Sightseeing Trip in Taksim and the Historical Peninsula!
Taksim has many different parts that you can walkthrough. Arrive in Taksim Meydanı (Taksim Square) and walk through İstiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Avenue). As you go along İstiklal Caddesi make a quick detour into Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Alley) and Nevizade which are both little enclaves full of "meyhane"s (Turkish taverns). Continue on to İstiklal Caddesi.
By the midpoint of İstiklal Caddesi notice the majestic gates of Galatasaray Lisesi (Galatasaray High School) on your left. Take a left after Galatasaray Lisesi (on Yeni Çarşı Caddesi) and you will find Fransız Sokağı (French Street) which is a small alley with cute cafes.
If you go further on İstiklal Caddesi you will arrive in Tünel (Tunnel) which is a small square, rich in musical instrument shops. Around Tünel take a peek into Asmalı Mescit which is an alleyway of bars.
From Tünel walk down to Galata Tower where the Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Çelebi is rumored to have flown over the Bosphorus circa 1630. There are a bunch of cute shops and cafes around Galata Tower. Gulni’s favorize Jazz Bar is also nearby. Check it out Nardis Jazz Club (nardisjazz.com)
Continue down to Karaköy and walk over the Unkapanı Köprüsü (Unkapani Bridge) over to Eminönü. The Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) will be right in front of you. Walk or take the train up to Sultanahmet Meydanı around which you will see the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern) where all of Constantinople's water used to be stored, Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) and Topkapı Sarayı (Topkapı Palace).
From Sultanahmet Meydanı take the train up to Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar) which is a historical bazaar where you can find lots of souvenirs, high end jewelry, and leatherwork. Be prepared to aggressively haggle with the Turkish merchants. After Kapalıçarşı visit Süleymaniye Camii, which Mimar Sinan built for Süleyman the Great.
PS: This is a lot to fit in a day, you might want to consider breaking it up...
Note: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Other Major Sites
Bosphorus - You must take a ferry from one continent to the other. These are nice places to take the ferry from/to: Emirgan, Çengelköy, Beylerbeyi. That said, Kadıköy and Beşiktaş are the largest hubs for ferry travel.
Beyoğlu – The ultimate guide to Beyoglu: www.theguideistanbul.com/beyoglu-ultimate-guide/
Nişantaşı - Hip and classy shopping district. Go here for clothing and good restaurants.
Moda/Kadıköy - Cafes, bars, cute shops in a chill neighborhood on the Asian side. For those of you who watch Chef's Table, Çiya is here and a must-try!
Prince Islands - These are a few small islands off Istanbul, easily accessible by ferry. All Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada are great places for a day trip.
Hotels in Istanbul: We recommend you to stay near Taksim / Besiktas / Ortakoy. There is plenty of options in Istanbul when it comes to hotels. You can find for any budget and any hotel chains.
Turkish Breakfast - Breakfast culture is very different than anywhere you know. Our recommendation is the Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı in Nişantaşı