BackThe Indulge top 10: Istanbul
The essential Mint Indulge list of unmissable things to do and places to see in one of the greatest cities on Earth
 "The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.")
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Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest buildings in the world. And for every conceivable reason. It is an architectural marvel, a visual delight and a spiritual experience. But most of all, it is steeped in centuries of history with a story that features characters as diverse as Viking mercenaries, Roman emperors and Venetian doges. It is also slap bang in the middle of Istanbul and very easy to get to. If you are spending a few days in the city, and this is your first time, buy a museum pass, or the Muzekart, that gives you queue-free access to a number of city sights and attractions. The price is easily worth it when you consider all the lines you can skip. Don’t forget to pick up an audio guide.
Simit Sarayı
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The food in Istanbul is ridiculously good. Much like Rome, Istanbul is one of those cities in which having an awful meal requires planning and effort. Even the local fast-food chains are amazing. No trip to the city is complete without several stops at the local Simit Sarayı chain of bakery-cum-cafes. Some of the branches can look a little grungy. But the food is authentic and uniformly excellent. And good value with lots of vegetarian options. The simits and boreks in particular are to die for. Little wonder that their new branch near London’s Bond Street station is filled with customers all the time.
Topkapı Palace
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An outstanding piece of Ottoman architecture, and home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, the Topkapı is another unmissable element of any Istanbul itinerary. After spending hours at the Hagia Sofia and then eating everything in sight, you may be tempted to speed through the complex and tick that box. Big mistake. There is a lot to see at Topkapı and you would do very well indeed to slowly work through it all. There is much to see and understand here about the Ottomans themselves, but also about the history of Islam. Well worth the patient perambulation.
Çiya Sofrası
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We asked Elif Batuman—the American journalist and writer of Turkish ethnicity—for her favourite place in all of Istanbul and she didn’t even have to think. Çiya Sofrası was her instant choice. And we cannot but agree more. Located on the Asian side of the city, this critically acclaimed cluster of restaurants specializes in authentic, regional delicacies cooked to utter perfection. Visit it at least once. Then go for a long walk. Then go back again.
The Ferry To Anadolu Kavagı
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Istanbul has a number of ferry services that are a matter of daily life for locals, but also great fun for tourists. The best trip of them all is perhaps the infrequent service up to Anadolu Kavagı. Enjoy the views en route, and then go see the historic Yoros Castle near the Anadolu Kavagı fishing village.
Buy Spices
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Spices are spices are spices, right? No, no, no, no. And this matter will easily be settled with a trip to Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar. It is virtually impossible to leave without buying cheap and cheerful bags of everything from dried mint to saffron and spice rubs for meat and fish. The apple tea and boxes of Turkish Delight, or lokum, make for great gifts. There are a countless shops to choose from, but Arifoglu is a tourist hotspot with friendly service.
Drink Salep
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Sure, Turkey is famous for its tea and its coffee. But the one drink you must try is Salep, a thick, gloopy concoction made from the starchy flour of a tuber. The first cinnamon-sprinkled mouthful is enough to hook you for life. Warming and comforting in the cooler months, Salep is another Ottoman delicacy. If you taking a liking for it, you can buy Salep powder from the Spice Bazaar and take it home.
Kariye Müzesi
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istiklâl Caddesi
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Gülhane Park
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And finally, we arrive at Gülhane Park, a splendid sylvan expanse, a stone’s throw from Topkapi Palace that is great for a bit of walking, reading and resting. The views are wonderful. Only short walks away from numerous tourist spots—Hagia Sofia, Topkapı, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Hagia Irene, the Basilica Cistern—this is a good spot to start your daily travels from after a light breakfast and a quick revision of your favourite city guidebook.
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