The Istambul I saw...

Istambul was a surprise in many aspects but it really depends on the aproach you make to the city.

I had a pretty close idea of our itenerary as my sister had been there just a week before, however she stayed at the Cyragan... maybe yet another way to see the city!

One thing I really enjoyed was to visit the historic street SOGUKCESME SOKAGI where you can see the beautifully preserved Ottoman wood houses from the 12th century.

With over 12 million inhabitants, Istambul can be a difficult city to navigate. The only metropolis which faces Europe and Asia in a perfect marriage.

Here below a picture of The Flower Passage in street ISTIKLAL CADDESI. Worth checking but don't stay for dinner - too turistic. This is just a covered passage that leads to the fish market and features many restaurants and music.

Take the spectacular views from the Golden Horn - As the sun sets in Istanbul, its yellow light blazes on the waters of the Golden Horn, giving this freshwater estuary its romantic name, or the natural beauty of the Bosphorus. Ensure to visit all the historic grandeur of ancient times but make sure you take time to shop.

The main attraction for shopping is THE GRAND BAZAAR or Kapali Carsi with its thousand shops is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.

I particularly loved the Spice Bazaar - great variety of spices , nuts and off course Turkish Delight.

Take some hours to see the heart of the city - BEYOGLU with many shopping streets. The main street is Istiklal Caddesi where you should look for INCI PASTANES and try in this tiny pastry shop, the famous profiteroles and lemonade.

In this same street, I was amazed with a tyny store, basically just a window to the street, which was selling fabulous unbranded chocolate bars. Check picture below.

Buy a sesame bread roll in a stall in the streets. These are so tasty and fresh.

And also the famous mussels with lemon juice.

But Istambul is also cosmopolitan, modern, actual and famous for its department stores and boutiques which rival those in any fashion capital, so if I could make a perfect day, these would be:

Stay at the Ritz Carlton - extraordinary service.

10am start the morning with a strong turkish coffee at LUCCA the fashionable café at BEBEK.

11am Sultanahmet the heart of historic Istambul and home of Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1pm Fuel a traditional feast of kebap at HUNKAR one of the most famous eateries.

2pm The neighbourhood of NISANTASI is a fashion addict paradise and home of BEYMEN department store.

5pm Check out AKARETLER ROW houses in Besiktas. These used to be officers residences in Ottoman timas but are now the homes of MARC JACOBS , LANVIN and so many others.

8pm make reservations at MOREISH a local favorite.

SOME OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DINNER:

KOSEBASI was my favorite , set on a little street up one of the hills this meze famous restaurant was simple, great athmosphere and delicious food. Don't forget to order the ribs.

VOGUE on top of a building overlooking the Bosphorus it is a beautiful location with good food. Service was fair.

LONG TABLE located inside the new trendy hotel SOFÃ , this restaurant is a club concept with loud music. Poor service.

REINA set in the margins of the Bosphorus, again a concept of club. Food is good but service poor. Location extraordinary.