Great nights sleep. Breakfast at the hotel and it's raining quite heavy. We walked through the park down to see the view to the Bosphorus. It's a fabulous view. The streets through this old part of Istanbul are mostly cobblestones and are extremely narrow and wind every which way. It's fun to explore. It's raining quite heavily so we catch the tram across the Bosphorus to the newer part of the city.
From the tram it's a short walk to the Dolmabahce Palace. It was built for the Sultan Abdulmecid in 1855. It's a 3 storey palace consisting of 285 rooms & 43 halls. We take the guided tour firstly through the official part and then the Harem which is the private residence of the Sultan and his family. The furniture, carpets and chandeliers have been preserved and are on display in this opulent palace. Because it was raining we had to wear delightful plastic bags on our shoes, a real fashion statement!
Next it's a ride on the funicular railway to the top of Istiklal Avenue. This Cadde-i Kebir is a pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafes galleries etc. there is an old fashion tram which runs up and down part of the street. Its Friday afternoon and very busy. There is such a vibrant atmosphere. The avenue turns into another web of tiny streets and laneways. The funny thing in Istanbul is that all the shops in a street are all the same type of business for example there is a plumbing lane where all the shops and stalls sell taps and washes and all things plumbing. Then there's the same for buttons, musical instruments, electrical its so funny that shop after shop after shop all sell the same thing hence you can haggle for a good price.
The Galata tower was built on the highest point of the city walls in 1384. It has been used as a prison an observatory and a fire tower, it is now open to the public and from the top you get an amazing view of the city.
The days weather has improved so we walk back to the bridge and through the fresh fish market. The fish are all fresh from the boats and sitting on ice. You choose your fish, it gets gutted on the spot and you take it home or you can get it cooked right in front of you and eat it there. Hundreds of people and thousands of fish . It's a real buzz.
Under the Galata Bridge it is lined with seafood restaurants all with their sprukers vying for your business. It's very entertaining listening to their banter. On top of the bridge there are hundreds of people line fishing. So you could be sitting in a restaurant and have someone above you pulling a fish up right past you.
We think it's beer o'clock and head for a bar but get side tracked into the spice bazaar followed by more tiny laneways and ending up at the grand bazaar before eventually making it to the Cozy Restaurant where we get comfortable sitting at the bar and enjoy a beer and a Marguarita. Love Istanbul!