One of the most memorable holidays we had in a very long time. Could be because it was long overdue. And when DH suggested it, for a very long time time I didn't take it seriously.
Below is my Top 10 list of what I liked most about the city. Not necessarily in that order.
1. Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern
We can go on and on about the architecture and history of these three major attractions. But there are plenty of tourism sites where you can find all the details.
I would just say that do not forget to tick these off your to see list.
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| Inside Blue Mosque |
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| Inside Hagia Sofia |
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| Blue Mosque at night |
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| Basilica Cisterns |
The cisterns are especially easy to look over if you are there for a very short time. But I would really recommend a visit.
2. Food
One of the most exciting things I find about travelling, is food. I love food.
And Istanbul is a foodie heaven. The variety of kebabs, pilafs, kofte, meze, pasta etc. is so extensive. DH being a vegetarian, had absolutely no trouble finding things to satisfy his palate either.
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| Pilaf with mustardy chicken with baby corn and spinach. |
If you have a spicy disposition, do try the Adana Kebabs and Pidé.
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| Regular portion of chicken kebab with pilaff rice and salad. |
I am using the term very loosely here.
But small details throughout the city are worth noting.
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| Benches in front of Blue Mosque |
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| Stairs near Galata |
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| Colourful buildings of the new city |
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| Colonnade |
The city is a delight.
4. People
We found people in Istanbul to be generally cordial and helpful.
They were ready to go out of their ways to give us directions or guide us to our destination.
All in all making an effort to make us feel welcome in their city.
They are eager to show off their skills for your camera and would take pains to explain their trade. It is always better to ask for permission before taking pictures of womenfolk though.
Be aware of the tour guides and the people selling touristy stuff near the attractions. Like anywhere else in the world, they have a nasty habit of following you around until you are forced to give in.
We found people in Istanbul to be generally cordial and helpful.
They were ready to go out of their ways to give us directions or guide us to our destination.
All in all making an effort to make us feel welcome in their city.
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| Carpet weaver at work |
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| Woman making breads in a restaurant |
5. Shopping
Yup..thats right. And I am not talking about the breathtaking turkish carpets or handloom (for which you might have to mortgage part of your property)! But the high street brands. Especially if you are lucky enough to land during the sale seasons.
Main shopping street, where you find the contemporary high street brands, Taksim is in the new part of Istanbul. Almost all the major brands have their outlets. And everything is priced the same as GBP! The same number but with TL instead of £ sign.
So if you have got the time, and are interested in bargains, it is a good idea to visit Taksim.
Yup..thats right. And I am not talking about the breathtaking turkish carpets or handloom (for which you might have to mortgage part of your property)! But the high street brands. Especially if you are lucky enough to land during the sale seasons.
Main shopping street, where you find the contemporary high street brands, Taksim is in the new part of Istanbul. Almost all the major brands have their outlets. And everything is priced the same as GBP! The same number but with TL instead of £ sign.
So if you have got the time, and are interested in bargains, it is a good idea to visit Taksim.
6. Colours and 7. The Bazaars
I would let the pictures do the talking here.
I would let the pictures do the talking here.
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| Pottery (Grand Bazaar) |
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| Grand Bazaar |
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| Amazing glass lamps (Grand Bazaar) |
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| The colours of Galata Bridge at night. |
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| Grand Bazaar |
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| At the Spice Bazaar |
No visit to Turkey is really complete without the Turkish Bath.
There are numerous public baths throughout Istanbul, and usually they have their representatives standing along the sidewalks to attract potential customers.
Unless modesty is an issue with you, do not forget to carry your bathing suit with you. The baths do provide towels to wrap but these come off very easy during the heavy scrubing and massaging that are part of the bath experience.
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| Turkish bath at the Double Tree (Hilton). Image sourced from hotel website |
9. Kunefe
Kunéfe. this awesome Turkish dessert does truly deserve an independent mention. When you go to Turkey, you of course do not miss the opportunity to have the famous Baklava. A surprising number of people visiting though miss out on this deep fried cheesy dessert, dipped in sugar syrup.
You would not find it in the regular sweet shops. Kunefe is available only in restaurants. The perfect way to finish off your kebab meal is with a hot plate of Kunefe with aromatic apple tea !!
You would not find it in the regular sweet shops. Kunefe is available only in restaurants. The perfect way to finish off your kebab meal is with a hot plate of Kunefe with aromatic apple tea !!
10. Hodja Pasha
Hodja Pasha is the Istanbul's Cultural and Art Centre located in the Sirkeci tram stop.
The building housing it is a little off the main road.
If you want a real taste of the Turkish music and dance, a visit is must.
The belly dancers were ofcourse the star attractions...and wow !!! But there we were equally mesmerised by the more traditional folk dances and high tempo music of the region.
Although we went there during the unpopular season of winters, we had a wonderful time. We were lucky to have 6 days of sunshine (rained miserably on 1 day)! The time of the year also meant that the tourist crowd was at the minimum and we had an opportunity to enjoy the city more freely.
The building housing it is a little off the main road.
If you want a real taste of the Turkish music and dance, a visit is must.
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| Dancers at Hodja Pasha |
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| Dancers at Hodja Pasha |
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| Dancers at Hodja Pasha |
Although we went there during the unpopular season of winters, we had a wonderful time. We were lucky to have 6 days of sunshine (rained miserably on 1 day)! The time of the year also meant that the tourist crowd was at the minimum and we had an opportunity to enjoy the city more freely.
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