10 Things to do and see in Istanbul

Merhaba! Istanbul, the cosmopolitan city, where East meets West. From the Hagia Sophia, people watching on the Bosphorus, eating late night kebabs to bartering in broken Turkish at the Bazaars’...Istanbul has something for everyone!

Here are my Top 10 things to do and see in Istanbul:

Visit the Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia was originally a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, later an Ottoman Mosque and now a museum open to the public. Take your time admiring the Christian and Islamic artwork that covers the inside of this beautiful structure. I’d recommend taking photographs from the top balcony. To bypass the long lines, especially on the weekends, but the fast pass.

Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, originally known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is one of the most visited Mosques in Istanbul recognizable for its blue dome. Ladies, you’ll need to wear a head scarf when entering the mosque. You can rent one outside the booth for a small fee. The mosque is simple but interesting to visit if you’ve never visited. There is a tourist site and one solely for worshipers while inside the Mosque, so mind your noise level. Be sure to check out the closing times for the call to prayer. 

Walking food tour

You can surely book a guided food tour to show you the best eats around Istanbul, but I have found the best way is just to follow your nose. Istanbul is a city where you could never go hungry. Some street food snacks I loved were the grilled corn and chestnuts, Kebabs and kebabs. Or why not venture out and have some fresh oysters, eat at the little kiosks, and pay for what you eat. 

Oh, and you cannot forget about the sweets! I could not stop eating Turkish delights. My favorites are the rose, pistachio, and pomegranate. Another recommendation is to try a popular dessert which is fried cheese, soaked in a sugary syrup with pistachios, called Kunefe. 

Experience a Turkish Hammam 

A Turkish Hammam is the spa experience you never thought you needed! Ladies and gents, be prepared for some nudity. For a female you are covered from the waist down but waist up is aux naturelle. You scrubbed down from head to toe using a Kese, a special glove that exfoliates your skin, followed by relaxing bubble bath massage and steam. My personal favorite in Istanbul was the Hurrem Sultan Hamami.

Stroll down the Bosphorus 

Enjoy the walk down the Bosphorus and see the locals fishing on the bridge. You can also opt to take a boat ride down to the Asian side and explore Kadıköy. I would recommend an evening boat ride as it is less crowded and more enjoyable. 

Visit the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower can be seen from almost anywhere in Istanbul proper. It was built in 500 AD and was used anciently as a watchtower to protect the city. These days you can visit the Tower and get stunnings views of Istanbul. They also have a restaurant uptop if you fancy a nice romantic dinner. 

Book a Photography tour

Istanbul is a place you definitely want to book a photographer! I found my photographer on Airbnb Experiences, and could not have been more happy with the results. I was taken to the major Instagrammable locations, but your photography session can always be customized, just ask. Photography sessions depending on time and quality can vary from $40 per hour to $200 for 3-4 hours. 

Create a mosaic Turkish lamp

This is one memory you can take home with you. Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp and sip on tea and enjoy some turkish delights. I booked this with Istanbul Experience Workshops.

Make your own perfume

They say that scent holds memories, craft a beautiful scent using a choice of more than 50 ingredients. I made my own rose perfume and it’s one of my new favorite scents that reminds me of my trip to Istanbul. I booked with Istanbul Experience Workshops.

Shopping

Shopping in Istanbul is some of the best, from clothing, sweet, gold and much more. Some of the most popular shops are the Grand Bazaar, and Istiklal street. You should not leave Istanbul without trying out sweets from Hafiz Mustafa.