| Istanbul, like any other city offers a variety and | | | | place to experience the Islamic faith. There you can |
| different grades of tourist attractions based on your | | | | attend the Dervish Ceremony for a more mystic and |
| budget and your interests. It is not your budget that | | | | liberal taste of Islam. For Christianity, a must is to visit |
| determines the kind of tourism you will experience, but | | | | the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the |
| rather the approach you take. | | | | official seat of the Orthodox Church for the past 1,700 |
| The best way to enjoy oneself as a tourist is to | | | | years - it is located in the neighbourhood of Fener and |
| decide what type of tourist you wish to be. Do you | | | | reachable through public transportation. For a feel of |
| wish to be packaged in a package tour, or do you | | | | Byzantine Christianity, visit the Church of Chora, very |
| trust your own wisdom for what makes a great visit? I | | | | peaceful and well preserved. For Judaism, the Grand |
| presume here that you are decided to make the most | | | | Rabbinate of Turkey is the place to visit and get |
| of your visit and that the way you wish to explore | | | | informed on the Judaic Heritage of Istanbul. Many |
| Istanbul is by appreciating its value as the cross-road | | | | Synagogues are still active and smaller ones can be |
| of European and Asian Culture. Istanbul is about fusion. | | | | visited some feature museum exhibits as well. The |
| I will walk you through the minimum of what you | | | | Italian Synagogue is by far one of the most beautiful |
| shouldn't miss to get a real taste of this city. You may | | | | Synagogues you will ever see. |
| fill-in the blanks as you travel. | | | | Markets and shopping |
| Ottoman Opulence | | | | Istanbul is all about trade and commerce. The traditional |
| The Ottoman Era left a definite print on this city. The | | | | markets are great for shopping with your eyes. Prices |
| best place to visit is the Dolmabahce Palace. This will | | | | there 'ouch' even if the quality of the goods is superior. |
| stretch your knowledge and strolling around this palace | | | | Do not give in to merchant pressure. If you really want |
| will put you in the skin of the greatest Pashas of the | | | | to get your money's worth in the tourist areas, try the |
| Ottoman Empire. You will also feel in Europe. This | | | | Egyptian Bazaar. The shops that surround all Bazaars |
| palace is filled with the world's largest and most | | | | provide the same products for up to 30% less with |
| impressive chandeliers. Top this up with eating at one | | | | less décor. Side shops are great for food, |
| of the many traditional and authentic Ottoman-style | | | | spices, tea, clothing, household items. Remember if you |
| cuisine restaurants. In the evening, dare to pamper | | | | are not sure where to shop, look if locals shop there |
| yourself at a traditional and very reasonably priced | | | | and keep an eye on what they are paying - you |
| Turkish Bath - Hammam. Dive 300 years back on a | | | | shouldn't pay more. Do not be intimidated to bargain, |
| reasonable budget. Take back a souvenir of Ottoman | | | | but realize that it must be done in a respectful way to |
| opulence. Traditional ceramic tiles are a must. Check | | | | attain a win-win situation. |
| on reverse for signature of authenticity. | | | | Night-life |
| Enjoy the Views and the Landscapes | | | | Istanbul offers a variety of 'Oriental Shows' including |
| Istanbul is a strategically located city and is all about | | | | belly-dancing and intense partying. Try to find authentic |
| views! Appreciate the landscape - your budget is a | | | | Turkish Nights and shows that are not infested with |
| good pair of walking shoes and your senses. Go to | | | | groups of 300 tourists at a time, especially if you are |
| the Golden Horn, an area where Istanbul is divided | | | | travelling in a small group, you may not be able to enter |
| between the East and the West. Get on the Galata | | | | or will feel the severe difference in the level of |
| bridge and enjoy the breath-taking views. If you can | | | | customer services. Taxim is a great place for a cup of |
| splurge, visit the Princess Islands where the Byzantine | | | | coffee even late at night and certainly Istanbul buzzes |
| princes and princesses would spend their summer time | | | | with night-life. Fish restaurants is a must in Istanbul with |
| vacations. | | | | great views of the Bosporus. Gastronomy is also on |
| Experience Diverse Spirituality | | | | the rise with a variety of fusion restaurants. |
| Istanbul is the home to three major religions. | | | | I recommend a minimum of 5 days to enjoy the above |
| For Islam, many mosques are available for visits. The | | | | and combine it to your personalized interests. |
| Blue Mosque and its amazing courtyard are a great | | | | And remember, slower tourism is quality tourism! |