Off The Beaten Path in Istanbul

Everyone knows about the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, but what about those who want to scratch a little more off the surface? Try these fun activities to get into the spirit of Istanbul like a local while being a responsible traveler.

Image courtesy of Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho from Flickr

Hit the Thrift Shops

Istanbul is the bridge between two worlds, and nowhere is that more apparent than at a secondhand store. Asian carvings fight for precious wall space with European paintings, and the overwhelming sense of nostalgia for a different time rolls out the welcome mat for you.
From the extremely odd porcelain dolls to the weathered books which emit that age-old smell, very little compares with the sense of adventure that will overtake you in one of these curiosity shops. Here’s a list of ten stores in Istanbul that are worth checking out and they are broken down by what they sell: everything from retro summer dresses to old accordions can be found.
Supporting these small secondhand businesses is a great way to give back to the community while traveling and also a great way to get the insider’s scoop on the area. It’s likely the proprietor of the shop will be happy to help you sort through their merchandise as well as steer you in the right direction for your next stop.

Image courtesy of Andrey from Flickr

Turn Up The Heat With a Cooking Class

There’s no better souvenir to bring home with you than a little kitchen know-how. While throwing together the ingredients for a Turkish breakfast is a simple feat that can bring much pleasure to long weekend mornings, what about everyday Turkish cuisine?

The Istanbul Cooking School is famous for their hands-on teaching methods that allow you to connect with the cuisine while learning the rich history behind each dish. Learn classics such as dolmas – grape leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat or vegetables. You can find out the secret to preparing the perfect rice for pilaf, and if you’re brave you can learn Patlican Salatasi, which is a fire-roasted eggplant salad that will make even the most die-hard carnivore happy.

Why Not Go Wine Tasting?

While many people don’t associate Turkey with wine, you’d be surprised to find out that Turkey offers a great selection of wines. Wine is a proud part of their history, dating as far back as the Hittite times. Sensus Winebar is a well-kept secret by locals and expats alike who enjoying winding down with a glass of good wine in a truly cool location next to Galata Tower. Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior of the building, just walk in the door and down the stairs where you will be transported to a wine wonderland. The cave-like room, cool temperatures and wine bottles lining the walls make for the perfect oasis to catch your breath during a long say of sightseeing.

Image courtesy of Guillén Pérez from Flickr

Stay Somewhere Hip

Istanbul Golden City Hotel simply can’t be beat in terms of price and quality. While rooms start at only $59 per night, they include WiFi, a free breakfast, and all the amenities one would expect of a business class hotel.

No matter where you stay you’re sure to enjoy your next trip to Istanbul, the city of dreams.

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I use while planning budget travel, and am thrilled to write for. I know you will find the articles as well as their services useful.

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