Shopping: Istanbul has been a port town pretty much

its whole history, goods have transported in and out

of the city for 1000's of years. In modern Istabul, things

have not changed much which makes shopping in

Istanbul, not just about buying things but an experience

in itself. You will find every other high street brands from

personal accessories to elctrical and electronic

retailers. One of the most popular area is Taksim

Square which is nothing short of Oxford Street in

London. However, head down to Beyazit Square

for the real deal, The Grand Bazaar, apart from the fact

that its probably the worlds oldest covered market, it

boast 4,000 stores. And not too far down is the Eygptian

Spice Market and flea market. What you will get at the

bazaars can never be guessed upon, as the possibilities

are limitless, prices will depend on how low you can

make them, local landlords will welcome a good barganing.

Some of the interesting things to look for;

*Brass and Copper articles for home decor

*Beautiful handmade carpets and seccade

*Exquisite ceramics, which are colored tile work ('fiance')

*Traditional heavily wrought jewelry and intricately items

*Kilims in appealing earthy colors and outstanding designs

*Leather Apparel of all kinds

*Fine silk.

*Intricately worked wood inlaid objects of art.

Activities: Istanbul's cultural activities, both traditional

and contemporary, are rich and varied, there are

numerous historical and cultural sights in Istanbul,

stretching from Golden Horn to the Sea of Marmara;

the Theodosian Walls are the cities most eloquent

monument. If you follow the Bosphorus, it will bring

you to Dolmabahce Palace, an exuberant vision not to

be missed. There are many museums in Istanbul

including the Archaeology museum, founded in 1891.

The Fine Arts Museum houses permanent collections

presenting Turkish arts alongside works of world famous

artists, an impressionist collection, sculptures and works

of military painters.

Nightlife: Istanbul has a vibrant and colourful nightlife with

something to suit all tastes. You can find nightlife in just

about every corner, you're never far away from

a lively bar or club! For the best choice of places to visit is

in the area called Beyoglu, this is the city’s entertainment

centre. The greatest concentration of restaurants, bars

and clubs is on the famous Istiklal Caddesi so if you want

to be right in the heart of all the action stay in a hotel

along the street, you’ll find rock clubs, jazz clubs, R&B and

Hip Hop trance and techno, and dance music clubs and

many of these feature live bands regularly. An authentic

Turkish experience can be combined with a racuous nights

drinking at one of Turkey's 'meyhane's. These tavern's

serve raki, beer and wine, along with an awe-inspiring

selection of mezes (starters), succulent kebabs and fruits.

A favourite location for raki drinking, the atmosphere gets

louder and merrier as the night progresses, with patrons

often breaking into impromtu renditions of Turkish classics.

Most famous meyhanes in Istanbul are located in the Cicek

Pasaj, Beyoglu a bustling passage whose many meyhanes

are interspersed with flower, fish and vegetable stalls, and

where street musicians and vendors wander among the

revellers. For those who want to see something more exotic

many nightclubs offer "Oriental shows" with sequined

bellydancers, troupes of Russian or Romanian dancers, and

flashy caberet singers.

Recomended for first time visitors;

*Sultanahmet District
*Taksim and Beyoglu
*Topkapi Palace 

*Dolmabahce Palace
*Haghia Sophia 

*Haghia Eirene Church
*The Archaeological Museum
*Rumeli Fortress
*Beylerbeyi Summer Retreat
*Galata Tower
*Kiz Kulesi (Maiden's Tower)
*Basilica Cistern (underground reservoir)
*Grand Covered Bazaar
*Beyoglu (old commercial district)
*Bosphorus Cruises
*Akmerkez Shopping Mall
*Street Markets, different day in different area