Istanbul: What to See & Do: Day Trips: A Perfect Sunday Along the Bosporus

A Perfect Sunday Along the Bosporus

If you are in Istanbul on a sun-filled Sunday, follow the Bosporus (and the locals) north to the chic neighborhood of Ortaköy for brunch; try the House Café Ortaköy (www.thehousecafe.com.tr), and then wander its lively weekend crafts market (lots of handmade beaded jewelry and crocheted tops). Afterward, take a cab or ferry to the quaint fishing village of Arnavutköy to walk off brunch. Follow the Bosporus to the Rumelihisari fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1451, before he conquered Constantinople. If you’re still up for it (and it’s no later than 3 p.m.), hop in a cab and head to the Sakip Sabanci Museum (Istiniye Cad. No. 22; www.muze.sabanciuniv.edu open until 6 p.m. on Sunday), a collection of paintings, ceramics and calligraphy in a stunning villa that was the family home of one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen. When you start feeling peckish, stop at the wonderful fusion restaurant Müzedechanga (Sakip Sabanci Cad. 22, Emirgan; www.changa-istanbul.com), located in the museum’s modern glass box of an extension, and refuel with some mezes.