
"If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul"
- Alphonse de Lamartine
The quote above? Not an understatement. True as can be, Istanbul is a site for the world, and in it are treasures for the eyes and excitement for the mind. Kevin and I were a bit swept away by Istanbul..and it only grew on us.
Despite the endless supply of activities, Kevin and I pinpointed our top favorite things to do/see/eat in this city! I hope you enjoy!
1. Moques:
Capturing the skyline are the impressive and highly ornate Mosques of Istanbul. It can be a little overwhelming to figure out which mosques to visit, however, we would recommend visiting the Hagia Sophia (which is now a museum), the Blue Mosque, and the Suleymaniye Mosque (which is the biggest mosque in the city). Each has their own unique story to tell, incredible architectural feats, along with gorgeous mosaics and colors:) It is a feast for the eyes. Visiting each Mosque gave us a pulse on the religious life of the city, as well as a context for the historical underpinnings of the last few hundred years. {for more pictures of the beautiful mosques while on our trip, click here}
2. Turkish Baths {Hammam}:
This was by far our favorite experience in Istanbul. To begin, attending a Turkish Bath is an extremely cultural experience. I was bathing side by side (naked!) with many local Turkish women, and it felt so genuine. I would recommend visiting one of the Baths at the end of the day, when your feet need a break and you could use some extra pampering. The Baths around around $50-60 a person, and you can either find a co-ed bath (where they give you a bathing suit) or a segregated bath (where you go naked). It will feel a bit crazy intimidating at first (!!!) but soon you will relax and just enjoy the process. The first bath Kevin and I did was segregated. I changed out of my clothes, and took my towel and bath bag (they gave me) into a gorgeous room that was hundreds of years old that was essentially a sauna..it was hot! I laid down on a marble slab in the middle of the room, and let my body sweat all the toxins out. Then, a Turkish women pours hot water over you, and begins to use a loofa to scrub the heck out of your body! (it actually feels really good!). Then she covers you in a bubble bath and massages you, followed by rinsing off your body and a good hair wash. I have never felt more relaxed. Then, when your wash is done, you can take all the time you want to sit in the hot tub/pool before you go back out and change. I would recommend the Cemberlitas Hammami {segregated} or the Süleymaniye Hamamı {co-ed}. But whatever you do, DO THIS!
3. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market:
4. Topkapi Palace:

5. Walking tour of Istiklal Street
{Taxsim Square & Galata Tower}:

6. Bosphorus Cruise:

7. Food:

Istanbul is full of all kinds of surprises, and food is no exception! Kebabs, a major staple in the city, are literally found on every corner! If you are searching for cheap food on the go, look no further! Kevin bought a kebab almost every day for $2.50 and it was enough to fill his hungry traveler belly! I loved trying the vegetarian dishes, filled with lots of cooked tomatoes and other vegetables! The white beans were my favorite! They also had some wonderful falafel, hummus, and other mediterranean dishes! One of our favorite things to do in the city was try new foods! Be adventurous in Istanbul, and I think the cuisine will surprise you:) Our favorite night in Istanbul was when we found a rooftop restaurant, and ate our yummy meal while staring out at the dreamy lit skyline!
Anything I missed? I'd love to hear!! Happy Monday!
Again, LOVING your Istanbul posts! And every time, I fall back in love with the city and dream of going again. I was only able to experience the mosques, Taxsim Square and the food from this list, but my absolute favorite part of Istanbul was relaxing in one of their parks during a tulip festival in the springtime. Tulips were everywhere and it was so beautiful! It was so wonderful to see all the people walking around, relaxing and enjoying it all!
ReplyDeleteLove all your tips on Istanbul! We'll be going there in September, so all info is appreciated. Especially if it looks so nice as on your page! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and it is so amazing! Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteYour photos are dreamy! I have a reaaaally long layover in Istanbul in a few months (like 8 hours)! What is the top thing you think to go do/see? I was thinking the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.... what do you think? XOXO
ReplyDeleteOh my #4 and #6! Take me there! :) Love seeing all of your travels, Katie!
ReplyDeleteFor real though, can we plan a trip together? Great company, incredible locations, talks about Jesus, fun memories, lots of culture, and photography inspiration. Yes- I think this must happen! ;)
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking!
ReplyDeletelove this post! I'm going to bookmark for a trip there hopefully in the future!
ReplyDeleteAll of your posts on Turkey have definitely made it a top contender for my next vacation! Thanks for all the beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteSuch a magical city. I lived in it for 6 months and I am always excited to go back !
ReplyDeleteCheck out 10 places to visit in Istanbul: http://bit.ly/1rx3GJk
Hind from Morocco
Istanbul has to be one of my favourite cities in the whole world.
ReplyDeleteCheck out 10 places to visit in Istanbul: http://bit.ly/1rx3GJk
Hind from Morocco
Now I'm longing to go to Istanbul! I especially want one of those baths!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHuh, I actually was unimpressed by the Turkish baths... it was just like taking a bath at home, except there were other people. But I will visit Topkapi next time I am there, it's right up the street from where I usually stay!
ReplyDeletebelle + compass
I'd recommend Turkish Breakfast at the top of the "Turkish food to try" list. Also, if you walk a little ways down from Taksim Square you'll reach my old neighborhood, Cihangir. It has all of the best breakfast places and a lot of cute antique and art stores. It's like the hipster part of Istanbul.
ReplyDelete