Istanbul City Get Aways!

 

City Description 

Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

As Byzantium, Constantinople and finally, İstanbul, it has been the capital of three Empires, each leaving their mark in the form of stunning palaces, castles, mosques, churches and monuments. The legacy of its chequered past can be seen on every turn of the modern city.

It is a city of contrasts, bustling with the cacophony of 21st century life, and is yet achingly beautiful. It is set in a stunning location, surrounded by water, which is the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the serene sea of Marmara separating Europe from Asia. İstanbul has a foot in each, celebrating the best of both heritages.

 

 

The European side, however, is also divided in two by the Golden Horn or Haliç, which roughly divides the historic part of old İstanbul, encompassing the areas of, Sultanahmet and Laleli, from the modern city.  Most visitors on short city breaks stay in the old town as the vast majority of the sites which they will be visiting are in this area.

İstanbul's most famous sites - The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmet Cami, Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), Topkapı Sarayı (Palace) and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) - are all within a 30 minute walk of each other.

In terms of accommodation, there are now a number of boutique hotels in the area of Sultanahmet, many of which are restored Ottoman wooden mansions. These are ideal for those who really want to savour the authentic atmosphere of the Old Town. Those on a budget, may want to consider the more modern, and competitively priced hotels of the Laleli district, although this area is much busier.

Although it is convenient, the disadvantage of staying in the Old Town, is that, since it is not a residential area, you don't really benefit from the ambience of the modern city of İstanbul, with its excellent restaurants, lively bars, and cosmopolitan feel. Some of İstanbul's finest, most luxurious hotels are located on the Bosphorus with stunning views over the straits, or in the modern business districts. There are also some historic establishments in the area known as Pera, which blossomed at the turn of the last century. The heart of modern İstanbul, is Taksim Square and the streets around. The advantage of staying here is that in the evenings you have a wealth of restaurants and relaxed bars within an easy walk of your hotel.

Wherever you choose to stay, it doesn't take much to make the most of the city, and even three days will give you the opportunity to see the highlights. It is such a large city, however, that even if you visit time and time again, you can still discover something new each time. It is easy to get around. There are a couple of handy trams - one in the old town, and the other in the main shopping street in Pera, İstiklal Caddesi.

That’s not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is – and always has been – rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

 

When to Go

The best times to visit Istanbul are around spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the climate is perfect. During July and August it is hot and steamy; a lot of Istanbullus head for the west and south coasts over these months. Biting winter winds and snow are common in winter.

 

Food 

• Caferiye Sokak, Sultanahmet Closest Tram : Sultanahmet
In Sultanahmet, it's rare to nosh in stylish surrounds without paying through the nose for the privilege. That's why this teensy lokanta in the gorgeous courtyard of this Sinan-designed medrese near Topkapı Palace is such a find. The food isn't anything to write home about, but it's fresh and cheap as chips, so who's complaining?

• Develi, Gümüşyüzük Sokak 7, Western Districts
Near the Wall at Samatya, on the Sea of Marmara, the five floors (including a roof terrace) of Develi are always full of happy punters enjoying the flavours of southeastern Anatolia. It's been serving up kebabs to hungry locals since 1912, so Develi really knows what it's doing when it comes to the national dish. Try the çiğ köfte (raw ground lamb, bulgur , onions and spices) and the fıstıklı (pistachio) kebab and you'll feel happy too.

• Konuk Evi, opp Ayasofya Pansiyonları, Soğukçeşme Sk, Sultanahmet Closest Tram: Gülhane
A secluded flower-filled garden and fairy-tale-like glass conservatory around the corner from Aya Sofya is waiting just for you. You'll find Konuk Evi one of the most relaxing places in the city to enjoy an al fresco lunch. Salads, burgers, sandwich and grills are all good value considering the surrounds.

 

Drink 

• 5 Kat, 5th Fl, Soğancı Sk 7/5, Cihangir Closest Tram: Kabataş
Run by glamorous red-haired film actress Yasemin Alkaya, 5 Kat is one of the city's original glamour bars. The 'boudoir chic' décor features deep red walls, satin ceiling, velvet chairs and candles galore - it's amusingly over the top. The Bosphorus views from the full-length windows are simply breathtaking and in the warmer months there's a rooftop terrace bar as well.

• James Joyce Pub, The Irish Centre, Balo Sokak 26, off İstiklal Caddesi, İstiklal Closest Tram: Kabataş then funicular to Taksim
The only authentic Irish bar in town, this popular place is a good spot to enjoy a pint and a craic . There's a mixed crowd and a popular all-day breakfast. It occasionally organises live sessions of traditional Irish folk music and performances by Irish singers.

 

Airport to City Information

Turkish Airlines flights from Dublin arrive into Ataturk Airport.  The airport is situated 28 km from downtown Istanbul.

Taxi fares from the airport to the city vary depending on which district you are travelling to - prices range from €15 to €50 (approximately).  A taxi to one fo our preferred hotels situated in the Sultanahmet area should cost about €25.