Istanbul is not a city you gently arrive in — it hits you. The sound of prayer echoing between minarets, ferries crossing the Bosphorus, the smell of grilled meat and fresh bread, traffic everywhere, people everywhere. And yet, somehow, it all flows.
Istanbul feels alive in a way few cities do. It’s Europe and Asia at the same time, modern and ancient, religious and wildly cosmopolitan. Every street tells a story, every corner feels layered with history. This is not a city you “do” in a day or two. Istanbul is a city you experience.
A Short History of Istanbul
Istanbul has lived many lives. Originally founded as Byzantium, it later became Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and eventually the heart of the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, this city was the most powerful place in the world.
What makes Istanbul unique is that its past is still visible everywhere. Churches turned into mosques, palaces standing next to apartment blocks, Roman walls next to tram lines. Unlike many historic cities, Istanbul didn’t freeze its history — it built on top of it.
Today, Istanbul is Turkey’s cultural and economic heart, a city that never stopped evolving.
Arriving in Istanbul – From Airport to the City
Landing at Istanbul Airport already feels impressive. The airport is huge, modern, and well organised. After a long flight, everything is clearly signed, and even though it’s busy, it runs surprisingly smoothly.
From the airport, getting into the city is easy. One of the most practical options is taking the airport bus (Havaist) towards Taksim Square. These buses run frequently, are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable. It takes some time — Istanbul is big — but it’s relaxed and reliable, especially if you’re staying near Taksim or Beyoğlu.
Another very popular option is ordering an Uber or taxi directly from the airport. Uber works in Istanbul through licensed taxis, so prices are clear in advance and you avoid negotiations. It’s more expensive than the bus, but after a long flight it can be worth it, especially if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
No matter which option you choose, the moment you leave the airport and enter the city, you feel it immediately: traffic, lights, mosques in the distance, and the energy of Istanbul slowly building around you. The journey from the airport is your first taste of the city — and it sets the tone perfectly.
Walking Through the streets of Istanbul
Istanbul is a huge city, but it’s also surprisingly perfect for walking. Once you’re in the historic areas, everything connects naturally. You walk from one highlight to the next without really noticing the distance, because there is always something to see.
Small streets lead to big squares, mosques appear behind corners, cafés invite you to stop, and suddenly you realise you’ve been walking for hours. Walking through Istanbul is not just transport — it’s part of the experience.
Hagia Sophia – The Soul of the City
Hagia Sophia is not just a building — it’s a statement of history. Originally built as a church, later a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, Hagia Sophia represents every era Istanbul has lived through.
Walking inside feels surreal. Massive domes, golden mosaics, Islamic calligraphy, Christian imagery — all under one roof. You don’t just look at Hagia Sophia, you feel its weight. This building has seen empires rise and fall, and it still stands.
Take your time here. Sit, look up, and let the silence speak.
Blue Mosque – Beauty in Symmetry
Right across from Hagia Sophia stands the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It’s still an active mosque, which makes visiting it feel authentic and alive.
Inside, the blue tiles give the mosque its nickname, and the symmetry is calming. Unlike Hagia Sophia’s dramatic weight, the Blue Mosque feels serene, elegant, and welcoming. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and modest dress is required — but everything is well organised.
This is one of those places where you slow down without realising it.
Topkapi Palace – Life of the Sultans
Topkapi Palace gives you a glimpse into how the Ottoman sultans lived. This palace complex is vast, with courtyards, rooms, gardens, and views over the Bosphorus.
What makes Topkapi fascinating is not just its luxury, but its intimacy. You walk through private rooms, meeting halls, and the famous harem. It humanises power — you see how rulers actually lived day to day.
Plan enough time here. It’s bigger than you expect.
Grand Bazaar – A World on Its Own
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Walking inside feels like entering a small city — thousands of shops, endless corridors, colours, smells, and noise.
You’ll find carpets, spices, lamps, jewellery, souvenirs, and things you didn’t know you wanted. Bargaining is part of the culture here, but it’s friendly and expected. Even if you don’t buy anything, the experience itself is worth it.
