Istanbul is one of the most ancient cities in the world , with hundreds of amazing things to see, do and experience. Here we've selected five of the best to help you make the most of your trip to Istanbul.
1. Sample the local cuisine
Of course, the first thing you'll want to do after your long trip to Istanbul is fill yourself up on the fantastic local cuisine, and where better to start than with a Turkish Kebab House. Kebabs are typical South Eastern Turkish food and although you may be familiar with the western version, there is nothing like a true Turkish kebab. A traditional kebab may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a sandwich, look for a doner kebab - very thinly sliced roast lamb on flatbread , with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Alternatively, fresh fish and seafood can be found in abundance in Istanbul. You can wash your meal down with a selection of Turkish delicacies - Raki is a particularly strong distilled liquor made with anise and grapes (know to the locals as "Lion's Milk"!), and Turkish Coffee is a real treat for any coffee lover. Just remember to sip it slowly and to not drink the muddy substance at the bottom of the cup (it's those finely ground coffee beans) unless you really need a serious caffeine hit!
2. Go Shopping at the Grand Bazaar
At the world famous Grand Bazaar there are some 4,000 merchants selling their various wares on this series of covered streets. Anything you may want to buy in Istanbul can be found here, from gold and silver to carpets, slippers, boots , books, purses, foods and much more. And remember to haggle! Contrary to what you might be used to, merchants at the Grand Bazaar are generally offended if you simply pay the asking price. You'll be expected to and try and talk them down, until eventually an agreement is reached. If you tire and walk away, don't be surprised to hear the merchant calling after you with a fairer price.
3. Enjoy the Turkish Baths
Whether you'd prefer to soak, steam or to have a massage , a stop at a Turkish bath can be a wonderfully relaxing break. Just be sure to check the hours of the local bath according to sex. The sexes bathe separately according to specific hours for men and others for women.
4. See Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Here, in addition to the amazing architecture and gardens, you will see swords and daggers, royal clothes, carpets, textiles, ceramics , jewels, armor, and many other wonderful treasures. Take a day to enjoy the splendor of the artistic and architectural delights that can be found in Topkapi Palace.
5. Visit the Hippodrome
The Hippodrome, on the square next to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built 480 meters long by 117 meters wide and could contain 100,000 people. This massive amphitheater occupied a very important place in Byzantine life. In Roman times, the chariot races held here were major social events. In Ottoman times , the hippodrome hosted polo games as well as circumcision ceremonies of the crown princes.
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Matt Davies writes travel articles for HotelHippo, who offer cheap hotels in Istanbul.
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Are you a homeowner? If so, there is a good chance that you take great pride in your home. Despite taking great pride in your home, there may come a time when you may want to spice it up a little bit. When that is the case, a fairly large number of homeowners make the decision to remodel their homes. When it comes to home remodeling, one of the most common rooms remodeled is that of the kitchen.
Of course, remodeling your kitchen may make you happy , but did you also know that it can do things for your home? The truth is that you are not the only one who can benefit from a little bit of kitchen remodeling, your home can also benefit.
Perhaps, the greatest way that your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project is with its value. If you make the decision to have your home remodeled, you will likely find that the overall value of your home will increase. Sometimes, the increase may be hard to notice, but it can also be quite noticeable.
Honestly, the increase in value will all depend on what type of remodeling was done and how it turned out. Professional kitchen remodeling jobs are the ones that tend to increase a home?s value the most. Also , the more of your kitchen you remodel, the more the value of your home is likely to increase. An increased home value can turn into a profit for you, if and when you decide to sell your home.
In addition to an increase in value, you will also find that by remodeling your kitchen, the overall appearance of your home will better. That will not only have an impact on your home, but you as well. It is a known fact that when homeowners have a decent looking home, they not only feel more comfortable in it , but they also feel more comfortable inviting guests over.
By remodeling your kitchen, your home may seem more welcoming and inviting. Whether you just want to have your friends over for coffee or you want to host a large party, a kitchen remodeling project may be just what you need to get the ball rolling.
The appearance of your home, particularly your kitchen, and the increase in your home?s value are two of the greatest ways that your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project. Although your home can benefit from a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to note that the results are not all the same. As previously mentioned, the end result , of a kitchen remodeling project, makes all of the difference in the world.
Although you may have better results using a professional contractor, you may not want to. If you want.