A huge welcome from The Turkish Travel Blog to Ricky Carbis who has submitted this post on the reasons why he loves Istanbul.
Istanbul has for a long time, been the heart and soul of Turkey.
Boasting more than 12 million official residents, the city is like no other in Turkey. Being the only city in the world that spans two different continents, it is huge. I love Istanbul and can easily admit to a major addiction for this characteristic destination.
You cannot help but be engulfed in the cultural history and significance. So many tourists visit and enjoy adventures through the city, some even make it ‘home’, buying a property in Istanbul or simply spending months seeing all the sights in this city, there really is so much to do.
I have decided to choose my favourite things about Istanbul, maybe some you will have heard of, maybe some you would have not. As well as being my little guide to getting the best out of this awesome city, they are also the reasons why I can say with pride, “I love Istanbul”
Why I love Istanbul
My Favourite Restaurant
You will soon realise that locals love their food! With a plethora of choices from the old favourites such as Burger King and McDonalds, to local humble eateries serving traditional Turkish food at cheap prices, food in Istanbul is amazing.
When choosing a restaurant, most tourists look to restaurants around the Sultan Ahmet district and other touristic areas – however, as with most tourist areas, these can be pricier than traditional local restaurants.
I would recommend checking out Feriye Restaurant that has a fabulous location, overlooking the Bosphorus in Ortakoy. Sitting in a picturesque 19th century building, the menu offers traditional Ottoman dishes with a modern twist; Feriye Restaurant is also famous for its amazing seafood dishes.
My Favourite Museum
Istanbul is a city with so much history, previously ruled by Romans and Ottomans alike. With that said, museums are rich in artefacts and have massive cultural significance.
Being such a colourful and cultural city, I would have go with the Istanbul Modern Museum and Art Gallery as the number one museum to see. Located in a converted warehouse, the museum has fantastic views over the Bosphorus and represents the modern side of Istanbul, located amongst all that history.
The contemporary art gallery plays host to local as well as international artists and many tourists can be seen wondering around this gallery in awe at some of the work on show.
My Favourite Shopping Location
If you are looking to go shopping in Istanbul, there is simply just one place to head to – the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar has more than 4000 shops that can cater for any budget and any shopping tastes – It is a woman’s dream and a man’s nightmare.
When shopping in the Grand Bazaar, many tourists are afraid to haggle for price, but be brave and haggle!
You will be surprised at the sudden discounts that become available when you raise a question or doubt about purchasing.
Shopping for anything from jewellery, carpet, clothes, artwork, souvenirs, and even spices and groceries – prices are reasonable and choices are spoilt.
My Favourite Historic Site
Again, the history of Istanbul mean that historic sites are literally everywhere! There is the famous Topkapi Palace, which is more than three centuries and was once the home of the Ottoman Empire. Don’t forget about the great Galata Tower which stands tall on the skyline and offers fantastic views across the city.
But, if I had to choose one fantastic historical site for tourists to see, I would have to go with the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii). This is probably THE image of Istanbul. Postcards and posters worldwide all portray this image when advertising the city. The six tall minarets of the Blue Mosque make it a must see. If you go to Istanbul without taking a trip to see the Blue Mosque, well, you might as well have never gone in the first place, it is spectacular.
My Personal Choice for Getting About
Well, you would not go to London without checking out the London Underground, you would not go to New York without going on the famous Subway system. The same goes for Istanbul.
As a tourist, I would highly recommend using the many transport systems available in the city. The Metro System is easily accessed and has two lines serving the city with links to Taksim Square and Tunel Square.
However, no trip to Istanbul is complete without a journey, or two, on what can only be defined as a sea bus! When travelling around, you will see that traffic sometimes gets the better of you, and can really cause problems. Therefore, many people choose to hop onto a Sea Catamaran to zip across the Bosphorus or the Sea of Marmara to get to your desired location. Ferries are regularly brimming full with cars whose owners use the ferry system to commute to work. If you are going to travel around Istanbul, you might as well travel on the sea buses
So there you have it, my top 5 reasons why I love Istanbul. The city is so large and marvellous, it is no wonder that many end up calling it one of the best cities that they have travelled to. One thing is certain though, it sure is an adventurers dream.
Readers Question : Do you love Istanbul as well? If so, what are your reasons and favourite things about the city?
Further Reading on Istanbul
- Istanbul pictures in black and white
- About Galata Bridge
- Bars in Taksim
I love Istanbul…I can’t get enough of it when we visit. My favorite is The GRand Bazaar….but then I have to drag my husbamd with me because he’s a Turk and haggles better then me. Plus they give him a better price then to a tourist I noticed.
