1. The attitude

Istanbulites in general are friendly, helpful and polite people who have strong attitude toward life. Whether good or bad happens, they are not afraid to defend their rights and whatever is the right thing. Istanbulites are also social, communal and masters in networking. They help each other out in bad times and rejoice together in good times.
It´s great and respectable!

2. Ways to commute + Bosphorus Strait

There are many options for commuting around Istanbul. You can use the subway, metrobus, tram, bus, minibus (Dolmus in Turkish) or Marmaray commuter train which will take you under the Bosphorus from the continent to the other. Taxis are also often used because they are relatively cheap and often a necessary part of the journey in metropolis like Istanbul. However, the car is usually the slowest option because traffic is often very congested. The best thing is you can use a ferry to get to various locations along the Bosphorus. There are countless routes, and at the same time you can enjoy the best part of Istanbul – the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait.

3. The food and the delicacies

Turkey is a country of delicious food and it´s visible especially in Istanbul. Of course, you will find everything here, but the most wonderful are the ever fresh and tasty vegetables, the fruits and seafood, which you can often choose straight out from a stand before cooking. All the food is so delicious, that even the carnivore of our family is completely in love with vegetable food of Istanbul.
The ice cream and all the other delicacies are so mouthwatering and sweet, that in Istanbul, you have to control yourself if you plan to stay in the city longer. But on vacation, enjoy and taste just about everything!

4. Istanbul Sapphire – view

Istanbul Sapphire is a skyscraper located in the central business district of Levent on the European side of the city.
It was Istanbul’s and Turkey’s tallest skyscraper between 2010 and 2016, and the 4th tallest building in Europe when its construction was completed in 2010. Sapphire rises 54 floors above the ground level, and has a roof height of 238 meters: the building has an overall structural height of 261 meters including its spire, which is part of the design.
As of 2019, Istanbul Sapphire is the 4th tallest skyscraper in Istanbul and Turkey.
The view of the roof terrace is stunning and unique all over Istanbul. Among other things, you can see all three Istanbul bridges from Europe to Asia at the same time. It´s breathtaking!

5. Nuts Kadıköy

Kadıköy is a large, densely populated and international district on the Asian side of Istanbul on the northern shore of Marmara Sea. It´s located on the opposite side of the historical center which sits on the European side of the Bosphorus. Kadıköy is also the name of the area’s most important neighborhood: a residential and commercial area, which with its numerous bars, movie theatres and bookstores, is a cultural center of the Anatolia side of Istanbul. Kadıköy truly is full of life, interesting, loud and crazy place.  Istanbul’s nightlife is nowadays largely focused on Kadıköy as well.

6. Princes´ Islands

The Princes´ Islands (Adalar) are a scenic and peaceful retreat just off Istanbul in Marmara Sea, just a short ferry ride away. During the summer months, Princes´ Islands are a popular destination for a dayly trips among tourists and Istanbulites alike. Since there is no motor traffic on the islands, the commuting was done by horses and carts for a long time. This is now changing though, and the horses are being replaced by electric vehicles. On the Princes´Islands you can easily leave the chaos of Istanbul and go to the stunning seascapes in the middle of nature.

7. Cezayir Street

Cezayir Street (Cezayir Sokağı, formerly known as French Street) is a fascinating and fun, a steep promenade consisting of stairs, full of colorful couches on both sides. Here you can eat, drink and enjoy live music every night. You will surely be delighted with the multicolored, beautiful and unique atmosphere!

8. Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace Hotel is a historical luxury hotel in Beyoğlu district. The hotel was built in 1892 to accommodate passengers on the infamous Orient Express train. It has a particularly charming atmosphere with its lobby and halls with alongside its 19th-century Oriental décor. The hotel has been visited by many famous people throughout history. Agatha Christie wrote her novel “Murder on the Orient Express” at the Pera Palace Hotel in 1934. And here you really can easily imagine to stumble upon Hercule Poirot.

9. The area of Kalamiş

Kalamiş is one of Istanbul’s most charming areas in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side of the city. Its neighbours include Moda, Fenerbahçe, Göztepe and Bostancı. In Kalamiş  you will find a beautiful marina that joins with large and green Fenerbahçe Park. Here you can enjoy delicious food in ever trustworthy Happy Moon’s restaurant on the waterfront terrace. And if you want some luxury, you can stay at the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel.

10. Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Sakıp Sabancı Museum (Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi) is a private fine arts museum dedicated to calligraphic art, religious and government related documents, as well as paintings from the Ottoman era. Aside from permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts national and foreign temporary exhibitions and hosts cultural events on the weekends. You can also grab a cup of coffee or dine here with the breathtaking Bosphorus view. The garden is also especially charming.