Çiya Sofrasi is one of Istanbul's most frequented restaurants for traditional Turkish food but it requires a little patience to locate it in Kadiköy's busy back streets.
In the same area as the famous Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Underground Cistern, this charming museum of rugs, ceramics and calligraphy is often overlooked by visitors.
The male tourist can take advantage of the world's best barbers without speaking a word of Turkish. A close shave, trim and head massage come at a very cheap price.
First-time visitors to Istanbul need to maintain a common-sense approach to both security and haggling to ensure they'll enjoy Turkey's most wondrous city.