The last stop of the Orient express or the impoverished ancient megapolis
Many of us have heard about Istanbul in our history classes. We associate it with names like Byzantion, Carihrad and Constantinople. Istanbul became a world-famous centre of trade, was famous for its Bosphorus canal and for being on two continents: Europe and Asia.
This oriental city will make your head spin with its size, diversity and the friendly atmosphere of its streets. The friendly people and the grateful smiles of the locals are priceless. Exploring Istanbul is a unique experience as you immerse yourself in an old culture united by two religions that are respected and intertwined here. Let’s get lost together in the alleys of Istanbul.
What to see, experience and taste in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a huge city with over 15 million inhabitants. In population and size, it ranks among the largest of European cities. You can fly into Istanbul from 2 airports from all over the world. A larger airport in the European part called Istanbul airport (IST). Smaller airport in the Asian part called Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). It is also popular to travel by car or motorbike if you are from Europe.
Istanbul was also once served by the famous Orient Express train from as far away as Paris itself. When I lived 140 years ago, I will definitely take this unforgettable train journey. In the early twentieth century, it was a symbol of wealth and glamour and ran between Paris and Istanbul. Those lucky enough to ride the Orient Express had an unforgettable experience full of grandeur and comfort.
I love travelling by train. Of the famous route from Paris to Istanbul, only a short section has survived through my country. It is called Eurocity trains.
➡️ If you want to experience a train trip on the Eurocity route through Berlin, Prague, Bratislava to Budapest, read this blog.
What can you experience that is unique in Istanbul?
Many people associate Istanbul with its charming mosques, iconic Topkapi Palace, Turkish hammam baths, skilled barbers and huge bazaars.
Mosques of Istanbul
There are more than three thousand of mosques in Istanbul. But we will focus on the most precious and beautiful ones. Even non-believers in Islam can enter the mosque. However, it is important to know the time of entry for tourists. Some mosques, such as the famous Blue Mosque, have dedicated hours for tourists to visit outside of the hours that Muslims pray in the mosque.
Hagia Sophia can be visited throughout the day. In the mosque it is necessary to take off your shoes, take off your cap and be properly dressed. Women are to wear dresses below the knees, shoulders covered and a headscarf. Men should have their shoulders covered and trousers below the knees. All must be undressed.
👍🏻 TIP: All mosques in Istanbul can be visited for free. This is great news.
Capture the Unforgettable Hagia Sophia
A former Christian temple from 350 AD, converted into a mosque that was later a museum. The present Hagia Sophia was built under Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD. And for almost a thousand years it was the largest cathedral in the world. After the fall of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II had it converted into a mosque in 1453.
In Hagia Sophia you will find remains from the ancient Artemis Temple in Ephesus– one of the original 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll also find Christian paintings and a surreal atmosphere. Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel that mixes Eastern and Western styles. Its massive dome is the most recognizable feature of the building, measuring more than 30 meters in height and 55 meters in diameter.
The walls of the mosque are decorated with intricate mosaics depicting religious scenes from the Orthodox and Islamic traditions. The interior of the building is decorated with marble and other precious stones.
It is located in the Golden Horn area on the European side of Istanbul’s grand Topkapi Palace. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Istanbul and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
👍🏻 TIP: My family and I visited the Hagia Sophia Mosque in the early evening. We were not standing in any line and smoothly entered the mosque after checking your bags.
When we passed by the mosque the next morning, there was a huge line in front of it. Therefore, I recommend visiting the mosque in the early evening. You can also enjoy the atmosphere of prayer itself with less tourists.
➡️ An article about my 7 wonders of the world that I visited can be found here.
Tour the Magical Blue Mosque and its Surroundings
We didn’t manage to get into the Blue Mosque, also called the Sultan Ahmed I Mosque, on our first visit. This is because there was a prayer going on there. Therefore, we checked before the mosque when it would be open and visited it the following day.
The Blue Mosque literally took my breath away. It was stunning. The paintings on the mosque are predominantly in blue, hence its name. I dare say it is one of the most beautiful mosques I have ever visited. The walls are covered with thousands of blue İznik tiles. The mosque is a stunning example of classical Ottoman architecture and is a sight to behold. Feel free to put it on your bucket list.