Will try the Feriye Restaurant this summer when we go. Love this post.
erica recently wrote about..PANCAKE TUESDAY
Erica – I like dragging hubby along as well. I have noticed that he can always get a better price than me. I put it down to the male / female thing
The last time I went to the Pazar, my husband brought his brother, thinking that he was more experienced at negotiating on a backgammon price. In the end, it looked like they weren’t able to get a better deal than we Americans were.
Ha ha. That is actually good to know Terry. Being a Turk gets you no where at the pazar
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
My wife has had great success at bargaining at the bazaar, definitely not a male thing. She always gets good deals from Turkish merchants if she believes the asking price is too high. I think anyone can do the same if they are prepared to walk away and convey that to the merchant.
HobbitTR recently wrote about..April and May 2012 Diving Special Promotions
I love Istanbul because it’s both alien and familiar at the same time. It sounds like a cliche but it really is the city than stands at the crossroads of east and west. Fabulous.
Jack Scott recently wrote about..Bodrum Reborn
I have always been stuck on how to describe Istanbul in one sentence jack but you have just done it. Alien and familiar at the same time and it is just that.
Natalie recently wrote about..Sea Kayaking in Turkey : A Personal Challenge to Conquer
‘Alien and familiar at the same time’ – I love that, gonna have to steal that for future use when describing Istanbul
Ricky Carbis recently wrote about..Madonna World Tour Istanbul tickets
I’m so excited!!!!!! A week from today and we will be there… perfect timing for this post for us. I’ve dreamed of seeing it my whole life!
Dayna recently wrote about..Travel Planning Extravaganza -Where Wanderlusting is Going in 2012
I am so looking forward to reading your posts Dayna. You have some original plans laid ahead for yourself
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Istanbul is an amazing city, one of my favourites. Has to be one of the most photogenic cities in the world too.
I recently had one of my pictures there featured with STA Travel!
http://michaelpalinsfault.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/travel-photography-and-an-oscar-win/
Iain Montgomery recently wrote about..Being a tourist at home
Well done Iain. You timed that photography well. I could not get a good picture of all the fishermen
Natalie recently wrote about..Olu Deniz – Forgiving the None Traditional Vibes
Great post! I’m looking forward to my first visit to Istanbul in about 5 months.
Jim recently wrote about..Copy Cat: 5 Copies of Famous Monuments
I will look forward to reading your posts then Jim – You will not be disappointed
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
Great post Ricky
Ayak recently wrote about..Making the dogs comfortable
Hi Ayak – good to see you back here. I am sure you must have seen Istanbul during your time in Turkey?
Natalie recently wrote about..Idyllic Phaselis : Beautiful Beaches and Ancient Ruins
Sadly Nat I’ve only seen the inside of the airports in Istanbul, except for one occasion when my flight was delayed and I missed my connecting flight to Bodrum. On this occasion I was put up in a hotel by THY in Taksim, but it was late and we had an early start so no time for sightseeing. It’s definitely on my list of places to visit….right at the top!
Enjoy your trip to the UK x
Ayak recently wrote about..This could only happen in Turkey!
More reasons I’m looking forward to my trip to Turkey in April!
Ali recently wrote about..Milford Sound – Before the Cruise
Ali – Just one month to go and then you will be there. I am booked again for the end of April so maybe our paths will cross
Natalie recently wrote about..VirtualWayfarer is Coming to Turkey. Interview with Alex Berger
J and I need to get our ‘fix’ a couple of times a year – it is a place we tell everyone we know that they need to experience Istanbul at least once in their life.
Alan recently wrote about..Birth Of The Blues!
You are right Alan – At least once is essential but in our case, we go back every year
Natalie recently wrote about..Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?
There’s small chance that I may find myself in Istanbul for a few days this summer… and I really hope I do! It seems like such an interesting city.
Amanda recently wrote about..Striking it Rich in New Zealand – Panning for Gold in Ross
Amanda – I hope that small chance turns into a definite for you. With your photography, you would get some great pictures
Natalie recently wrote about..Photo – Bird in Flight
I was silly / naive enough to visit taxim on May 1st 3 years ago during the riots and broke my shoulder.Thats one reason i cant forget Istanbul :-/
The history,culture,modern and ancient all together in one place. Awesome
Oh dear Rosamond. Not a good stroy. taksim always seems to be the happen ing place though. At least you have not let it put you off.
Natalie recently wrote about..Uzumlu and Traditional Turkish Life. A Photo Post
I love Istanbul too, I’ve been only once a couple of years ago, might be time to go back and enjoy what I’ve missed last time!