Get lost on purpose. That’s the best way to enjoy it.
Spice Bazaar – Smells of Istanbul
Smaller but just as intense is the Spice Bazaar. This is where Istanbul smells the strongest — saffron, sumac, dried fruits, tea, nuts, sweets.
Vendors happily let you taste everything, and it’s a great place to buy edible souvenirs. The atmosphere here is lively but less overwhelming than the Grand Bazaar.
Bosphorus Ferry – The Best View in Town
The Bosphorus divides Europe and Asia, and taking a ferry is one of the best things you can do in Istanbul. For the price of public transport, you get a sightseeing cruise past palaces, mosques, mansions, and bridges.
Sitting outside, drinking tea, watching seagulls follow the boat — this is Istanbul at its most peaceful. Locals do this daily, which says everything.
Asian Side – Kadıköy & Real Local Life
Crossing to the Asian side feels like entering a different city. Kadıköy is vibrant, youthful, and less touristy. Cafés, markets, street art, and local restaurants dominate the scene.
This is where you see everyday Istanbul life. Sit at a café, eat street food, wander without a plan. The Asian side shows you Istanbul beyond the postcards.
Galata Tower – Views Over Everything
Galata Tower offers one of the best panoramic views in the city. From the top, you see the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, mosques, rooftops, and endless city sprawl.
The surrounding neighbourhood is full of cafés, boutiques, and small streets perfect for wandering.
Istiklal Street & Nightlife
Istiklal Avenue is Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street. It’s busy day and night, lined with shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and music.
At night, the side streets come alive with bars, live music venues, and restaurants. Istanbul nightlife is diverse — from quiet wine bars to loud clubs — and there’s something for every mood.
Basilica Cistern – Istanbul Beneath the Surface
Hidden beneath the busy streets of Sultanahmet lies the Basilica Cistern, one of the most atmospheric places in Istanbul. The moment you walk down the steps, the city noise disappears and is replaced by dripping water and soft lighting. It feels mysterious, almost unreal.
The cistern was built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire to store water for the Great Palace. Massive marble columns rise from shallow water, perfectly reflected on the surface. Walking between them feels like entering an underground cathedral.
The Hippodrome – Where Empires Watched and Cheered
The Hippodrome of Constantinople is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Today it’s an open square, but centuries ago this was the social and political heart of the Byzantine Empire.
This was where chariot races were held, emperors appeared in public, and crowds gathered by the thousands. What remains today are historic monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk — silent witnesses of a powerful past.
Ortaköy Mosque – Beauty by the Bosphorus
The Ortaköy Mosque is one of the most photographed mosques in Istanbul — and for good reason. Sitting directly on the water, with the Bosphorus behind it, the setting is simply perfect.
The mosque is relatively small compared to others, but incredibly elegant. Built during the Ottoman period, it reflects a more decorative, almost romantic architectural style. Inside, large windows let in natural light that reflects off the water outside.
Ortaköy itself is a lively neighbourhood. Street vendors sell snacks, people sit by the water, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Visiting the mosque at sunset, when the sky turns soft pink and the city lights begin to glow, is unforgettable.
This is one of those places where Istanbul feels gentle and calm — even if just for a moment.
The Bosphorus Bridge – Connecting Two Continents
One of the most iconic sights in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. This bridge connects Europe and Asia, something very few cities in the world can claim so literally.
Seeing the bridge during the day is impressive, but at night it becomes magical. Illuminated in changing colours, it stretches across the Bosphorus like a glowing ribbon. Watching ferries pass underneath while traffic flows above is a reminder of how dynamic this city is.
You don’t have to cross the bridge by car to experience it. Seeing it from the water during a Bosphorus ferry ride or from Ortaköy is often even better. It symbolises Istanbul perfectly — movement, connection, and contrast.
Food in Istanbul – A Journey on Its Own
Eating in Istanbul is an experience in itself. From street food like simit and kebabs to full Turkish breakfasts and long dinners, food is everywhere and always important. Halal food is the standard, and quality is consistently high.
Don’t rush meals here. Eating is social, slow, and part of daily life.
