Every year, Turkey attracts thousands of tourists with beach joys, a mild subtropical climate, exotic cuisine and the hospitality of the locals. This is one of the most visited resorts where people go on vacation with children. Wonderfully organized animation in the hotels allows you to enjoy a carefree holiday with the whole family. But the land route through the capital is no less interesting.
Perhaps, there is no second city located at the junction of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is the only city in its hypostasis, whose cultural and historical heritage has shaped many mentalities.
Non-touristy Istanbul - all the most interesting for curious travelers
There are places in the Turkish capital that are not found in any guidebook. They are popular with locals, but are not included in the tourist routes around the city. Like any ancient city, the history of Constantinople is full of secrets and legends. Therefore, we recommend ordering a local Russian-speaking guide to the unusual locations of Istanbul at ExtraGuide.ru/turkey/istanbul/..
Suleymaniye Mosque
The bulk of tourists enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum. These structures deserve close attention, but not many people know that the first largest mosque in Istanbul is Suleymaniye. A powerful architectural masterpiece consists of a complex of structures, which includes: baths, kitchens, educational institutions, libraries. There is even an observatory on site. Here, in a quiet, cozy courtyard, the great Sultan Suleiman and the famous Roksolana are buried.
Place of power - Chora monastery
The walls of the Hora Monastery will tell about the ancient history of Istanbul brighter than enthusiastic epithets. Luxurious Byzantine mosaics, frescoes emit incredible energy that leaves you in a stupor. Do not rush to leave, relax and dissolve in the centuries-old layers of eras. It is impossible to return from this place as before, the energy flow forever changes the understanding of the world.
Balata and Fenera - old quarters
Ancient areas lurked behind the Golden Horn. When the Greeks occupied the peak of world domination, the old quarter of Fener was the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire. Balata became a refuge for Spanish Jews expelled from Europe in the 15th century. Only here and nowhere else is the Sephardic language, Ladino, considered lost forever. The ancient streets with elegant buildings, atmospheric cafes and vintage boutiques are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Buyuk Walide Khan
A "secret place" offering stunning views of the city along the shores of the Bosphorus. Finding it is not easy, but it will be worth it. The city's hidden gem is not yet a tourist attraction. A magnificent panorama opens from the roofs of the inn. You can buy original souvenirs for memory at the local art gallery, where handicrafts are presented.
Haydarpasha station
The station was built at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of German architectural engineers. A brutal building in the neoclassical style inside is decorated in an oriental spirit. Arches painted with ornaments in warm colors of walls and vaults of ceilings - the construction of the station serves as a vivid example of the meeting of the East with the West.
“Chanel №5. Orient Express”, a popular perfume advertisement featuring the extravagant Frenchwoman Audrey Tautou was filmed in the interior of Haydarpasa station.
Sirkeci - the epoch-making station
Departure point for the legendary Orient Express route. The station is unique in that it has not undergone reconstruction since 1890 and has retained the original architectural concept of European Orientalism. From this station for more than 100 years a train has been running in the direction of Istanbul - Paris. There is also a museum dedicated to the famous express train, which became famous with the light pen of Agatha Christie.
Original souvenirs
Traditional magnets and other souvenirs are sold in any souvenir shop. But if you want to bring something really worthwhile from Turkey, go to the Çiçek İşleri salon. Designer fantasies, sold items, boggle the imagination. Original boxes, dishes, decor items and furniture - here everyone will certainly find something unique to their taste.
Bohemian Jihangire
Luxury boutiques, artisan galleries, antique shops, trendy restaurants. This place is radically different from the old districts of Fener and Balat. There are a lot of extraordinary things in the local shops. Enjoy atmospheric Istanbul with an original souvenir.
Gastronomic exclusive
Turkish national cuisine is famous for its variety of flavors and unusual combinations. Bright, beautiful - the appearance of the dishes alone evokes a "brutal" appetite. Feel free to try traditional delights on the street, you will be offered a varied and affordable menu. For connoisseurs of exoticism, we suggest visiting places that are popular with locals, but little known to tourists.
Vefa Bozacısı
In the ancient part of Istanbul, there is a cozy restaurant Vefa Bozacısı, which is already 142 years old. This cozy restaurant is the "brainchild" of one dynasty, in which the author's recipes and cooking technology are passed down from generation to generation. The secrets of the kitchen are kept in the strictest confidence. It is atmospheric, calm, the interior is designed in the old style.
People come to Vefa Bozacısı to drink traditional boza - a wheat drink with fried nuts, sugar and semolina. Sounds unexpected! But this must be tried! In addition to the original boza, the menu has a huge selection of treats. As a souvenir, you will be offered to buy several types of homemade sauces.
Balcony cafe-bar
You can spend a pleasant evening with an incredible view of the Bosphorus on the cozy terrace of the Balkon Cafe Bar. Delicious dishes of national and European cuisine, drinks, pleasant music and warm company - everything you need for a great mood. The classic menu consists of light snacks, salads, hot meats, traditional Turkish cuisine and many desserts, which must be accompanied by fruit. The wine list offers an extensive selection of signature cocktails that you will not taste anywhere else. The audience of the cafe is mainly local youth. The evening will be delicious, fun and stunningly beautiful.
If you want to get to know Istanbul better, combine traditional tourist routes with walks in little-known places. Vivid, intense impressions are guaranteed!
