Istanbul Spice Market!

Besides the obvious (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar), you MUST check out the Palace Cistern (Yerebatan Saray). It's an underground cistern that is breath-taking. I had not seen photos of it before going down there, just a recommendation in the guide book. I was shocked once I walked down the stairs. Also, take a cruise up the Bosphorus, and take a tour of Dolmabahce Palace (it means filled garden--the land on which it sits was filled into the water). Many of its finishes are faux finishes in order to keep the weight of the palace down because of its foundation.

If you have any time to go outside of Istanbul, I highly recommend taking a short flight to Cappadocia to see the Fairy Chimneys (google it). We stayed at Traveller's Cave Hotel (much more reasonably priced than the other boutique cave hotels, and the owner was very helpful in setting up some hikes for us) and had a fantastic time.

I do NOT recommend taking any overnight buses while in Turkey if you intend to travel outside of Istanbul. If flying is an option, it's much better!

It might be a generic tourist stop, but I thought Topkapi Palace was stunning. I came back with a million photos of the mosaics.

I also enjoyed the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art which is near the Blue Mosque. It is housed in a 16th century palace.

Istanbul is gorgeous and you will enjoy it - even if you don't make it to all the MUST see places.

Head on Holly Becker's blog Decor8 via this link and you'll find a bunch of useful resources.

http://decor8blog.com/2010/10/04/istanbul-bound-suggestions/

Re. ovenight buses comment. They are not bad, but it you're traveling with kids it would be wiser to fly.

To add to my previous comment: the suggestions are all in the comments section of the post.

I second all the mentions so far & would also add the Chora Church. That & the Haggia Sophia are awesome examples of the Byzantine.

It may be a bit difficult with summertime daylight, but try to coordinate your Bosphorus cruise to return at sunset.

The grand bazaar. It is crowded but it is something everyone must see. I can't give an exact place however the night life is great as well. At one night club I realized I was dancing among ancient Roman ruins. It was architecturally amazing!

The interior of the Blue Mosque is covered with beautiful painted tiles. Definitely worth a visit.

Ah Istanbul, I was born raised and fell in love with this city a long time ago. all the touristic suggestions are fine, but if you want to discover off-the-beaten path my suggestions are:
Sabanci museum- the restaurant "Muzede Changa" in the museum is worth the drive itself.
Istanbul Modern- the museum of modern arts also is the home of a very nice little restaurant perfect for a lunch break with a breath taking view of the old city.
My favorite restaurant is called "Sunset" ( just google sunset grill Istanbul) it's a bit on the pricy side but food+view+ambiance can't get any better.
Night life is better in the newer parts of the city, old city is full of tourist attractions but it's not where the real people of Istanbul go.

Check the NY Times site - I think they did a piece on art? Design? In Istanbul. Also, the MOMA Store is featuring designers from Turkey? Istanbul? - get their names and Google the designers. Time Out normally lists design shops as does Luxe, if there is one for Istanbul - Luxe is obnoxious and twee but it can be useful.

I would tell you to go to the Asian shore, away from the tourist ghetto. I don't remember the name of the area near the bridge that's filled with cafes on weekend afternoons, but you can find it easily.

Finally, virtually nothing in the Grand Bazzar is old.

I'm sure you know this.. but Elle Decor did a feature on Istanbul:

http://www.elledecor.com/entertaining-travel/articles/elle_decor_goes_istanbul?page=0,4

I suggest Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, beautiful, beautiful place!

Enjoy it while you're there, the city is full of beautiful buildings and sights. Food's amazing as well. How I wish I'm there now!

To add to my comment, I suggest you stay around the Old City area (Sultanahmet). From there most of the beautiful historic buildings are within walking distance, 10-15 minutes.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world and beloved by Australians. The food is excellent. The accommodation in the old City is good. Possibly try near the University. I cannot fault the suggestions of others. To save money, I recommend that you take one of the local ferries up towards the Black Sea and get off on one of the islands, have lunch and a walk, and catch the ferry on its return trip. Turkish people are very welcoming and generous. Enjoy.

I also suggest staying around Sultanahmet. It's magical! I met my hubby there... so romantic! :)

Another area you MUST not miss is Eminonu... it's where the big bridge is that goes over the Bosphorus. Just hang out at the huge mosque there, the spice market, the fish sellers on the boats... there's a lovely tea garden next to the mosque. That is my favourite area. You can just imagine old Constantinople as you soak in the history. Hope we'll see pics of your trip and design discoveries!

(I also agree with samantha about taking the ferry. GREAT experience.)

For fashion, there are lots of young designers showrooms now in the streets around the Galata Tower. For authentic textiles Grand Bazar. For jewellery material Marputçular Hanı in Eminönü (entire building).

Ah, and say hello to my darling city which I miss a lot.

Gulhane Park. Have tea in one of little gardens overlooking the Bosphorous. One of my favorite stops.

I've heard that designcollective Autoban has a gallery/store in Istanbul. I'm sure they can help you with more design adresses in there. Have fun!

Meşrutiyet Caddesi 64/A 118
Istanbul - Tünel
Turkey
Phone: +90-212/252 6797
Web: www.autoban212.com

You should try Hacı Abdullah restaurant in Ağa camii (mosque) street at Beyoğlu. Turkish cuisine . I'm from İstanbul by the way.

