NYE 2016 -- Istanbul Edition. Suggestions?

December 18, 2015 10:06 AM

We're planning to take the night train from Sofia, Bulgaria to Istanbul, Turkey on the night of the 30th. We will be arriving in Istanbul at 8am on the 31st. We will have all day on the 31st in the city, and will return to Sofia on January 1st. We're looking for some recommendations.

I know it's a bit of a whirlwind trip, but I'd like to know how best to maximize our time there. There are three of us travelling.

Questions:

What should we *absolutely* do on the 31st during the day? What's your short list of 'must see' places? I don't want to stress myself going sight seeing all day but seeing one or two things would be great.

What should we eat? I'm mostly uneducated about Turkish cuisine, so recommendations are really welcome. Specific restaurant recommendations are great too!

What happens in the city on New Year's Eve? Is there a big street party? Do they drop a ball like in NYC? Fireworks? Where should we do to be a part of this? Or is it a better idea to get a reservation somewhere for dinner/dancing? Any specific event recommendations?

Related to the above -- we'll get an AirBnB apartment for the night -- what neighbourhood do we want to be in?

Thanks!

posted by jpziller to Travel & Transportation around Istanbul, Turkey (3 answers total)

If you only have a day in Istanbul, I'd recommend Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar in that order. Don't try to cram in too much more than that. Obviously there's also the Blue Mosque right across from Hagia Sofia, but I think there is more to explore and see inside Hagia Sofia, not to mention its rich layers of history. Consider buying a museum pass: it won't save you any money, but you can avoid wasting time in the long lines.

The neighborhoods of Karaköy, Tünel and Galata would be nicer for staying in, but you're a bit further away from the big attractions than if you stay in Sultanahmet. You are closer to great nightlife in Beyoğlu, however, which may be a consideration for your New Years festivities.
posted by theory at 10:45 AM on December 18, 2015

For dinner, go to Harrab'be - it is very close to the Hagia Sophia / Topkapi Palace complex and is absolutely terrific. TripAdvisor reviews here.
posted by marguerite at 6:34 PM on December 18, 2015

Absolutely eat at Ciya in Kadikoy. Eat there twice, at least. Best world class restaurant under $25 you'll ever see. Be aware that there are two Ciya facing each other - the one offering stews and salads is my favorite. The meatier kebab and lahmajun Ciya is great too, but the city is full of great kebabs and lahmacun.

Page through Istanbul Eats blog, or pick up the print edition at any well stocked bookshop in Istanbul. In general don't eat in the Sultanahmet neighborhood - it is tourist ripoff central. For a real turkish winter meal, go to the Siirt Market in Fatih (the Kadinlar Pazar) , right behing the Aquaduct on Ataturk bulevard. there are about a dozen places offering pit roasted lamb that is absolutely amazing.

Consider taking the bus from Sofia, seriously. Turkish buses are like flying first class - snacks, stewards, personal videos, and much cheaper. And much, much faster than the train.
posted by zaelic at 2:51 AM on December 20, 2015