Things to Do in Istanbul That Aren't Obvious
It's easy to get Istanbul wrongbarley. I learned that the hard way on my first morning, when I tried to navigate the Spice Bazaar by following a group of tourists who were all heading the wrong way. I ended up in a tiny alley off Divan Yolu, where a vendor handed me a steaming cup of çay with a smile and pointed me back to the main path. That’s when I realized: Istanbul isn’t just a city to visit—it’s a city to be guided through, one step at a time. My advice? Skip the overpriced tourist traps on Istiklal Street and head to the neighborhood of Kadıköy instead. Just across the Bosphorus from the historic peninsula, this vibrant area is where locals live, eat, and unwind. Start your day with a breakfast of simit (a sesame-crusted bread ring) and a glass of fresh pomegranate juice at a tiny spot called Kızılay Simitçisi. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for just 5 Turkish lira (about $0.25), you’ll get a satisfying start to your day. Afterward, wander through the narrow streets ...