Istanbul's Spice Bazaar is a centuries old foodie wonderland that's as exciting to visit as it is budget friendly and delectable! Whether you're foraging your way through this aromatic labyrinth of yumminess, shopping for gifts, or just 'taking it all in,' this place is without doubt a delight for the senses!

You can't miss the gaudy boats rocking alongside the Eminonu Pier at the 'Old City' side of Galata Bridge, and nor should you. And why, exactly, are the boats bobbing back and forth in steady rhythm? Because the cooks working in the boats' kitchens are tossing Istanbul's favorite street food over to the waiters working the tables on land. For a cheap and fun snack - served in singular style - join in!

Take the Beyoğlu Tünel funicular to spare your legs from the steep climb to Beyoğlu Square, then take time to explore this beautiful neighborhood renowned for its many restaurants and buzzing nightlife.

There's no better place to get a sense of this massive city's diverse and cosmopolitan makeup than this short cobblestoned and pedestrianized street in the ever-happening area of Beyoğlu. It's hardly a bad option for a quick bite (at one of its many restaurants or from a street vendor), a spot of shopping or top quality people watching (by the throngs).

One especially fantastic food shop in Beyoğlu is Ante, where more than 40 different types of Turkish cheese, and a smart selection of quality cheeses from abroad, await gourmet shoppers alongside all sorts of tasty offerings, from homemade jams and local delicacies to those hard-to-find international favorites. They're also begrudgingly generous with the samples - just don't push it!

Another Beyoğlu landmark is Ali Muhıddin Hacı Bekir. Among the top contenders for the best lokum (Turkish delight) in town, the shop has been in business since 1777, making it the oldest company to still do business in the same premises. As old as the shop is however, the lokum is guaranteed to be made fresh!

Halva, baklava, lokum and more more more...all served up in a historic setting (the '1864' bit in the name gives this away) with a side of especially strong Turkish tea. There's nothing not to love about Hariz Mustafa 1864.

A small cafe with a huge menu, full flavoured coffee, and grand view of the Bosphorus, Assk Kahve is popular with locals and visitors alike.

It's the simple things in life, right? Like köfte. Some say they're mere meatballs, but true foodies know that even such a seemingly mundane morsel can pack a wallop of wonderful flavor when made adeptly. For a taste of what a joy köfte can be, head to Köfteci Hüseyin near Taksim Square for inexpensive and extra yummy meatballs done right for almost 60 years.

Located in the traditionally working class Armenian neighborhood of Samatya, Küçük Ev is a great example (and safe bet) among the many humble, family eateries specializing in seafood here.

Most lists of top seafood restaurants in Istanbul wisely include Balıkçı Sabahattin. Who am I to go against the grain - especially in this case when the food is so good!

Looking for something other than Turkish food in Istanbul? How about the creations of three-Michelin-star Italian chef Massimo Bottura? Located within Eataly, a mega wow wonderland of all things deliciously Italian, Ristorante Italia Di Massimo Bottura features a menu of 100 classic Italian recipes from 'the northern Alps to the southern tip of Pantellieria.'

Located on the roof of the Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla Restaurant offers upscale and stylish dining with a menu of contemporary dishes based on traditional Turkish cuisine. Mikla is home to an excellent al fresco bar where, come evening, guests get to enjoy one the most spectacular shows in town: sunset over the Golden Horn.

Kebabs are a preferred late night treat the world over, so why would you expect things to be any different in this city famous for its kebabs? While the simple menu - of mostly southern Anatolian grilled dishes - is a pleasure any time of the day here, it can seem a godsend at the end of an evening out. Considerably more stylish than most kebab shops, Antiochia does not lose anything in substance!