Frommer's? Istanbul (Frommer's Complete Guides) - Softcover

• Let Frommer's Istanbul take you beyond the tourist circuit to discover the city's hidden pleasures and historical secrets. Our expert author shares her insights and opnions on buying authentic rugs and Turkish crafts, visiting a hamam, haggling in the markets, dining on street food, and avoiding time-honored scams.
• Our walking tours introduce you to the city's many faces, from the back streets of ancient neighborhoods to the underground world of Byzantine ruins.
• Frommer's Istanbul includes suggested itineraries for seeing the city on a tight time-budget; side trips to get you out of the city and exploring a different perspective on Turkish life; an in-depth discussion of the city's complex history and culture; and a beginner's Turkish glossary, to help you greet your Turkish counterparts in their own language.

From the Book: Street Food in Istanbul

A vendor with simits (a bread ring covered with sesame seeds). Photo by KnottyBill/Frommers.com Community

Whether it's the giant bagel-style sesame bread (simit), huge baked potatoes (kumpir) covered in a multitude of toppings, a traditional doner kebap served in pita bread, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), or delicious baklava treats, Istanbul's ubiquitous street stalls are a welcome sight -- and smell -- to hungry visitors.

Where to Eat:
Kadikoy and Ortakoy, two neighborhoods on the European side of Istanbul, have several lanes and markets lined with food stalls. Istiklal Caddesi in the Taksim neighborhood is a pedestrian-only street with plenty of food vendors.

How Much:
A fully laden kumpir will set you back about 6 Turkish Lira ($3.80) and a simit around 1 Turkish lira (63¢).