#10 Pera

So up first in my top ten list is Pera! The Pera area actually.

 This is just on the other side of the Golden Horn and for the purpose of this post 

I'm including it to mean the area of Istiklal Caddesi with it's beautiful buildings and many Consulates, fantastic shopping and restaurants, the Galata Tower.

 AND my main two favorite things- 

the Historic Tram that runs up and down Istiklal Caddesi 

and the Pera Palace Hotel!

Here is Porter standing by the tram, and then riding inside with the
beautiful authentic blue glass that closes the door to the conductor.

 It comes complete with the hand crank wheel, and dingly bell. 

It just goes up and back, but it is a fantastic little ride that takes you back in time! 

A hit with kiddos any day. 

Now for the legendary Pera Palace Hotel.

Absolutely beautiful!

It was built in 1892 to cater to passengers on the Orient Express, and it has changed little since then. It was recently completely restored, and it is gorgeous!

It has hosted numerous VIP's including Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Josephine Baker, Greta Garbo, Ataturk, Ernest Hemingway, and Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie is alleged to have written her famous 

Murder on the Orient Express while staying there.

It boasts a great restaurant, the original hotel bar, and a fantastic French Patisserie! We have only eaten at the patisserie, but it was AMAZING. The milk chocolate and vanilla eclair pictured above, specifically was THE BEST eclair I have EVER eaten! 

Everything I ever ate there was also delicious.

It is decorated with beautiful period furniture, 

and they give you the full service with the china and the silver! 

It's so great to pamper yourself every now and again, 

you know. to treat yourself like the rich and famous of yesteryear!

They also have this gorgeous working antique elevator, 

and if the attendant is on duty you can get a ride in style!

It is just a beautiful place, and so fun to visit for a little historical flavor

 (and actual delicious French pastry flavor) every now and again!

The Pera area was once known as "Little Europe", and it is just a fun area to stroll and explore in. It also has great access to the Metro, so it gets an A in our book any day.