My Top Things to do in Istanbul!
So, you’re travelling to Turkey and have no clue were to start in Istanbul? Well that is understandable, the city is huge and has so much to offer depending on your taste in travel. I went to Turkey with my best friend (who is Turkish and has lived there); so I was very fortunate in that I had a great tour guide, but for those of you who are going alone or are the main planner- here are my top things to do while you are in the city!
Time of Year Visited: October 2020
Weather: Very hot, humid and dry
1. First things first, get yourself booked in for a Turkish Hammam. I would suggest booking this for the last day(s) of your trip because after running around the city, it is such a great way to relax and unwind. Hammam is a form of steam bath which has been inherited from the Roman empire. A traditional hammam includes body scrubbing with a special handwoven cloth, a foam wash and finishing off with a massage. Hammams are typically split in male and female rooms so you will be attended to by someone of your gender for comfortability.
Good points: the view, the food, hand sanitiser on every table, it is very Instagram-able, the music was good and not too loud that you can’t have a conversation and it was very cheap. Bad points: A LOT of steep stairs (not great for anyone with mobility issues), few toilets so you will most likely have to que, waiters do not speak English, WIFI quite poor-if using it for google translate be aware it will take ages to load anything.
3. Explore the Grand Bazaar. Whether you are looking for a bargain, to splash the cash or just looking to brush up on your haggling skills the Grand Bazaar is for you!
With over 3,000 shops/ stalls and covering around 60+ streets you can guarantee there is something for you. The Bazaar attracts tourists and locals alike, so it will be very busy no matter the time of day you go; you will need a temperature check and to go through a metal detector each time you enter the bazaar. Keep your wits about you as you walk through the winding streets and do not get sucked into every merchant promising you a good deal. Never pay the first price given to you and if you are going to take pictures/ videos just be mindful that merchants may ask for a “small donation”- I paid 10LT (£1) for the below picture but I haggled him down from 15TL haha.
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| Great use of my 10TL if you ask me |
4. Visit Taht Istanbul Photography Studio.
This studio helps create those famous seagull shots on their rooftop. The place
is huge (spans across 2 floors), there is free Turkish tea included in your
shoot, the people are lovely and speak English helping you to get the best
shots. You have the option to have the shots taken on your phone/ camera or
have the professional photography equipment used; there are also traditional
costumes that can be used to make you look like Turkish royalty. The shots are
taken by tempting the seagulls with raw chicken being thrown into the air,
doesn’t sound like the best way to get a killer picture but I can promise you
it really is! It was easily one of the highlights of my trip and only set me
back 100 TL (£10).
5. Venture underground to the Basilica Cistern. This amazing underground ancient water cistern is the largest in Istanbul. The columns have been recycled from ruins of other buildings, which are now lit up (great for picture opportunities).
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| Make a wish at the Crying Column |
It also includes two carvings of Medusa’s head which are now used as column bases. For history buffs and those who like ancient ruins this Basilica will only set you back 30 TL (£3) for a ticket and there is no time limit on your stay.
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| Medusa's head |
6.Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. At the moment the Blue Mosque is under construction and is not allowing tourists to visit; however, you are still able to entre the courtyard to get an idea of how grand the building really is. Considering this, I ventured over the square and into the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Hagia Sophia is unique as it was originally built as a Church in 537, after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 it was converted into a Mosque. It was then converted into a museum by the Turkish Republic in 1935 and has now been re-opened as a Mosque in 2020.
It is very easy to see the Christian influence in the architecture and art within the Hagia Sophia, which no other Mosque has. Entry is free but women will need something to cover their heads, shoulders, arms and have shorts/skirt or dress to at least knee length on. Shoes will need to be removed once inside and it would be best to visit outside of prayer times to avoid congestion and to allow prayer in peace.
7. Take a ferry ride from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul. Even if just for the views, the ferry was such a great option to have, it cost 3.20 TL (we used a Turkish travel card- like an Oyster card). There are multiple ferries which will take you to various stops on the Asian side and most of them are served by public transport so once you get off you can explore the Asian side easily.
8. Last but not least there are many Turkish treats to try including: Pide which is a type of Turkish Pizza that comes with various toppings.
Künefe which is a dessert made with very fine filo pastry, cheese and syrup.
Keşkek which is a rice type pulse which is usually had as a side dish to meat and salad.
Maras which is an ice cream so thick it is nicknamed the spoon breaker.
Doner which is grilled meat typically served with rice, chips and salad.
Bӧrek which is a savory pastry baked/fried with various fillings such as feta, mince or spinach.
Turkish tea and Kadaif.
I hope this helps you plan your adventure in Istanbul, with the city being so big there is so much more to see and do- this is just the start. Have you been to Istanbul? If so leave your tips in the comments.
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