From a small park next to the Sherazade mosque, find the start of the remaining part of the aqueduct. There should be a hole in the fence it's possible to crawl through. Do so and you can then climb to the top of the aqueduct itself. Walk or crawl along the top for breathtaking views of the city and the Golden Horn. Jump off the other side and you're almost next to the Fatih Camii, a gem although off the normal tourist route.

Ataturk Bulvari

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A Byzantine prison and the still standing stretches of the Theodosian city walls.

Yedikule is interesting in itself, but the walls are an exceptional place to visit where it's possible to take a step back in time. Fields cultivated in the middle of the city? You get it. Families on wooden carts drawn by donkeys? Check. Strangely, the whole experience will seem even more atmospheric if you walk along the walls in a slight drizzle, preferably in February.

There are some amazing mosaics at the Kariyer Camii.

Yedikule, Kariyer Camii

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

To escape from the crowds in Sultanahmet and/or Taksim why not spend an evening (or two) on the Asian side of the city? Hop on a ferry from Eminonu, Karakoy or Besiktas and get off at Kadikoy.

For a great, quality meal of meze and grilled meat or fish head for the restaurants opposite the ferry terminal. Olympiat I and II are particularly good with muscle-bound waiters wobbling under trays piled high with a bewildering selection of hot and cold appetizers.

Only a short walk away (admittedly uphill) you can find a whole street of bars, full of the young, trendy and beautiful. Particular highlights are Isis (possibly Istanbul's only Egyptian theme bar) and Masal Evi (fairy house) a haven for couples.

When you're done, the hotels of Taksim are only a dolmus ride away, or taxi for the heavier of wallet.

Kadikoy - opposite the ferry terminal and then off Bahariye Caddesi

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends