel Sultania is one of the very <strong>best</strong>, a<br />

magical hotel <strong>in</strong> a magical city. <strong>The</strong> room<br />

was lovely - very atmospheric <strong>and</strong> romantic.<br />

All the staff - waiters, reception, concierge,<br />

everyone - could not do enough <strong>to</strong> help<br />

us.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, S<strong>to</strong>ke-on-Trent,<br />

U.K.<br />

Hotel Sultania, Ebusuud Caddesi, Mehmet<br />

Murat Sok. No: 4, Sirkeci, 212 520 7788<br />

You’ll receive “gr<strong>eat</strong> value for little money<br />

at Inter Hotel. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g was gr<strong>eat</strong>: the<br />

location, the price, the room size, the<br />

cleanl<strong>in</strong>ess, the personnel. You won’t f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g better <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> price category <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Istanbul</strong> <strong>and</strong> hardly <strong>in</strong> a higher one.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Madrid, Spa<strong>in</strong><br />

Inter Hotel, Mithatpasa Cad. Buyuk Haydar<br />

Efendi Sok. No: 29 Beyazit, 212 518 3535<br />

“Hotel Amira has everyth<strong>in</strong>g go<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

it—gr<strong>eat</strong> location, roof<strong>to</strong>p lounge, excellent<br />

breakfast <strong>and</strong> nice rooms. But, none of<br />

that makes any difference when compared<br />

<strong>to</strong> the service, which is absolutely the<br />

<strong>best</strong>. <strong>The</strong> staff are what make <strong>this</strong> hotel<br />

wonderful.”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Maui,<br />

Hawaii<br />

Hotel Amira <strong>Istanbul</strong>, Kucuk Ayasofya Mah,<br />

Mustafapasa Sok. No:79, 212 516 1640<br />

tripadvisor.com 7


Where<br />

<strong>to</strong><br />

HIDDEN GEMS<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Senatus Hotel is one of <strong>Istanbul</strong>’s<br />

<strong>best</strong> kept secrets! Very clean, modern,<br />

<strong>in</strong>expensive, <strong>and</strong> has the quality <strong>and</strong><br />

st<strong>and</strong>ards of a five star hotel. I personally<br />

enjoyed the shower with its ra<strong>in</strong>forest<br />

shower head <strong>and</strong> glass enclosure.”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Frederick, Maryl<strong>and</strong><br />

About<br />

STAY<br />

<strong>The</strong> Senatus Hotel, Akbiyik Caddesi No. 40,<br />

Sultanahmet, 212 458 5866<br />

“...one of <strong>Istanbul</strong>’s<br />

<strong>best</strong> kept secrets!”<br />

TRIPADVISOR<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> is the largest travel community <strong>in</strong> the world with 50 million monthly visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> f<strong>eat</strong>ur<strong>in</strong>g more than 50 million reviews <strong>and</strong><br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions of 675,000 hotels <strong>and</strong> attractions. <strong>TripAdvisor</strong>.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where <strong>to</strong> go, where<br />

<strong>to</strong> stay <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> <strong>play</strong> for 93,000 dest<strong>in</strong>ations around the world. <strong>TripAdvisor</strong>.com also provides easy access <strong>to</strong> the major onl<strong>in</strong>e travel sites <strong>to</strong><br />

make book<strong>in</strong>g your next vacation, your <strong>best</strong> vacation, easier than ever.<br />

Edited/compiled by Jenny Brown <strong>and</strong> Sheila Koenig, <strong>and</strong> Kris Hor<strong>to</strong>n<br />

This brochure <strong>and</strong> its contents are copyright © 2011, <strong>TripAdvisor</strong>, Inc., all rights reserved. TRIPADVISOR, the owl logo <strong>and</strong> all other marks dis<strong>play</strong>ed here<strong>in</strong> are registered <strong>and</strong>/or<br />

common law trademarks of <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> <strong>and</strong>/or third parties. Representations made <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> brochure are current as of its publication date. This brochure conta<strong>in</strong>s reviews, comments,<br />

pho<strong>to</strong>graphs <strong>and</strong> other content regard<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ations, accommodations, airl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>and</strong> other travel products <strong>and</strong> services submitted by users of tripadvisor.com. Reviews <strong>and</strong> rat<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

represent the op<strong>in</strong>ions of such users. <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> does not sponsor or endorse any user content <strong>and</strong> therefore is not liable for any statements, representations or other <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> such user content.<br />

Further, reference <strong>to</strong> any products, services, processes or other <strong>in</strong>formation of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or<br />

affiliation with, such third party by <strong>TripAdvisor</strong>. Such third parties are owned <strong>and</strong> operated by <strong>in</strong>dependent retailers or service providers, <strong>and</strong> <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> cannot ensure that you<br />

will be satisfied with their products, services, bus<strong>in</strong>ess practices or provided <strong>in</strong>formation. <strong>TripAdvisor</strong> recommends that you pursue any <strong>and</strong> all <strong>in</strong>vestigation you feel necessary or<br />

appropriate before transact<strong>in</strong>g with any third party.<br />

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716<br />

“Four of us stayed at the Witt over New<br />

Years <strong>and</strong> were spoiled rotten. <strong>The</strong><br />

penthouses have the most stunn<strong>in</strong>g views of<br />

the city. <strong>The</strong> manager, Onur, is an absolute<br />

gem. If you like late night clubb<strong>in</strong>g, ask<br />

about Onur’s club—very cool <strong>in</strong>deed!”—<br />

<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member, Qatar<br />

Witt <strong>Istanbul</strong> Suites, Defterdar Yokusu No.<br />

26, Cihanger, Beyoglu, 212 393 7900<br />

Dersaadet “is a simple, tastefully<br />

decorated <strong>and</strong> highly attractive Ot<strong>to</strong>man<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g, ideal for travelers who appreciate<br />

local flavors <strong>and</strong> a personal <strong>to</strong>uch. What a<br />

gr<strong>eat</strong> little gem!”—<strong>TripAdvisor</strong> Member,<br />

Berl<strong>in</strong>, Germany<br />

Dersaadet, Kucuk Ayasofya Cad. Dersaadet,<br />

Kucuk Ayasofya Cad., Kapiagasi Sokak No:<br />

5, Sultanahmet, 212 458 0760<br />

tripadvisor.com 8

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