Istanbul, being one of the world's most populous city, has an extremely vibrant culture. It is not surprising that it has become one of the top few tourist destinations with its modernised city and rich history.
THINGS TO DO
Top of the list for tourist attractions in Turkey has got to be the Blue Mosque. Visit it in the morning and take in the splendour of its architecture and flooring. There are also complimentary talks about the culture and history of the structure available at certain timings in the day. Be sure to check the board for more details. Lying beneath the city of Turkey lies the Basilica Cistern where you can go on a hunt for the iconic Medusa stone heads.
The Hagia Sophia started out as a Christian Church which later became an imperial mosque before becoming the museum that it is today. The floors and ceilings of the church are decked out in a wonderful mirage of mosaics and definitely a sight to behold. Helmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the Topkapi Palace is also great for a leisure stroll around the courtyards. At night, have dinner and be an audience of the Sufi Whirling Dervishes display. They will mesmerize you with their subtle grace and calmness.
Take a tour around the Grand Bazaar and be sure to pack a few bags of tea or spices home. If you are one to collect a few pretty items from each country as I do, you can also help yourself to an array of exquisite lamps and the most beautiful porcelain bowls. Hop onto the Tramway and make a journey down to Eminonu for an amazing fish sandwich along the river. Alternatively, you can also take a cruise out into the Bosphorus River or cross the Galata bridge to have a great bird's eye view of the city at the top of the Galata Tower. The Spice Bazaar is also in the vicinity if the diverse smells seem enticing to you.
WHERE TO EAT
Istanbul has loads of restaurants for you to experience their food. Any place you take a seat at is bound to offer you some hot apple tea. Tea culture is strong in Turkey and you can't leave Turkey without having a sip of their teas from an "hourglass" (literally). Sweet treats are also abundant in this city. Be sure to check out Ozmanlizadeler for their beautiful Turkish delights and amazing baklavas. Dejavu Restaurant serves up one of the best lamb with grilled eggplant puree, béchamel and tomato sauce. It is rich and flavor and the best pairing to a healthy serving of Pita bread.
Balik-ekmek is a fish fillet grilled right on the spot at a street side stall along the Bosphorus River that comes with a generous serving of lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Probably one of the freshest fish you can ever come across.
WHERE TO STAY
I would highly recommend you to stay along the Sultanahmet area as it is a stone's throw away from the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. It is also extremely easy to get around Istanbul by walking or using the Tramway system as you would hardly miss them. Make your stay lovelier by staying at the Villa Hagia Sophia which has a cosy room and common living area. A Turkish breakfast spread is also available upon your stay in the lovely outdoor porch.
GOOD TO KNOW
There might be long snaking queues for some of the attractions so be prepared to wait in line for a while. Also, most of the people in Turkey are able to speak English and surprisingly, even Mandarin! Although the main currency used in Turkey is in Liras, Euros are widely accepted everywhere so do use the currency with the best exchange rate at that point of time.
Turkey Vlog Day 1 - Istanbul
Turkey Vlog Day 2 - Istanbul
Turkey Vlog Day 1 - Istanbul
Turkey Vlog Day 2 - Istanbul
Xoxo,
Amelia
