Istanbul it is all to be seen and discovered: each neighborhood has a life of its own, and has something beautiful to offer. What strikes us most, when we get here, is her being a bit Asian and a bit European, two souls living together in the same city. I plan to take you for a walk with me among the most beautiful neighborhoods, and give you lots of useful tips for when you come here.
One of my favorite “European” neighborhoods is certainly that of Galata, always full of life and energy. Galata is beautiful at all hours, lively during the day, much quieter and romantico in the evening, it is packed full of trendy shops and small ateliers of Turkish designers and artists, the windows speak for themselves! Shabby and chic just enough to make you feel a little a Paris, and a little a Lisbon, but basically neither. The contrast between these small boutiques and the dilapidated buildings all around is truly unique, somehow familiar: this neighborhood, in fact, was brought up by the Genoese and the Venetians in 1400, that's why it makes us feel so at home.
THEatmosphere that you breathe here is very European and definitely cool: the beautiful Galata tower peeping out from the rooftops is breathtakingly beautiful! Especially in the evening when it is all lit up. When you come here, don't dream of forgetting your camera at home… you would eat your hands, I guarantee you! You can also go up the tower: it costs 10 TL (about € 6), the panorama it's nice but there is always a lot of people in line. A little tip: instead of climbing the tower, you can opt for a chay, the characteristic Turkish tea, in the nearby Konak Cafe: in practice it is a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, truly magnificent! You will have the whole neighborhood behind you and in front of you the view of the bridge and the passing ships. With 2 TL you can sit and enjoy the view without nudging yourself with other tourists, and you can even have a bite to eat! The kitchen is always open, and in the evening it gets a bit full. Better to come for lunch.
