The Famous Route: Taksim – Tunnel
Istiklal Street, which the residents of Istanbul rediscover every time they walk, is an indispensable route in this city. It is always a wonderful experience to walk on Istiklal Street, where you can discover different cultures in the historical churches, passages and side streets that surprise you among the modern buildings.
You can see how big and ancient Istanbul is in one street, with a walk from Atatürk Cultural Center or Taksim Square. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Roman Catholic Church of Santa Maria Draperis known as Saint Mary Draperis are a few steps away. In addition, you can explore many historical buildings such as Galatasaray High School, Çiçek Pasajı (Cité de Péra), Passage Hazzopulo, all in one walk, up to the historical Tunnel. It is a place where you can find many accommodation options on Istiklal Street and its side streets, where there is a flavour for every taste. Don’t forget to take a photo with the nostalgic tramway. In addition, if you keep walking, you can include Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum and Galata Tower in this walk.
The Historical Peninsula
In the historical peninsula route, which can take at least half a day, you can create a more museum and historical route where you can include Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Gulhane Park, or you can plan a walk with shopping options such as the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. If you are interested in history, you should definitely see the Museum of Islamic Arts and the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Here you can go back to the deep-rooted history of Istanbul and see the magnificently detailed sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. Don’t forget to see the columns from the Roman period and walk in the square adjacent to Sultanahmet Square, which was used as a hippodrome in Rome, also known as the Horse Square in the Ottoman period, and where many public entertainments were held.
You can explore one of the first shopping centers in history by walking in the Grand Bazaar, which continues to fascinate everyone with its magnificent ceiling decorations and which we are familiar with the action movies shot on the roofs. You can find many gift options here, as well as buy daily use products. Spice Bazaar, on the other hand, is a place that will enchant you with the scents of spices and various teas. Here, you can discover Far Eastern teas that you have never seen before, or cheer up your palate with a piece of Turkish delight as well. You can do both the bazaar route and the history route in the same day. After this amazing walk, you can relieve your tiredness with a cup of coffee on the sand in Eminönü.
A Colourful Route: Balat – Fener
One of the routes frequented by photography enthusiasts in recent years with its colourful houses is located between Balat and Fener… The district, which is a natural set for many TV series and movies, contains many cultures. You may have to wait in line to take pictures in front of Private Fener Greek High School, which looks completely different with its tile colours and which resembles Hogwarts with its structure. Generally, the slope is not continued after taking photos, but if you complete the slope, a unique view of the Golden Horn will offer you an extra photo option. St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church, known as Bulgarian Iron Church on the Golden Horn, which has a unique appearance after its restoration and is the only one in the world in terms of architecture, is a must-see. Fener Greek Patriarchate or Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which is of great importance for Greek Orthodox in the world, are among the historical places you can explore here.
Time for Nature Walks: Belgrade Forest
Although Istanbul is a city where only history and modern life stand out at first glance, it is still a city with green and blue. In Istanbul, you can explore many routes where you can get enough of green. Belgrade Forest, Polonezköy Nature Park, Emirgan Grove, Validebağ Grove are just a few of these beauties… Belgrade Forest is one of the biggest options you can explore endless things. Belgrade Forest is located on the European side. The forest, which is home to many plant and animal species, covers an area of approximately 5,500 hectares and more than one hiking route. A getaway place for those who enjoy activities such as hiking, having picnic and jogging. You can discover many historical aqueducts, namely conduits, that carried water to the city during the Ottoman period. The most famous ones are Büyük Bent, Sultan Mahmut Bendi and Valide Bendi. Atatürk Arboretum, Neşet Suyu Nature Park, Bentler Nature Park, Atatürk City Forest located in the Belgrade Forest are among the routes you can easily access, also with public transportation. Belgrade Forest, where you can find many recreation areas, is an ideal option for daily camping and activities, but it is useful to know that long-term camping is not allowed. There is no entrance fee for pedestrians to the Belgrade Forest, where motor vehicles enter with a fee.
You can collect many memories on these routes, where you can explore on foot and rest when you are tired. If you want to enjoy this magnificent city to the fullest, Istanbul hotels, where you can be in touch with nature and feel the pulse of the city, are waiting for you at Odamax, where you can reach historical beauties in a few steps.
