I love Shisha Hubble and Bubble in Istanbul

Although I am a non-smoker and against people smoking in public areas, I can not tell the same for nargile. I think it comes from my semi-oriental gene and I love it. 

Enjoying Hubble Bubble in Istanbul. Do I look like a real Turkey?

Turks call water-pipe/shisha as "Nargile" and its still popular same as the Ottoman period. Thus, you can see many coffee shops in Istanbul has nargile on their menu. Different flavors are available such as apple, melon, mint, coffee, orange, grape and many more. My favorite is melon mixed with mint but you can try also apple or coffee which is nice.

There are coffee houses in Sultanahmet serve you nargile and you can enjoy it together with a cup of Turkish Coffee but the best places you can smoke it around Karakoy near the cruise port and Istanbul Modern Museum. The prices are much more reasonable than other touristic coffee shops. Another area to find nargile houses are in Ortakoy and Bebek prices are higher but shops are classy. The prices vary between 15 to 25 Turkish lira per bottle. If you are not really good smoker you can order only one to try together with you friends.

My beautiful Greek Friend Christina enjoys Nargile with Turkish Coffee ( PS: she claims that the coffee is Greek :)

During last 5 years our one minute president is against to smoking, drinking, social and personal life so there are strict rules for smoking in public areas and transportation. We can say these are the last days of our nargile joy. Don't miss and try it!

Best Places to Dine in Istanbul

In my previous article, I had mentioned about the best places to eat in Sultanahmet (Old City) of Istanbul. 

Enjoying Turkish Dinner

These places are more casual and suitable for lunch but if you are a real gourmet and want to enjoy 1st quality of food then check my top 10 list for the best dining restaurants in Istanbul. Keep in mind that these restaurants may need reservation so I also gave you the contact numbers which you can call them to check availability.

Hamdi Kebab Restaurant has popular terrace views of Galata Tower and the Golden Horn.

Address : Kalçin Sok. 17,Eminonu Reservation: 0212 528 0390

Recommended Dishes : Meze Platter, Findik Lahmacun, and Fıstıklı Kebab or Spicy Adana Kebab, Baklava

360 Beyoglu Restaurant offers a 360 degree  view of Istanbul.. It serves as restaurant from 8pm to 11pm and night club 11pm to 2am.

Address: Istiklal Caddesi No:311 Beyoglu District

Reservation : 0 212 251 1042

360 Beyoglu

Balıkçı Sebahattin is one of the few consistently good, high-quality restaurants in a neighbourhood of amateurs. 

Address: Seyit Hasan Koyu Sok. 1 Sultanahmet (behind Armada Hotel)

Reservation: 0212 458 1824

Arabesque is a real Middle Eastern restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Lebanese cuisine as well as belly dancers and oriental glitz. Non-smokers be aware that Shisha is allowed to smoke here so you may not really like the foggy athmosphere. Otherwise its great food and show.

Address: Taşkışla Cad. Maçka Demokrasi Parkı Yani No:19 Maçka – Istanbul

Reservation: (212) 231 03 56

Arabesque Restaurant

Ciya Sofrası is a humble eatery, headed by Musa Dagdeviren, formerly of the California branch of the Culinary Institute of America. Located up a busy market street near the Kadiköy ferry stop (on the Asian side; take the ferry to Kadiköy from Eminönü), it serves delectable and rare regional creations.

Address : Günesli Bahçesi Sok. 43-44,Kadiköy/Istanbul Asian Side

Reservation: 0216 330 3190

Banyan Sea-Side Restaurant is a hot spot taking full advantage of its view overlooking Ortaköy and the Bosphorus. In colder months, the terrace is heated by an open fire pit.

Address:Salhane Sok 3, Muallim Naci Cad Ortaköy

Reservation : 0 212 259 9060

Recommended Dishes : Fried Calamari, Grilled Sea-Bass fillet and Tahini Halva Dessert

Banyan Sea Side Restaurant

Degustasyon Lokantasi is in the midst of the confusion of Galatasaray Fish Market in Beyoglu and it serves a huge selection of mezes.

Reservation : 0 212 292 0667

Address: Sahne Sok. 41, Balikpazari, Beyoglu

Asitane Restaurant is famous for its authentic Ottoman Cuisine. The menu consists of specialties prepared from recipes obtained from Palace archives. The outdoor dining area overlooks the lovely Kariye Museum.

Address: Kariye Cami Sok. No:6 Edirnekapı/ Fatih

Reservation: 0212 534 8414

Asitane Restaurant

Anjelique serves both a resturant and nightclub after midnight. Its situated inside of an old Ottoman mansion which has a wonderful view of the Bosphorus and the bridge. Elegant casual dress code!

Address: Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane Sok. No:5 Ortakoy, Istanbul

Reservation: 0 212 327 2844

Reina Istanbul is a trendy and popular restaurant welcomes high society of Turkey and the world. Settled in the most beautiful point of the city, it's a place where you can see one of the world famous celebrities in your next table. Elegant dress and reservation days before is a must. Friday and Saturday are part nights and can be really crowded.