➡️ The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is also an iconic mosque. Read tips on what to see in Abu Dhabi.
Get Inspired by the Grandeur of Topkapi Palace
The palace served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, the palace is a museum. The palace was built between 1460 and 1478 on the orders of Sultan Mehmet II. The palace is surrounded by huge castles and already from the outside it looks beautiful.
Among the most important buildings are the imperial harem, the treasury and the imperial council hall. You will find beautiful courtyards, a library, a harem, a kitchen, various terraces with beautiful views of the city. The various religious relics are also interesting.
The harem was the abode of more than 1000 women, children and eunuchs. The head of the harem was the king’s mother. Mainly Jewish, Christian women and girls from around Georgia were brought to the harem, as Islam forbids the enslavement of women. The women were educated, converted to Islam, and the most beautiful of them were to become the Sultan’s wife. For more interesting facts, visit the palace.
The walls of the harem are decorated with brightly coloured tiles evoking a magical atmosphere and transporting you back to the ancient times of the Sultanate. The harem’s ceilings are interspersed with Islamic-patterned windows, adding dazzling natural daylight to the interior.
The harem once housed the king’s concubines, children, or mother, who had an important role to play. You will also find a traditional hammam of the Sultan, which is really impressive.
The palace is definitely worth a visit. Arrive in the early hours of the morning, it starts to fill up quickly at lunchtime.
Immerse yourself in the comfort of the hammam
You can’t miss the traditional Turkish hammam when visiting Istanbul. A hammam is an Arabic bath that offers a range of services such as massages, steam baths, saunas and body scrubs. A hammam is a type of Turkish bath that consists of a hot steam room, a warm room and a cool room. It is designed to promote relaxation and invigorate the body.
Get a fresh cut at barber
Turks are known for their impeccable grooming. They are always well shaved and trimmed. And behind that are the Turkish barbers. Visit a salon in Istanbul and experience a unique haircut and shave that is a treat to watch. My partner, father and brother all had their hair done by a barber and left feeling like new people. They conjured up fantastic haircuts exactly as they wanted. We visited the local Ahmet Berber Salon at 8 Balo Sk Street. near İstiklal Street.
Stroll Through the Bazaars of Istanbul
Among the most famous bazaars in the world is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The bazaar is a covered market interspersed with alleys selling a variety of goods. It is one of the oldest markets in the world! The building of the bazaar is very interesting and it’s great to see it and imagine how it might have looked back in the day. It is also one of the largest. However, it is mainly a shopping mecca for tourists. The prices here are exorbitant and the merchandise is purely touristy. Go to the authentic markets in the Asian section instead.
A bazaar with spices and teas, nuts and dried fruits called the Egyptian Bazaar – Spice Bazaar can be found on the shore by the Galata Bridge. It is also a beautiful indoor bazaar that is a must see. I don’t recommend shopping here, the prices are also very high, for 800 grams of tea we were charged almost 40 EUR.
I also don’t recommend sitting down for tea or coffee in the bazaar. You will overpay for it 3 times over.
Visit breath-taking Galata Bridge
It is an iconic bridge that connects the European part with the Sultanahmet part across an sea cove called the Golden Horn. You can also walk across it on foot and it will be the upper part of the bridge where you will experience the awe-inspiring atmosphere. The locals are catching fish in the early evening. There is a beautiful view of the city. Or take the lower part of the bridge, where you will be surprised by the large number of fish restaurants.
Get lost in the alleys of the The Asian section
The Asian part of Istanbul can be reached from the European part, for example, by boat. An excellent option is to travel on the Istanbulkart. One boat ride costs in conversion only 0,50 EUR. We had a lovely cruise around the Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, under the bridges. We even saw dolphins jumping ! Don’t forget to take a sea cruise when visiting Istanbul. It is an unforgettable experience with beautiful views.
We visited the Kadıköy and Moda neighborhoods. Kadıköy is a lively and bustling neighborhood in the Asian part of Istanbul. It is one of the most populated neighborhoods in the city and is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse culture.
