Istanbul was unlike any other city I have ever visited. It’s a perfect mash-up of East and West, old and new, the traditional and the trendy… I fell in love with the exotic mosaic of flavours and sounds of this culturally unique city. If this amazing city is on your mind, read on for what to do in Istanbul.
Before coming, I’d seen so many beautiful pictures on Instagram (of course) and heard so many enchanting stories that left me eager to visit. It’s just one of those cities that oozes mystery, romance and beauty; still sending jolts of elektricity all over my skin when looking back at the three days I spent exploring. In fact, you are very much in danger of never wanting to leave!
– THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO –
2-3 days is sufficient to explore the city highlights as well as some surrounding neighbourhoods.
Cash is king. Always carry cash, especially when you’re planning on shopping at the Gran Bazaar or having lunch at a local restaurant or stall. Make sure to have some local currency at hand, however Euro are also widely accepted.
For women, keep your shoulders, legs and hair covered when visiting a mosque. All visitors must also remove their shoes. Bring an extra pair of socks if you’r not keen on walking through the mosque barefoot.
Sharpen your bargaining skills before buying anything at the bazaars. Never accept the first price given to you when plunging into a shopping spree.
Languages spoken are Turkish and many Turks will also speak French. Don’t expect to hear much English but people will definitely make an effort in most tourist areas.
– WHERE TO STAY –
When traveling, I much prefer to stay in cozy places that offer some kind of unique experience. Even more when it has an intimate feel and represents the local culture. And my God, my stay did not disappoint! I highly recommend the Empress Zoe hotel if you’re looking for a boutique feel. The peaceful garden offers a nice retreat after a long day of roaming Istanbul’s streets. Try to get a room with a terrace, they are superb!
Located in a quiet street, only 2min from the Blue Mosque, the Ibrahim Pasha hotel has one of the funkiest roof terraces with a view in Istanbul. The contemporary style of the hotel embraces its Ottoman roots, complete with oriental rugs and potted plants. Top selling point is the staff though, excellent recommendations when it comes to photo spots, local dining options and much more. Oh, and did I mention they serve the best Turkish breakfast I’ve had?
– WHERE TO EAT –
After spending some time exploring the bazaars and admiring the incredible architcture, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Sampling some of the many local street food options like roasted corn or fish sandwiches are good options for a quick lunch or snack, if you’re looking to find a quiet oasis to enjoy the local cuisine, these are a few of the restaurants I’d recommend:
1. Balık-ekmek Boats – for perhaps a century, fishermen are selling their catch from the Bosphorus at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge in the form of grilled fish fillets, stuffed in half a loaf of bread to thousands of hungry, thrifty Istanbullus every day. The traditional sour turnip juice goes along with your freshly grilled local fastfood snack. If you’re lucky, a local vendor will set up his BBQ and sell fish durum: grilled mackerel wrap with vegetables and spices. Yum!
2. Balıkçı Sabahattin – was a fabulous local seafood restaurant recommended to me by a staff member at my boutique hotel when I asked him where he typically has his lunch or dinner. It didn’t disappoint! There were loads of locals and seemingly few other travelers when we had dinner there.
3. Şirin Fırın – This one’s for those who enjoy the baked goods. Both the exterior and the interior are painted in the most delicious colours and even the word ‘sirin’ means cute in Turkish. Enjoy a quick Turkish breakfast or afternoon pastry and tea.
4. Hafiz Mustafa – Go here for their incredible baklava and Turkish delight. Head upstairs to the café section for a guarenteed fabulous high tea experience and enjoy a sampler plate of sweets in all shapes and sizes with a strong glass of Turkish tea.
5. Kybele Café – located close to Sultanahmet this café feels just like you’re visiting the home of an elderly Turkish couple as it’s packed with antique furniture and old-school Turkish ornaments. The place is particularly cosy and has a super garden/terrace and the most delicious deserts!
