Istanbul is a city that doesn’t disappoint. Stunning architecture, delicious food and friendly people… don’t skip this city!
SEE
You simply can’t go to Istanbul and not see the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Conveniently the two are located directly opposite each other, with the opportunity to stop and take in both at once if you decide to rest at one of the many benches.
The Blue Mosque is still operational and is open to the public outside of prayer time. The intricate tiling is breathtaking and it is worth taking your time to look up at the ceiling to marvel at the design. Entry to the Blue Mosque is free.
The Hagia Sophia has over time been a church, a mosque and is now open to the public as a museum of sorts. Like the Blue Mosque the Hagia Sophia is a feat of stunning architecture, and the influence of both Christian and Muslim designs in the building is quite extraordinary.
Be sure to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites, women should cover their heads and shoulders and both men and women should be covered past the knee. Scarves and skirts are available for free before entering the Blue Mosque.
EAT
You won’t go hungry in Istanbul. Delicious kebabs can be found at street vendors or upmarket restaurants, fish sandwiches can be purchased cheaply off fishing boats and spice vendors often sell a wide variety of sweets. Turkish delight is the obvious choice but baklava, dates and apricots are another option. Wash it all down with a turkish coffee or apple tea.
DON’T MISS
Although perhaps not as well known as the Blue Mosque, the basilica cistern is really an amazing site to see. Ignore the unfortunate displays of commercialism at the entry way (think men and women dressed in old fashioned clothing charging a significant amount for photos with swords….) and wander up the darkened paths, deep into the cistern. If you time your visit well you’ll feel like you’re the only visitors to this ancient underground labyrinth of columns.
STAY
The Darrusade Hotel is a quaint boutique hotel located in Sultanahmet, just a few minutes from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Rooms are tastefully decorated, most with private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served year round on the rooftop terrace (the space has glass walls and a roof for winter months). Buffet selection is generous with traditional turkish meze, cakes, hot food and crepes and omelettes made to order.
Guests can take advantage of the terrace throughout the day for tea and coffee or at night to watch the sunset.
