Friday, 1 December 2017
In the morning, we took the tram to the Fatih district to visit the Valens Aqueduct. We had to get off from Aksaray tram stop, and from there, walked north towards the aqueduct. It took us about 15 mins to get there.
It was an impressive sight. Completed in 368CE, it served as the main water supply to Constantinople. After the Ottoman conquest, the Turks extended it further for their own usage.
There was a playground next to the aqueduct, which was perfect for Sofia to run around while I admire the old structure. Weather was pleasant too (about 14 degrees).
From the aqueduct, we visited Şehzade Mosque. Commonly known in English as Prince Mosque, it was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1548 as a memorial to his son Şehzade Mehmed.
We took the tram from Aksaray to Eminönü and had lunch at Hamdi Restaurant. The food was excellent! The price wasn’t too expensive either.
The restaurant had a viewing deck with a fantastic view of Beyoğlu and the Bosporus.
After lunch, we walked across the Galata Bridge. It was interesting to observe people fishing on the bridge. Some of them even manage to get a decent catch!
Later in the evening, had tea at Osmanlizadeler near the hotel (as mentioned in Day 2), and headed back out.
We took the tram to Sultanahmet for an evening stroll. Sofia went running at the fountain near Hagia Sophia and later went to the Hippodrome. We discovered the fountains near the Blue Mosque were lit with interesting lights at night!
Later, we had a simple dinner from the food stall near the Hippodrome and headed back to the hotel.
Related posts: Istanbul Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7
Imran Jaafar 