6 Things to Do in Istanbul

Turkish Bath/Hamam

This is a must-do when visiting Istanbul, the roman bath concept but adapted to Turkish tastes. There are several baths in Istanbul but the oldest and the most popular ones are Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Bath, Cagaloglu, Cemberlitas, Suleymaniye, and Galatasaray Baths. Both Suleymaniye and Galatasaray accept mixed groups of men and women.

Visit the Grand Bazaar

It’s a big market where you can purchase jewelry, clothing including winter clothing, shoes, local sweets and Istanbul souvenirs. It is such a busy and vibrant area to be in and a wonderful place to experience local culture. This place is fantastic and truly special... Well worth a visit and a great place to get lost in! So much to see and buy, the atmosphere is great.

Nusr-Et Steakhouse 

Best steaks ever. Very delicious food and drinks. Very beautiful design and service. Made popular by the viral ‘Salt Bae’ meme so now a main attraction for tourists and now the restaurant can be found at a number of cities globally.

Divan Brasserie

A very nice rooftop bar to sit and have something to eat and drink and at the same time enjoying an amazing view from the 18th floor. Really great views over the shipyards ( more interesting than you would think), as well as the waterfront parks, and the nearby marina, further out are the Princes islands.

Blue Mosque

Also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmed Mosque’ a must -do is to explore the heritage behind the blue mosque. It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice.

The Marmara Pera Hotel and Mikla Rooftop Bar

A beautiful terrace on the top floor of the Maramara Pera. One of the only true gourmet restaurants in Istanbul that was opened by the Turkish-Finnish chef Mehmet Gurs . The restaurant has stunning views of the Golden Horn and the menu offers fusion Mediterranean dishes .