Get a bit of height and look down on a crowded Istiklal Caddesi. Always great music in Baraka. Read more.
If you are looking for fish in Istanbul but can't afford Kumkapı, stay near Galata Bridge and pick up a cheap but tasty fish sandwich here.
Fantastic (and real) fast food! Get a tantuni wrap or half bread and stick some chillies on!
Get a Islak Hamburger (a "Wet", "Damp" or "Sloppy" Burger depending on your choice of translation) - at one of the places around Taksim Square. They taste much, much better than they sound.
Maybe it's because we were tired and hungry....but this is without doubt the best köfte we've ever eaten in Istanbul. Order the köfte with some piyaz and spoon on some of the hot chilli sauce too.
One of the best bars in Sultanahmet. Decent food, serves LARGE bottles of Efes - and you've got the secret passageways through the glass-bottomed floor to explore. Go there and do it :)
We've stayed at the Antique a couple of times and it's been great. Brilliant location for a first time in Istanbul. Read a review of the place on our blog... Read more.
Find this wonderful, relaxing place and order a nargile (water pipe) with a glass of çay or a Turkish coffee. Read more.
Head for the top of Galata Tower on a first visit to Istanbul to get a wonderful, elevated overview of the beautiful city
