Mediterranean Vacay- Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul. I really, truly enjoyed this part of the trip and I can definitely say that I would return. We only scratched the surface of what there is to see and do in Istanbul, and Turkey by extension.

How we got to Istanbul

The flight from Athens was straightforward. Before getting to Turkey, it is recommended that you apply for your visitor’s visa online. Pretty much anyone who is not a Turkish citizen is required to get a visa. Yes, even those of you with “powerful” passports. At the time that we went the cost for the e-visa was US $20. However, I gather that if you wait until your arrival at the airport to apply, the cost goes up significantly. Save yourself the trouble.

Where we stayed in Istanbul

Our hotel in Istanbul was a steal. We stayed at Peyk Hotel . Three nights in a hotel with a 9+ point rating on Booking.com, and situated in a prime location for US $190. Yes, I’m serious. Breakfast was also included. It was a nice hotel in a great location. We were right in the heart of Sultanhamet, the old centre of Istanbul; walking distance from a lot of the major sights. It almost couldn’t have been better.

What we did in Istanbul

After we checked in and refreshed ourselves a bit, we headed up to the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. So many sights and smells! It was so much fun just wandering around and taking it all in.

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We started to get hungry so we stepped out into the square outside the Bazaar and randomly chose one of the many streetside restaurants.

After dinner we made our way via the light rail system to Beyoğlu , which is the centre of modern Istanbul an is a popular shopping area. One thing I found is that my money stretched pretty far in Istanbul!! From the market, to random stores, to global brands (such as Zara, H&M, Sephora etc) there are deals to be had in Istanbul!! I had heard that shopping would be good, but I had honestly underestimated how good it could be. Everything in the more forma stores seemed to be heavily discounted compared to counterparts in other countries. To think, we had thought Athens was relatively cheap, Istanbul has them beat. Then of course in the markets and less formal stores you can negotiate with proprietors to your hearts desire. I loved it!

The Blue Mosque

The next morning we struck out (on foot) to the Blue Mosque, which was just minutes away. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t that great. It was cold (colder than we had anticipated as a snap weather system was passing over), drizzly, and windy on occasion. To be honest, we weren’t quite prepared for what greeted us outside. I had to go back to the hotel at one point during the day to change into more suitable shoes.

Before you go into the mosque, you must take off your shoes. You can go in either barefoot or cover your feet with little plastic bags that are available. You must also be appropriately dressed, and the rules are strictly enforced. As women, that meant heads, shoulders and knees covered. If you fail to meet these requirements you will not be let in, but fear not, there are tons of vendors nearby supplying scarves, faux skirts and the like for those who were not aware or forgot.

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The Hagia Sofia

The next stop was the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rather intriguing history. Built as cathedral by Byzantine emperor Constantine in the year 325, the church was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Following Turkish conquest in 1453, the monument was re-purposed for use as a mosque. Turkish president Ataturk secularized the building and converted it to a museum in 1935.

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Galata Bridge, Kadikoy, Spice Bazaar

That afternoon we headed down to the Eminonou and the Galata Bridge area. Along the way we would keep trying random street food that we would come upon. It’s also a great environment for trying things, because food etc is so reasonably priced, that if you don’t like it , you can afford to ditch the rest without feeling too guilty about it.

After we had lunch by the Bosphorus, we headed over to the Spice Bazaar.

That night, our friends headed to the airport to catch a flight to Cappadocia. Stef and I had opted out of that trip, so we struck out in search of dinner. We walked petty much along the tramline from our hotel, down to Eminonou which is the stop before the Bosphorus. We ended up at a Turkish/Italian fusion restaurant that we first noticed it because a) there was a line outside of persons waiting (in the cold) to be seated and b) the scents we caught wafting out were very inviting. Turned out to be a great decision. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. So much so, that we actually went back here for lunch the next day (and I usually try not to repeat restaurants when I’m somewhere for only a short period of time). When our bill came, I almost didn’t believe it. It was quite frankly almost ridiculous in comparison to what we received. Did I mention before that I love Istanbul prices?

Basilica Cistern

The next day we headed to Basilica Cistern. I had originally planned to spend this day taking a ferry across the Bosphorous to explore the Asian side of Istanbul. Unfortunately, the weather was not being very cooperative so we decided to keep things local.

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We headed back to the Grand Bazaar to do some shopping. I ended up shipping home several ceramic pieces.

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That night we headed back to the Eminonou/Galata Bridge area, had dinner and walked around a bit more taking in the sights and sounds of the Bosphorus at night. We left Istanbul the next morning.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed myself here. I can only imagine how much better it would have been had the weather been more cooperative. I would definitely consider returning to Istanbul, as I liked the vibe and I feel like there is a lot more to experience that we didn’t get around to doing!

General Tips

• Be sure to get your visa online in advance
• Definitely pencil in some shopping time. Whether it is in the more traditional markets, streetside stores , our global brands there are lots of deals to be had in Istanbul. Money stretches far!
• Stay in the Sultanahamet area
• The light rail system is one of the best ways to get around