Istanbul - To Do 09Jan26 (Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque, Tophane Fountain, Galataport Clock Tower Square, Nusretiye Mosque, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Istanbul Guided Food Tour)

Istanbul - To Stay
Istanbul - To Do
Istanbul - To Eat

Istanbul - To Do

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Day out along the Galataport Promenade
Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque & Tophane Fountain

(Mosque in the Classic Ottoman style)
Open 24hrs

The Ottoman Empire ruled for over 600 years, longer than the Western Roman Empire (~500 years), far longer than the Mongol Empire (~150 years), and comparable to the British Empire (~400 years), making it one of history’s most enduring and adaptable great empires.

Don't forget to check out the Tophane Fountain located just outside in its elegant 18th-century Ottoman rococo fountain.

Click here for ABBA location of Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque 

Nusretiye Mosque & Galataport Tower

(Ottoman Baroque styled mosque)

Nusretiye Mosque stands out as a bold Ottoman Baroque statement, built to celebrate Sultan Mahmud II’s military reforms and signaling a dramatic break from classical mosque design.

The windows and designs are unique and reminiscent of the more captivating seaside Ortakoy Mosque located much further up the road. An absolutely must visit for a quaint, picturesque mosque with a small river side township to enjoy. (Click here for full write-up).
Click here for ABBA location of Nusretiye Mosque

Galataport Clock Tower marks Istanbul’s 19th-century modernization, symbolizing the city’s shift toward Western timekeeping and trade while anchoring the historic port to today’s waterfront revival.
Click here for ABBA location of Galataport Clock Tower Square

Galataport Prominade

The Galataport is a nice, secured river side area, with plenty of sit-down eating options and home to museums as well. Great place to check out big ships moving up and down this busy straight.

A nice promenade worth taking a look in the area and a short walk to the iconic Galata Tower. 

*Taken from the roof Terrace of the Museum of Modern Art Istanbul*

Click here for ABBA location of Galataport Promenade

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
(Opens 1000hrs-18000hrs)
Regular TL750/pax

A little too modern for our take but some select exhibitions really stood out. It really depends on your take on modern art, this maybe a hit or miss for yourself. Students can get in at TL250.

*Beautiful panoramic views and reflective waters from the top of the museum*

*Amazing views with the reflective pool on the top floor of the museum.*

*Fully immersive and trippy, kind of like Team labs in Tokyo (Click for full team labs write up.). The movement and effects are all real-time reinterpretation of the weather information, winds and tempreature.*

*Giving off Human Centipede vibes.*

*This piece by Chiharu Shiota was amazing! The red lines represent the flow of blood and connecting people and emotions. Each suitcase represented an individual. A beautiful and immersive experience!*

By way of Modern museums, one can't miss out on the MOMA in NYC is an absolute must visit, carrying some many famous pieces and totally worth it!

Click here for ABBA location of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul: Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings
SGD172.30 via GetYOURGUIDE APP
(Recommended by Clara.A)

(Notification would be via whatsapp with options to start and end at different or same location)


*Starting off the day at 9am*

Who is this tour for?
Probably if travelling alone and wanting to try loads of eats, this is perfect! Enjoy more eats in numbers. There are different type of food tours with this one having a taste of traditional Turkish food from restaurants which are often several generationally runed. No planning required. Just turn up and enjoy.

The tour starts at 1000hrs from the Spice Bazaar in this instance (click here for spice bazaar review) or according to the details sent by the guide. 

A grand total of a big Breakfast spread with 9 other dishes to try.

*Breakfast spread. The Lentil soup was the surprise winner and top of the eat list.*

*Traditional Turkey Coffee and goat innards roast with bread.*

*The mussels are served warm-coldish and apparently that's the way they have it. The star picks over all were the buffalo cream in honey and the Lentil soup.*

For this particular tour, eating starts from 1000hrs and ended about 1530hrs. Short leisurely walks in between with a little bit of history, personal food recommendations from the guide with a scenic public boat ride between Asia and Europe side. The eats were pretty light with more of a sampling along at the various stops.

Be bold, adventurous and get the opportunity to try stuff you wouldn't otherwise try. 

Bonus of having a cruise which
brings you from the Europe side to the Asian side.
(Click here for details on crossing with their public transport for a cheap cruise!)







*Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a small historic tower standing alone in the Bosphorus off Üsküdar, between Europe and Asia, and has guarded Istanbul’s waters for over 2,500 years. Today, it is one of Istanbul’s most romantic landmarks, visited by boat for its café, views, and beautiful sunsets.*

*Bonus. Cats of Istanbul*

You may also be interested to try this similar method in NYC for amazing views of the East river. Their are other routes also you could choose. (Click here for Full write up.)