Istanbul is set on many steep hills so pack sturdy footwear for urban hikes. Make use of the city’s historic funicular – and the new tram is the best way to reach the old city from areas such as Karakoy.
Drinks Break
Sip refreshing Turkish coffee on the Bosphorus at Assk Kahve. asskkahve.com
Morning Fix
Treat yourself to a hearty Turkish breakfast. Good venues include Cafe Setup in Kabatas, Cafe Private in Galata or Piraye in Kadikoy
Razor Sharp
Have a wet shave at one of Istanbul’s classic barbers. We recommend Cihangir Erkek Kuaforu for the works.
All Aboard
Chart your own boat for an autonomous tour of the city’s waterways or simply call a water taxi and bypass the infamous Istanbul traffic in style.
Walk on the European Side
Take a Bosphorus-side stroll from Bebek to Arnavutkoy, passing fishermen’s boats and large yachts.
Drink and be Merry
Discover the fantastic architecture at Haydarpasa station as you sip your tea on the ferry from Kabatas to Kadikoy.
Forest Trail
Head to the village of Polonezkoy, a Polish settlement founded in 1842. This verdant hamlet is known for its June cherry festival.
Leisure Options
Take the seaplane to Bursa. Try a famous Iskender kebab and take to the thermal waters at one of the city’s spas. From here you can also ski or hike in the hills surrounding Mount Uludag.
Caffeine Hit
Join the long but fast moving queue to buy freshly ground packets of Turkish coffee at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, a historic coffee producer at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. mehmetefendi.com
King of the Castle
Traverse the battlements of the Anadolu Hisari fortress on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, a strategic site built in the 14th century.
Shopping Heaven
Revel in the delights of the Grand Bazaar; stock up on antique copper and Uzbek silk, and drop in on Cuhaci Han for beautiful diamonds.
Royal Visit
Head to Buyukada, the largest island in the Princes’ Island archipelago, and have tea in the Splendid Palace hotel. splendidhotel.net
Seafood Special
Eat a fresh Black Sea mackerel sandwich off a boat that’s pulled into Eminonu pier. Elbows at the ready: there are always crowds
Turkish Coffee
Drop into Mandabatmaz Coffee: this tiny cafe has been manned by brewmaster Cemil Pilik for nearly 20 years. Olivia Gecidi 1/A, Beyoglu
Water Works
Head to the seaside suburb of Florya to see Ataturk’s sea pavilion. Istanbul Caddesi, Florya
Sand and Song
Take a swim on the Black Sea shores at Suma beach – and stay long enough to watch it turn into one of the city’s finest party spots.
Good Afternoon
Sail from Kabatas to Uskudar to walk the backstreets and lunch at Kanaat. kanaatlokantasi.com.tr
Flower Power
Take in the city’s tulip season. Visit Gulhane park’s gardens around Topkapi or Emirgan Park in Sariyer.
Football Furnace
Take in the atmosphere at a local derby; Fenerbahce versus Galatasaray is a particularly heated affair.
Liquid Refreshment
Drink a fresh pomegranate juice from one of the city’s many carts. It’s the perfect vitamin boost for any fading wanderer.
Roll Up, Roll Up
Join the throngs of Turkish housewives at one of the city’s daily markets. Kadikoy’s Tuesday market is well worth a visit.
Bath Time
Get steamy in a hamam. Try Cemberlitas for a really robust scrub or Ayasofya, built for the sultan’s concubine in 1556.
The Old Ones are the Best
Marvel at the city’s Byzantine past at Istanbul’s archaeology museums. istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr
Music to Your Ears
Get a dose of Istanbul’s vibrant jazz scene at subterranean spot Nardis. nardisjazz.com
Room with a View
Have a drink at the Maiden Tower watching the sunset and discover its history as a lighthouse, quarantine station and watchtower. kizkulesi.com.tr
MORE TO SEE IN ISTANBUL
