Sunday, December 20, 2015

Turkey: FREE things to do in Istanbul

1. Watch people getting prank. 

Dondurma or Turkish Ice cream is a special kind of ice cream that contains orchid root extract, making it chewy and stringy. The sellers will play tricks on customers when serving those ice creams.

2. Learn about different types of Turkish sweets through a glass window.



Where:  Hafiz Mustafa 1864.
Address: Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cad. No:84 Bahçekapı Eminönü, 34080, Turkey
Phone:+90 212 513 3610


3. Admire the Obelisk of III. Tutmosis

The obelisks is worth stopping by since you are so near to it. It is the Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III with circa-1400 B.C. hieroglyphics. It was re-erected in Istanbul, by the Roman emperor Theodosius. Fascinated? So did I.

4. Haggle at Grand Bazaar

@littlemisshappyfeet
The place is enormous, filled with vibrant atmosphere, colourful goods. It is easy to get lost in here but hey, don't worry. It is worth getting lost in here.
Tips: 
1. It is crowded. VERY crowded, so be sure to grasp your belongings tightly.
2. Items do not have price tags, so don't be shy to haggle, in fact, it is a must!

5. Smell the spices at Spice Bazaar

Foodies rejoice! The Spice Bazaar is a budget friendly foodie wonderland for those who wants to get introduced to the rich culture via smell and taste.
Tips: 
Perhaps the most important tips of all: Say you are from Malaysia!

6. Watch sunset from Galata bridge

Connecting the “old” Eminonu to “new” Beyoglu, this bridge provide a plethora of eateries serving mainly fish dish. There were people along the bridge fishing and also a look out point perfect to admire sunset and take some great photos.

7. Walk the Walls of Constantinople

Free to wander, the walls of Constantinople is a place shouldn't be missed by history buff. It gives you a sense of time, imagining how this walls used to guard the city during Roman times. At some point of the historic walk, you can even go up the walls to have an elevated view of the city of Istanbul.
Tips:
To get there, take a boat from Eminonu to Ayvansaray.

8. Watch fountain changes colour in front of Hagia Sophia

@littlemisshappyfeet

9. Visit some free museums and gallery

Istanbul Modern (free every Thursday)
Museum of Energy
Doğançay Museum
Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Painting and Sculpture (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

10. A visit to Suleymaniye Mosque. 

This outstanding mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul. The Suleymaniye Mosque sitting high on the hill overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait-- this,is the classic postcard view.

11. A visit to the Blue Mosque. 

Just opposite of Hagia Sophia is another sight not to be missed! It make sense to combine both visits in one day. We've been to the blue mosque twice: morning and at night. It is known as the Blue Mosque for the 21,000 cobalt blue Iznik tiles adorning the interior and also the blue stained glass windows and dome.

Thank You for Reading! 
This post is based solely on my perspective and personal experience. 
Feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!

No comments: