The "Cool" Tour of Istanbul (yeah you heard what I said)
Hi! My name is Şahika. A native Istanbul-er (I hate İstanbulite) I spent several years living in other diverse and fast-paced cities including Houston, Boston and London. I think I can give you a unique perspective of Istanbul comparing it to other metropolis and ultimately showcase how it is like no other city in the world. I am an avid traveler myself and I deeply treasure the spontaneous connections created on the road; purely out of shared curiosity and an unspoken agreement to share a moment together. I will be striving to create this convivial atmosphere on my own tours.
Pickup
Across from the Karakoy tram station right next to the cafe "Books and Coffee". I will be wearing a red Boston cap
Description
This tour is for fun-lovers, night-owls, and tireless travelers who are done with the "essentials" of Istanbul. There are countless tours of the main attractions during the day... but at night? I want to showcase how the historical peninsula of Istanbul transforms in the evening. We'll mostly be around Karakoy and Taksim and you'll see how the nightlife of Istanbul takes shape. Besides showing you some of the oldest bars and restaurants or, hidden access rooftops where you can look the Galata Tower in the eye, I really want to explain the alternative scene and what makes Istanbul so "cool." So, I'll be pointing out structures like: Ottoman-buildings which have been converted into libraries and public learning spaces, a self-sustaining soup kitchen run by an activist and survivor of sex-trafficking, or the only unofficial queer club in Taksim.
I recommend you...
- Prepare your stories and fun facts
- Stay comfortable as there will be a few steep climbs
- Dress up if you want unmatchable photos at the SECRET Galata Terrace (10€, required, well worth it as opposed to 30€ at the Galata Tower)
- Come hungry (~5€, optional, great street food on the way)
I am an avid-traveler myself and I deeply treasure the spontaneous connections created under such colorful circumstances so, this tour has a SOCIAL focus as well. There will be a conversational atmosphere and the opportunity to grab drinks (optional, of course) at our stops. This tour is ideal for a dynamic group or extraverted solo-travelers because sorry, I will try to make all of us become FRRRIEEENDS