6 Offbeat Things to Do in Istanbul

6 Offbeat Things to Do in Istanbul -

This is a guest post by Emily Starbuck Crone of Maiden Voyage Travel .

When I went to Istanbul, the great historical sites - the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Spice Market - blew me away. But I also wanted to find fun things to do, the less touristy.

The locals ended giving us some great tips. I was advised my partner and me to go to the Basilica Cistern, and that was the first we had heard of it. This bizarre underground cave proved to be one of the highlights of my trip to be, and I did not even know it existed at that peak before. I am also glad that we on the Council to a real Hammam (Turkish bath) have been observed to go and not to take the easy route and go to a fancy hotel to a westernized version.

Don 't miss Istanbul main attractions. But once you have made it, here are some lesser-known gems and activities to discover:

Get off I went down to the Basilica Cistern

top this ancient cave for days without realizing it. an inconspicuous door after entering and climbing a gloomy set of stairs down, we ended up in an underground former water reservoir in the sixth century. It is filled with centuries-old columns and is dark, only eerily lit in orange. Koi fish swimming in the water are, and you have to walk on wooden planks to get. You can hear dripping echo, and there are two mysterious statues with the head of Medusa. It feels like in a horror film are

Discover the Asian side

Istanbul is spanning the only city in the world, two continents. it stretches from Europe to Asia. The Asian side, also the Anatolian side is called, is separate from the European side of Bosphorus. You can take a bus across the famous Bosphorus Bridge, or you can use a ferry ride. The main attractions of the city are on the European side, but if you've never been to Asia, it is fun to cross over, so that you may have been there say. If you are interested in shopping, check out the popular markets in Kadikoy. Other worthy activities include Beylerbeyi Palace, horse riding for an incredible view of the city on to the top of Çamlica Hill and along Bagdat Caddesi stroll the many restaurants, cafes and shops to explore.

visit a real Hammam
(image available-all were not naked inside!)
Many of the swanky hotels in Istanbul have hammams , also known as Turkish baths known, but they are not the real deal. They are made for the West looking for a comfortable and modest experience. Real hammams have a Turkish tradition for thousands of years, and they have served as both a clean place to socialize. Most hamams are segregated by sex, and women usually go topless. You transition through several different rooms with different temperatures to give. A hot steam bath much like a sauna You can decide a companion to pay you to give a thorough scrub-down - it's rough, but invigorating! We went to the Çemberlitai Hamami and really enjoyed it; is another popular Cagaloglu. Both are in the old town.

go to the Princes Islands

This chain of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul offers a unique experience of the masses. A day trip in the warmer months, the islands are just a short ferry ride from the city. Most travelers visit the four larger islands, like the other five are very small and mostly residential. You can explore to try cafes historic buildings, restaurants and see beautiful houses. Motorized transport is not allowed on the islands, making it peaceful and quiet. You can walk, get around by bicycle or horse and carriage.

Take a ferry

A good way to explore this vast city is by boat. You will see many boats, offer paid Bosphorus tours, but if you want to save money and have more flexibility, instead of taking a regular ferry. The price is cheaper, and you will not compete with other space tourists trying to take pictures. Get pass from Topkapi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, beautiful villas, mosques with minarets massive, other castles, and more. You can get to eat some fresh seafood, and then head back.

Discover Jewish history

While Turkey is primarily a Muslim country, it has a surprisingly long Jewish history. There are Jewish heritage tours that can take you, or you can explore the attacks on their own. Jews have lived in Turkey for thousands of years, but the population actually grew during the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s (some of Turkey covers). The growth in 1492 increased when Spain expelled its Jews and the Ottoman Empire welcomed them (they had a good business skills and came up with money). Istanbul Galata and Balat districts are in Jewish history, and you can visit historic synagogues there and to find in other areas around the city. Istanbul also has a Jewish museum, which is very good.

(If you are looking for a good walking tours in Istanbul visits Walks Turkey, the good historical and food tours running in the city.)

watch the fishermen on the Galata bridge

Every day dozens, if not hundreds of local men form a line along the top level of the Galata bridge and fish over the edge. It is an incredible sight. You spend hours hoping to catch fresh seafood, and some of them will sell it to you, while there are still fish. Many men do not even have to make a catch; they just seem to enjoy there are its pole hanging over the water. There is also a fish market at the base of the bridge, and the many stalls of freshly caught fish are fun to look at (although it may be a bit rough).

Istanbul is a very large and crowded city, and it can be intimidating. But it is also home to some fascinating history. Regardless of how many of these attractions you will be able to fit in the first time in Istanbul, you will undoubtedly still in awe of the majestic architecture of the city and complicated past.

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