This district of Istanbul contains neighborhoods like '''Elmada?''', '''Ni?anta??''', '''Kurtulu?''', and '''?i?li''', which were first settled during the last years of the Ottoman Empire or early years of Turkish Republic, all situated north of Taksim Square, and the main business district between '''Mecidiyekoy''' and '''Levent''' - '''Maslak''' in the north. Most of Istanbul_fs steel-and-glass skyscrapers, including ?? Bank_fs towers which are currently the tallest buildings (172 mt) in Turkey (and also in all the lands between Frankfurt and Dubai), are located in Levent-Maslak area. Even taller buildings, such as Sapphire which will eventually have a height of 238 meters (261 mt including its antenna), are on the way.
Get in
The fastest and most common way to reach this district is to take the '''metro''' from Taksim. There are metro station at every couple kilometres all along this part of the city.
'''Buses''' from many places in the city has their terminus at '''Mecidiyekoy'''.
''' ''Dolmu?''es''' from Be?ikta? to '''Ni?anta??''' are also available.
Get around
The main thoroughfare of this district is '''Cumhuriyet Caddesi''' (Avenue) between Taksim Square and Mecidiyekoy in the north, passing through or near Ni?anta?? and ?i?li; and its extension '''Buyukdere Caddesi''', which lies towards east and then north, passing through Levent and Maslak and eventually reaching Sar?yer on the Bosphorus bank in north. Between Taksim and Levent, a '''metro'''/'''subway''' line (with an extension construction towards Maslak) lies under these streets.
See
When you are bored of Roman/Byzantine/Ottoman architecture whatsoever, this district -especially the northern sections around Levent and Maslak- is where you want to be to run an eye over '''steel-and-glass skyscrapers''' of Istanbul. However, southern sections around Elmada?, Osmanbey, Ni?anta??, Kurtulu?, and ?i?li has large numbers of '''neo-classical buildings''' which date back to the turn of 20th century, making a nice contrast to northern section of New Istanbul.
Do
Buy
This part of the city is characterized by having a modern shopping mall every few kilometers on a straight line. Here is a list of them:
'''Cevahir''' [http://www.istanbulcevahir.com/index_english.html], the newest one of malls in Istanbul. At ?i?li. Metro: ?i?li.
'''Profilo''' [http://www.profiloalisverismerkezi.com.tr/index.php], located a bit away from main street (about 10 min walk) at Mecidiyekoy. Metro: Mecidiyekoy.
'''Akmerkez''' [http://www.akmerkez.com.tr/], at Etiler. Nearest metro station is Gayrettepe/Zincirlikuyu, the actual location of the mall is about 25-min walk or 10-min taxi ride away from that station.
'''Metrocity''' [http://www.metrocity.com.tr/]. Levent metro station has a direct exit to the mall.
Eat
Budget
Mid-range
'''Sultana's Dinner and 1001 Nights Show''' [http://www.sultanas-nights.com], in Elmadag, near Taksim, has traditional Turkish cuisine (meze, kebabs, desserts) with a show every evening of belly dancing, Turkish folklore and live music.
'''Set Kebap''' at Nispetiye Cad. No:13 in Levent. Has a wonderful meze table and delicious Adana Kebab. The staff speaks very little English but are most anxious to be helpful.
'''Kosebasi Kebap''' [http://www.kosebasi.com]. This Zagat-rated kebab joint serves traditional Turkish kebabs in modern/ upscale atmosphere. Levent is the main branch but they have 7 more locations (including 3 express versions) in Istanbul.
'''Sosa'''. At Akmerkez Mall, Etiler. tel - +90 212 282 01 51. Fairly priced salads and wraps among others.
Splurge
Drink
'''Reassurans Pasaj?''' in Ni?anta?? houses many bars and cafes and is a good place for bar hopping on a Saturday night.
'''Taps''', [http://www.tapsistanbul.com/]. A bar, restaurant and brewery in one. The crowd is the general Ni?anta?? crowd, it also attracts a lot of expatriates.
Adult entertainment
The city's most reputable strip club, or gentleman's club, is '''Regina Revue''' [http://www.reginarevue.com], in Elmadag, near Taksim. It's not a sleazy place and has been running for nearly 30 years. Rather than a standard strip club with just a pole on the stage, Regina has many different decors and performances to music, with the girls acting out different scenarios on stage. Quite a surprise to find such a liberal place in Istanbul.
Sleep
Mid range
'''Istanbul Suites''', Harbiye Cayiri Sokak No:111, Harbiye, +90 212 224 53 10, [http://www.istanbulsuites.com]. Ranging from duplex to studio apartments which are all furnished with modern appliances. It's located in the city center and is within a 5 minute walking distance to Taksim, ni?anta?? and the metro. Possibility for short and long term rentals.
Splurge
'''Ceylan Intercontinental Istanbul''', Asker Oca?? Cad. No:1, near Taksim, +90 212 368 44 44 (fax: +90 212 368 44 99, istanbul@interconti.com.tr), [http://www.interconti.com.tr]. Situated in the heart of the city, its fantastic location ensures all rooms have the views of the city or of the Bosphorus.
'''Hilton Istanbul''', Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Harbiye, +90 212 315 6000 (fax: +90 212 240 4165), [http://www.istanbul.hilton.com]. Hotel offers a business center, fitness facilities, pool and Turkish baths. Rooms have high speed internet access. Basic room starts at ?175, most rooms between ?250-350.
Park Hyatt Istanbul - Macka Palas. ronz Sokak 35, Tesvikiye. 90 212 368 1234. stanbul.park@hyatt.com. 90 212 368 1000. ttp://istanbul.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp. Opened in October 2008, Park Hyatt Istanbul - Macka Palas is new 5 star hotel in Istanbul_Ls residential and shopping district Nisantasi. Rooms combine Art Deco style and historic Turkish decor with modern amenities such as wireless Internet access, DVD player and iPod docking station. The hotel is also home to a spa, swimming pool and restaurants. Emporio Armani and Gucci boutiques are located on the ground floor.
Contact