Istanbul Travel Guide

1. Istanbul spans two continents – It’s the only city in the world that sits on both Europe and Asia, separated by the iconic Bosphorus Strait. You can take a ferry from one continent to the other!
2. The ancient city of Troy is in Turkey – The legendary site of the Trojan War is located in Hisarlik, near the Dardanelles in northwestern Turkey. Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age have been uncovered here.
3. Santa Claus was born in Turkey – Saint Nicholas, the kind-hearted bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, was born in Patara and served in Myra, both in present-day southern Turkey.
4. The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets – Located in the heart of Istanbul, it has over 4,000 shops spread across 50+ streets.
5. Turkey is the world’s top hazelnut producer – It accounts for approximately 70–75% of global hazelnut production.
6. Göbekli Tepe is the oldest known temple complex on Earth – This stunning archaeological site in southeastern Turkey dates back over 11,000 years.
7. Tulips originally came from Turkey – Although most people associate tulips with the Netherlands, the flower was first cultivated in the Ottoman Empire and introduced to Europe from Istanbul in the 16th century.
8. Cats rule the streets of Istanbul – Stray cats are beloved by locals and are cared for with food, shelter, and affection.
9. Sabiha Gökçen was Turkey’s first female combat pilot in the 1930s. She was also one of the earliest women worldwide to fly active military missions and became a symbol of women’s progress in aviation.
10. Evil eye charms, known as nazar boncuğu, are popular blue glass beads in Turkey believed to ward off bad luck and negative energy.
11. Turkish coffee, known for its strong, thick brew, is recognized by UNESCO as an important cultural tradition.
12. Istanbul, formerly called Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire until 1453.
13. The Whirling Dervishes, famous for their meditative whirl, began as a spiritual practice in 13th-century Konya, Turkey.
14. Istanbul served as the capital for three empires: the Roman Empire (after 330 AD), the Byzantine Empire, and later the Ottoman Empire until the early 20th century.
15. Turkish Baths (Hammams) are an Ancient Tradition — Istanbul’s historic hammams offer a centuries-old ritual of cleansing and socializing, with some baths dating back to the 15th century.

1. Hagia Sophia: Capture a selfie or portrait with the majestic dome or intricate mosaics in the background.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) Pose near the mosque’s stunning blue tiles or under its grand arches for an iconic shot.
3. Topkapi Palace: Snap photos of yourself strolling through the lush gardens or overlooking the Bosphorus from palace terraces.
4. Galata Tower: Take a selfie with the city below after climbing to the tower’s observation deck.
5. Basilica Cistern: Take advantage of the lighting and reflective water to snap a cool photo.
6. Grand Bazaar: Capture yourself enjoying the hustle and bustle of this vibrant market.
7. Taksim Square: Perfect spot to snap a photo of the Republic Monument and lively Istiklal Street right behind you.
8. Istanbul Modern Art Museum: The perfect blend of creativity and design—an ideal spot to snap a few photos, both inside and out.
9. Süleymaniye Mosque: With its elegant Ottoman domes, intricate stone columns, and sweeping views of Istanbul, Süleymaniye Mosque is a perfect spot to capture peaceful photos. These shots beautifully highlight Turkey’s rich architectural heritage.
10. Bosphorus Bridge: Find a great waterfront spot near the Bosphorus Bridge for the perfect selfie. Sunset and nighttime are especially magical, as the bridge lights up and creates a stunning backdrop.
11. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi): Capture a shot on the boat tour or from the shore, with the tower’s glowing silhouette lighting up the background.
12. Dolmabahçe Palace:Pose in front of the palace’s impressive exterior or among the blooming gardens, and don’t miss the chance to capture the elegant interiors too.
13. Çamlıca Hill:Take in panoramic photos featuring Istanbul’s skyline, the beautiful mosque on the hill, and a stunning sunset background.
14. Pierre Loti Café: Cozy up with a cup of tea and capture the Golden Horn’s stunning landscape as your backdrop.
15. Istiklal Street: Capture the vibrant street life around you, from vintage trams to lively crowds and historic buildings.
16. Balat Neighborhood: Colorful streets, quaint doors, and vibrant local life make this a favorite spot for charming, off-the-beaten-path photos.

Istanbul was stunning and will always hold a special place in my heart—it was the first country where I visited mosques wearing a hijab. I loved getting a glimpse into local culture and watching people pray in these sacred spaces. The city felt like the perfect blend of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—both in its culture and food.

We stayed at the historic Pera Palace Hotel, one of the city’s oldest, known for its elegant Turkish charm. As an Agatha Christie novel lover, I was especially excited that the hotel has Room 411 dedicated to her—where she is believed to have written Murder on the Orient Express. The hotel’s interiors have a grand Belle Époque design, a vintage elevator, and stunning views of the Golden Horn.

As a pizza lover, I could not get enough of the Turkish-style pizzas, and I truly indulged in Mediterranean flavors—feta cheese and fresh bread. Tasting Turkish coffee for the first time while cruising along the Bosphorus was unforgettable. One of my favorite moments was crossing over to the Asian side of Istanbul since I was staying on the European side. Seeing that literal division between two continents was so cool. I even stopped in Kanlıca to try their famous homemade yogurt.

Visiting Dolmabahçe Palace after the boat cruise was unforgettable. Inside, the blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, Rococo, and Ottoman styles created a lavish atmosphere. The grand chandeliers, detailed interiors, and domes showcase the palace’s rich history and timeless elegance. The gardens outside were filled with colorful flowers that added a lovely touch to the palace’s stunning surroundings.

I also got to enjoy a Turkish dance show, which was vibrant and full of energy. The colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and passionate storytelling through movement made the entire performance come alive.

The Camlica Mosque was the highlight of my trip—it was the first mosque I visited, perched on top of a hill just before sunset. The timing was perfect. I admired its massive, elegant exterior, captured plenty of photos, and then stepped inside during prayer time. The interior was peaceful and majestic, and when I came back outside, the night view overlooking Istanbul and the Bosphorus was just magical. That mosque took our breath away.

The next day, I was eager to visit the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Both were stunning, though more crowded with tourists. I was pleasantly surprised to see locals chatting casually inside, making the mosques feel more lived-in and community-centered. It was fascinating to learn about the history and symbolic designs unique to each one.

A stroll through the Grand Bazaar is a must in Istanbul—and, had to experience it for myself. I loved browsing for souvenirs and couldn’t leave without a colorful Turkish lamp in hand.

The Basilica Cistern was another favorite experience. It offered a cool escape from the heat and felt surreal. The dim lighting, ancient columns, and soft blue hue of the water created a mysterious and calming atmosphere.

I also had my very first hammam experience in Istanbul, which was both relaxing and culturally eye-opening. Based on pictures I had seen before, I half expected someone to be mopping me down like a floor! Instead, it turned out to be a wonderfully soothing and traditional ritual. I picked up Turkish delights from the legendary Hafiz Mustafa, and as someone who loves pistachios and hazelnuts, I was in heaven.

Another sweet surprise? The city’s cats. They were everywhere—exotic, beautiful, and loved by the locals.

I loved wandering the colorful streets of Balat, filled with charm, character, and cozy little cafés. Climbing the Galata Tower was the perfect way to end the day and take in stunning views of the city. Istanbul had an incredible energy—historic, lively, spiritual, and captivating.