The Best Things To Do In Istanbul

Why do I love, love, love Instanbul? Let me count the ways! I love the people, the culture, the art, the sites, the architecture, the shopping (oh the shopping!), and most of all the food!

This city has a checkered past and played a strategic role in the area’s history having been settled and conquered by the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. The area was probably inhabited as early as 3000 BCE. In the 7th. Century BCE it was colonized by King Byzas who after consulting the Oracle of Delphi choose the site to establish the city he called Byzantium. By the early 100’s BCE it became part of the Roman Empire and 306 CE the Emperor Constantine made it the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire or the Byzantium Empire, and renamed it Constantinople. Finally in 1453 it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks who made it their third and final capital and renamed the city Istanbul.

The city is basically divided by the Bosphorus Straight, one side is Europe and across the bridge is the Asian side. The Old City where you’ll find many of the famed historic sites is on the European side. The Asian side is mainly filled with quiet high end residential homes, but has some historic palaces and bazaars. It is where you’ll find modern malls complete with high end shops. You’ll also find the yogurt of the gods there, that decadent creamy ambrosia that Tarihi Kanlica Yogurdu has been churning out since 1893, if you have time it’s worth the trip.

We try to visit Istanbul every year, though with recent upheavals including the failed coup last summer we’ve sadly avoided the city the last couple of years. One of my friends visited the city last year with her family. She told me she felt the risks of visiting Istanbul were no more than the risks of visiting Paris, a city that has been recently plagued with violence as well. As she calmly pointed out, if we avoid traveling to cities we love out of fear, then "they’ve won". So this summer my husband and I are heading back to this beautiful city, but this time without the kids and grand kids.

The Hagia Sophia is a must see. It is one of the historical architectural wonders that still stands today. The vast structure we see today is actually it’s third construction of a building on the same site. It opened in 537 CE during the Eastern Roman Empire Era and was the Empire Church where emperors were crowned. It was renovated as a mosque during the Ottoman Turk rule, and today it is a museum.

In the Hagia Sophia you can explore the vast space, wonder at the high ceilings and pillars, and marvel at the beautiful mosaics. The Sultanahmet Camii, popularly called the Blue Mosque is another beautiful must see structure in Istanbul.

The Sultanahmet Camii, popularly called the Blue Mosque is another beautiful must see structure in Istanbul.

If you plan to visit this or any mosque dress modestly. Both men and women must be covered from the knees up and arms and shoulders must also be covered. Women must cover their heads before entering and everyone must remove their footwear. If you’re not properly attired you will be given disposable sheets that can be draped over shoulders, wrapped around the waist, and used as a head cover. You’ll also receive a paper bag for your footwear.

During the Byzantine Empire the Hippodrome was the sporting and social hub of the city. Today a few of the structures still stand, mostly columns and oblisks.

A must see for Dan Brown fans is the Basilica Cistern. This underground structure accessible only by descending 52 steps is a huge reservoir that holds about 100,000 tons of water. It was here that the final scene of Dan Brown’s novel, Inferno, played out. The movie starring Tom Hanks was filmed here as well. The cistern is home to 336 columns in the Corinthian or Doric styles. Look out for the Medusa head columns they’re pretty cool!

Located on the Istanbul Peninsula between Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus and the Golden Horn is the Topkapi Palace. Topkapi Palace was once the was the administrative, educational and art center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four hundred years. Today it’s a museum that houses collections of arms, porcelains, kitchenware, treasures of the Ottoman Empire.

Don’t leave the palace without strolling thru the grounds and taking in the panoramic views of the Bosphorus. It’s breathtaking!

A Bosphorus Cruise is one of my favorite activities in Istanbul. A cruise down this 20 mile strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea gives you a whole different perspective of the city. You’ll sail past the city’s iconic buildings and see some of the beautiful villas and hotels on both the European and Asian Sides.

Walk around the Eminönü Waterfront. This is festive area is where all the ferries and tour boats dock. It’s filled with cafeterias and food carts. It’s a great place to grab some Lokma, sweet fried dough. It’s one of my favorite treats

Enjoy a seafood meal under the Galata Bridge. The walkway under the bridge is lined with seafood and Turkish restaurants. They all offer outstanding views of the Bosphorus.

Shop til you drop at the Grand Bazaar! If you’re looking for inexpensive clothing, shoes, and household goods, shop instead in the streets leading from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Bazaar. You’re sure to find bargains.

Don’t leave Istanbul without visiting the Spice Bazaar! The sights and smells are amazing and the colors gorgeous. You can find almost any spice you want there as well as olive oil, olives, nuts, and candies. I usually pick up a jar of Persian Saffron as well as other spices including cumin when I’m there.

Istanbul is not lacking in restaurants, it’s hard to find a favorite. We generally eat when we get hungry. I’ve had a delicious home style vegetable stew from one of the little vendors in the Grand Bazaar and enjoyed elaborate meals at one of the many restaurants.

There are many pudding shops and baklavarias around Istanbul. Our all time favorite is Hafiz Mustafa. A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without a visit or two to Hafiz Mustafa for some Kunafe!

Hi! I’m Carmina, also known as Nana. I love DIY projects, parties, crocheting, and traveling. I hope that you enjoy my posts and find them useful! If you have any ideas or suggestions I’d love to hear from you!