▌ Istanbul Through the Eyes of

▌ Istanbul Through the Eyes of One Who Lived on Taksim: Three Days Like a Fairytale Between Sea, Mosques, and Eggplants

I didn’t just visit Istanbul. I lived here—on Taksim, in the heart of noise, music, and eternal movement. Where mornings are called by minarets, days by markets, and nights by dancing souls.

Here’s my perfect itinerary for three days, where every step is an adventure, and each stop is love.

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📅 Itinerary

Day 1: City Heart — Taksim, Galata Tower, Bahçeşehir

- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Mandabatmaz (Taksim)—legendary kahvaltı pidesi (Turkish cheesecake with nuts).
- 11:00 AM: Walk along İstiklal Avenue—a car-free street full of vintage shops, bookstores, and art galleries.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Hafız Mustafa—eggplant in yogurt, hummus, baklava, Turkish coffee.
- 3:00 PM: Ascent to Galata Tower—the view of all Istanbul as if from dream heights.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset in Kadıköy district (Asian side)—ferry across Bosphorus, evening cafes, atmosphere of freedom.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner at Köşkeroğlu Et Lokantası—braised beef with potatoes, homemade bread, red wine.

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Day 2: Imperial Splendor — Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque

- 7:30 AM: Early walk to Hagia Sophia—without crowds, in the light of morning sun.
- 9:30 AM: Blue Mosque—beauty that makes you speechless.
- 11:00 AM: Basilica Cistern—underground world with columns and Medusa heads.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta—meatballs with yogurt.
- 3:00 PM: Grand Bazaar—not buying but feeling: scents of cinnamon, rose water, leather.
- 6:00 PM: Coffee on the roof of Seven Hills Hotel—view of mosques, sunset over sea.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse (yes, THAT one)—steak worth its price.

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Day 3: Soul of the Bosphorus — Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bosphorus Strait

- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Bebek Kahve—cheese, olives, tomatoes, tea in porcelain cup.
- 10:00 AM: Stroll through Yıldız Park—along Bosphorus, with views of palaces.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Ortaköy Square—kalın ekmek (thick pizza with cheese and ham) and roasted chestnuts.
- 2:00 PM: Ferry ride to Princes’ Islands (Büyükada)—bicycle, silence, villas of XIX century.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset at Beşiktaş shoreline—view of Dolmabahçe Palace lit up.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin—grilled fish, raki, sea within two steps.

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🏨 Accommodation

The Marmara Taksim—perfect. Roof with city view, quiet rooms, 1950s style with modern comfort. Step out—and you're already in the center of life.

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🥗 Food Recommendations

- Tea: Çaykur on every corner.
- Baklava: Hafız Mustafa or Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
- Fish & rakı: Balıkçı Sabahattin.
- Turkish coffee: Mandabatmaz or Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi (Grand Bazaar).
- Fresh juices: On any street, especially watermelon juice in summer.

📌 Tips

- Transportation pass Istanbulkart—for metro, tram, ferry.
- Shoes—comfortable ones! The city is hilly.
- Mosques—free entry, dress modestly.
- Ferries—best way to see the city.
- Negotiate prices at bazaar