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Bookmark & shareA Top Day in Istanbul
My day always starts with pebble- or chestnut-throwing around the fountain at Sultanahmet Parkı (I have a one-year-old), with the Blue Mosque behind one shoulder and Aya Sofya behind the other - what a location! We love chatting to the costumed juice sellers as they preen themselves for the full day of photography ahead (does my moustache look big in this?). Chestnuts exhausted, I head to Aya Sofya, my favourite building in the city, if not the world. From there I walk along the ancient Roman road, Divan Yolu, to enter the Grand Bazaar from its southern end, so you travel with the foot traffic downhill towards the Golden Horn. My well-worn path meanders through the glittering gold arcade and past the chintz and carpets, but I never miss poking my head into the gorgeous pink Zincirli Han. I don't shop in the Grand Bazaar though - I shop in Tahtakale as do many locals - the crush can be overbearing, especially on Saturdays. From here I head over to join the throngs along Beyoğlu's teaming promenade, İstiklal Caddesi. Beyoğlu is the heart of modern İstanbul and home to a thriving arts scene, bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city. You haven't seen Istanbul until you've explored Beyoğlu. For dinner I meet up with friends at our long-time favourite, Haci Abdullah, before heading down Sofyalı Sokak. Tonight we choose Badehane, a laneway watering hole that's a regular choice on low-key evenings. We're priming ourselves for tomorrow's night out at Soho Supper Club, a minimalist bar popular with a mixed crowd. Or maybe 5 Kat? The options are endless.
Author: Verity Campbell
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