The secret side of Istanbul for Liverpool & Chelsea fans heading to the Super Cup final
FANS of Liverpool and Chelsea will be heading to Istanbul in their thousands for the Super Cup final on Wednesday, which inspires this week’s City Stay Q&A . . .
Q: Why should I go?
A: The Turkish city is the gateway to the Orient and sits between Asia and Europe. Istanbul is a melting pot of fascinating culture, delicious food and fabulous people.
Temperatures soar in August so travelling fans — or those looking for a fun city break — should pack plenty of sun cream. It is ideal as a spring or autumn break when the temperatures are cooler.
Q: Are the streets made for walking?
A: Istanbul’s public transport system is easy to navigate and incredibly cheap at 50p per ride on bus, tram or the subway.
So getting from the culture-rich Asian side to the metropolitan European streets is easily done.
When you are on the ground, many of the major landmarks are in walking distance and the bustling markets and shops hidden down the pretty side streets will have you enthralled.
Q: Anything for the bucket list?
A: A must-do for travelling fans is taking a boat ride up the Bosphorus, where you get incredible views of both sides of the city. Keep an eye out for dolphins.
From the waters you will have a fantastic view of the domes and spires of the Sultan Ahmed, or Blue Mosque, as well as the Hagia Sophia, once a Greek Orthodox cathedral and Ottoman mosque but now a museum.
Both are well worth exploring inside too. Just remember to dress appropriately in the Blue Mosque and visit mid-morning to avoid the crowds. The Topkapi Palace tells the history of the city through time.
To experience scenes that have barely changed in centuries, visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world.
Football fanatics can also book a tour of the Besiktas stadium ahead of the match.
The state-of-the-art venue is perfect for those obsessed with the beautiful game. And you’ll have a chance to sit on the benches where managers Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp will be during the match.
Q: Where should I eat?
A: The kebabs in Istanbul are out of this world, and you can pick one up from street vendors for as little as £2.50.
For those looking for a culinary treat, head to the Murver Restaurant where seasonal produce is prepared on wood grills and served to you on a lovely terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
Go mezze all the way — sharing is popular in Turkey and it means you get a taste of everything.
Sahrap restaurant is less fancy but with food that easily matches in quality, taste and presentation.
Whatever you do, load up on the traditional Turkish sweet baklava from street vendors. It’s a much-needed sugar boost when you are tired from all the exploring.
Q: Fancy a drink?
A: A top recommendation is the brilliant Bomontiada — a complex set within an old beer factory that has a host of different outdoor and inside bars and restaurants.
GO: ISTANBUL
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Turkish Airlines flies from Heathrow to Istanbul with fares from around £219return. See .
The Marmara Taksim Hotel has rooms from £126 a night. Find details at .
MORE INFO: See .
For those looking to dance and drink into the early hours, the funky Populist bar blasts out old school tunes and club classics. For a more laid-back vibe, Brewery on the Bosphorus has a great selection of beers.
While those looking to mingle with locals and expats should head to Arsen Lüpen, in Istanbul’s up- and-coming district Beyoğlu.
On average, a pint of beer will cost £2 while a good bottle of wine will set you back around £8-£10.
Q: Where should I stay? If you want a touch of luxury, you can’t go wrong with The Marmara Taksim Hotel.
Rooms boast super-kingsize beds and plush bathrooms with incredible views over the Bosphorus.
The buffet breakfast will leave you struggling to make room for lunch — unless you swim it off in the hotel’s large rooftop pool.
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The hotel is right on Taksim Square, perfect for a late-night walk with the hundreds of locals.
For more of a bargain, check out AirBnB for reasonably priced apartments in the city.
Most sleep three and cost between £30-£65 per night all in.