Places to Visit & Things to Do in Istanbul
The intoxicating colours, sights and smells of Istanbul will make you feel like you have been transported to a magical place – while its history, architecture and dizzying nightlife will assure you that this enchanting city is all too real.
Sights & Attractions in Istanbul
The history of Istanbul alone is enough to fuel a rich holiday experience. Begin with a 15-minute stroll around the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, and see the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, which is illuminated at night with golden and blue lights. Next, tick off the Hagia Sophia, a combined museum and mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient chariot-racing arena and home to gladiatorial games. If you cross the Golden Horn river to the Beyoğlu district, you will find a historic centre, known for its nightlife as much as its landmarks. The Galata Tower can be seen from, and allows views across, the entire district. After sightseeing, wander down İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) for an avenue of boutiques, food and bars.
Art & Culture in Istanbul
The city where east meets west, is usurpingly, bursting with culture. Featuring over one million artefacts, the Archaeological Museums houses many wonders, from ancient tombs to fine arts. For art admirers, swing by the Pera Museum for its particular focus on Orientalism in art, the museum regularly collaborates with international collections to offer a diverse range of exhibitions. The Dolmabahçe Palace features imperial grounds and apartment complexes, decorated with carpets, crystals and porcelains that were gifted to the Sultans throughout history. İstiklal Caddesi may be known as a shopping centre, but it is also home to a number of small galleries, including the Zilberman Gallery and the Galatea Sanat Galerisi. Keep an eye out for seasonal attractions including the month-long Istanbul Music Festival which takes place in the summer and features musicians from all across the world. In autumn, Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition takes place across the city.
Shopping in Istanbul
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, is over 500 years old and features over 4,000 shops. It is like a city within a city, with a police station and post office, as well as everything from antique carpets to hand-crafted leather bags. The Spice Bazaar, near the Eminonu district, is a must-see (and smell). The area has been an active marketplace since the Byzantine era, and due to its harbourside location, much of what comes in and out of Istanbul can be found at your fingertips. Kadıköy’s fish and antique markets carry everything you could imagine needing in your kitchen cupboards (as well as trinkets to take home to loved ones). Under the Blue Mosque, you can find the Arasta Bazaar, and peruse the quality İznik pottery, carpets and kilims and peştemals (Turkish bath wraps). While Çarşamba Bazaar covers the streets of Fatih every Wednesday. Away from the bazaars, try the Demirören Istiklal Mall, Kanyon Shopping Mall or the Zorlu Center, all of which stock leading brands alongside authentic Turkish shops – Beyman and Vakko clothing, Yargıcı accessories and Mavi jeans. For luxury brands, visit the suburbs of Nisantası for Louis Vuitton and Gucci, and Bağdat Caddesi for Chanel and Tommy Hilfiger.
Food & Drink in Istanbul
Turkish cuisine encapsulates much of what is loved about Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Meyhanes, meaning traditional restaurants and bars that serve local foods and beverages, are the place to go for authentic meze and grilled fish. The liveliest line the Nevizade Sokak and Asmalımescit streets in Beyoğlu. For an alternative to the tavern-style locations, try the waterfront restaurants along the Bosphorus for fish dishes designed to take centre stage. Elsewhere, Istanbulites gather around the ocakbaşı, long charcoal grills on which cuts of meat are placed to give a smoky, tender flavour. For quick lunches, try a sulu yemek eating joint, which serves Turkish stews (traditionally cooked with water rather than olive oil). Take a pit stop at the many coffee and baklava places, or stop for a drink at a chic rooftop bar. For a trendy cocktail with a view across the water, try Leb-i Derya or head to the bars and cafes beneath the Galata Bridge for a casual beer and to watch boats and fishermen going to and from the waterfront.
