The Best of ISTANBUL

[saren]

The Best of ISTANBUL

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:
1) memorable/dramatic scenery, landscape photography, or specifically where to find the best (viewpoints, vistas, city views, natural views, panoramas, sunsets, etc..)
2) also looking for hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and other amazing, breathtaking views?
3) lovely/charming streets, cute villages, hidden nooks/places?
4) specialty/unique regional cuisine/gastronomy (at places where local's eat @ local's prices (5-10USmax). Here food must be made with love, and regional favorites are specialties. Also the fewer tourists - the better.

What I've got so far...

Blue mosque, Haga sophia, Topakapi palace, Shahzade Mosque, Sulemaine mosque, Ortakoy Mosque, Ibrahim Pasha mosque, Fatih mosuqe, Mehmet mosque, Iznik mosque, Cihangir mosque, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Mihrimah Mosque, Yeni Valide Camii, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Beyazit Mosque, Nusretiye Mosque, view of Maidan tower at Sunset (from boat?), Mikla restaurant view (Marmara pera hotel rooftop), Grilled fish sandwiches from boats near the Galata Bridge, with lemon, salt, raw onions, and pickles, sunset view of Old town (from Karaköy wharf/Galata bridge), Balat/Fenner architecture? (what's here?), Yedikule neighbourhood (what's here?), Anadolu Kavagi, views of Old town from hotel rooftops on Asian side, Soguk Cesme Sokak street (and other wooden houses), Kilimli beach (Ağva), Yerebatan Saray Sarnici, Çamlıca Hill, what is attractive in Kemalpaşa?


If you can help me edit my list (group items based on district, etc...), that would really help. Of course, feel free to add, or remove items as you like. I'll have 5 weeks to explore Istanbul.

Thanks

[Samy]

hi,
you need a gastronomy advice?
Want to eat at local places (preferably with locals may be) for less than 10-20 $?
You need advice?
My advice is : it is better to write in Lonely Planet Travel Guides and Travel Information there is a forum there. Go to Turkey section under Europe and ask these questions there. You find only few answers which will not satisfy you here.

Forget eating very delicious food for less than 10 usd in Istanbul.

I can recommend you Hacı Abdullah at İstiklal Caddesi, Kanaat Lokantası at Üsküdar (around 15-20 usd). Darüzziyafe at Süleymaniye (around 25-60usd).
You may make a google search for them.

And pls keep in mind that: this is a site for biking.