Istanbul is so photogenic, my phone memory is simply not enough
🕌 Fall into a millennia-old dream spanning Europe and Asia! When the call to prayer from the minarets and the sea breeze of the Bosphorus pass through me simultaneously, I truly touch Istanbul—the imperial heart with Europe on the left and Asia on the right.
🗺️ Itinerary
Classic 5-6 day journey:
· Day 1-2: Old City Core — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern. These attractions are very close to each other and can be connected on foot.
· Day 3: Bazaars and Golden Horn — Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in the morning, stroll along Galata Bridge in the afternoon, climb Galata Tower to watch the sunset, and visit Istiklal Avenue at night.
· Day 4: Bosphorus Strait — Take a boat tour of the strait, with options including a day tour featuring Beylerbeyi Palace or Pierre Loti Hill, easily exploring both sides of Europe and Asia.
· Day 5: Cultural depth or island leisure — Option A: Visit Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) to see exquisite mosaics or experience a Turkish bath; Option B: Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands for cycling.
⛪️ Must-See Attractions
Istanbul offers a rich variety of experiences, which can be categorized as follows:
1. Imperial Epic (Old City)
· Hagia Sophia: A 1500-year-old legend, where Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy coexist, a microcosm of the city’s history.
· Blue Mosque: Famous for its six minarets and 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Note: It is still an active mosque, so dress code must be followed and avoid visiting during the five daily prayer times.
· Topkapi Palace: Step into the home of Ottoman sultans, see the luxurious harem and jewel-encrusted Topkapi dagger, and overlook the strait from the courtyard.
2. Local Life (Bazaars and Neighborhoods)
· Grand Bazaar and Spice Market: Dive into the covered maze of the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops; feel the colors and aromas at the Spice Market.
· Balat Colorful District: Explore this artsy neighborhood by the Golden Horn filled with colorful houses, street art, and ancient churches, perfect for photos.
· Experience a Turkish Bath: At the historic Çemberlitaş or Kılıç Ali Pasha Hamams, enjoy a traditional scrub and massage to relieve travel fatigue.
3. Eurasian Symphony (Strait and Panoramas)
· Bosphorus Cruise: A must-do! Admire Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and waterfront mansions from the sea with a unique perspective.
· Galata Tower: Climb this medieval stone tower for a 360-degree unobstructed panoramic view of the city.
· Pierre Loti Hill: Take the cable car up the hill, enjoy tea at the best viewpoint over the Golden Horn, and quietly wait for the sunset.
🥙 Must-Try Foods
· Street Food Hits: Balık Ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) must be eaten by the Eminönü pier; wet burgers, stuffed mussels, and sesame-covered Simit rings are also classics.
· Kebab Feast: Don’t miss İskender kebab (served on bread with yogurt and tomato sauce) and various Turkish kebab skewers.
· Sweet Finish: Enjoy Baklava (nut-filled honey pastry) and Turkish delight, paired with authentic Turkish coffee or apple tea.
🏨 Accommodation Tips
· Convenience: Stay in Sultanahmet Old City, where almost all attractions are within walking distance, but nightlife is relatively quiet.
· Vibrant Life: Choose Beyoğlu district (Istiklal Avenue, around Galata), full of restaurants and bars, lively nightlife, and convenient transportation.
· Unique Style: Boutique hotels or guesthouses in the Balat district offer an immersive local artistic atmosphere.
🚃 Transportation Tips
· Core Public Transit: The T1 tram line is the artery for touring the Old City and Galata. Get an Istanbul transportation card for easy and cheap rides on metro, tram, bus, and ferry.
· Strait Ferries: Departing from Eminönü or Karaköy piers, the best way to experience local life and enjoy the scenery.
· Taxi Reminder: Use official taxis and insist on the meter, or use the BiTaksi app.
💡 Travel Tips
1. Visa and Currency: Apply for an e-visa in advance (about $60 on the official website). The local currency is Turkish Lira, but Euros are also widely accepted.
2. Dress Code: When visiting mosques, women must cover their heads, and both men and women should wear long pants or skirts covering the knees. Carrying a large scarf is the most convenient.
When night falls, sitting by Galata Bridge, watching the silhouette of mosques on the opposite shore lit by lights, seagulls circling among the ferries—you will feel that past and present, East and West, perfectly reconcile at this moment.