Addres: Muallim Naci Cad. No: 44 Ortakoy, Istanbul

Reservation: 0 212 259 5919

Reina Istanbul

Things to do in Istanbul Don't Leave Istanbul without doing these

Istanbul... Istanbul.. Beautiful city amazes you with so many historical sites, museums, restaurants, night-life, wonderful hotels and shopping activities. But if you have only few days to do all, these would be my things to do list which I wouldn't go back home without doing.

Follow James Bond through the Yerebatan Underground Cistern: Yerebatan Sarayi (‘sunken palace’) appears in the 1963 James Bond film called “From Russia with Love”. Do you remember the scene where 007 rowed a small boat through the marble columns? That was filmed at this sixth-century underground Byzantine cistern. The upside-down head of Medusa supports one of columns.

Underground Cistern

Watch the Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes: In Hodja Pasha Culture Center, watch the mystical whirling dance of the dervishes as they perform their religious ceremony, known as the sema. Whirling dervishes are followers of the famous poet and philosopher Rumi.

Eat Istanbul Cuisine in Ortakoy. With its thriving cafe culture and position at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge, which links Europe and Asia, Ortaköy has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. The district boasts a fantastic choice of fish restaurants positioned directly on the waterfront, as well as a bustling Sunday market.

Ortakoy

Haggle for Bargains in the Grand Bazaar: Whether it is the highlight of your stay or an endurance test, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar will provide a memorable experience. Created during the 14th century, it is located in the heart of the old city and one of the world’s largest covered markets, with thousands of shops lining 65 streets and alleys.

Tour the Idyllic Princes Islands: A 90-minute ferry ride from Istanbul brings you to Buyukada, largest of small islands collectively known as the Princes’ Islands. For centuries, these were places of exile but now, tourists visit to enjoy the serenity of the leafy, traffic-free lanes.

Historical Tram in Istiklal Street,Beyoglu

Feel Real Istanbul Life in Beyoglu: Istanbul’s modern centre is bustling with coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and galleries. Spend the afternoon exploring the area by foot,talking in the unobstructed views by strolling down Istiklal Caddesi.

Best Places to eat in Istanbul Old City

You have done your sightseeing and visited beautiful historical sites of Istanbul. Now feeling hungry? 

Read my articles about Turkish Food & Kebabs and Istanbul Street Food alternatives to see what you can eat in Turkey. 

Buffet Style Restaurants

Next question is where to eat these delicious food?

As an amateur gourmet, I love to eat everything and try different restaurants wherever I go. Of course, Istanbul is my favorite city for food and for sure I know the best places where I can fill up my gigantic stomach.

Most of you stay around #Sultanahmet I would begin with my favorite restaurants in Old city.

Khorasani Restaurant; I love their chicken shish kebab, spicy kebab and mezes .So delicious! You can go there for lunch and dinner. Its very close to Sultanahmet tramway stop and opposite to Firuzaga Mosque.

Mixed Kebab Platter in Khorasani Restaurant

Pudding Shop Restaurant: Dont be surprised! It was a sweet shop and popular rest stop for the Hippies travelling to Asia. Because of the demand, they started to serve as a restaurant. Even Bill Clinton ate in here during his hippie years. If you are a vegetarian or looking for home-cooked meal, then this is the right place for you. You can find the examples of typical Turkish cuisine including Biber Dolma, Patates Kofte, Zeytinyagli Pirasa this is the right place for you. The prices are very reasonable.

Sultanahmet Koftecisi : They only serve meatballs, soup and appetizers since 1920s. You can try the best meatballs of Istanbul together with Piyaz ( bean salad mixed with onion, tomato and parsley). 

If you are a high-hat and only eat in elegant restaurants then you can try Four Seasons, Panoramic Restaurant in the rooftop of Adamar Hotel and Garden Restaurant in Blue House Hotel. 

Panoramic Restaurant

Compras en Estambul ???

Siempre se querrá llevar un recuerdo material de unas increíbles vacaciones en Estambul, y como frutilla del postre, antes de volver a su tierra natal tiene que recorrer los mejores lugares para comprar souvenires típicos.

el Bazar Egipcio

Los mercados callejeros de Estambul son una toda una experiencia en lo que a paseos de compras se refiere. Aquí encontrará todo tipo de mercancía, como ropa, telas, utensillos de cocina y adornos, de muy buena calidad y precio, aunque por su naturaleza callejera, todo está abierto al regateo. Alguno de estos mercados son los de Etiler Yesilkoy, que comienzan muy temprano y duran hasta la puesta de sol. Hay otros en Bakirkoy, Fathi o Kadikoy, según el día de la semana. Una buena opción es armar un itinerario de visita a estos barrios según el día en que instalan sus ferias.

