Istanbul Diaries

IT took me a long time to get over wanting to visit the traditional, every traveller’s checklist destinations such as Paris or London - and get excited about exploring the heart of Turkey - Istanbul. The lively and wonderful European destination that SHOULD be every wanderlusterers’ dream.

Why I Love Turkey;

Firstly, let me be honest with you. I’ve been born and brought up in the UAE - the city which mostly has only two seasons; “Summer” and “Not So Summer”. The weather is Istanbul, as soon as I arrived at Ataturk International Airport at the end of April, was something I just dreamt of. You know when it’s chilly and you need a jacket but just sunny enough to make you want to get Vitamin D rather than run away from the scorching sun. Apart from that - it’s rich historical architecture, extremely friendly Turkish people, beautiful scenery from beaches to mountains to the ever busy markets, bazaars, and undoubtedly some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, made me fall head over heels for it.

Places to Stay;        

I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, Istanbul, which is about a 15 minute walk to Taksim Square. Needless to say - the service was nothing short of being treated like royalty from the moment you step in. The rooms were comfortable, clean and the bathroom was lovely - strangely I do have a thing for big washrooms. The only downfall for me was the fact that there was no balcony or easy way to open the window for some fresh air, which can get a bit stuffy. Other than that, their breakfast buffet was good - not what one would expect in terms of variety and big spread - but everything that was available was tasty and freshly cooked. 

Their Spa is amazing and the "Turkish Hammam" will make you feel refreshed and energized. Must try the Hammam here if you stay. I give it a big thumbs up!

The hotel is, although, located at the end of a steep downhill walk - a warning if you’re travelling with unfit people, elderly folks or toddlers that you may have to carry.

In that case, stay at the Grand Hyatt or Divan Hotel which is a straight road near Taksim as well.

For my last day in Istanbul though, my sister and I decided to rent out a furnished apartment building called “Away Suites” which is was situated perfectly behind the noisy Taksim Square and was a 5 minute walk to everything around it. Clean and spacious as it was, the breakfast was a bit over-priced and the reception area was pretty much a desk with a computer on it, which did take us aback when we went for a check-in. However, if these things don’t bother you, do stay there. The manager, Orhan, is very sweet and is a one-man answer to all your problems or queries during your stay.

Things to Do:

There is so much to do in Istanbul, it can make you do a coin-flip to fit everything during your trip. The Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Street are a given - apart from that here is a list of my top five;

Hodjapasha Cultural Centre - This dance theater is located at the Historical Peninsula near the most popular tourist attractions such as the Blue Mosque on Cankurtaran Street. Unfortunately we had missed out on their most popular show called “The White Rose” which was a shame because people seemed to be asking if its CD was on sale! However, the one we saw “Rhythm of Dance” was amazing. Brilliant choreography, a glimpse of the harem culture during the Ottoman Empire era and very good looking performers, might I add ;p

Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia - The entire place surrounding these attractions has the most peaceful and calming vibe I have ever felt, especially since it’s always crowded with tourists as well as locals. Apart from architectural beauty, it may just be the most picturesque part of Istanbul. Just be careful of the clothes you wear if you want an inside tour of the Blue Mosque - which you must since it is so beautiful with colored glass windows and grand chandeliers. Appropriate attire and head scarves are a must - which you will conveniently be given for free if need be. Short dresses will be a complete no-no. As for the Hagia Sophia, what’s not to love about a place so rich in heritage; it was once a church, later a mosque and is now a museum. Take a guided tour if you, like me, are not a history buff and need to be reminded about what the Ottoman and Byzantine Era were all about.

Culinary Tour - Highly recommended! Being a foodie, this trip was definitely an interesting experience. We booked this online beforehand and met up with a group of people to begin our culinary journey at 9am. Guided by our excellent guide Albert - we walked from Basiktas coast to try out a few breakfast items and headed on to the Old Town which was a short ferry ride. The Asian side as it’s called, was very different from The European side of affairs. It was much quieter, cozier and had the most interesting cafes and roadside restaurants, where we were served Turkish delicacies. The Turks are amazingly proud of their heritage and Albert was boastful too along with being extremely informative not only about the cuisine but also Turkish culture, religions and how everything has changed over the years.

Bosphorus Cruise - Now listen up! Everyone will tell you to book a cruise where you will be taken along with a group of people to several tiny islands and have 20 mins to explore it - DON’T.  Just get in a cab or walk 20 mins from Taksim to get to a cornice or water side street called Harbiye, Omer Avni. Go to the cruise terminal and hop on one of the tour boats which cost 4 Turkish Liras one-way. We did that, and it was so much more fun, even though we go off at the wrong island called “Kinaliada.”LOL. It was the most beautiful little one where there were mostly locals and cars were not allowed, so you could see everyone riding bicycles. A beautiful café called “Jash” Istanbul was a good place to stop for a drink and freshen up - they also served us the best kebabs ever. Beware not to ask them for fish and chips though as you will end up with a plate of fried sardines with a side of fries. Hey, it’s their version of it; I’m not judging! You have the choice of getting in the ferry and go to a different island and explore all of them at your very own pace than be stuffed and stacked with a big group.

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Tickle Your Taste Buds - I cannot even begin to describe how rich in flavor the Turkish cuisine is. Doner Kebabs are the only thing you should be eating when in Istanbul. The stretch on Taksim square has a lot of doner shops - but my favourite was called “Taksim Doner” - how convenient :D

Apart from that their Adana Kebab is my top choice when it comes to come with the Iskender kebab a close second. Try to eat at roadside eateries - they have way better food which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. There are few vegetarian options as well like Eggplant curries, pastas, hommus, salads, various assortment of breads and cheese galore.

For dessert, there’s a new mantra for me. A Turkish ice-cream a day keeps the entire population of doctors’ away - unless you get a sugar high or have brain freeze! Teehee. My favorite was the local ice cream stand near the Blue Mosque called “Ottoman Turkish Ice-Cream” which was mouth-wateringly, foodgasmicly divine.

On this sweet note, that’s all from Istanbul folks - we shall meet soon in stories of my next escapade,

Till then, Hakuna Matata!