Angela recently wrote about..Secret Sardinia, shelter of the Knights Templar
Definitely go back for another visit Angela. Next time will be my third visit and I still have plenty of things planned to do
Natalie recently wrote about..Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?
Man, those water-side seats look gorgeous. I’d eat there every night if I could!
Abby recently wrote about..Skiing in the desert: Las Vegas
Me too Abby – headed there on my next visit thanks to the recommendation. Also heard from two people now that Ortakoy where the restaurant is, has a great nightlife in the summer so will try that out as well
Natalie recently wrote about..Paragliding in Turkey : Thrilling Experience or Safety Hazard?
Istanbul is so easy to get around…. I love the metro system, the Tunnel and Fenicular.
The life blood of the city is really the water – and a boat trip is essential – even if it’s just a short ferry ride over to the Asian side and back again.
The Blue Mosque is definitely a must – I visited it twice in one holiday – just because!
Even though the Topkapi Palace was quite impressive – I was blown away by my trip to the Istanbul Archaelogy Museum next door. So if I had to choose between the two – I’d opt for the musuem… such amazing treasures within their walls, I had to get dragged away!
http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/main_page
My favourite shopping location was the Spice Bazaar — each time we were near the Galata Bridge, we had a quick detour to the Spice Bazaar.
Roving Jay recently wrote about..The Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide is One Year Old
Thanks for the recommendation about the Archaeology museum Jay. I will put that on the agenda for my next visit. The blue mosque – I got turned away twice on this visit. Wrong timing. Fingers crossed when I return in April that it will be ok. Congrats on the one year anniversary by the way.
Natalie recently wrote about..Idyllic Phaselis : Beautiful Beaches and Ancient Ruins
How can anyone mention Istanbul and not mention Aya Sofia (Hagia Sophia)??? “Originally a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, the 6th century Hagia Sophia built by Justinian was the largest ever cathedral building in the world for a thousand years”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia
I think the Blue Mosque worth a visit but overrated IMHO. Also try to see Sulimaniye mosque!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suleymaniye_Mosque
Lots of pretty waterside cafes and restaurants on the Asian side. Ortakoy is one of the few exceptions on the European side. Too many tourists miss taking a day trip up the Asian side from Uskudar to Anadolu Kava?? either by ferry or amble along the roads by bus.
Ortakoy and Sulimaniye mosque on the list of things to do as well. Maybe Hagia Sophia is just not on Rickys list, I would personally recommend the Dolmabahce palace instead
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
Istanbul is so big and has so many things to do!
Trying to whittle it down to just five – difficult indeed, borderline impossible! But I agree about Hagia Sophia, a great place to visit in Istanbul.
I was in Istanbul in 1980. It remains the most vibrant, thrilling and intriguing city I have ever visited. The underground cistern, haggling in the Grand Bazaar, boat trips to Üsküdar and Anodulu Kavagi, drinks at the Pera Palas, strange substances at the Pudding Shop, music in the Flower Market and some of the best food I have ever tasted served in the restaurants under Galata Bridge. Istanbul was so wonderfully and mysteriously different. How sad to learn that this jewel of a city has since fallen prey to the likes of McDonalds and Burger King.
Simon Wood recently wrote about..The Origins of Fairy Story
Burger Kings and Mcdonalds are popping up every where in Turkey Simon. My base in Turkey used to be a small village and I never dreamed that there would one day be a Burger King there but it came, followed shortly by dominos pizzas. I think you just have to blank them because fortunately they do not put the small businesses in bankruptcy. The most amazing aspect is that every time I go in one, the majority of customers are Turkish. Sign of the times, I think and the next generation.
Love Ricky’s breakdown of his Istanbul favourites and such great photos.
Emme Rogers @ Roamancing recently wrote about..Ross Neilsen Singing the Solo Blues at the 2012 IBC in Memphis, Tennessee
My favorite shopping location is Eminonu. I seriously think you can find everything here! If you can’t find, then you probably don’t need it anyway. =)
Another fun shopping area is Kadikoy – I love the markets here! It’s also a great foodie area – the old sugar shop, baklava, honey store, Ciya, etc.
My favorite historic site is Ayasofya followed by the Rumeli Hisari for something different and the amazing views if you climb up.
Joy (My Turkish Joys) recently wrote about..Peaking in My Kitchen Pantry in Istanbul
Thanks for the suggestions Joy – I will add them to my list of things to do as well. Rumeli Hisari sounds good
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
We are headed to Istanbul for a few days around ANZAC day. Cannot wait to get there and thanks for the tips
Cole @ Four Jandals recently wrote about..Adventures in France: Skiing the Three Valleys
I look forward to reading about your experience Cole – unfortunately I planned my return trip a couple of days after Anzac day
Natalie recently wrote about..My Istanbul Pictures in Black and White
We did some planning this weekend for our trip in less than a month. Looking forward to it immensely.
