Introduction
Istanbul is one of Turkey’s major city and the most visited one. Istanbul stands on two continents, Europe and Asia and is separated by the Bosphorus strait.
It is an old and antique city, that was knows as Constantinople and is the location where the Roman/Byzantine empire ended. It has been under the influence of many empires and nations.
The city is 5.534km² and is home to 15.52 million people.
In our Istanbul travel guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Istanbul.
Travel tips: We visited Istanbul in 4 days + travel but Alex lived in the city for 5 months in the past.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
Getting to Istanbul
The easiest way to get to Istanbul is to by plane. IST is the main new international airport of the city. The airport is 45km from the city center. The best way to get in Istanbul is by taking the Airport Shuttle (Havaist bus). A new metro line will open at the end of 2020. An alternative to the shuttle is the city bus but it will take longer.
Taxi can also be found and taken easily.
Moving Around Istanbul
Istanbul public transportation is well developed. You will be able to take subways, buses, BRT, tramways, funiculars, and boats. The best way is to get right away a public transportation card (Istanbul Kart). You can get one for around 1€ in any kiosk or near the stations. Then top it up as much as you need.
Where to Stay Istanbul
- Budget: Best Point Hotel Old City
- Mid-Range: Louis Appartements Galata
- Luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
If staying in Louis Appartements Galata, we would recommend going for local breakfast at: Şirin Fırın (Bakery)
What to Eat in Istanbul
This is a hard recommendation to give, there are so many yummy dishes that must be tried in Turkey. Though most of them incorporate meat.
Breakfast:
- Börek
- Simit
- Paynir (Local cheeses)
- Menemen (Turkish Omelet)
- Çay (black tea) & Turkish coffee
- Olives
Lunch/Dinner:
- Pide (Turkish Pizza)
- Lahmacun
- Variety of Meze (Turkish Tapas)
- Balik Ekmek (Fish sandwich)
- Mantı (Turkish ravioli/dumpling)
- Içli köfte
- Çiğ Köfte (Raw meat balls)
- Dürüm (Wraps)
- Fresh fish
Kebab:
- Iskender Kebap
- Adana Kebap
Dessert
- Künefe
- Baklava
Drink
- Raki
- Salep
Things to do Istanbul
Galata Tower
Get on top of the Galata tower to admire a splendid view of the city and if you fancy a romantic dinner you can even make a reservation it the tower’s restaurant.
The Tower is medieval stone tower, it is 63m tall and was built in 1348 and was used to control the northern end of the massive sea chain that closed the entrance to the Golden Horn
Obelisk of Theodosius
Admire an ancient Egyptian obelisk. It was re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. It was first erected in 1425 BC in the great temple of Karnak. But later the Roman emperor Constatinus had it move in the 4th century AD.
Maiden's Tower
Watch another famous landmark of Istanbul. The Maiden’s Tower is a small building on a islet in the Bosphorus.
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Sultanahmet Square
- Hagia Sophia (1st things in the morning)
- The Blue Mosque
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
- Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar)
Day 2:
- Galata Tower
- Galata district
- Topkapı Palace Museum
- Hagia Irene
- Gülhane Park
Day 3:
- Istiklal Caddesi
- Sent Antuan Kilisesi
- Taksim Square
- Suleymaniye Mosque
Day 4:
- Moda Kadikoy
- Maiden’s Tower
- European Bosphorus of Besiktas and Ortakoy
Zorla güzellik olmaz. Forced beauty won’t do. (English equivalent: It takes two to tango)
