Culture and Culinary Experience in Sirkeci, Karakoy and Tophane

Trendy and traditional… Modern and conservative… Luxurious, yet in a way undistinguished. Today’s Sirkeci, Karaköy and Tophane districts are remarkably complex and contrasting. Located next to some of Istanbul’s most historic and popular areas, they are undergoing yet another transformation, just as they have done several times throughout history.

On this route, we will travel through different centuries. We will explore how the Hagia Sophia inspired a 16th-century Ottoman mosque built by an Ottoman admiral who was born in the Italian village of Le Castella! There will be an opportunity to compare and contrast the artistic styles of the 16th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the special relationship this city has with the surrounding sea will gradually unfold before our eyes. Depending on your preference, we can visit the Istanbul Modern or the Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum to explore some of the greatest works of Turkish painters. We will stroll through narrow streets to gain a better understanding of the city’s ongoing transformation.

Sirkeci, Karaköy and Tophane are home to some of Istanbul’s most renowned restaurants. Whether you prefer a Michelin-recommended restaurant or a century-old local favourite, you can find it in these districts. Alternatively, why not try something different and sample some offal or “raw meat”? Both are popular with Turks.

Let’s take a stroll through Istanbul’s narrow streets together to gain a better understanding of the city’s constant transformation, and to experience the ordinary and the extraordinary simultaneously.

Important Points Regarding This Route:

• This route requires a certain level of fitness. It is not suitable for visitors with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• This route is not wheelchair accessible.
• This route only includes the professional guidance service.
• Ticketed entries are not included. Ticket for Istanbul Modern will cost around 18 USD. Ticket for Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum will cost around 10 USD.
• Since this is a walking route, there will be no transportation costs.
• Modest clothing is required for religious sites (such as mosques, churches or tombs). Headscarves are available at the entrances of mosques, but not in tombs.
• A small bag (like a shopping bag) is recommended to keep your shoes with you while visiting the interior of mosques or tombs.

Meeting Point:

We can meet in your hotel’s lobby. If that is not convenient for any reason, we can discuss the most suitable alternative. During our meeting, you will see my official tourist guidance licence hanging around my neck. If you cannot find the meeting point, please don’t hesitate to call or WhatsApp me.

Duration:

This route will take 7-8 hours. However, as all routes can be customised, it is possible to shorten or lengthen this one.

Availability:

This route is available every day, except Monday. Please email me to find out about availability.

Contact with me via WhatsApp, if you are interested in this route:

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