Historical Visit
These are all around Sultanahmet , which is the main historical touristic area. It’s just 10 minutes away by Taxi from Taksim.
This one is my favourite:
Basilica Cistern
The Topkapi palace is a place to see, this area needs a whole day to walk around.
http://guidepal.com/istanbul/see–do/galata-tower
The Galata Tower (also my favourite shopping area)
http://guidepal.com/istanbul/see–do/galata-tower
the most 2 famous mosque’s to visit:
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul-blue-mosque
the very famous grand bazaar for traditional shopping;
http://www.grandbazaarturkey.com/
and the spice market:
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/GoldenHorn/EgyptianMarket.html
the Hammam, must do!
You should, for sure go to the Cagaloglu Hammam for a nice warm bath and a good massage.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g293974-d524121-Reviews-Cagaloglu_Baths-Istanbul.html
Some hammam tips:
They will povide you a bath –wrap but still you can take a bikini, or just a bottom with you.
Don’t forget to take your slippers, and a hammam is a great place to put on a beauty mask on your face.
Shopping
Beside the Istinye park shopping mall which I mostly enjoy shopping but not authentic for sure ( only well known world brands); for some cool and vintage stores on streets here are the areas both around Taksim:
Galata Area
This area is also where the very famous historical Galata tower is. I go here very often for the cool shops and having a coffee break. It’s a must visit area.
Serdar-ı Ekrem street is the area to find following stores:
Here are more details;
http://www.theguideistanbul.com/news/view/531/a-day-on-serdar-i-ekrem-caddesi-in-galata/
These are my favourites
Lunapark, Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No. 17/B, Galata; P: (0212) 245 94 14
290sqm, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No.27, Galata; P: (0212) 249 01 21
Fifth Ave Galata, Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No.17/B, Galata; P: (0542) 647 11 03
and dont’t forget to have a coffee with a beautiful view of Istanbul on top of Georges Hotel. This hotel doesn’t have a sign in front, better check the location:
Cihangir & Cukurcuma area
The Çukurcuma area is just around the corner of the Galatasaray high school. You can find stores for tailor made clothing and vintage clothes. Cihangir is an area next to it. It’s surrounded with cozy, hip cafes and stores to visit.
Here is a link mentioning about it:
http://www.mydestination.com/istanbul/shopping/110965/cukurcuma-street
Gallery
Sergi Kultur Salt
http://www.saltonline.org/en/anasayfa
Lately the most famous gallery to visit is Salt, it also has a nice restaurant.
It has 2 addresses:
SALT Beyoğlu
founded by Garanti
İstiklal Caddesi 136
Beyoğlu 34430 İstanbul Türkiye
View on the map
T +90 212 377 42 00
SALT Galata
founded by Garanti
Bankalar Caddesi 11
Karaköy 34420 İstanbul Türkiye
View on the map
Sanatorium
This is a lately popular gallery:
http://www.sanatorium.com.tr/php/index.php?mid=8764385769887&dl=2
Istanbul Modern
It also has a beautiful restarant, with a wonderful sea view.
http://www.istanbulmodern.org/
Food
Naif
Lately my favourite restaurant. All local food. Very fresh and all ingredients come originally from there own hometowns. The area around Naif is top to have drinks and dance for late night. Reservation will be needed.
http://www.theguideistanbul.com/spots/view/3932/naif/
Phone Number: (0212) 251 53 35
Address: Mumhane Caddesi No. 52
Yeni Lokanta
At Taksim/Beyoğlu area. Small cozy atmosphere, best food ever! Definately need a reservation.
http://www.deliciousistanbul.com/blog/2013/06/30/yeni-lokanta/
Address:İstiklal Caddesi Kumbaracı Yokuşu No 66 Beyoğlu Telefon: 0090 212 292 25 50
Duble Meze Bar
On the top of Palazzo Donizetti Hotel in Taksim area. Newly opened, beautiful Istanbul view. They have various Meze’s, I go here very often. Again a reservation is needed.
Maya ( Karaköy area)
This place is for Turkish/Mediterranean food. The Meze’s are one of the best in town. Definitely needs a reservation.
http://www.lokantamaya.com/lokanta.html
reservation;0 212 252 68 84
Kemankeş Cad. 35 A
Karaköy İstanbul
Unter (nice for drink, dinner, dancing…)
Adres: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh., Karaali Kaptan Sk No:4, Karaköy
Telefon:(0212) 244 5151
Closed on mondays
Karabatak (morely a cafe just across Unter)
A veery nice and comfy cafe to visit.
http://www.theguideistanbul.com/spots/detail/2639/-Karabatak-Karakoy-Julius-Meinl
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi Kara Ali Kaptan Sokak No.7
District: Karaköy
Mum’s Cafe
A great place to have a cup of coffee, good desserts, and they also serve Turkish breakfast.
Adres: Kemankeş Mah., Fransız Geçidi Sok. No:1 D:16-17, Karaköy/İstanbul
Telefon:(0212) 245 9848
Hamdi Restaurant
It’s in the heart of Istanbul, in a very historical place near the Grand Bazaar the mosque’s, the traditional food is great. Lots of tourist go there and also local people, I advise it for Turkish cuisine and of course Kebap.
Tahmis Caddesi Kalçın Sokak No:17 Eminönü – İSTANBUL
Tel: +9(0533) 658 80 11 – +9(0555) 992 38 78 – +9(0212) 528 03 90
Zuma Restauant (Contemporary Japanese Cuisine)
The internationally known Zuma. Next to the Bosphorus. Best in summer time.
Salhane sokak no:7 Ortaköy- İSTANBUL
Tel: +90 212 236 22 96
Magical Guide 