The first selection of sites is at walking distance to each other. You can
easliy finish these places in one day if you have a guide, if not it may take longer
by yourself. I would recommend you to start with Hippodrome and continue with
the rest of the selection in order. You dont need to wear something special today
like a scarf. You will also learn how to say " no " which is "
Hayır " . Sounds as " higher " .
Hippodrome:
Think of the Roman chariots and imagine yourself in the crowd
shouting for your team to win. This is how it was in the 2nd century. You will
find yourself shifting through the centuries when you are walking here. The
Obelisk , Serpentine column German Fountain etc. WC near the information center next
to the German Fountain.
Blue Mosque:
All the foreigners call it " The Blue Mosque " except the Turks. The blue
tiles that surround it, has given this name to it. Its original name
is " Sultan Ahmet Mosque ". You can enter from the door behind the
mosque. You take your shoes off and you will be given plastic bags to put your shoes in.
And you carry them in your hands untill you get out. No need
for scarves, if there is something to be covered, the gentleman will
provide you.
Please dont sit down with cross legs, you can put on your shoes when you leave
and do not sit on the wooden shelves in the mosque. They are for the prayers to put their
shoes on while they are praying.
Underground Cistern:
Just fantastic. No need to speak at all. An under
ground well filled up with water that comes by the aquadects from the forests near by the
city. It is just magnificent. But watch out the slippery floor and you get out from
another gate where there is a vaiety of postcards and quality books.
Archeological Museum:
St. Sophia or Hagia Sophia , are the general names the people call for this
incredable masterpiece. It is the 4th biggest Cathedral in the world. You enter from the
side of the hippodrome. Closed on Mondays. Dont miss the upper gallery ( closes at 3:30 -
upper gallery ) opens at 9:00 am. On the way out fantastic mozaics when you turn back and
look the opposite direction of the Cleopatra's gate.
Topkapı Palace:
When you get out of St Sophia turn left and keep walking on your left hand side
untill you get to the other eastern side of the church. You will soon realise the entrance
gate to the palace. You walk about 100 meters more and you will find on your right hand
side the ticket office, WC , and a small shop. In front of you there is a gate this is
where you will have to put all your hand bags on a X-Ray machine for security reasons.
Films over 400 asa can be damaged here, so watch out if you are taking professional
photos.
Famous Konyalı Restaurant is at the end of the palace or you can try the
Pudding shop near by the hippodrome with more reasonable prices before you enter the
palace.
You need to buy additional tickets to go to Harem and you should do that as soon as
you enter the palace because there are guided tours for the Harem. but in my opinion it is
not that much worth a visit, if you will go to Dolmabahce palace or Beylerbeyi.
Today is not a difficult day but to arrange the timing for the bazaars and
the ferrys may be difficult for some people, it is recommended to take a guided tour for
the smoothness of the day.
Grand Bazaar:
My higly advise to you is to visit the bazaar as early as possible. Those of you
who have been there will understand why I advise this. In Turkey people call out from
their shops for customers. This after a point starts to annoy people and rather than
enjoying you start hating walking through the shops. To prevent this, go there in the
morning while they are cleanning their shops and you will have apeaceful time there. It
opens around of 8 :00am in the morning. Poor WC, dont get lost . More than 4000
shops. Takes min. 1:30 hours
Spice Market:
A variety of spices as well as other food items can be found here. If you
are planning to make turkish coffe there is a very famous shop by the end of the market
area. next door is the pet shops and flower shops. Takes 35 min. No WC.
Bosphoros Cruise:
Once called the gypsy ferry is now serving for curious people who want to pass
from one side to the other side making zig zags. Everyday it starts at 10:35 am in front
of the spice market acroos the road. arrives to sariyer on the european side at 11:45.
Pick a cab and return all the way back to the dolmabahce palace. If you want you can enjoy
the beautiful fish restaurants by the sea side. Or for less expensively you may try the
other restaurants on the way.
Dolmabahçe Palace:
Just by the water side, 5 min. to Taxim square. Leave your cameras in the car or you will
have to leave them at the entrance to safe boxes. Addional fare for the cameras are
applied. You have to buy your tickets to the harem here as well. Once the official tour
finishes you can continue with the harem part. Opens at 9:00 am , very crowded on some
days in summer times. Clean WC. Official section takes 45 min by guided tours.
Çamlıca view point :
This is on the asian side where you can go there only with a car. Got a nice view of
the old part of the city and an inspiration point to many artists.
Beylerbeyi Palace:
It is right under below the hills of Camlıca view point.
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