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  • What's up everybody? We're Alex and Marko, the Vagabrothers.

  • And these are our Top 10 Things To Do in Istanbul, Turkey.

  • Istanbul is a fascinating place because it's been home to three major civilizations: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

  • Nowadays it's the bridge between Europe and Asia and it's got more culture than we can fit in a Top 10 video.

  • So let's get started!

  • Number 1: The Hagia Sophia.

  • Start off with the building that tells the story of the city.

  • Built as a church by the Byzantines, it was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans who were so impressed by its intricate mosaics that they left them largely untouched.

  • Number 2: Mosques.

  • Just opposite the Hagia Sofia is the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and surely one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth.

  • Even though Turkey is secular, Istanbul has over 3000 mosques.

  • So make sure you check out some of the hidden gems.

  • But remember to dress accordingly: guys, wear pants, and women, cover shoulders and hair with a shawl.

  • Number 3: Topkapi Palace.

  • Next, head over to Topkapi Palace, the home of the Ottoman Sultans.

  • Get a taste of the lavish light by strolling through its lush gardens, opulate pavilions and, of course, the Sultan's infamous harem.

  • Don't forget your camera, because this place is Instagram-gold!

  • Number 4: A Hammam.

  • If you really want to live like a Sultan, then you've got to experience a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath where you'll be sudsed-up with a mop.

  • "I can't see, I got soap in my eye!"

  • Mildly beaten, and then rubbed vigorously till you howl in pain...or pleasure.

  • AHHHHH!!!

  • Options range from the cheap to the luxurious but either way it's a bucket list experience you will never forget.

  • Two thumbs up!

  • Number 5: The Grand Bazaar.

  • Another bucket list item is haggling in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

  • It's a great place to pick up stuff like rugs, lamps, and some pretty styling threads.

  • Like this shirt that I bought there over a year ago and it's still nice...I like it!

  • Number 6: Street food.

  • Turkish cuisine ranks among the top in the world and Istanbul's streets are a mezze of the nation's best dishes.

  • But don't worry about hygiene - if the street vendor is busy, it means the food is fresh and delicious.

  • Number 7: Asia.

  • Istanbul is the only city in the world to span two continents, so make sure you check out both sides of the Bosphorus.

  • If you have a little bit of money you can take a dinner cruise to Asia.

  • Or, if you're on a budget, hop on a ferry for about a buck.

  • Number 8: Galata.

  • Back on the European side, climb up the Galata tower which was built in the Middle Ages by Italian merchants from Genoa

  • (It's) one of the many European ports to establish permanent trading posts in Istanbul and whose influence can still be felt in the neighborhood's bars and restaurants today.

  • Number 9: Keyif.

  • Wherever you go in Istanbul, make sure you spend an afternoon practicing the Turkish art of keyif, watching the world pass by with a tea and a narghile.

  • Number 10: Nightlife.

  • When the sun sets, you've got some options.

  • From the devout whirling dervishes to the seductive belly dancers, or bar-hopping around Taksim Square in Galata with Istanbul's young, hip crowd.

  • So those are our tips on Istanbul. What are your's?

  • Share your advice in the comment box below.

  • And if you haven't seen our previous videos from Istanbul, stay tuned, they're coming right after this.

  • As always, if you enjoyed the video, give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends and subscribe to this channel for more travel videos every Tuesday.

  • - Teşekkür ederim. - Oh, nice!

What's up everybody? We're Alex and Marko, the Vagabrothers.

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