Istanbul - Orient International Hostel
Today we walked across the Galata Bridge again and kept going along the shore of the Bosphorous to reach Dolmabahçe Palace, used by the last Sultans and caliph in Istanbul, and then by Ataturk after the formation of the Turkish Republic. The palace is still in something like its original condition, with all rooms still furnished, which means the only way to see it is via a guided tour (no photos allowed). The amount of gold and crystal in the palace is amazing, and the largest chandelier weights 4.5 tonnes – certainly an impressive palace and worth the visit..
We then walked from there to Taksim Square, and then down İstiklal Caddesi, the pedestrian mall which runs back down to near the Galata Tower. The mall was teeming with people, mainly locals but quite a few tourists as well, and we occasionally had to dodge trams going up the middle. We had dinner in one of the side streets, then on the way back we took a wrong turn and ended up at the wrong bridge. We had no choice but to go across, and we eventually ended up having to take a short taxi ride back to our hostel.
We then walked from there to Taksim Square, and then down İstiklal Caddesi, the pedestrian mall which runs back down to near the Galata Tower. The mall was teeming with people, mainly locals but quite a few tourists as well, and we occasionally had to dodge trams going up the middle. We had dinner in one of the side streets, then on the way back we took a wrong turn and ended up at the wrong bridge. We had no choice but to go across, and we eventually ended up having to take a short taxi ride back to our hostel.
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