Istanbul has a colorful cultural and social life, especially during late spring, summer and early fall. Most cultural activities are state subsidized, so do not hesitate to ask for a front row seat! In summer, the city is home to various international music and art festivals.

In the past, International Istanbul Music Festival (June) hosted world renowned artists & groups from La Scala (Muti), to New York Philharmonic (Kurt Masur & Zubin Mehta). Vivaldi's Bajazed opera was selected for an exclusive performance for the 27th year, and the world premiere version was staged at Hagia Irene. The Jazz Festival is usually held during the first two weeks of July. Performances are held in venues such as Hagia Irene Cathedral, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace, etc. You may refer to "upcoming events" for actual dates. Biletix an online ticket agency, has up-to-date information on cultural events and performances.

People of Turkey enjoy being outdoors, especially during pleasant weather. Ortakoy district is one of the popular places. It is along the Bosphorus strait, and used to be a non-muslim residental district during late Ottoman times. Today the district is busy with younger people, and people that feel young. Most of the buildings are from the late Ottoman period, restored and used as cafes, restaurants, pubs, etc. During the weekends, the district is like a fairground with crowds of people and teens selling their handicrafts. Further up the Bosphorus, Bebek is one other spot to see the people of Istanbul enjoy walking and having breakfast in the cafes along the Bosphorus.

Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and the Pera district are full of art nouveau buildings, theatres, art galleries, pubs, cafes, bookstores, music shops, and anything you can imagine. During the last 5 years, the Venice Code was adopted to restore the buildings using not only the original plan but also the original material. Laboratories were built for this purpose and a busy plan is being followed. You can see all sorts of people on the streets of Pera, from university students to yuppies, to Istanbul ladies following the early 20th century vogue. There is something for all.

Local street markets, known as the "pazar", is a unique experience. Pazars are held in every district once a week. This is where many locals go for their weekly shopping. It sounds like a farmers market, but in larger ones you can find anything that comes into your mind, from lace underwear to gardening tools, as well as food. Kadikoy's 'Sali Pazari - Tuesday Market', on the Asian side of Istanbul is a large one held on Tuesday and Friday.

The area around the Spice Market and towards the Grand Bazaar is a huge outdoors market all through the week, especially on Saturday. It may be an interesting walk from the Grand Bazaar to Spice Market.

If you are a museum person, Istanbul is the city. Located in the outer garden of Topkapi Palace, the Archeological Museum is usually underrated, but it is a world class one. The departments (actual museum, Museum of Ancient Orient, and Tiled Kiosk) are closed on different days of the week so please check opening times when you arrive.

Dolmabahçe Palace reflects the life-style of the Ottoman Dynasty back in the 19th century. The Palace is preserved with its original decoration; Baccarat crystal staircase, largest hand woven carpets and crystal chandeliers of the world, tons of gold used for the interior decoration and for guilding the furniture, etc. Your ticket includes a guided tour, and it is the only way you can see the palace. As you buy your ticket, you can choose the palace tour, or the palace and Harem combined tour. Harem is not as outstanding, but if you have plenty of time to enjoy 19th century eclectic architecture and design, go for both. If not, just take the palace tour.

--- closed on Monday & Thursday; hours are: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm ---

You may say visiting a military museum is no fun, but this one is. The Military Museum in Istanbul has a lot, including the glorious tents that the Ottoman Sultans used during military campaigns, and more. We believe the more interesting part is to listen to the performance of the Janissary Band. This used to be the first military band of the world history. The musicians dress up in original costumes as they play centuries old tunes. Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. Harbiye - Sisli

--- closed on Mondays & Tuesdays; hours are: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ---

There are private museums in the city that we can highly recommend. Sadberk Hanim Museum is in a beautiful building along the Bosphorus. Sadberk Hanim (Lady) was the wife of one of the first industrial entrepreneurs of Turkey. She was a passionate art collector. After her death, one of her daughters opened this museum to exhibit this collection, including very fine articles of ethnography and archeology. Address: Piyasa Caddesi No:27-29 Buyukdere / Sariyer

--- closed on Wednesdays; hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ---

Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum is another one along the Golden Horn. It features 'toys for boys', but it has a lot more to interest all. There is an old olive pressing unit that starts to operate as you enter the room. By the way, the museum restaurant has a gourmet chef. Address: Haskoy Caddesi No:22 Haskoy

--- closed on Mondays, open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm week days, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm on weekends ---

Sabanci Museum used to be home to the Sabanci family. It is an outstanding house north of the Bosphorus. The museum has the only Turkish painting collection in Istanbul, and also is the home of the 'Ottoman Golden Letters', illustrated gold gilded calligraphy. The collection known as the Golden Letters made an extensive tour of the USA a few years ago. Address: Istinye Caddesi No:22, Emirgan

--- closed on Mondays, open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm week days, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekends ---

Istanbul Modern - museum for contemporary arts - reflects the dynamism of Istanbul. It is located in an old warehouse, close to Karakoy port by the Golden Horn. It has a permenant collection, and houses temporary exhibitions and events. Address: Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman Isletmeleri Sahasi - Antrepo No:4, Karakoy

--- closed on Sundays, open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday thru Sunday, Thursdays till 8:00 pm ---

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