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There is no city in the world truly like Istanbul. At least geographically speaking, it is the only city in the world located on two continents (Europe and Asia) and was a stop along the ancient Silk Road. Historically, the city has traded hands between Roman, Latin, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires in 16 centuries time and was once Turkey’s capital until it moved to Ankara in 1923.

The city itself is a bustling metropolis, where the call to prayer can be heard many times during the day, bazaars as long and as crowded as the eye can see, delicious food and sweets, and plenty of sights and sounds to take it. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post.

I’ve been here a few times and along with how walkable the city is, there are ferries that can take you up and down the Bosphorus to explore the small towns (Besiktas, Üsküdar, Kanlica, Sariyer, Rumeli Kavagi, Andolu Kavagi) along the shoreline on both continents. Operators of these types of tours can be found at Eminönu Pier, right next to the Galata Bridge. There are multiple ferries a day that allow you to get off in one stop, explore a bit, and grab the next ferry to the next stop, etc. I’d recommend dedicating a whole day to see all of these stops. Here is an excellent guide on the types of ferry tours that are offered up the Bosphorus.

The most prominent architecture that is featured in Istanbul are in its myriad of mosques. No visit to Istanbul would be complete without seeing at least a few of them. It is worth noting that visiting a mosque requires a certain dress code; women’s heads must be covered, shoes should not be worn, and knees or shoulders should also be covered, though some places can be more strict or lenient.

Here are some of the places worth checking out in Istanbul:

Hagia Sophia

The most famous mosque in Istanbul, located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, has to be the Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century and is considered typical Byzantine architecture. Due to the immense popularity of this site, it is recommended to go when it opens where there is less foot traffic and you can get a real sense of the scope and scale of this building. Now it is technically a museum and so visitors of any faith and any attire can enter.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Just across the courtyard from The Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque. Unlike it’s neighbor, this mosque requires the appropriate attire to be worn and is strictly enforced however, admission is free. The interior is just as extraordinary as its exterior and is a clear favorite of mine among all mosques in Istanbul. If you are keen on seeing even more mosques during your stay, feel free to check out Küçük Ayasofya (‘Little Hagia Sophia’), Nuruosmaniye Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque (among others). 

Basilica Cistern

Also located in Sultanahment is the Basilica Cistern, the largest cistern located in Istanbul. Its purpose was to provide water to the Topkapi Palace and is composed of 336 marble columns, a few of which possess ornate decorations and facial figures. This site is especially welcoming in the summer to escape the hot temperatures.

Grand Bazaar

Also within walking distance is the Grand Bazaar. Here you will find all kinds of food (Turkish delights, coffee, teas, spices), lanterns, textiles, jewelry, even electronics. Prepare yourself for how crowded this place can become and even more so if you plan on buying any souvenirs for your stay; its more or less expected that you negotiate a more favorable price with the shopkeepers for the item you want to purchase. Everyone has a different method of doing so and the experience isn’t always pleasant, but one rule of thumb is to not go so low as to insult the owner you are buying from.

Topkapi Palace

The ‘Cannonball Gate’ or Topkapi Palace is a massive complex that used to function as the headquarters of Ottoman sultans centuries ago. Presently it serves as a museum and is composed of many courtyards, a treasury, and collections of Ottoman relics.

Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi

For all coffee lovers who want to bring back traditional Turkish coffee to make at home, be sure to stop by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, a coffee roastery whose roots go back to 1871. Follow your nose to find the usual queue at this shop in Eminönu and grab a few bags to take home with you. Also, to truly enjoy this coffee, prepare it in the way it was intended, by boiling the grounds in a Turkish coffeepot or a ‘cezve’.

Galata Bridge

For places to eat en route or just around the Galata Tower, look no further than the Galata Bridge itself, which is lined with restaurants. If you want a place that’s a little more secluded, cross the Galata Bridge (also good for people watching) and pass the tower to an alleyway just nearby and find a place called Arada Café. This tranquil place has fantastic food and is off the beaten path away from the noisy streets.

Galata Tower

The best panoramic views in all of Istanbul can be found at the Galata Tower. The Tower has origins to before the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The tower was allowed to survive and was subsequently turned into a prison. Present day, this tower is an exhibition space and museum, sitting 63 meters high and is a symbol of Istanbul.

Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)

Lastly, the Maiden’s Tower, is one landmark (also a museum and a restaurant) that’s not so easy to get to than the rest since it rests in the waters just off the Asian coast of Istanbul. However, the best way to appreciate it is by taking a ferry from Eminönu to Üsküdar and walking south along the coastline towards Salacak.

Come here for sunset and you will see small cafés with padded seats, serving chai all evening). Don’t forget your camera as well, as not only the tower is lit up, but all the mosques are as well. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after day(s) of exploring Istanbul.

I’ve been here three times and plan to stop over more whenever I get the chance. Flying with Turkish Airlines allows you to do this where you can engineer a layover of almost an entire day, depending on your flight. Otherwise, plan for a long weekend or an entire week to enjoy all Istanbul has on offer.

PROTIP: I’d recommend buying things like lokum, spices, teas, and perhaps other souvenirs from stalls NOT inside the Grand Bazaar. These sellers have higher rents and that extra cost is passed on directly to the consumer. For example, 1 kg of Turkish delights in some places outside the bazaar was 55 turkish lira, while 100 turkish lira/kg seems to be the cheapest rate inside the Grand Bazaar).

Also, if you intend on staying for a few days, pick yourself up an Istanbul Pass for discounts on passes and guided tours.

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