How to spend top weekend in Istanbul - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Walks on charming French Street, mastering the ancient art of smoking narghile, degustation of seafood under the Galata Bridge or on the roof of an old house – you will find all these and much more in wonderful Istanbul. Such a vibrant, unpredictable, and authentic city is not easy to find.

Are you tired of noisy tourist streets that are often not a paragon of cleanness? If so, head to Area Fener where you will be able to relax from big city life and enjoy a truly aristocratic atmosphere. Fener is also known as the main Christian district in Istanbul. During many centuries, the richest and most noble families lived there. Beautiful stone houses that have remained since that time still look absolutely fascinating with facades decorated with flowers and treillages on windows painted in different colors. The absence of numerous travelers is another advantage of this calm and clean district. Only sometimes one can see a romantic couple that admires the historical splendor in complete silence.

Many know about a good Turkish tradition to smoke hookah. However, even experienced travelers forget about another smoking tradition of the country – narghile. At the same time, the best narghile cafes in Turkey are located in Istanbul. They are distinguished by luxurious décor and an incredible choice of tobacco. The most authentic cafes with a genuine atmosphere of national heritage are open in Tophane . There are three awesome narghile cafes near Tophane Nusretiye Mosque - Can Nargile, Nargilem, and Erzurum Nargile. Besides an awesome choice of tobacco, these cafes serve best Turkish coffee in the city. Some regular customers visit the cafes for a mere purpose of drinking a cup of signature coffee that is cooked with fried pistachios. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you’re dreaming of visiting France, but arrived in lively Istanbul by a twist of fate, there’s still a way to make your dream come true. Simply head to charming Fransiz Sokagi that was completely restored a few years ago. Facades of buildings painted pink and yellow, exact copies of Parisian gas torches, pedestrian-only cobblestone roads, and numerous charming cafes that serve French cuisine – a walk in “small France” is a wonderful way to diversify your vacation.

Many travelers consider Galata Köprüsü the best place for walking, but not many decide to look under the bridge. That’s a mistake as there’s much interesting there. The best fish restaurants in Istanbul are located under the bridge, and so these venues are sought after by foodies and travelers who prefer prestigious dining. Grilled fish remains the signature dish served at these restaurants. If you are used to tasting delicacies while listening to music, head to this part of Istanbul in the evening.

So now it’s clear where to find the best dinner, but what about breakfast? Indeed, it’s not that easy to find an unusual place for it. Romantic Tavan Arasi café in Fransiz Sokagi is a nice place to hide from numerous tourists. The café has a spacious terrace located on the roof of a historical building. The terrace can be reached by retro elevator. For a moderate price, visitors will be able to try magnificent national treats – Turkish dumplings with yoghurt, tuna salad, and, of course, fragrant Turkish coffee.

Do you want to try a mysterious adventure? Then head to Buyukada Island that is located not far from the Istanbul seaside. There is an old mansion on the island where Leo Trotsky lived during his exile. The mansion was put up for sale several years ago, but not many want to purchase it. The old semi-destroyed house attracts numerous adventure seekers. Locals say the house is cursed and claim they saw a ghost of Trotsky among old items.