ISTANBUL EXPERIENCES TO LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Al Jazeera

03-12-2024

Get Lost in the Oldest Shops in İstanbul
Embarking on a shopping excursion in the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar is a journey into both the city's history and its very essence. Amidst the labyrinth of shops and lanes, the Spice Market offers an olfactory feast with exotic spices, teas, and culinary delights that have tempted traders and locals alike since the days of the Ottoman Empire. The aroma of saffron, cumin, and freshly ground Turkish coffee creates an intoxicating, timeless atmosphere. Similarly enthralling, the Grand Bazaar, with its sprawling complex of covered streets and hidden courtyards, stands as a testament to İstanbul's vibrant community and enduring commercial spirit. Here, shoppers can peruse an array of treasures, from intricately woven textiles to timeless kilims, fragrant hamam (Turkish Bath) merchandise, and exquisite jewelry ―each piece a testament to the city's rich heritage of craftsmanship.
Partake in Art and More Shopping in Tophane
Galataport, a burgeoning, multi-faceted development, has quickly become a favorite for city dwellers seeking diverse, pleasurable experiences during their leisurely weekend strolls. Visitors can browse the latest collections of local designers, dine leisurely in waterside restaurants, and enjoy alluring sunsets over the Old City, from a distance. Beyond its retail appeal, Galataport is a cultural nexus, home to the recently reopened İstanbul Modern, a structural marvel designed by esteemed architect Renzo Piano. This museum in Tophane unveils modern art, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Explore a Night Out in Beyoğlu
İstiklal Street is the city's main European-style pedestrian promenade and buzzes with culture and nightlife, offering eateries, cinemas, art galleries, bars, and music clubs. Sit in a classical meyhane (Turkish Tavern) located on the lively streets of Nevizade or Asmalımescit to sample mezes and rakı, the cold appetizers and anise-flavored spirit favored by locals. At the far end of İstiklal Street, Taksim Square is the city's cultural heartbeat once again, thanks to the renovated Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM - Atatürk Cultural Center), a vanguard palace for the performing arts. Attend a show in the center's main Opera Hall, designed in the shape of a giant sparkling-red globe and welcoming a host of operas, symphonies, and performing arts extravaganzas throughout the year.
Indulge in İstanbul's Timeless Hamams
Immerse yourself in the luxury of a hamam treatment, a must within the hallowed, centuries-old Turkish baths, originally commissioned by sultans and the Ottoman elite. Çemberlitaş, Galatasaray, Cağaloğlu, Hürrem Sultan and Kılıçalipaşa hamams are among the oldest in the city that survived the test of time. Alternatively, visit a 5-star hotel spa, many of which feature exquisite marble hamams inspired by historical designs. While variations exist from one hamam to another, the ritual remains consistent: on arrival, you'll receive a peshtemal, a plush cotton bathing towel, a copper bowl, and a fragrant soap before entering the central steam chamber. Here, you'll recline by your personal sink for 15-20 minutes, preparing your skin for an exhilarating scrub. An expert, using a raw silk glove, performs a transformative exfoliation, revitalizing your skin, and finishes with a blissful foam massage —the culmination of pure relaxation.
BEYOND İSTANBUL:
While the biggest metropolis is your gateway to many of the unmatched experiences Türkiye has to offer, Cappadocia, as well, can provide unrivaled memories when venturing beyond İstanbul. Here is how to ensure the best discoveries while in the 'Land of Fairytales.'