See The Sights And Sample The Food Of Istanbul
The domed mosques and tiled palaces shimmer in the sunlight, and the myriad of shadowed streets offer a huge number of distractions – it can only be Istanbul. And the only way to keep going in this busy city, is to take regular breathers at the many Turkish eateries – it’s the best way to recharge your batteries and rest your feet. Try a fincan – a little cup – of the sweet, strong coffee for energy, Turkish ice cream for cooling down and fragrant mint tea to refresh. Holiday memories are often cemented in place by the food you’ve tried out, so while you take in the wonders of Istanbul,  try out the local delicacies because Turkish food is exceptionally good. Here are just a few suggestions of places to check out –
Bazaars And Mosaics
In the Book Bazaar you can find hundreds of rare titles and antique books. There is also a little market through the far end gate of the Bazaar, selling and trading antique coins. The Rustem Pasha Mosque is near to the Book Market, but keep your eyes open – its accessed by a  winding staircase which brings you out into a raised courtyard. The building is beautiful, decorated in vibrant blue and red Iznik tiles. There is also a Mosaic Museum, located in the nearby carpet bazaar – a very ordinary doors leads you into a corridor,  which is lined with some highly intricate Byzantine Mosaic work.
The Chora Church Museum also has some exceptional mosaics designed and originally displayed about 800 years ago. Next door to the Church is a restaurant, where the Chef has researched menus from the Sultans Feast days from 15th-18th Centuries, so you really can sample the flavours of the old city!
One of Istanbul’s most important attractions is the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir originally used by the Great Palace. It has a forest of decorated columns that disappear into the distance with the water reflecting the golden orange tones of the wall lanterns.
Back out into the sunshine, take a trip to the Calligrapher’s Market which is next to the Little Hagi Sophia. You can order your name, (or someone else’s) from one of the scribes. By the time you have finished exploring the Church and the other stalls, your souvenir will have been finished – your name in Arabic script to take home.
Village Specialities
Kanlica village produces and extra creamy yoghurt  made with sheep and cows milk and it’s served with light brown sugar. Try it in one of the little local cafes for breakfast.  Another great spot is  Cengelkov, where you’ll find traditional teahouses on the waterfront. There are lots of excellent seafood restaurants and grill houses here too. Take a boat from Ortokoy Pier – an area full of little boutiques and bars, and visit some of the local hotspots along the river front.
Alternatively, if you need a fix of something more modern, there are excellent music bars in Taksim District, which have guest performers from abroad and local Turkish bands to get the crowd going. Close to the Galata Tower are great boutique stores, or check out the designer shops specialising in recycled Turkish goods. You’ll come away with something fun and unique – a great holiday treat, together with a box of powdered sugar dusted Turkish Delight!
Life in Istanbul is fast paced and the air is redolent with wonderful aromas from the bakeries and grill houses, so remember to sample the Turkish food for a fabulous holiday experience.
