Istanbul has for a long time, been the heart and soul of Turkey. Boasting of more than 14 million official residents, the city is the only one in the world that spans two continents; Europe and Asia. I love Istanbul and admit to a major addiction for this characteristic destination.
Occasionally I meet people who wrongly assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey but even though it isn’t, it is still an important business hub and the number-one tourist destination of Turkey. In 2014, it beat the likes of Rome and Milan to become a top city-break destination of the world.
Some people return time and time again for a leisurely break while others admire the city so much, they buy homes there, and it now has a large expat community comprised of many nationalities. Whether people fall into the category of tourist, business traveller or expat resident, we all have one thing in common and that is we say with pride, “I love Istanbul.”
Why I love Istanbul
Food, Food, Food!
On my last visit to Istanbul, I ran into the KFC restaurant, eager to sample the world-renowned chicken that my taste buds had missed dearly. I also tasted sushi for the first time, and the local recommended street food called the Taksim Wet Burger.
The latter did not impress me even though a Trip Advisor reviewer famously labelled it a “Drunk’s Best Friend” but my diet for that week proves eating out in Istanbul is all about diversity.
From the humble baked potato to the fish restaurants of Ortakoy to the highly overpriced gourmet establishments, you can have what you want!
In Istanbul, when thinking about food, there is no need to comprise on taste.
Historical and Rich Timeline
I am fascinated by the history of Turkey and since Istanbul was formerly Constantinople, the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it is perfect for history buffs.
The old part of the city is a UNESCO World heritage site.There are hundreds of museums and touring Ottoman palaces like Dolmabahce explains perfectly why the Ottoman Empire was disbanded, called the sick man of Europe and left for broke.
The Blue Mosque of 1616 portrays the brilliance of architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, who was a pupil of Mimar Sinan, the most respected architect of the Ottoman period, while the Hagia Sophia, previously a church, mosque and now museum, perfectly combines significant artifacts of two of the world’s biggest religions.
The list of historical landmarks goes on and on.
The Bosphorus
Major wars have been fought and many men have died for control of this strategic strait of water. The Byzantine Empire seriously neglected its importance, therefore helping the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed to take control of Constantinople and ultimately finish their reign.
In turn, the Ottoman Empire formed a fashion trend for the rich and fabulously wealthy to own summer houses (yalis) on the shores.These days, life is much quieter and the Bosphorus neighbourhoods can be explored on foot but I prefer cruising.
Whether it is a short 2 hour tour or a day’s trip to the mouth of the Black sea, Bosphorus cruises are normally on every list of the top “Things to Do in Istanbul”
The owners and managers of Zoe Yacht, a 55 feet motorboat that is available for private charter cruises report that in recent years, interest in Bosphorus cruises has increased not only with foreign tourists but also Turkish customers.
The boat goes out every day for 2 hour cruises and sunset tours, but lately, the owners are receiving more enquiries for special events and occasions like marriage proposals, weddings and birthdays.
Repeat visitors to Istanbul are generally opting for the Princess Islands tour which includes swimming stops and visit to the group of Islands with its magnificent old Ottoman mansions.(Follow Zoe Yacht Bosphorus Cruises on Facebook)
Cruise ship visitors often gather a large crowd and hire their own boat so they have privacy at lower costs, while businesses are hosting more dinners and events on the water, rather than off it.
Life on the shores of the Bosphorus has and always will be a pivotal point of Istanbul’s characteristic appearance.
Has the old Ottoman trend for Bosphorus living seen a revival?
The Galata Connection
Downhill from the popular Taksim area, are the small neighbourhoods of Karakoy and Beyoglu. Within these areas, I particularly love the famous Genoese Galata tower, with its stunning panoramic view from the top, but anyone with a fear of heights will be immensely disturbed by the lack of crowd control, dodgy safety bars and the view of a 63 metre drop.
The streets are lined with boutique hotels, Jewish synagogues, the Jewish museum, quirky shops, the Istanbul modern art museum and we also found a small wine tasting shop, which delighted my alcoholic friends but head further downhill to reach Galata Bridge, famous for its fishermen and floating fish boats.
In a restaurant underneath the bridge, a 16 year-old waiter offended us with his corny attempts to bait himself a sugar mommy.
Our refusal may have resulted in an overpriced bill consisting of dishes that we never consumed but my point is, stay away from underneath the bridge and enjoy the vibes on top of it.
