Travel: Turkey-Istanbul I

It took me 30 years to visit Istanbul again. The decision was unplanned, impulsive. After the trip to Krakow we simply said: tomorrow we will go to Istanbul.The excitement of landing at Ataturk Airport can only be compared with the excitement of visiting New York.(36 years ago)

 

On the way to the hotel -one of the most important landmarks of the city -Valens Aqueduct-Roman aqueduct - evidence the centuries-old history of this city.

We spent the first day in Istanbul touring the Beyoğlu district- art, entertainment and nightlife center of Istanbul.

The tour began at Taksim Square.

The Republic Monument

İstiklal Caddesi -Independence Avenue - pedestrian shopping street 1, 4 kilometers long

Çiçek Pasajı -Flower Passage, also known by its French name Cité de Péra

Beyoglu Balik Pazar -Fish Market at Sahne Sokak

 

Galip Dede Caddesi (Street)
From the end of Istiklal Caddesi towards the Galata Tower there is an old cobble-stone street, lined with music shops on either side. I fell in love with this street. If you're interested in buying musical instruments, here is the right place.

 

Galata Mevlevi Whirling Dervish House and Museum - Galata Mevlevihanesi  Muzesi 
There you can see the Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Halet Efendi Türbesi

 

 

Galata Tower

From Galata Tower down the Yüksek Kaldırım Caddesi (street) we came to Galata Bridge, Karaköy.

From there we took a tram to Kabataş station. Kabataş-Taksim Funicular runs from Kabataş Station to Taksim Square.

We decided to take another walk along İstiklal Street- This time at night. This street is equally enchanting at all times.

We ate dinner at a randomly selected restaurant on Shane Street and then enjoyed the most famous profiteroles in Istanbul.

Inci Pastry Shop at Mis sokak (moved from İstiklal Avenue in 2012).

I tasted their profiteroles 30 years ago. I remember that flavor all these years.

St. Anthony of Padua Church

 

We were too tired for a night out in Istanbul, and maybe too old. Of course, this city of diversity provides something for everyone. Beyoglu and its neighborhoods are the center of Istanbul's nightlife.