Unique to Istanbul
Hop on the T1 tram to its terminus in Kabataş and board a ferry heading south to the magical Princes’ İslands, a tiny archipelago sprinkled across the blue waters of the Sea of Marmara. Get the sea-bus and you’ll be there in half an hour, but to enjoy a sunny day the slower ferries (50 minutes to the nearest island) have open seating areas. All four visitable islands are free of motorised vehicles, so visitors either walk, take a horse-drawn phaeton or hire a bike. All the islands have beaches, and plenty of places to enjoy a fish meal and relaxed vibe. The largest, Büyükada, has some fantastic fin de siècle architecture, the house where Trotsky was exiled, a fascinating little museum and a hill-top Greek Orthodox church and café. Other cities might have open green spaces to bask in, but in Istanbul, you can unwind in the surrounding open water spots. Cross over the Bosphorus and you might spot a school of porpoise amid the waves. A must is the Bosphorus Cruise, for a half- or full-day trip beginning from the Galata Bridge, which takes you past historic sites, palaces and buildings, before stopping for lunch near the Black Sea. For a shorter trip, try the ferry ride up the Gold Horn. In as little as half an hour, you’ll see the Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars, the Tersane shipyard and Eyüp, the burial place for Ottoman royalty.
Membership Rewards® Programme
Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards® programme will earn one additional bonus Membership Rewards point in addition to their standard earn rate (for a total of 2 points) for every full £1 spent on flights, prepaid hotels, car hire and experiences booked through the American Express Travel website americanexpress.com/en-gb//travel. Specific Card products or limited time promotions may offer additional Membership Rewards points, please see individual Card or promotion Terms and Conditions for more information. Additional Membership Rewards points cannot be earned on products which are not prepaid but are paid directly to the supplier, including cruise bookings and select hotel bookings. These bookings will not earn two Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent but will be earned at the normal rate of one point for every £1 spent. Full Terms and Conditions apply, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/termsandconditions.
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Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, Business Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, the Dedicated Centurion® Team or American Express Travel (americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/) with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Cardmembers or Centurion® Members and excludes Platinum Credit Companion Cards. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 Credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amont will be applied at check-out.
Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay).Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and
amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel (americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/), Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, Business Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge or the Dedicated Centurion® Team, with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Preferred Rewards Gold Cardmembers, Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Cardmembers, Platinum Cardmembers or Centurion® Members and excludes Platinum Credit Companion Cardmembers. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
International Airline Program (IAP)
1. Current International Airline Program Partners: Air Europa, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
2. American Express reserves the rights to change these conditions from time to time with 21 days prior notice and/or to discontinue the whole program.
3. Airlines reserve the right to change, cancel or restrict flight operations without notice. IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares may be limited by airlines to certain flights and/or dates (“blackouts”). IAP is subject to the terms and conditions of each participating carrier. American Express does not guarantee that seats or tickets will be available. Cabins of service and discounts vary by airline and route. Discounts are applicable to adult fares however some airlines extend savings to child fares.
4. To qualify for the IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares:
a) Your journey must start and end at the same port as designated by the participating airline and be completed within the period during which your selected carrier participates in the program. You will be advised of any applicable dates at the time of booking;
b) IAP tickets must be purchased through the Platinum Travel Service and must be charged to a valid American Express Platinum Card which is in good standing;
c) The Platinum Cardmember who purchases the ticket(s) must be one of the travellers;
d) IAP tickets are non-transferable and non endorsable.
5. Any travel on non-participating airlines must be ticketed and paid for separately and is not part of the IAP. Certain code share or flights on the worldwide partners of the participating airlines may not apply.
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7. IAP upgrade offers or specially negotiated fares may not be combined with any other promotion, discount, negotiated or corporate rate.
8. American Express acts only as an agent for travel service providers and does not own or operate any airline or means of transportation. American Express is not liable for service deficiencies on the part of airlines or other service providers, including but not limited to: accidents and injuries; delays; changes in routes or itineraries; loss, theft or damages to possessions. American Express strongly advises travellers to insure themselves against travel risks. Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they have valid documentation and for complying with the health, customs, currency and other laws of any country they enter or attempt to enter.
9. IAP is available to Platinum Cardmembers from a variety of participating airlines each with specifically designated ports of departure and arrival. Please refer to the Platinum Travel Service for details of participating airlines, applicable routing and timetables and fares in force at any particular time.
10. Other International Airline Program Terms & Conditions may apply.
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