Si prefiere algo más clásico, en los centros comerciales puede encontrar boutiques y tiendas de artículos también a precios atractivos. Además también encontrará las marcas reconocidas mundialmente en los elegantes negocios de Bagdat Caddesi. Otras tiendas que pueden resultar de interés se encuentran en Cevahir, o los centros comerciales de Kanyon.

Kanyon Shopping Mall

Pero si busca comprar artículos regionales no puede dejar de visitar el Gran Bazar, Kapalı Çarsı, uno de los mayores mercados del mundo y el más grande de Turquía. Resulta de gran atractivo turístico ya que dentro de él se pueden visitar una mezquita, doce capillas y seis fuentes. Le recomendamos entrar por la puerta principal llamada Nuruosmaniye, para luego encontrarse con las más de cuatro mil tiendas de todo tipo. Telas, alfombras, joyas, lo que sea que busque podrá encontrarlo en el Gran Bazar de Estambul. Las tiendas están organizadas según los artículos de venta, y le recomendamos pasar a ver los Nazar Bonjuks, que son adornos hechos a mano y según la tradición traen buena suerte y alejan a “los malos espíritus”.

El Gran Bazaar

Más pequeño pero también de gran hermosura puede encontrar el Bazar Egipcio, que cuenta con unas 80 tiendas, y su entrada principal se encuentra frente a la mezquita. A diferencia del Kapali Carse, en el Bazar Egipcio podrá encontrar herbolarios, tiendas de especias, perfumes, esponjas naturales, entre otras cosas. Predomina un ambiente mucho más oriental y natural, y en su interior podrá visitar un mercado de flores y pájaros del exterior. Una experiencia imperdible.Llévese los mejores souvenirs, mientras disfruta de un paseo formidable por la cultura de Estambul.

Cerámica del Turco

Ready to go Istanbul but what to see in there?

You just read Dan Brown's Inferno, or watched Ben Affleck's Argo or James Bond "Skyfall" in which he destroys the market place with a motorcycle. You booked the plane ticket, reserved your hotel in Sultanahmet but have no idea about what to see? 

If its your first time in Istanbul, don't rush yourself to see everything, you cant! Do it easy and enjoy Istanbul in peace. Begin your trip with visits to the highlights of the city.

The Hagia Sophia Museum: Originally built as a Christian church between 532 and 537 AD by the emperor Justinian, it became a mosque in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. It remained as such until 1935, when it became a museum. For 1,000 years, its dome was the world’s largest – 98ft in diameter, surpassed only in the 16th century with the construction of St. Peter’s in Rome.

Interior of St Sophia

Topkapi Palace and the Spoon makers Diamond: The world’s seventh largest diamond was allegedly found on a rubbish heap in 1669 and bartered to a spoon maker who, in turn, sold it to a jeweler. It sits in the Topkapi Palace that was completed during the 15th century and home of Ottoman sultans for centuries.

Topkapi Palace

Kariye (Chora) Church : An extraordinary Byzantine church dating from the 11th Century. Inside are truly unparralelled mosaics and frescoes depicting the lives of Christ and Mary.

Suleymaniye Mosque: Often mistaken for the Blue Mosque by first time visitors, Suleymaniye Mosque dominates the Istanbul skyline and provides a magnificent landmark for the entire city.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts : A must-see place if you have a passion for textiles and calligraphy. The floor-to-ceiling Usak carpets and beautifully illuminated Qurans are housed in a building that was originally the palace of Ibrahim Pasha,Grand Vizier to Suleiman the magnificent.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum : Didvided into three buildings, this museum contains artefacts from the Hittite empire,Pre-islamic Ottoman relics ,Egyptian and Lycian sarcophagi and galleries of statues.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Istanbul is not Constantinople anymore!

Its pitty! I wish it could be Constantinople and I were able to see the most powerful years of the Eastern Roman Empire. Imagine walking through the beautiful architectural buildings, Roman forums, see the original Hagia Sophia, join in a  horse race in the Hippodrome, sail from Europe to Asia by a Byzantine style wooden boat. Wow what a dream it is!

Walking in the Old Town, View of St Sophia

Anyway, I born too late to see all these and I have to bear with the traffic of Istanbul. But I still love living in this city. I can still cross the Bosphorus with my super yacht. 

For me, Istanbul is unquestionably one of the world’s great metropolises. It has served as a capital of great civilizations including the Roman and Ottoman Empire. Straddling Europe and Asia on both sides of the Bosphorus, it is an endlessly and compelling blend of East and West.

Crossing The Bosphorus By Ferry, Europe is on the right and Asia on the left so Where am I?

Historic sites such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace are vivid reminders of the city‘s long run of glory, while teeming bazaars (Grand Bazaar, Spice Market and Arasta Bazaar) and ancient Turkish Baths also offer a window into the past.

Its history is not the only lure. International press have been talking up Istanbul for many years. There are numerous innovative boutiques, bars, galleries, clubs, and restaurants as there are Ottoman mosques. 

So the question : where to start?

Tourist Map of Istanbul, Anybody has GPS??