Kadıköy district
The Kadıköy district surprised us with its markets, including the popular Kadıköy Market, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, spices and local handicrafts. We bought teas, oils, and baklava here at half to a third of the prices of the bazaars in the European district. Kadıköy is the perfect place for nightlife, full of bars and clubs, you can also go to Hookah here.
You’ll also find many tucked away antique shops in this district, where you’ll definitely find the perfect souvenirs of Istanbul. I bought a beautiful set of porcelain coffee cups from the well-known brand Kutahya Ceramic for €7! My family bought antique telephones or coins from 1949! You will definitely find interesting pieces here.
Another popular attraction is the Moda promenade, which is lined with cafés, restaurants and small boutiques. Take a stroll along the seafront, too. It’s a quiet and calming place to take a break from the bustling city of Istanbul.
Enjoying the Beauty of Istanbul’s Panoramic Skylines from Galata Tower
We had been contemplating climbing the Galata Tower for a long time. We walked past it every day, and only decided on the last one. The Galata Tower rises in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the iconic landmarks.
And it was a great decision. Once you climb to the top of the tower, you’ll have the whole of Istanbul in the palm of your hand. It’s a breathtaking view and don’t hesitate to visit it.
Under the Galata Tower you can have a San Sebastian cheesecake. It’s a delicious cake with chocolate frosting.
However, I recommend the World House Coffee Co. It’s a wonderful little café on the way to the tower from İstiklal Street.
See Why Istanbul’s İstiklal Street is on Many Must
İstiklal Street is one of the most famous streets in Istanbul. It is a busy pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. There are also historic buildings, art galleries and theatres. The street is more than 1.5 kilometres long.It’s a great spot to start exploring Istanbul. There are large masses of people on the street, so watch out for pickpockets! A historic tram runs along the street. Don’t forget to take a picture of it!
Peek into the underground of the mythical Cistern Basilica
The Cistern Basilica has been renovated and open to tourists since 2022. It is an ancient underground rainwater storage system mainly for the area around Topkapi Palace. It was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It is one of the largest underground structures of its kind in the world.
Here you will experience a dazzling play of lights that change the atmosphere in the underworld. There are also some beautiful sculptures adding to the mysteriousness of the place. There is also a Medusa myth in the underground.
Get lost in the streets of colourful Balat district
The colourful Balat district, located in the heart of Istanbul, is a former Jewish quarter. It is known for its bright colours and eclectic atmosphere. Here you will find narrow cobbled streets lined with colourful houses with painted shutters. Local shops and cafes add a dynamic energy. The district’s picturesque waterfront, flanked by the Golden Horn and overlooking the city skyline, is a popular spot for photography.
What to taste in Istanbul?
Deliciously Sweet Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of crisp pastry filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, most often pistachios, and sweetened with syrup or honey. Baklava cakes are sold with coffee and by the gram. They are extremely sweet, you really only need 1-2 pieces. Always ask for the approximate price of the cake so you don’t get ripped off.
It’s Kebab Time
A kebab is a dish of small pieces of meat, usually lamb or beef, which are marinated in herbs and spices and then cooked on a skewer over an open fire. Vegetables or fruit may also be added to the skewer. The kebabs are served with fresh salad and Arabic bread. If you are vegetarian, don’t worry, everywhere in town will offer you falafel or hummus.
Fish & Seafood Cuisine
Be sure to get your fish on in Istanbul, it has direct access to the sea and the fish is fresh. You can see for yourself by visiting the fish market in the Asian part, where you can buy fish and seafood. We tried the fish sandwiches and wraps. They were fantastic, filled with lettuce and smoked mackerel. You’ll also be surprised by the shellfish stalls, which you can sample at every corner. They are filled with rice and clam meat, drizzle them with lemon.
Tea and coffee
Inherent to Turkey is the strong Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is distinguished from other types of coffee by its preparation process: it is brewed using finely-ground coffee beans that are boiled in traditional copper pots known as cezve. Typically, the grounds remain in the cup after the brewed coffee has been poured.
I also recommend to try Turkish black tea. Tea is delicious and invigorating even in the hot summer weather. We couldn’t resist and sampled it on just about every corner.
Where to stay?
