Disclaimer: This post is written by a good friend of mine @labelmonte who has visited Istanbul a couple of times already. He was one of the reason why I started blogging and why I visited Istanbul.
His adventures and travels inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and discover more of the world.
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As the cliché goes and stating the fact, it’s the only city that bridges two continents: Asia and Europe.
It was the centre of three great civilisations: the Greeks called it Byzantium; the Romans called it Constantinople after Constantine the great; and after the fall of the Ottomans its name was officially changed to Istanbul.
Photo by @labelmonte
FIRST TIME IN ISTANBUL?
For a first timer, Istanbul can be quite overwhelming. The traffic and the busyness of the street will leave one confused. Yet, amid all these beautiful chaos, the city offers a sanctuary and a homely feeling that one cannot explain.
From my own personal experience, I found Istanbul to be quite special. It always leave me in awe once there and melancholic when I leave. I’ve been to this city twice and I keep falling in love with it every time.
I must admit that I’ve only stayed in the area known as the old Constantinople or Sultanahmet. This area is where most of Istanbul’s historic places to visit are to be found. I have also made some local friends in the city.
Holidaymakers often overlooked Istanbul and Turkey in general as a holiday destination due to its current political climate. The failed coup d’état in 2016 and bombings a couple of years ago made the city an almost a no-go zone for tourists, especially from the West.
In addition to this, Istanbul is also home to at least 20 per cent of Syrian refugees. Sadly, many uses this as an excuse to not visit due to ignorance.
Photo by @labelmonte
TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL
Nevertheless, even though Istanbul is not for the faint hearted it ironically has the capacity to calm your soul.
It feels like home.
Unbeknown to many, Turkey in general is one of the most budget friendly places to visit. With the lira down and the combination of cheap prices, Istanbul and Turkey in general is a budget conscious travellers heaven.
So for those of you, who are planning to visit Istanbul for a short period of time, see the list below of places to see and things to do in the world’s capital.
Photo by @labelmonte
1. Visit the famous Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia/Ayasofya
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are probably the two most recognizable architectures in Turkey. The former with its more than 1500 years of history have seen how Istanbul transformed over the centuries from the fall of the Byzantine empire to the rise of the Ottoman empire
It was a cathedral for more than 900 years, a Mosque for more than 500 years until Ataturk turned it into a museum.
Ayasofia’s outer structure isn’t the most impressive but it showcases the scale of how vast this building is. Its dome was the biggest in the world until Florence’s Cathedral surpassed it in the 15th century.
The interior of Ayasofia is another story.
Its history is literally visible on its walls and ceilings. In recent years, restorers have uncovered Byzantine era mosaics the most famous is located in the apse where the mosaic of the Virgin Mary immaculately adorns the ceiling.
Photo by @labelmonte
Arabic calligraphy’s also adorns the building showcasing its Islamic history. In some places, you can even see a Viking name etched on one of its marbles.
The Blue mosque or the Sultan Ahmet mosque is called the former due to the colour of the majority of 20 thousand tiles used to decorate its interior.
According to popular belief the architect misheard the sultan’s request for ‘altin minareler meaning gold minarets to alti minaret meaning six minarets’, thus he built six minarets.
Due to criticism and out of respect, the Sultan ordered a seventh minaret to be built in the great mosque of Mecca.
Photo by @labelmonte
In 2018, the Blue Mosque has started undergoing an extensive restoration thus majority of its beautiful tiles are hidden from public views. To compensate this, you can visit the Tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, a small building adjacent to the mosque in Sultanahmet park.
Photo by @labelmonte
It is recently restored and its designed is similar to the Blue mosque, therefore giving you the whole sense of what you’re missing out in the Blue Mosque itself.
Note: The Adhan from the Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful Adhan you’ll hear in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia: 60 TL
Blue Mosque/ Sultan Ahmed I tomb: FreeBest time to visit: Hagia Sophia: Just when it opens(Summertime 15 April – 31 October: 09:00-19:00; wintertime 01 November – 15 April: 09:00-17:00);Blue Mosque, any time before or after the prayers.
Photo by @labelmonte
2. Haggle and shop around Grand bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and the biggest bazaars in the world. You can find anything in here from buttons to gold, to carpets to barbers!
I am a great advocate of supporting local merchants. But be vigilant with overpriced products being sold in Grand bazaar. I would recommend buying some products outside of the bazaar. If you really like a product make sure that you haggle. Fridge magnets are a great example that can be bought outside the market.