How to say “I love Istanbul” in Turkish?
Istanbul’u seviyorum
Say that and the locals will love you back!
I went to Istanbul a couple of years ago after three days in Cappadocia. I love the vibe of the city, the food, the mosques all around and so many pigeons (that are really photogenic :D)
I still have to publish the pictures I’ve taken there, hope to do it soon! And I’m coming back for sure 🙂
Love Istanbul too. I’ve always loved food but I think Istanbul took it to another level for me, whether it was Kadikoy Market or cooking with Selin at Turkish Flavours. Now I’m a professional chef who is lucky to cook Turkish food as well as many other Mediterranean cuisines. Love love love.
I S T A N B U L I love youuuu
Istanbul is the one of the best cities of the world, It is possible to see harmony of modern and authentic view. Besides there is chaos in the city by architectural point of view and there is always rush. Thanks for the information that you shared. I love to live in this city!
Agreed Mate – love that place
I’m so excited!Istanbul is so big and has so many things to do! Hagia Sophia, a great place to visit in Istanbul.
That is great news – I am sure you will like it and looking forward to reading your write-ups.
I love Istanbul, have seen these pics in many bollowood and hollywood movies, always wanted to visit the great location. Thank you for making my day by sharing the pics Natalie
Hi Natalie! Had to read this one because it looks like we’ll be coming this Istanbul in October/November. We’re not usually fans of big cities (14 Million is a lot) but I’m very curious about Istanbul.
We’re leaving for our 2nd year of full time travel next week and will use Budapest as a base for several months. Then will slowly work our way south through Romania and Bulgaria to Istanbul and most likely plan a few weeks vacation in other parts of Turkey.
So don’t be surprised to see me spending a lot of time on your blog 🙂
Frank (bbqboy)
The rich and varied history and the architecture that portrays it is for what makes Istanbul special. And then there’s also the lokum and baklava!
If you are keen about history Istanbul is the perfect place to explore. Thousands of years battles, politics and development. There are so many places to visit.
I love it and think it is very well written. Good reasons as well. Nice to see Efes at the top! 🙂
Hi Natalie, I’d love it if you could drop me some feedback about my Istanbul travel feature. Looking forward. http://goo.gl/c5DZmT
I am ashamed that you are Turkish (if you are so) talking all this nonsense about Istanbul. First, Istanbul people are not the original/real Istanbul people anymore. Most people who came to Istanbul from EAST made it a concrete heaven not me or the Real natives of Istanbul. which I am. My entire family is originally from Istanbul and it used to be a green place with full of kind gentleman and wonderful women in the past. All this immigration from the East started in 1950’s and it is still going on today and the people brought all their negatives to Turkey. They are predominantly uneducated people causing crimes and unrest in Istanbul (Many exception do exist. Not all people from the east are bad but statistically most are uneducated and poor!) Istanbul used to be a few million and over the years it expanded rapidly reaching 14 million people. They turned this beautiful city into a concrete heaven you call..Also, you have no idea how hard for these people to live in Istanbul. Istanbul is expensive and there are very good reasons why it is bc guess what all the major cities in the world are expensive! With all the troubles/negatives aside, you can not simply write off Istanbul bc people are not smiling and there is traffic, concrete buildings, etc. Yes the traffic is the 2nd worst in the world (do your research) and ugly concrete buildings do exist but that is take away the magnificent history of Istanbul and it’s importance. I don’t know where you live but I lived in good neighborhoods of Istanbul and YES Istanbul is still beautiful. It is up to you to see the good or the bad part of Istanbul. If I decide to live in Harlem or a ghetto in NY, I will never think good about NY but you know NY is not all about these places. There are many amazing places there just like Istanbul. All tourist destinations of Istanbul are magnificent and clean. Bosphorus is amazing and you can’t find many sites around the world where you have the skyscrapers and old historical buildings that can be fit in one picture! You don’t want to see the good that is fine but Istanbul is a zillion times nicer than Izmir. Sorry but I can’t agree with you on that. Izmir is like a town next to Istanbul. People are nicer in Aegean cost, that is all I can agree…
You need more than 8 hours Jen. Get yourself back here 🙂
Will you be coming back Stephanie?
I love Istanbul because it is the first place I ever traveled that was so different from home. The food, the language, the architecture, the religion, the culture.