This list just makes it more real somehow. Especially the mentions of monuments that I have now seen on maps.
Andrew recently wrote about..Places to Eat in Freiburg, Germany
You will enjoy it Andrew – are you taking in anywhere else apart from Istanbul
Natalie recently wrote about..The Burning Flames of Chimaera
I fail to understand why travelers around the world speak very highly of Istanbul, which is only a concrete jungle on steroids. It is a grotesque village, full of unhappy people, high pollution, exhausting traffic, and an almost demolished history.
I am not particularly inclined to accept it represents Turkey at all. I have been in many regions of Turkey, where people are smiling, making jokes to one another, free from the curse of metropolitan hurry. Even big cities Like Izmir and Bursa are much better places to live and see.
Everyone has their own personal preferences Abriskil. I personally like Istanbul but then I like Izmir as well. Maybe the fact that a lot of RTW travelers only see Istanbul means they can not compare it to other sites in Turkey.
This is a beautiful post. I have heard a lot about the place but yet to get a chance to visit it.
Your post gives a nice little sneak peek into the magical world!
Arti recently wrote about..The Sacred Fire of Holika Dahan: Choti Holi
It is magical Arti – A wonderful city – Glad you liked the post
My husband and I are travelling to Turkey for the Christmas holidays. I understand that it is a mostly Muslim country and they do not observe this practice. I have many questions, firstly we are staying at the Ritz in Istanbul and will be there for a week. Then we think maybe off to Cypress, or a Greek Isle, we have not decided yet. Anything we should know about weather, customs, taboos, preferences so as not offend locals? Also, is there anything we should absolutely see and do (or not)?
Hi Lily, Even though it is a Muslim country, you might find some restaurants putting on Christmas dinner or there might be a few parties as Istanbul has a lot of western ex pats. I have never been in Istanbul at Christmas but on the western and Aegean coast, the ex pats freely celebrate with some of the Turks even joining in.
The weather is going to be cold, more so at night time so wrap up warm. Possible rain so be prepared to change touring plans.
Re customs, you will probably not notice them unless you wander into the local neighbourhood areas. The most familiar one to watch out for is if you walk into a restaurant or bar and they say “Hos Geldeniz”, which means welcome. Your reply if you want to respond is “hos bulduk” which means we feel welcome. Generally I would not worry about offending the locals though, the Turks are really easy going and often, want to struck up conversation more than anything else. I am assuming that you will want to visit the Blue mosque, in which case,ensure you are suitable covered on your body and take along a headscarf as well
Re places that you must absolutely see, well where do I start? Head to the Sultan Ahmet area and do the following which are all located close to each other
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi palace
- Basilica cistern
You can visit the Grand bazaar which dates back to the Ottoman time but be prepared for hassle to buy carpets etc.
I loved the Dolmabahce palace more than Topkapi palace.
Flower Garden is good for architecture but don’t eat the food there
Here is a list of the articles I have published so far on Istanbul but I still have plenty more to publish as well, so keep checking back before December http://turkishtravelblog.com/destinations/istanbul/
Hi Natalie,
I love Istanbul too! When I go there again, the first thing I’ll do is to grab a bite of baklava! I loved it so much, and then, the delicious fresh fish sandwiches! Yummy!
Kota Kinabalu Travel recently wrote about..Breads & More @ Grace Point Food Court
The fish sandwiches are to die for!
Natalie recently wrote about..18 Black & White Photos of Trabzon
Hi Natalie,
Never thought I would but when to Turkey twice last year. Fell in love twice too. There is something magical about Istanbul that makes me feel so addicted and that I want to visit again and again.Hagia Sophia is my favourite!
Been reading ur blog and posts in facebook for the past 6 months. Newcomer
Hi Jay, it is kind of addictive although some friends who have moved there now want to move out and say it is too crowded. Best kept as a place to visit. Hagia Sophia is a beauty I agree. Can never tire of visiting there
Umm… I’m ready to go right now! Oddly enough, the home owners were are currently house sitting for are visiting Istanbul right now. It’s always been on my travel radar and after reading this I think it might get bumped up the list!
Brock @ourfavoriteadventure
Bump it up Brock – You won’t regret it
Natalie recently wrote about..Temple Of Apollo in Didyma, Turkey
Great article, I can agree with every single reason and I’m sure there can be many many more found easily
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs recently wrote about..Voodoo in Ouidah