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Istanbul, Türkiye
Photo: Metuboy, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Istanbul's New City is a modern district north of Taksim Square. Its neighbourhoods of Elmadağ, Nişantaşı, Kurtuluş and Şişli were built up in the early 20th century, then more recently appeared the business district between Mecidiyeköy and Levent-Maslak. While in the 2020s steel-and-glass skyscrapers are everywhere in Istanbul perhaps except a few deeply historic zones, this is the only area where they form a distinctive skyline rather than a jumble of irregularly spaced high-rises shooting up into the air with much lower buildings inbetween. The district's main thoroughfare is Cumhuriyet Caddesi between Taksim Square and Mecidiyeköy (passing through or near Nişantaşı and Şişli) and its extension Büyükdere Caddesi, which runs through Levent and Maslak and eventually reaches Sarıyer on the Bosphorus bank to the north.
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Atatürk Müzesi
A historic 3-storey house, easily distinguishable among the modern apartment buildings thanks to its brightly coloured and gracefully decorated exterior. This is where the future founder of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Atatürk rented in 1919 while staying in Istanbul before setting sail to Samsun on the Black Sea coast to start the Turkish War of Independence. Hosts Atatürk-related paraphernalia and photos.
Askeri Müze
Among the exhibition of this museum are five thousand pieces from the Ottoman era through WWII, with the most prominent piece possibly being the huge chain that the Byzantines stretched across the mouth of the Golden Horn to keep out the Sultan's navy in 1453 during the siege of Constantinople. In the yard of the museum, the Janissary Band (Mehter Takımı), the world’s oldest military band gives concerts of march music in traditional uniforms each afternoon, at 15:00.
Radyoevi
This building dating back to 1945 houses the local radio branch of the state radio and television corporation of Turkey (TRT). Not exactly an architectural pearl (although fans of the 1940s' totalitarian architecture will likely find its stately façade interesting), but it is prominent for the part it played in the political history of Turkey: It was occupied three times by the Army, in 1960, 1971, and most recently in 1980, when the radio was decidedly the broadcast type ranging most wide and far, to announce that they had launched a coup and taken over the governance of the country.
A neighbourhood east of Şişli known for its Art Nouveau apartment buildings, the ground floors of many of which are upmarket restaurants, cafes, pubs, and garment stores lining the sidewalks. Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, well-known Turkish novelist, is a lifelong resident of the neighbourhood which formed the background of several of his novels.
Next to the Court of Istanbul.
Baklahorani
Despite a 1943 ban on this Greek Orthodox pre-Lent carnival by the Turkish authorities, it has been revived since 2010. The tradition began in the 19th century or earlier, and even though the event was led by local Greeks, the celebrations were open to everyone. It's also a nice opportunity to look into Turkey's multicultural past. Takes place in the Kurtuluş (previously named Tataula) neighborhood.
Maçka Parkı
This park occupies the sides of a valley of this "city of seven hills", with an avenue in the bottom. A 4-person gondola lift line is strung over it, offering a shortcut when walking between Beşiktaş and Taksim Square as well as nice views of the Bosphorus (access to the northern station from Maçka Cd and Eytam Cd, every 5 minutes 08:00-20:00, 1.50 TL pp one-way). There is also a wooden bridge over the bisecting avenue if you prefer to take a stroll through the park.
Homecourt of Galatasaray SK
In Elmadag, near Taksim, has traditional Turkish cuisine (meze, kebabs, desserts) with a show every evening of belly dancing, Turkish folklore and live music.
Has a wonderful meze table and delicious Adana Kebab. The staff speaks very little English but are most anxious to be helpful.
This Zagat-rated kebab joint serves traditional Turkish kebabs in modern/ upscale atmosphere. Levent is the main branch but they have 7 more locations (including 3 express versions) in Istanbul.
Fairly priced salads and wraps among others.
Classic Turkish steak-house.
A neighborhood with dozens of luxury eateries, both in local and international fashion.
A neighborhood which is just across the Sapphire of Istanbul and hosts nice bars.
A bar, restaurant and brewery in one. The crowd is the general Nişantaşı crowd, it also attracts a lot of expatriates.
Ranging from duplex to studio apartments which are all furnished with modern appliances. It's located in the city center and is within a 5 minute walking distance to Taksim. Possibility for short and long term rentals.
Suites with fully equipped kitchens, DVD players, and fax machines. Free wi-fi, breakfast, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness.
3-star jazz-themed hotel with 12 rooms named after famous jazz artists. Free wi-fi and breakfast.
Modern and elegant hotel.
formerly Hyatt Regency
5-star with 360 rooms and suites overlooking the city and the Bosphorus. Hotel has formal dining, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, fitness center and business center.
Family-friendly hotel offers a business center, child-friendly restaurants, fitness facilities with massage parlour, pool and Turkish baths. Rooms have private balconies with views of the Bosphorus and high speed internet access. Opened to service in 1955, this has the distinction of being the oldest Hilton outside the US.
5-star hotel in the residential and shopping district of Nisantasi. Rooms have wi-fi and combine Art Deco style and historic Turkish decor. The hotel also has a spa, swimming pool and restaurants.
Standing tall near the Bosphorus, this 5-star hotel overlooks the Bosphorus and Dolmabahce Palace.
The newest one of malls in Istanbul. At Şişli. Metro: Şişli-Mecidiyeköy. Also accessible from Mecidiyeköy Metrobus Station.
Located a bit away from main street (about 10 min walk) at Mecidiyeköy. Metro: Şişli-Mecidiyeköy. Also accessible from Mecidiyeköy Metrobus Station.
Levent metro station has a direct exit to the mall.
one of the most exclusive shopping malls in Istanbul with sophisticated, modernistic architecture, has a connection to Levent subway station and to Metrocity by an underground passage.
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Pendik, Istanbul · International · SAW
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