These are such gorgeous photos of Istanbul that you make me want to hop on a plane ASAP! I’ve only been once and it was for 8 hours when I had a long layover and you could still do visa on arrival. It was rainy and cold that day, so I more than happy to spend many hours browsing the bazaar and spice market.
Istanbul is definitely on the top of my list of places I still want to visit. Your photos have inspired me even more!
Put it on your list Ryan – Guaranteed enjoyment. Thanks for reading
Natalie I have never visited but I’ve heard SO many awesome things about Istanbul. I know an ex-pat couple from the US who lived there for 14 years. They raved about it, from the beauty to the food to the culture, they were gaga about both Turkey and Istanbul. The photos above rock and I have to say, a cruise down the Bosphorus sounds beyond awesome. Thanks for sharing and keep on inspiring your readers!
Ryan
Lovely review Abdullah and so well written. Describes it perfectly. Thank you for sharing
Hi Natalie ,
I want to share an experience that I had on my recent holiday to Istanbul.
Istanbul is truly a wonderful tourism destination. The city of differences, wonderful attractions, a mix of Eastern and Western cuisine, and serious shopping malls should absolutely be visited. I was in Istanbul with my family in February, 2014. It continues to be the most exciting and interesting city I have ever stayed in. People ask me where I want to live after I retire. I always say that I love Istanbul and Turkish hospitality.
I can say that Istanbul has a luxuriant heritage and tradition that integrates the previous and the current to form a unique combination of architecture. The Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower, Hagia Sofia Museum, and the old city are absolutely a must. These are things that make the city rich in history. I had a lovely trip to some inspiring natural landscapes in Istanbul such as Bosphorus Strait. Yes, it is an amazing moment to enjoy a tour in this channel which cuts the city of Istanbul into two sides (Asian side and European side). During my stay, I tasted lots of Turkish food that can be styled as a mixture of Middle Eastern, Asian and European tastes. Dishes are usually full of meat and fresh vegetables. Some of the greatest food I have ever recognized served in the cafeterias near the Eminonu train station. I love KEBABS.
This is why I want to share my memories.
A great read – Thank you very much Sonia
Loved your blog! Want to come back to Turkey sometime soon!
Here is the link to my blog..
http://tickingthebucketlist.blogspot.in/2014/06/istanbul-my-favourite-city-in-world.html
Great article, I can agree with every single reason and I’m sure there can be many many more found easily 🙂
Bump it up Brock – You won’t regret it
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
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
Hi Natalie,
Been reading ur blog and posts in facebook for the past 6 months. Newcomer 🙂 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!
The fish sandwiches are to die for!
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!
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 https://turkishtravelblog.com/destinations/istanbul/
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)?
It is magical Arti – A wonderful city – Glad you liked the post
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!
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.
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.
You will enjoy it Andrew – are you taking in anywhere else apart from Istanbul
I look forward to reading about your experience Cole – unfortunately I planned my return trip a couple of days after Anzac day
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.
We are headed to Istanbul for a few days around ANZAC day. Cannot wait to get there and thanks for the tips 🙂
Thanks for the suggestions Joy – I will add them to my list of things to do as well. Rumeli Hisari sounds good
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.
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.
Love Ricky’s breakdown of his Istanbul favourites and such great photos.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Definitely go back for another visit Angela. Next time will be my third visit and I still have plenty of things planned to do
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.
Amanda – I hope that small chance turns into a definite for you. With your photography, you would get some great pictures
You are right Alan – At least once is essential but in our case, we go back every year 🙂
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
Hi Ayak – good to see you back here. I am sure you must have seen Istanbul during your time in Turkey?
I will look forward to reading your posts then Jim – You will not be disappointed
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.
Man, those water-side seats look gorgeous. I’d eat there every night if I could!
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!
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
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.
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.
More reasons I’m looking forward to my trip to Turkey in April!
Great post Ricky
‘Alien and familiar at the same time’ – I love that, gonna have to steal that for future use when describing Istanbul 🙂
Great post! I’m looking forward to my first visit to Istanbul in about 5 months.
Well done Iain. You timed that photography well. I could not get a good picture of all the fishermen
I am so looking forward to reading your posts Dayna. You have some original plans laid ahead for yourself
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.
Ha ha. That is actually good to know Terry. Being a Turk gets you no where at the pazar
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/
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.
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!
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.
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
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.