Istanbul, Turkey

Written By Verena Mankarios

Istanbul is a city that totally blew me away. From the moment I arrived, I was hooked. The energy, the history, and how welcoming everyone was—it was truly amazing and exceeded all my expectations. I discovered a kaleidoscope of experiences, each more incredible than the last. Whether it was the iconic landmarks or the cozy little spots tucked away, Istanbul felt like a place where the past and present mix effortlessly, making every moment unforgettable.

I visited Istanbul after exploring both Bodrum and Cappadocia. I spent three and a half days in the city, which was sufficient, and there was always something/somewhere new to explore.

Quick History Lesson - Present day Istanbul was founded as Byzantium in 660 BC, and later became Constantinople in 330 AD when it was chosen as the capital of the Roman Empire. The Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, and Istanbul flourished as a global center of trade. It later became part of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

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What You’ll Find:

About Istanbul

  • Transcontinental City - Split by the Bosphorus Strait, experience both Asia and Europe in Istanbul!

  • Language - The main language in Turkey is Turkish, but don’t be surprised if you hear people speaking in Arabic or Farsi.

  • Visa - If you’re traveling from the US for less than 90 days you do not need a Visa.

  • Steep Streets - Although the GPS may show many places as ‘walkable’, which a lot of places are, keep in mind that many streets in Istanbul are extremely steep and are quite exhausting to walk up (we learned the hard way). Prepare yourself with good walking shoes!

  • Turkish Breakfast - Every Turkish breakfast was absolutely insane. Make sure you try one while you’re there.

  • Cash - The Turkish currency is the Lira. I would recommend having cash on hand, however, there are loads of ATMs around the city we utilized - don’t worry about converting a ton of cash before you travel.

What To Pack

  • Headscarf - If you’re planning on visiting Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque (or any other religious site in that case), women will need a head covering. They do sell a disposable one at the entrance for a small fee if you don’t feel like bringing one with you.

  • Modest Clothing - Although Turkey isn’t as heavily modest as some surrounding countries, in certain parts of the city it’s best to avoid wearing very revealing clothing. Also, if you’re planning on visiting the mosques men and women need to make sure their legs are covered.

  • Shoes - As I mentioned before, there are a lot of stairs and very steep hills in Istanbul. Comfortable walking shoes are important. We hit around 15,000 steps everyday. Bring a pair of sandals and casual sneakers as well. We skipped out on heels here, it made walking much more difficult.

  • Attire - As long as you’re in the main areas of the city, you can wear shorts/skirt/tanks, without either being too short or too cropped. During my trip in September it got a bit chilly at night, so a light sweater or jacket is good to have

  • Sunglasses/Hat - If you’re visiting in the summer/spring months, it gets fairly hot when walking.

  • Convertor - Turkey uses a type C or F plug. This convertor is compatible with any country you visit.

  • Crossbody Bag - There are pickpockets in the popular areas of Istanbul. Keep your belongings close and secured.

Arriving in Istanbul and Transportation

I flew from Cappadocia to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW). You can also fly into Istanbul airport (IST). We arranged a car service with our airbnb host to bring us to our accommodation. At the time, Uber was used in Istanbul, but its looks like it is no longer legal. Two other ride share apps are BiTaksi and iTaxi. When leaving Istanbul to fly back home, we booked this car service, which was the most reliable and affordable one we could find.

The easiest and cheapest way to get around in Istanbul is public transportation. In some parts of the city, we found it very difficult to flag down taxis, and Uber drivers would continually cancel on us. You can buy and load up an Istanbulkart card to use the public transport at any station. Whenever we were able to get an Uber, they would ask us to pay them significantly more in cash. We did it a few times out of desperation, but do keep in mind they may cancel the ride if you don’t agree on a price.

Districts of Istanbul

Istanbul is split between Europe and Asia, and each district within these two sides has its own charm. Here are a few of the popular parts of the city:

  • Fatih - Located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, Fatih is home to many significant landmarks including the Sultanahmet area with iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

  • Beyoglu - Known for its vibrant nightlife, Beyoğlu is a bustling district filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions like Istiklal Avenue and Galata Tower.

  • Sisli - A commercial and residential district, Şişli is characterized by its modern buildings, shopping malls, and business centers. It's also home to the upscale neighborhood of Nişantaşı.

  • Besiktas - Situated on the European side, Beşiktaş is a lively district known for its coastal areas, bustling markets, and the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace. Many expats live here.

  • Kadikoy - Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadıköy is a vibrant cultural hub with a diverse population, bustling markets, trendy cafes, and a lively waterfront promenade.

Accommodations

AirBnB is super easy and affordable. We stayed at this one in Beyoglu. It was a stunning three story Airbnb with balcony views of the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia. Below are some other accommodation recommendations:

Places To Visit and Things To Do

Istanbul is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning landmarks. Here are some must-see attractions and experiences when visiting:

  • Hagia Sophia - Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again, the Hagia Sophia is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece with a fascinating history. You’ll see a mix between Christian and Islamic art on the walls and ceilings of the interior and exterior of the mosque. If you plan on visiting, wear pants and bring a scarf to cover your head if you’re a woman. They sell them upon check in as well.

  • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) - Right across from the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is known for its stunning blue tiles adorning its interior walls, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for its intricate architecture.

  • Topkapi Palace - Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the luxe lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire, with its lavish courtyards, chambers, and treasury.

  • Grand Bazaar - One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a shopper's paradise with thousands of shops selling everything from jewelry and textiles to spices and souvenirs. I found the prices to be a bit hiked here relative to shops outside the bazaar. However, it is definitely a checklist item.

  • Camlica Hill - Being the highest point in Istanbul, get the most insane sunset views here! A favorite for both tourists and locals!

  • Bosphorus Cruise - If you’d rather explore Istanbul from the water, then the Bosphorus cruise is for you- offering panoramic views of the city's skyline, historic landmarks, and waterfront mansions.

  • Galata Tower - Climb to the top of Galata Tower for breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus Strait. Right by the tower is where you will also find the viral chocolate covered cheesecake!

  • Basilica Cistern - Located super close to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, explore the underground world of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient reservoir featuring impressive columns and atmospheric lighting.

  • Istiklal Avenue - Take a stroll down Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. We did a little baklava tour, and my favorite place was on Istiklal Ave, Tatlici Safa Taksim.

  • Dolmabahce Palace - A lavish Ottoman palace located along the Bosphorus shore.

  • Ortaköy - Visit the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy to sit on the picturesque waterfront, Ortaköy Mosque, and vibrant street life. This is a perfect area to walk around and find fun cafes, live music, and good food.

  • Turkish Baths (Hammam) - A MUST do in Istanbul (or anywhere in Turkey in that case). Depending on the place, and package you purchase, it consists of a steam room, full body exfoliation, and a massage. Just so you’re not met with any surprises, it’s important to note that the experience is different depending on the hamman you choose. Most traditional ones split men and women and guests are nude. The one I went to, Aga Hamami, had men and women combined, and swimsuits were required. It is best to make an appointment as most other hammams we walked into were fully booked. (Aga Hamami specifically was cash only, and nearby ATMs were easy to use).

Where to Eat

I can guarantee you won’t have a bad meal in Turkey. Here were some of our faves:

  • Mikla Istanbul - Mikla Istanbul is a renowned Michelin restaurant located in the heart of Istanbul. It’s situated on the top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel and is known for its contemporary Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is run by chef Mehmet Gürs, who is widely acclaimed for his culinary expertise and creativity.

  • Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi - A delicious Turkish restaurant in the Fatih district. With over 9,500 reviews, you’ll find yourself drooling over every dish they serve. Don’t miss out on the Turkish desserts too!

  • Ciya Sofrasi - Featured on the top 50 restaurants in the world, and located in Kadakoy, definitely a must visit.

  • Nusr-Et - The famous salt-bae restaurant, and also in his home country! Known to be an expensive steakhouse, you can cheat the system and get the cheapest prices at any of the Turkey locations.

  • Seven Hills Restaurant - A popular restaurant in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. It offers breathtaking views of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus Strait. You can take the famous rooftop photo with the seagulls eating from your hand here!

  • Neolokal - One of the top ranked restaurants in Istanbul, and on the Michelin guide, famed for its modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine.

  • Adana Ocakbasi - This place will get packed in the evening! Head over for some traditional Turkish food.

  • Sirin Bakery - A lowkey bakery if you’re looking for some boreks or pastries!

  • If you’ve had enough Turkish food, check out these other cuisines - Inari Kurucesme or Sushico (sushi), Delhi Darbar (Indian), Arada (Lebanese), Ranchero (Mexican).

NightLife and Bars

  • Ortakoy - As mentioned above, Ortakoy is a fun area with bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s right on the Bosphorus and has an amazing energy.

  • Sortie - One of the most trendy and exclusive night clubs in Istanbul, providing food, drinks, and music.

  • Anjelique - A stunning 3 story venue (a former Ottoman mansion) that hosts some of the biggest DJs and parties. There’s also an outdoor terrace that’s open all year with a fire pit to keep you warm in the cooler weather.

  • Nevizade Street - Stroll Nevizade Street for some bar hopping, meze’s, and live music.

  • 360 Istanbul - Rooftop restaurant and bar on top of a 19th century apartment building in Beyoglu, with some of the best views of the city.

  • Jungle 8 Istanbul - Nightclub situated in Hyatt Centric hotel.

  • Banyan Ortakoy - Dine on Asian fusion and drinks, while you take in views of the Bosphorus and the Ortakoy Mosque. There’s also a DJ at night.

  • For some of the trendiest and popular cocktail bars be sure to check out - Fahri Konsolos, Salon Kuma, Flekk, Geyik, and Tavern.

Verena Mankarios
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