Istanbul

One of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul is definitely the Hagia Sophia, which is a grand mosque that was first built in 537. It’s considered to be one of the most influential works in architectural history and has a lot of impressive features, including artwork throughout its many spaces. You can visit on most days, just be aware that it is still a functioning mosque so you’ll have to remove your shoes to enter many spaces and you should wear clothes that cover your legs, chest, shoulders, upper arms, etc.

The term hammam refers to Turkish baths, which are well-known throughout the world for a variety of reasons, including religion, culture, and general hygiene. There are many to choose from, but one of the most popular is the AyaSofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam. It is not only historic, but it also has a beautiful interior that dates back to the 16th century. You can choose from a variety of packages that include services such as body scrubs and massages.

Istanbul is filled with amazing things to eat – no matter what your personal tastes are, there are plenty of meals, desserts, pastries, and street food that will impress you! It’s hard to decide where to go, especially in a city as big as Istanbul, so why not take a food tour to make sure you see as much as you can? The Taste of Two Continents Food Tour will guide you through traditional Turkish cuisine as well as items inspired by the country’s Asian and European influences.

The impressive Galata Tower was originally built as a watchtower as part of the Walls of Galata, which are located in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. It is nine stories high, and for a small fee, you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy some breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. Make sure to double-check the opening hours because the tower is occasionally closed for restoration — it is, after all, nearly 700 years old!

One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the most historic sites in the city! The term bazaar refers to a market, specifically a large market space with numerous stalls and vendors.  The Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest and largest, boasting 61 streets and over 4,000 individual stalls selling spices, sweets, dried fruit, jewelry, and more.

The Topkapı Palace was once a grand residence and administrative center for Ottoman sultans. It was converted into a museum in the 1920s, and today you can visit and tour some of the palace’s rooms and courtyards. Highlights include jewel-toned tiled rooms that must be seen to be believed, as well as exhibits with examples of clothing worn by the Sultan and his entourage.

The Bosphorus Strait is the body of water that cuts through Istanbul – it’s seen not only as the midpoint of the city but also as the place where Europe and Asia meet. It connects the  Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and while you can see it from the shore, there’s nothing like cruising the Bosphorus and enjoying the views of Istanbul’s grand architecture.

Cisterns are large underground reservoirs used to collect rainwater, of which there are hundreds beneath Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is the largest, and you can actually descend into the chambers because it holds very little water today to see some amazing rock carvings and columns. Two of the columns are made of reclaimed blocks that have been carved to resemble Medusa, the snake-haired woman from Greek mythology who could turn anyone who made eye contact with her to stone.

If you want to see one of Istanbul’s most famous historical sites, make time for a visit to the Blue Mosque. There is some incredible art and architecture throughout the space, but keep in mind that it is an active mosque with daily prayer services. When visiting the Blue Mosque, it’s important to dress appropriately with your shoulders and legs covered as it is a religious site.

If you enjoy strong coffee, make sure to try Turkish coffee! This drink is not only richly flavored and high in caffeine due to the unfiltered method of preparation, but it is also an important part of many Turkish customs, such as the art of tasseography, which involves drinking the coffee and flipping the cup over so the grounds settle in the saucer, and then interpreting the shapes that they may form.

Turkish coffee is typically served with a glass of water to clear your palate so you can fully enjoy the rich flavor of the coffee. Turkish coffee can also be paired with pastries and candies.

If you’re interested in learning more about Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, check out the Whirling Dervishes when you visit. Historically, the term dervish referred to a specific group within Sufism, an Islamic order. Sufi whirling is a type of active meditation performed as part of a religious ceremony, with participants dressed in flowing robes or gowns, sometimes in bright colors and patterns.  This unique custom can be seen at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, which is one of the oldest of its kind.