Istanbul has thousands of luxury hotels and beautiful Airbnb’s. We chose the Beyoğlu district.This is located near the noisy Istiklal street in the European part of the city. I prefer a good night’s sleep so I choose apartments away from the noisy streets, but with good walking access.
I think it is more convenient in terms of the distribution of sights to stay in the European part. The most popular choice for visitors to Istanbul is the Sultanahmet district. For more budget conscious travellers, the area around Tarlabasi Boulevard is home to a number of affordable hostels and guesthouses .
The Asian one on the other hand is more vibrant and I can imagine living there.
How to get around Istanbul?
Istanbul has a modern network of roads, bridges and public transport. We used Uber to transfer from the airport, and also for other transfers to more distant parts of Istanbul. The public transport is excellent, in which you can use the Istanbulkart. It’s a rechargeable card that the whole group can travel on. It is charged with cash in the yellow machines. If you get lost, definitely don’t be shy to ask.
Buses, ferries, subways and trams are always boarded through a turnstile. A card must be used in front of it. We were helped to board the ferry by a member of staff who manned the ferry entrances. The price of one ferry ride was only 0,50 EUR in conversion.
Many people also travelled to Istanbul by car. You will definitely break a sweat when driving in the city. Turkish people drive dominantly and are not ashamed to knock you out. You will be surprised by the several lane intersections. Leave your car in the garage and get around on foot or by public transport.
How to buy a sim card in Istanbul?
Don’t buy a sim card at the airport, they have the most expensive offer. Airports have limited wifi, you can order an Uber on your first ride through the airport wifi. I think for a 4 day trip you will find at least one card worthwhile. The city is huge and has an intricate network of streets. You need to navigate them. You can buy a prepaid sim card at Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom in city. If you have time, go to more shops, you might find a good deal. The price varies from EUR 20- EUR 60.
Discovering Istanbul in 4 Days
1 day: Wander around İstiklal Street
How to make a visit to Istanbul count other than by get your hairstyle? Visit a local Barbour and look worldly in your photos.
Take a walk around İstiklal Street is a long street with beautiful shops, and restaurants, don’t be afraid to turn off into the small alleyways where you might get lost, but you’re sure to discover something interesting.
At the end you will come to the Galata Tower. Be sure not to miss the view from the tower, it is breathtaking. Afterwards, go for a nice lunch or dinner in the area. In the evening, the atmosphere at the Galata Bridge is pleasant. At the end of the Galata Bridge, be sure not to miss the Egyptian bazaar with spiced teas and dried fruits. If you feel like it, you can haggle with the merchants here for better prices. 🙂
Day 2 – Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
Visit Topkapi Palace early in the morning. I recommend an early morning visit. You will definitely stay in the palace for two hours. Right next to the palace is the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which also has longer queues, so I recommend you leave it until the early evening. Let yourself be carried away by the great atmosphere of the Blue Mosque which is right across the street from Hagia Sophia. Then you can visit the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3 – Asian part of Istanbul
On the third day, take a boat to the Asian part of Kadıköy where you can spend the whole day. The boat trip itself is one great experience. We wandered around the open markets where we bought great gifts and souvenirs.
We also discovered the antique shops here and bought beautiful accessories for our home. There are hundreds of excellent restaurants in the neighborhood where you can just sit down and enjoy a good lunch. Lunch is best spent on a walk by the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Sample the excellent tea desserts and go for a shisha here too.
Day 4 – Cistern Basilica, Balat Quarter, Hammam
Day four is an excellent day to visit the Cistern Basilica. This amazing moment will take your breath away. There are many beautiful restaurants in the area. If you have time visit the former Jewish quarter which has beautiful photogenic streets. The last day is a great day to visit the hammam.
Istanbul has the grace of Paris, the orientalism of Morocco and the boulevards and palaces of Vienna. However, it is unique in its own right with such a slow vibe in the mornings, when the city doesn’t start to come alive until around 10am and goes to bed late at midnight. We Europeans may feel slow in this city, but this is a city to be enjoyed slowly, with good Turkish tea and sweet baklava.
Live life and travel the world. Most importantly, share your experiences with those you love the most…
Dominika, Traveltheplanet