Nevertheless, immerse yourself with the beauty of this old market that continues to help the local economy of the city. If you’re adventurous enough, have tea or get a haircut in the bazaar, your experience in here will add to your stories to tell in the future.
P.S Turkish and Arabs are some of the best barbers in the world.
The smell of spices, tea and coffee overwhelms the atmosphere of the Egyptian Bazaar.
Located 5 minutes form Galata Bridge and 20 mins walk from AyaSofia is the Egyptian bazaar. This is where you can buy different spices, tea including Viagra tea, for those who needs it and even the UNESCO recognised Turkish Coffee.
It’s grand painted ceilings are something that one can’t afford not admire.
My personal favourite from the Egyptian Bazaar is the honey with honeycomb sold from Cankurtaran Gida. It’s the best!
Both of these bazaars are great in their own rights, it is however an overwhelming place to be. These bazaars will test your haggling skills and your patience.
In Egyptian Bazaar for instance, it could feel a little intimidating when merchants are being pushy and trying their best to entice you to visit their shops. it’s almost feels like a harassment.
Photo by @labelmonte
LA’s Tip:As what I have learned from my travel the best thing to do is to politely say No. Smile. And walk away. Turkish people are very charming anyway.
In terms of haggling, it’s probably the most entertaining way to get to know the local.
I once met a guy who I befriended in Istanbul and he told me to never forget to haggle. I told him how I feel bad about it and he just said ‘ don’t feel bad, they want your money after all’.
LA’s Tip: I guess he has a good point especially on getting the best deal for us. But, I don’t agree with exploiting the local merchants that they won’t be able to continue to afford their business.
Haggle considerately and don’t forget to use your own charm. Based on personal experience, a smile and being polite can go a long way.
LA
Price: Free
Best time to visit: anytime during the day
Note: Don’t forget to haggle considerately
Photo by @labelmonte
3. Jump in and join the Bosporus tour
The Bosporus tour is probably one of the highlights of my visit to Istanbul.
The sunset view of the Golden Horn and silhouetting view of the Hagia Sophia and Suleiman Mosque are melancholic and breath taking at the same time.
Photo by @labelmonte
The tour offers a great view of the Galata tower, Kiz Kulesi or the Princess tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and the first Bosporus Bridge. You can also admire the mansions along the banks of the Bosporus and the Asian side of Istanbul from this tour.
LA’s Tip: With the current conversion Bosporus tour is not only worthwhile but also very cheap!
You can’t miss the company that offers this tour just before Galata Bridge. You will hear a man who call’s ‘Bosporus, Bosporus’ in a loud speaker trying to call clients to join the tour.
Price: 8-12 TL
Best time: Just before Sunset
Photo by Gedikpasa
4. Experience Turkish Hamam
Hamam is an art form in itself.
For some going to a hamam is very daunting as it involves an almost naked encounter with other people, not to mention that someone else is bathing, scrubbing and massaging you
But it is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have in Turkey. It is relaxing and enjoyable at the same time.
I must admit that during my first visit in Istanbul I overlooked the experience of visiting a hamam, mostly because of how expensive it is.
As a thrifty traveller I found hamams very expensive especially the high ends and the ones being offered by agencies around Sultanahmet.
However my friend who lives locally did a research for me on which local hamam to go to. He directed me to a very local hamam in the Sultanahmet area
It’s not as glamorous as the Hurrem Sultan Hamam in the Sultanahmet Park, built by Sinan. But this one is local and it felt very authentic. As a very ticklish person, my experience in hamam is surely one for a comedy story that I can tell over and over again.
LA’s Tip: The experience was great and it’s cheap! I paid 100 TL, which is way cheaper than the touristy price in Istanbul. High-end hamams price can cost for as much as 150 Euros!
Price: Varies starting at 100 TL
Opening times: 08.00 – 22.00
Photo by @labelmonte
5. Stop by at Suleymaniye mosque
Suleymaniye or the Suleiman Mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the magnificent in the 16th century. It was designed by Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated architects of the Ottoman Empire.
The mosque boasted many stories that some have even been turned into myths. Just outside the mosque is home to the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan.
The mosque is one of the most impressive architectures in all of Istanbul. It has four minarets and it sits atop the third hill of the city. During its heyday, it even had a school, hospital and a hamam that is still being used today.
In recent time, the mosque offers a sanctuary for tourists and locals alike. It also offers one of the most beautiful views of the city; from here you can see the Golden Horn and the Bosporus.
