How Istanbul Stole My Heart

While in Istanbul, I explored the city through several different tours. There is so much to see and do that trying to fit everything into a day or two is unrealistic—you lose so much by rushing. We began our visit with a walking tour of Old Town, which is my favorite way to start in a new city. It helps me learn the layout and identify places I want to revisit.

Blue Mosque

On our way to the tour, we experienced the first example of Istanbul’s renowned kindness. In a small coffee shop, we struck up a conversation with two older gentlemen playing backgammon, using Google Translate to communicate. They not only shared recommendations and directions, but also refused payment for our coffee, insisting that the conversation itself was enough.

For a unique and traditional experience, visiting a hammam—a Turkish bathhouse—is a must. We chose the Kilic Ali Pasa Bath, built between 1578 and 1580 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and the second-largest hammam in Istanbul. Walking into the beautiful building and standing beneath its massive dome feels like stepping back in time. The experience was calming and refreshing, and when I left, my skin felt softer than it ever had before.

Basilica Cistern

The Grand Bazaar is world-renowned, massive, and absolutely worth visiting. As one of the largest bazaars in the world, it offers everything from spices and jewelry to clothing and countless other items. However, I found myself more drawn to the smaller bazaars scattered throughout the city, often located near mosques. These lesser-known markets felt more personal, offered better deals, and allowed me to support local shop owners with fewer tourists. In addition to the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and the Book Bazaar are also well worth exploring.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world located on two continents, split between Europe and Asia. The European side is larger, more populated, and home to most of the historic landmarks, but the Asian side is definitely worth visiting as well. Ferries depart from two main ports and offer an easy way to cross continents. The Asian side feels like a completely different city, with fewer tourists and a younger, trendier atmosphere.

The Asian side is especially known for its food, so we decided to take a food walking tour. This allowed us to sample delicious local dishes while exploring the neighborhood. We had some of the best ravioli I’ve ever tasted at a small restaurant just off one of the main streets, surrounded by nightclubs and bars popular with the younger crowd who live on this side of the city.

Apple Tea

Apple tea is served everywhere in Istanbul and is often offered by restaurants after every meal. While the presentation and flavor vary from tea shop to restaurant, it is consistently delicious. Be sure to enjoy a cup at each stop—it’s part of the experience.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Istanbul page.