If you are a book freak and love to read foreign books then your direct address should be Pandora Bookstore. They are a totally separate shop dedicated to (mostly) English books varying from literature to hobby, educational to history. But I have to say that they have the richest variety of literature novels in İstanbul.
If you are looking for books to buy about Turkey, translated Turkish authors etc Pandora is the best spot for you. Obviously there are a couple more book stores around but Pandora has the best atmosphere, location and the best possible friendly personnel.
As a local I always go there to feed my book thirst and there I noticed a lot of expats with normal tourists.
They have moved the English bookstore to their new two storey building which is just fabulous. I can easily say that it's the best English title bookstore in Istanbul.
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This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
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Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
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Cafe Naftalin K in Istanbul's Balat is a spot I love going with friends after photography tours in the area. It's so cozy - its stove is a lifesaver!
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Galata Simitçisi close to Istanbul's Karaköy used to be part of my daily routine, and I still go to to have a simit at this traditional bakery...
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Rahmi M. Koç Museum Istanbul has such items as vintage cars, sailboats, old trams, trains, productions units, warplanes and more! I also like its garden.
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Viktor Levi Wine House in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is like a hidden gem. I like going there when I need to drink good wine at a worthwhile price...
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Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
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Story Coffee in Istanbul is my new discovery in Moda neighbourhood. It's the perfectly designed spot for everyone who likes good coffee and baked goods.
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Åžeyhmuz Kebap is a good alternative in Istanbul's Old City area. All the meat there is prepared with a special traditional method from the Mardin region.
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Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.
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Mükellef in Istanbul is a great fine dining restaurant with amazing views. I generally prefer its mezzes with yogurt and eggplant - good match with raki!
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Pieton Coffee in Istanbul isn't like other coffee shops. Here, they ask you 'what kind of flavors do you like' instead of 'what are you getting?'
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