New York Times’ 36-Hour Istanbul Guide: Must-Do Activities in the City That Never Sleeps
The New York Times magazine prepared an Istanbul guide in 36 hours. Describing Istanbul as ‘the city that does not sleep’, the magazine prepared an hour-by-hour list for those who plan to travel. The guide also included symbols of the city such as Turkey's cats, fishermen and pastry shops.
Here is the New York Times' Istanbul guide 👇
"I saw you from a hill yesterday, dear Istanbul!"
You may have come across many lists of 'the most beautiful cities in the world' by many institutions and organisations. Forget all the lists, Istanbul is the most beautiful city in the world, if we ignore the fact that it is getting more and more crowded and sinking into concrete... Surrounded by the sea, with its seagulls, cats and history, Istanbul's beauty is being destroyed by human hands. The hills where trees once towered are now surrounded by skyscrapers. While it should be turned into a paradise with its overcrowded crowds and traffic jams at all hours of the day, it is being dragged towards an irreversible disaster.
Istanbul is not a city to be visited in a day or even a few weeks. Istanbul, which has a story at every point and is bursting with history, is a city that is flirtatious enough to steal the heart of every tourist... The beauty and texture of Istanbul were the subject of the New York Times, the world's leading organisation.
The New York Times shared its Istanbul guide in 36 hours with the readers.
In the New York Times article, Istanbul was first described with the following words:
'Istanbul, the Turkish city that connects two continents, never really sleeps. In the early morning hours, seagulls soar in the sky, motorbikes whiz around corners and street vendors drive their carts onto the pavements. Crowds of 16 million people fill the days and even the ubiquitous cats, so beloved by many locals, seem to be busy. By evening, families, couples and friends flock to the city's enormous choice of restaurants and cafes, their conversations coloured by the black tea. A centre of culture, trade and power for more than 2,000 years, known as Istanbul since 1930, the city with its Byzantine and Ottoman buildings, is a place where the past never feels distant. Yet contemporary culture thrives here.'
The following statements were included in the “suggestions” section of the article:
The Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century water storage facility that resembles a large underground lake and attracts attention with its huge columns, was reopened in 2022 after years of renovation work.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, a former church from the Byzantine period, is an awe-inspiring architectural structure located in the historic centre of the city.
Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, houses a museum of weapons, jewellery and textiles and a former harem.
The recently restored Zeyrek Tiled Bath offers the ultimate pampering experience with scrub and foam massages in the marble-lined bath area under the dome.
Yapı Kredi Bomontiada, an entertainment complex built around a lively courtyard, consists of Babylon, a live music hall and a Populist beer garden.
Hour-by-hour must-dos in the city that never sleeps👇🏻
Friday
15:00 - Discover Turkish art
Istanbul Modern, an impressive concrete and steel museum that opened in 2023, is located on the banks of the Bosphorus, the busy waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of the city (admission costs 750 lira, or $19). Rotating exhibitions on the ground floor showcase contemporary art.
16:30 - Grab a bite to eat and go shopping
From Istanbul Modern, head to Karaköy, a swanky harbour neighbourhood where, next to five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, open-air fish wraps or grilled fish and vegetable wraps are sold. One of these stands, Meşhur Balıkçı Eyyüp Usta, takes the fish wrap to the next level with its pomegranate syrup and spice coating (180 lira)
20:00 - Dine in a revitalised 1960s villa
With its Art Deco chandeliers, ivy-covered courtyard and caramel leather benches, Arkestra feels like the set of a remake of 'The Great Gatsby'. This renovated 1960s villa in the upscale Etiler neighbourhood on the European side of the city features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a bistro and a music hall, all of which require reservations, which can be made through the website.
Saturday
10:00 - Enjoy a breakfast feast
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a Turkish breakfast or brunch featuring cheeses, olives, spreads, breads, eggs and more.
12:00 - Time travel
In the Fatih neighbourhood, home to some of Istanbul's UNESCO-designated historic sites, four must-see sights are within walking distance of each other. Start with the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a sixth-century church that was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the city (entrance fee 1,050 lira). Then visit the breathtaking Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
15:00 - Get the royal treatment at the Hammam
For the ultimate relaxation experience, visit Zeyrek Tiled Hammam, a 16th-century bathhouse recently reopened after a 13-year, $15 million restoration
18:00 - Glide between Asia and Europe for $1
Istanbul, which divides the two continents with a narrow strip of water, is full of boat tours. The cheapest and easiest way to sail is by ferry. The journey from Eminönü, the port part of the historic centre on the European side, to Kadıköy, a bustling area on the Asian side, takes about 20 minutes and offers spectacular views of Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara (one-way ticket, 40 lira).
18:30 - Find your way with snacks in Kadıköy
In the bustling heart of Kadıköy, locals shop, sip tea and nibble on street food in the narrow streets. Prepare dinner according to what's calling you.
22:00 - Enjoy live music
Hop on a ferry, metro or bus or take a taxi back to the European side and head to the affluent Bomonti neighbourhood for a concert or DJ performance at Babylon, part of the Yapi Kredi Bomontiada entertainment complex.
Sunday
09:00 - Start the day on a sweet note
For those with a sweet tooth, no visit to Istanbul would be complete without baklava, a sweet, syrupy pastry made from layers of phyllo dough.
10:00 - Escape to the Islands
Take a tram or bus (one-way ticket, 88.38 lira) to one of the Prince Islands in the Sea of Marmara, southeast of the city. During the 90-minute boat journey, you can see dolphins jumping.
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