– WHAT TO DO IN ISTANBUL –
Blue Mosque: the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, is the formal title of this breathtaking place of worship. Its elegantly raised minarets and domes peak through the city skyline and create a true Arabian night when magically illuminated after sunset. The equally romantic inside features intricate blue tiling, making the mosque’s nickname totally justified. The best way to see the Blue Mosque is to take the Western entrance, approaching the Hippodrome. Due to the fact that Blue Mosque is a working mosque you need to plan your visit carefully, as the mosque is closed to sightseers during their daily prayer times for Muslims.
Galata & Karaköy: North of İstanbul’s Galata Bridge, Karaköy edges the Bosphorus’ waterbank and is an exhilarating neighbourhood where traditional bakeries live alongside trendy hipster cafés and bars. Enjoy a beautiful sunset over Süleymaniye Mosque at the Karaköy pier or take the Tünel (funicular) to Galata Tower for a splendid 360° view of Istanbul.
Basillica Cistern: I wasn’t really convinced at first. What could possibly be interesting about a water reservoir? But I am so glad I went. The beautifully illuminated underground water storage lies under the centre of the old town and is worth a visit (search for the Medusa heads).
Topkapi Palace: There is no better place to imagine yourself a character in the tale “Thousand and One Nights” then when visiting Topkapi Palace. The royal courtyards, lush rose gardens and fountains turn it into a wonderful place to learn about the very lavish life of Turkish Ottoman sultans. Oh, and did I mention it is Instagram heaven?
Fener & Balat: Though I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the suburbs myself, locals peeked my curiosity for Fener and Balat by claiming these neighbourhoods are the richest in history, the most fascinating and characteristic. According to their praises he Greek and Jewish neighbourhoods display cute cobblestone streets and colourful houses that would live up to a photographer’s dream. So sad I missed it but if locals like to go there, it usually means something good!
– WHERE TO SHOP –
Gran Bazaar: You can’t visit Istanbul without experiencing the Grand Bazaar! If you want to travel back in time, the Gran Bazaar is the perfect place to search for trinkets and treasures. I recommend visiting when the market opens at 8:30 am, when there are less crowds and the place is slightly less overwhelming. Egyptian Spice Bazaar: If you’re looking for anything sweet, spice and everything nice, the Spice Market is your littel pice of heaven – locks and blocks of small alleyways with shops selling dried fruits, Turkish delights and lots of yummy spices.
– WHAT TO BUY –
It wouldn’t make sense for you to come to Istanbul and not buy a few goodies from the bazaars. A few items I highly recommend (and indulged myself) are:
Colourful glass lamps
Ceramic home goods
Handmade jewelry
Local spices
Handmade soaps
Turkish delight
As far as cities go, Istanbul is hands down one of the most intriguing, inspiring, endlessly chaotic and yet somehow charming cities I have ever visited. I hope you find your dose of inspiration on what to do in Istanbul!
*Pictures taken by me and the wonderful Seben Altav (IG: @sebennaltav)
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Is Turkey on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.
I loved visiting Istanbul! I was only there for 3 days though and have clearly missed a few things from your list so I hope I will make it back there some day soon!
Istanbul is full of wonderful things to do! I bet it still has plenty of interesting sights to entertain you a second time Sanne!
Marlo & Kristof xxx
ohhh so sad I missed that one!
Marlo xxx
So happy it's useful to you Pamela! Istanbul is amazing, you'll have a blast!
Marlo & Kristof
xxx
Beautiful post, will definitely read your post again to plan the trip 🙂
Balik ekmek is my favorite, also I would like to recommend Ayran for anyone visiting Turkey. I mean, it's not everyone's favorite.. But it's worth to try! 😀
I love Istanbul! Love the turkish cuisine, the ice cream and everything else. I spent few days there last easter and the only thing I regret not having the opportunity to experience is the night life. Well hopefully one day will have that chance as well