Istanbul activities

Istanbul is a shoppers dream, and the Kapali Carsi (the Grand Bazaar) has been a shopper's mecca since just after the mid-15th century, when a warehouse was converted into a bustling and vibrant bazaar teeming with street traders selling everything from colourful carpets, leather goods, slippers to exotic spices and glittering jewels. These days it's a fantastic monstrous, labyrinthine and totally manic shopping bazaar. Wander the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem and hunt for bargains. Shops selling glittery knick-knacks line the main streets, but delve into the back streets and you'll still find an intoxication mix of hurly burly markets stalls all vying for attention. Be prepared to swap friendly banter with the hundreds of shopkeepers who will attempt to lure you into their establishments, and make sure you haggle to get the best price. Just remember to keep your wits about you!

The Turks have perfected the art of socializing to a fine degree, and playing a board game is something top of the list. One of the most popular pastimes is playing backgammon - wander past the street merchants and the friendly locals and you'll see local men outside cafés and homes simply sitting back leisurely having a game whilst watching the world pass by drinking tea and smoking flavoured tobacco 'shisha'. Any tea garden should be able to come up with a backgammon board if you ask nicely (usually for free). If you want to play billiards or go bowling, you'll need to head to Beyoglu.

For a real quintessential Turkish experience, make sure you try out a Hammam (a Turkish bath) - it'll get you relaxed in no time. You'll find these dotted around Istanbul.