Istanbul, Turkey

A long weekend in the majestic gateway to Europe

4 nights, October 2019

Day 1

Arrive in Istanbul
Taxi to accommodation in Contemporary Istanbul
Cocktails at Moretenders Cocktail Crib: art deco mixed with blade runner vibes with some nicely served cocktails
Dinner at Neolokal: a Turkish fine dining experience with stunning view a across the Bosphorus, request a table next to the window

Day 2

Climb the Galata Tower for views across the region
Walk across the Galata Bridge towards the Grand Bazaar
Spend some time exploring the vast and impressive Grand Bazaar
Lunch at Şehzade Cağ Kebap: a specialist in Doner Kebabs with high quality meat
Coffee at Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi: traditional Turkish coffee house serving their locally renowned product
Drinks at Mikla: modern rooftop bar/restaurant with stunning views across Istanbul
Dinner at Aheste: rustic restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere, serving exceptional Turkish mezze dishes

Day 3

1 day Private Guided Tour through Guided Istanbul Tours (0900-1500)
Lunch at Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant: your tour guide will likely take you here. Doesn’t look like much but they serve delicious and fresh Turkish donna kebabs
Book afternoon Hammam at Ayasofya Hamami: 16th-century, Ottoman-style hammam offering traditional baths & massages. A must
Dinner at Duble Meze Bar: lively restaurant with excellent sunset views and great meze dishes

Day 4

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque using the metro: M2 (green) Şişhane > Vezneciler
Lunch nearby at Giriftar Cafe: a fantastic place with excellent views, service, international dishes
Free afternoon:
- Re-visit the Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
- Pera Museum
Sunset Bosphorus Cruise: see the sights from the water
Dinner at Karakoy Lokantasi: well decorated restaurant, serving delicious Turkish meze dishes. Octopus was delicious

Day 5

Lunch at Helvetia: cheap and cheerful, buffet style restaurant with excellent homemade local cuisine
Taxi to airport

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