If you do NOTHING ELSE, read Nobelist Orhan Pamuk's book "Istanbul." When you arrive, you'll feel like you grew up there. Not only are his descriptions (say, of the gorgeous mansions on the brink of the Bosporus) virtually cinematic, his sense of place---as the book jacket says--"the sadness that comes of living amid the ruins of a lost empire---" (the Ottoman, of course) is haunting. I feel like driving into the city from Westchester and pressing this book into your hands, it's that amazing a portrait of Istanbul!

The Nişantaşı/Abdi İpekçi for some upscale shopping, architecturally stunning Kanyon shopping mall/complex on European side or Bağdat Caddesi on the Asian side for some modern (and westernised) Istanbul.

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities. The tourist attractions in Sultanhamet are are worthwhile as folks here have said. In addition to the main palaces/churches/mosques, I also recommend:

A boat ride on the Bosphorus (get on early to get a good seat on the outside).
At least an afternoon in the Grand Bazaar.
Baklava at Gulluglou (OMG)
Pudding or candied quince at Saray (on Istikal)
A La Turka in the antiques district (just one of the coolest stores I've been in anywhere)
Dinner in Beyaglu off Istikal Cadesi

for more:
http://tripnic.blogspot.com/2009/01/catching-up-istanbul-take-two.html

http://tripnic.blogspot.com/2008/12/traveling-to-istanbul-pack-your.html

http://tripnic.blogspot.com/2008/12/istanbul.html

http://tripnic.blogspot.com/2008/12/istanbul-miscellany.html

I'd say the Istanbul Modern (Museum), and I'm surprised I'm the first one to mention it! They often have exhibits on design, and the museum is just gorgeous!

Absolutely go to Karakoy Lokantsi (http://istanbuleats.com/2009/04/karakoy-lokantasi-a-dockside-winner/) for lunch (or a nice dinner). It's so beautiful inside (floor to ceiling tile!), the staff is really friendly and they have amazing food (get the Manti at lunch). Also, if you're looking for great places to eat, check out the blog http://istanbuleats.com/. They also have a book out that you can buy in bookshops around Istanbul (in English or Turkish, we got ours at the topkapi museum store). My dad and I were in Turkey a few months ago and this book was indispensable and we ate SO well.

Eating Asia has a few posts on some delicious things and places to eat in Istanbul.

http://eatingasia.typepad.com/eatingasia/turkey/

Oh, and if you go to Karakoy Lokantsi, be sure to head back toward the bridge a block or two to get THE BEST baklava. Get the chocolate kind!!

as much as we love to skip touristy things, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were so amazing. Still sorry we didn't get to see the cisterns, next time.

Better than the big mosques: Rustem Pasha, near the Spice bazaar. And for shopping, you can't go wrong with Cocoon, at its main location on which has several floors. It's located near the Little Aya Sofya (kucukayasofia street, number 13). Also in the grand bazaar check out Dervis and Abdulla. http://www.mydestination.com/istanbul/shopping/129859/cocoon

PS the best rug dealers are not in Sultanahmet. We went to an amazing lady in Ortakoy, whose shop and house are in a 17th century building. I could give you her name, but then I'd have to silence you . . .

And finally, make sure you have a Turkish breakfast! I know Sultanahmet is touristy, but the rooftop breakfasts are to die for. Check out the one at the Armada hotel.

An important Turkish word to know, when wandering around in the historic districts is YOK. It means "No." As in "No, I am not interested in buying one of your rugs on the street or in the bazaar. I have better taste than that."

One of my favorite restaurants EVER is Ciya Sofrasi. Someone wrote about it here: http://www.ozlemsturkishtable.com/2011/03/ciya-where-traditional-turkish-recipes.html#comments and the website is http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php. Very affordable for a family. The chef focuses on preparing traditional dishes from the Turkish countryside. Lots of meat and vegetarian choices.

I second the Cistern, absolutely awesome.

My favorite restaurant in the whole world is Asitane. Amazing. Highly, highly recommend the stuffed melon.

http://www.asitanerestaurant.com/English/

Drink tea!

I live in İstanbul for a long time , there are so many design places for ancient and modern. Only need to spend long time to see the contrasts.

For design and food, you can have these nice guide books, here are the links.

http://www.pandora.com.tr/urun/istanbul-eats-exploring-the-culinary-backstreets-since-2009/208708

http://www.pandora.com.tr/urun/stylecity-istanbul/130634

They are very helpful for local design and local food., Especially, the first book for food. It is great , it is including all the best local places.

For shops nowadays GALATA is very popular , fashion designers and product designers have little shops around the Galata Tower , especially Serdar-ı Ekrem Street is the most known place.

In Beyoglu region, there are also nice designers places which are in Cihangir place and Çukurcuma, .

For modern Architectıure ,you can visit Asian side to see our first modern Mosque
Which was designed by one of the Turkish woman interior designer who name is Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu. Here is the site ..

http://www.sakirincamii.net/

For panoramic view of İstanbul , visit our highest tower , you’ll have great scene
From the Sapphire Tower. This is new silhouette of İstanbul.

http://www.istanbulsapphire.com/

Thanks everyone! We're back in Istanbul for our final three days, and I'm happy to report we've followed most of these recommendations and they're all been excellent so far. I'll pull it all together in a post with pics when we get back.

Best, M