15 THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL

One trip I have made so many times, one city that I love to come back to over and over again! Istanbul is magnificent! The largest city in Turkey but not the capital of Turkey (Ankara), constituting the country’s economic, cultural, and historical heart!

ACCOMMODATION: If you visit Istanbul for the first time, choose to stay in the European side for sure. Either Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas or Nisantasi if you want a high end neighborhood.

DURATION: At least 4 days to take a taste and see the major highlights.

POPULATION: Istanbul will be crowded whenever you visit as it is a city that 16 million people live in (the whole population in Greece is 10-11 million people).

CURRENCY: Turkish Lira.

BEST SEASON to visit: All year long Istanbul is great, maybe spring, early summer and fall are ideal though! Last time I visited, was in June and it was absolutely perfect!

PLUGS: 2 plug types, types C and F

ADVICE: Renting a car in Istanbul is not so easy as they drive like crazy and traffic can be very chaotic. I use uber/taxis every time I am there since they are not expensive and I would recommend the same. For my transportation from/to the airport I book online in advance!

FUN FACT: Istanbul lies directly on the border of Asia and Europe! As such, it is a city situated on two different continents with the Bosporus strait deviding the city into its European and Asian side.

15 THINGS TO VISIT/DO IN ISTANBUL: 

1.  Η𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚. A great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empire. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 as a section of the so called the Historic Areas of Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish) was originally built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church but its function has changed now and it is considered a mosque. If you are Catholic, don’t miss the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, alternatively known as Sant’Antonio di Padova Church ,the largest Catholic church in Istanbul. If you are Orthodox, St Stephen Bulgiarian Orthodox church is very impressive!
2.  Visit at least a 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞 apart from Hagia Sophia, which is not considered an actual Mosque. Istanbul is famous for its Mosques (over 3,000) and the impressive Ottoman architecture. Some that I suggest: Sultanahmet or Blue mosque, Chora Mosque (Kariye Camii), Suleymaniye Mosque the magnificent which is the 2nd  largest mosque in Istanbul, and one of the best-known sights not only in Istanbul but all of Turkey. The New Mosque (Yeni Camii), Rustem Pasha Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Ortakoy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii), Eyup Sultan Mosque,  Beyazıt Mosque, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Camlıca Mosque and sooo many more! Angel’s tip: When I visited the Blue Mosque, it was under renovation and I didn’t really enjoy it. So please be sure to check in advance their conditions. and for sure dress modestly: shorts beneath the knees and no hats for men // head, chest, legs, and shoulders covered for women.
3.  𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐚𝐫 & 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐚𝐫. Grand Bazaar is one of the largest & oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops attracting thousands of visitors daily. Go for shopping or at least for the experience. Don’t forget to bargain!
4.  Τhe 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧, the largest of several 100 ancient cisterns beneath the city that provided a water filtration system for the buildings nearby. The beauty of the place is undeniable and buying tickets online is a wise move, as the ticket queue can be extensive. (If you have a tour guide, don’t worry – they will manage to avoid waiting) . Entrance fee is 350 Turkish Lira as of 2023 and it is open every day. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss “The 2 Medusa heads” which is maybe the highlight of the place in the far corner of the cistern. One Medusa statue sits is on its side while the other is upside down.
5.  The 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 & the view from above. It is an iconic symbol situated in the Galata quarter of Istanbul and it is considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of Istanbul.  It was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower. Entrance fee changes every year, when I went in 2022 it was 170TL but during 2023, it is 650 TL.
6. Dolmabahçe and Topkapi Palaces are true gems of Istanbul’s architectural heritage and both have a rich history! -Dolmabahce Palace consists of three main sections. The administrative rooms, the Ceremonial Hall and the Imperial Harem. In total, the palace has 285 rooms, 46 galleries & reception halls, 6 hamams and 68 restrooms. –Topkapi palace/museum is beautiful. It is a royal depiction of Turkey’s glory. The beauty of the museum turned palace stands out in every manner with wonderful paintings, decorations, luxurious courtyards, the lavish Harem and so much more! Top Kapi museum exhibits the imperial collections of the Ottoman empire & maintains an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in its library. It is housed in a palace complex that served as the administrative centre and residence of the imperial Ottoman court from about 1478 to 1856. It opened as a museum in 1924.
7. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐢𝐦 is a must see neighborhood & the Istiklal pedestrian street (the city’s main pedestrian boulevard actually) is famous for the shopping options. Around Taksim square you can find a vast range of bars, restaurants, shops, cultural centres and luxury hotels.  Angel’s tip: Taksim is also one of the most popular places to celebrate public events or, even, to demonstrate against the government so be careful! It attracts people and unfortunately terrorist attacks have taken place there.
8.  Stroll  day and night around “𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐲” , “𝐎𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐲” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐁𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐤” areas. All are popular nightlife destinations for locals and visitors with nice bars, shops, restaurants and great vibes with instagrammable decorations. Don’t miss “Balat” in Fatih as well with the colorful  houses and the diverse culture during the day . Angel’s tip: Check Kiremit street in Balat to take great pics!
9.  You will love “𝐍𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐢” as well for your afternoon walk. High end area for shopping and one of the most luxurious neighborhoods of Istanbul, a home to many famous Turkish artists, actors and celebrities as well. Nisantasi is filled with vibrant streets with modern stores, boutiques and shopping centers, all among the best and most expensive in Istanbul.
10. Enjoy a cruise on the Bosporus. A beautiful way to escape the city traffic and set sail on usually a 2-3 hours boat ride that shows you the best sights along the Bosphorus Strait. You can find some organized in Get your guide site
11. If you have time, visit the 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 known as the Anatolian Side too, to see the authenticity of Istanbul with no tourists. Go by ferry from Besiktas for the experience!
12. The best hamams are located here in case you are interested. Cagaloglu Hamam, Hurrem Sultan Hamami, Catma Mescit Hamami, Cukurcuma Hamami.. you have so many options! For centuries, Istanbul’s hammams have been a source of pleasure & relaxation for either locals or visitors. They represent a physical manifestation of Ottoman tradition and the experience is unique because hammams are really more than just bathhouses – they use a combination of heat, water and massage to achieve both physical healing and spiritual rehabilitation. Angel’s tip: Hammams are generally less crowded in the morning compared to the afternoon.
13.  Have a day trip to the 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬’ 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬. (or Adalar Islands in Turkish). A complex of 9 small islands southeast of Istanbul in Marmara Sea. Mainly car-free,  known for their horse-drawn carriages that you can take to stroll around. The most famous if Büyükada, the largest island. Some ferry options that you have are: Sehir Hatlari, Dentur Avraysa, Turyol, Mavi Marmara etc. They are accessible by ferry mainly from Besiktas, Eminönu, and Kabataş from the European side, and Kadıköy and Bostancı from the Asian side.  Angel’s tip: You can book online organized tour as well. More info here.
14. Have a dinner before sunset at a rooftop with the breathtaking Istanbul view. Angel’s tip: I loved one called “Roof Mezze 360 restaurant” and “Vogue” in the European side. Others I suggest on the same side with a view are the chic and minimalist Bank Roof Bar in Karakoy, the Seven Hills Restaurant is the top seafood restaurant and rooftop Istanbul with Hagia Sophia views, The rooftop terrace Mikla at the Marmara Pera Hotel , 16 ROOF, Balkon Restaurant & Bar with a relaxed and bohemian vibes etc. In Asian side, Del Mare is a great seafood restaurant with stunning views! Some other great restaurants I suggest apart from the above are Azur, Nusret at Grand Bazaar (place is impressive and less luxury than classic Nusret), Sea salt Feriye, Hidden garden and Garden Mezze and Las Tapas restaurant in Fatih…
15. Enjoy the great food and try local delicacies!  Istanbul is a  city you can find of course anything! But there are some things that you should try in Istanbul when you visit it for the first time! Have a look :

 

• Turkish ice cream(Dondurma)! Enjoy in the street the unique way they offer it to you in a cone.
• Turkish tea. Incredible variety.
• Turkish coffee. 
• Turkish beer if you are a beer  lover like the famous Efes
• Durum meat as street food. 
• Kofte (meatballs)
• Lacmacun
• Kebab
• Dolma
• Manti (Turkish ravioli)
• Simit  (like bagel)
• Chestnuts & corn that you can find grilled in the streets.
• Baklava & Lokums. (Popular turkish delights). Angel’s tip: You can find great ones in Hafiz Mustafa 1864.
• Menemen for breakfast.

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