One of my latest travels was visiting Istanbul last week. The magical city that lies on the border of Europe and Asia was as every time incredible. It offers so much of historical things to see, top-drawer attractions and it is definitely worth visiting. An extraordinary cultural experience lies around every corner. Unfortunately every time I visit it the time flies too fast and I don’t end up visiting all the places I wanted. Definitely recommend to everyone.
When I finished my work I decided to take a walk over the Spice bazaar and buy some amazing Turkish delights for my family and friends, as well as their spices, dried fruits and nuts. Next step you have to do is definitely the Grand bazaar, where you can find everything!! Dont forget to bargain, as you can put all the prices almost 40% way down. Just look not too interested. I definitely recommend to go on a treasure hunt for a perfect leather jacket or fur coat, as they have great fabrics and good quality. As well you can find great silk scarves, pashminas and good cashmere pieces. With a little luck you can cross over a really trendy good price piece. As well as with jewlery, which is definitely a bargain there.
Also nice place to visit for some local bars and cafes, as well as international high street brands for some shopping.
Definitely try some turkish tie (Apple) and real Turkish coffee. In stead of Starbucks you should go to Khave Dunyasi. As well as of course turkish delights, halva and some kebab (I skipped this one as a pescetarian :))
Money in turkey is Turkish Lira where the convertion rate is approximately 2,71 Lira for one Dollar
MUST SEE:
The Haghia/Aya Sophia
Topkapi Palace
The blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern
Yeni Cami
the Bosphorous Bridge
Suleymaniye Mosque
MUST DO:
CHANGE CONTINENTS Spend the morning in Europe and the afternoon in Asia, with just a ferry ride in between; how cosmopolitan is that?
CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS Taking a boat ride up the strait, past scenic waterfront neighborhoods and forested slopes topped with fortresses, is quintessentially Istanbul.
HAGGLE IN THE BAZAARS Bargain like the locals do as you make your way through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar—it may be a bit touristy, but it’s fun.
MARVEL AT ANCIENT DOMES From the stunning Aya Sofya to the graceful Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s greatest works of imperial architecture never cease to impress, especially from the inside as you look up.
OGLE AT OPULENCE With their sumptuous decor and fascinating harem quarters, the Topkapı and Dolmabahçe palaces offer a glimpse of the splendor of the Ottoman Empire.
RESTAURANTS & BARS:
Reina – Many restaurants and night club with a great view on the Bosphorous bridge
Nusi El – Steak house
– Pretending I like meat 🙂
Mira Balik (Arnavutkoy) – seafood
Tophane Nargile Cafes – smoke shisha
360
Antiochia
Klemuri
Develi Baklava – dessert
Gullouglu – over 25 varieties of Baklava
SHOPPING & FASHION:
Look for a good fabric pieces, mostly fur, leather, organic cotton, jewelry, silk scarves and cashmere, hand painted ceramics, shisha
Little Hello from me and the beautiful tulips behind. Merhaba Istanbul!
Love, MM
