For the most who want to discover Istanbul, the first stop is often Beyoglu which was known until the last century as Pera, means ‘’the opposite shore ‘’, today it is accepted as the artistic and cultural heart of Istanbul. Here you can see a list of things to do in a district alive at all hours of the day and night.
• Walk on Istiklal Street, lose yourself in the crowd .
• If you are interested in shopping, visit Atlas Pasaji, Avrupa Pasaji, Aznavur Pasaji, Demiroren Shopping Center.
• Walk around Asmalımescit in the evening and dine in one of the restaurants located in historical buildings.
• Board the world’s second oldest underground public transportation system ( the finiculer ) in Tunel and travel down to Karakoy, you may taste delicious fish in one the little fish restaurants by the sea in Karakoy watching the beautness of boats in the sea and the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque or Topkapı Palace.
• Walk around the historical Balik Pazari ( Fish Market ) and eat a fish dinner in Cicek Pasaji among with the Street singers.• Visit the Galatasaray Hamam with its classical Ottoman architecture.
• Go to one of the restaurants, cafes or wine houses around Galatasaray with a terrace and watch the Bosphorus.
• Take a break in the Hazzo Pulo Pasaji which was built by the merchant Hacopulo in 1871 and drink a cup of tea in its courtyard.
• Visit Saint Antonie, Istanbul’s largest Catholic Church.
• Visit one of the art galleries such as Yapı Kredi Kazim Taskent Art Gallery, Akbank Sanat, Galeri Nev and Galeris.
• If you like nightlife, check out a venue hosting live music.
• Try the chocolate in Meshur Beyoglu.
• If you are interested in second-hand books, visit Aslihan Pasaji, check out the book stores and browse the used books, old journals and displays.
• Visit the Pera Museum, a modern art and culture center.
• Watch a film in the Atlas Cinema, one of the most important historical cinemas in Istanbul.
• Visit Galata Tower which was used as a dungeon and then a fire watchtower, the Galata Tower is now a tourist place offering various activities.
• Visit the Statue of the Republic ( Cumhuriyet Anıtı ), the symbol of Taksim Square made by Italian Sculptor Pietro Canonica.
• If you like to taste delicious wine then you may try one of the wine houses in Taksim.
• If you like to taste your dinner in an Indian Restaurant then you may try Musafir Indian Restaurant, located in Talimhane.