If the view from the courtyard of the Suleymaniye mosque isn’t enough. You can visit some of the rooftop bars and restaurants nearby the mosque.
LA’s Tip: My friend and I went to Aga kapisi. We enjoyed a good tea and shisha, whilst immersing ourselves with the great view of Istanbul!
Price: Free
Rooftop bar: price varies
Opening times: 09.00 – 18.00
Photo by @labelmonte
6. Walk around Taksim and Galata
Common misconception about Galata bridge…
You can be forgiven for assuming that crossing the Galata Bridge will take you to a different continent. In this case Asia.
It still makes me laugh when I thought that we crossed the Bosporus and reached the Asian side of Istanbul in 5 minutes. I even confidently said it to my local friend, which obviously made him confused.
But Galata Bridge bridges not the European and the Asian Side of Istanbul. Rather it forms a crossing of the north and the south side of the European part of the city divided by the Golden Horn.
The bridge itself isn’t very impressive, but it has a good view of the old city. You can admire Suleymaniye from one its pillars and the whole of the historic district. There are also restaurants and bars under the bridge.
LA’s Tip:Just be careful with ‘drop a shoe polish’ scammers especially in the evening.
Surrounding areas…
On the south side of the bridge, where the historic district is, you can find the Egyptian Bazaar nearby, the famous balik ekmek’s rocking boats and the Bosporus tour mentioned above.
It is also not uncommon to see fishermen and women trying to catch fishes from the Golden Horn. Some stays from morning until evening.
On the north side of the bridge is where Galata tower and Taksim Square is located. You can reach Taksim through its historic trams that go through the infamous Istiklal Street.
Photo by @_amalog
Galata Tower
Alternatively you can walk uphill where you will pass Galata tower until you reach the top of Istiklal Street. This is probably comparable to Oxford Circus in London as many retail shops are located here.
Photo by @labelmonte
Taksim Square
On the other end of the street is the infamous Taksim Square where a statue of Ataturk stands tall. Taksim is famous for its restaurants, shops and nightlife. This area is the alternative area to stay when visiting the city.
The north of the European side is also home to other historic districts of Istanbul such as Ortaköy and the wider Beyoglu area.
Price: Free
Opening times: Open all day 24/7
Other places to see:
Apart from the places listed above, there are other places to see in Istanbul that deserve some credit.
If you are looking to experience what it’s like to live like a Sultan and his harem. Then visit Topkapi Palace located a few metres from Hagia Sophia. Its within Gulhane Park. don’t miss visiting the harem and the spot where the Sultan breaks his fast during Ramadan.
Photo by @labelmonte
Located nearby is also the Basilica cistern. The cistern became famous as a location for Dan Brown’s Inferno and the Netflix’ original ‘The Protector’. It has a great historical significance and one of the most beautifully preserved cisterns in the city.
LA’s Tip: Don’t forget to make a wish on the head statue of Medusa.
An alternative to Topkapi Palace is the Dolmabahçe Palace. During the slow decline of the old empire, Sultan Abdulmecid I decided to build a palace that will equal the grandiose of European palaces thus Dolmabahçe was built.
The exquisite design and elegance of the palace is a statement that the Ottoman Empire can evolve and progress as Europe.
A few decades later the slow decline of the Ottoman Empire with a combination of socioeconomic, political and international struggle led to its demise.
There are also five islands to explore off the Marmara sea. The boat ride to one of this islands can take up to 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, if you’re prone to sea sickness, why not visit and explore the Asian side of the city.
As stated above, these are only a few suggestions when visiting the city for first time visitors intending to stay for a few days. Istanbul has far more to offer from historic places, to shopping to even just relaxing.
Istanbul is melancholic and fast paced at the same time. It is sometimes hard to get your bearing in this confusing city. But it feels home and it will always lead to you asking to see more.
I assure you that to go back in this city is a lustful desire that you cannot resist.
I am going back.
DID YOU ENJOY THIS BLOG POST?
Do you think @labelmonte should start his own blog? If so, please drop him a comment or message on his Instagram account and tell him you have read his article here at amalog.co
If you’ve missed my previous post please click the link below
TRAVEL TOPICS:Do you
Travelling on a budget? read my previous post about Wanderlust Fund – Savings Challenge.
Planning for your next destination? read this post Book your holiday through social media, How travel around 6 European countries in 10 days, How to plan your trip and Travel Essentials – Summer Holiday