Istanbul Has All the Architecture and Markets You'll Ever Need to See
This girl loves Turkey—the baklava, the hammams, the carpets—so after my recent visit to Bordum, I wanted to get to the capital to learn more about the country's rich culture. Turns out, Istanbul in the spring is as enchanting and delicious as I'd hoped.
I flew Turkish Airlines directly from New York and fell in love with the country all over again the second I stepped off the plane. Istanbul's brand-new airport is a pleasure to walk around—you'll notice Byzantine and Turkish design influences in the modern architecture, and the crown jewel (literally its own elevated floor) is Turkish Airlines' business lounge, where it's totally possible to forget you're in an airport. I sampled baklava, fixed a strong drink at a self-service bar, and listened to live piano music.
Once I was on the ground, I split my trip between two hotels. First, I spent three nights at Raffles Istanbul, an elegant hotel in a modern shopping center and a must-visit if luxury is your thing (which, same). You'll feel like royalty even if you're just spending a few hours at the modern, tricked-out spa or having afternoon tea in the stunning lobby. My suite featured floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Plus, the service was *chef's kiss*. One night, when I was feeling particularly extra, I asked to have a bubble bath drawn. A butler filled the tub with frothy bubbles and topped them with rose petals. (Um, why can't my bf do this for me at home?)
BOOK NOW Raffles Istanbul
I then transferred to Ciragan Palace Kempinski which, yes, is an actual palace. It's also the only hotel in Istanbul located on the Bosphorus, and the view does *not* get old. Before dining at the waterside restaurant, the Bosphorus Grill, I drank a glass of Turkish white wine on my balcony while taking in the sunset. I relaxed at the infinity pool by day and took a stroll on the waterside grounds by night, all of which made for jealousy-inducing Instas.
BOOK NOW Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Known for its ancient architecture, charming hilly neighborhoods, and the blue Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, Istanbul has something for everyone—Turkish coffee at waterside cafes, teas at the Spice Bazaar, tours of 6th-century structures from the Byzantine empire. It's impossible to cram everything into one trip, but here are a few don't-miss spots to catch along the way.
First up: Here's what ya gotta pack
The most efficient way to see Istanbul is by cruising the Bosphorus Strait, which connects two seas and where you might spot dolphins swimming—keep an eye out for pods as you zip between Europe and Asia. The neighborhoods dotting the waterfront look like a delightful cross between a Mediterranean coast and an alpine town, and they make for a beautiful photo backdrop. Head to the side of the boat and lean against the railing (make sure you have your sea legs!) to get the water and view of the city in the background. Document the rest of your ride on your Stories—and don't miss shots of the historic Bebek neighborhood.
Even if you're a dog person, you can still appreciate the culture of Istanbul's cats, which locals call neighborhood cats rather than strays. (They're so prevalent that there's even a documentary about them called Kedi.) Residents feed them, leave out litter boxes, and neuter them, although they don't usually keep them as actual pets. You'll see lots of photogenic kitties—even kittens!—of all shapes and sizes that'll make for a cute gallery post or Insta story. If you happen to like these fluffy bbs (hi, me), try picking up one and snapping a pic. This post was an adorable addition to my vacation content.
Istanbul has two major bazaars—the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar—and at the former you'll find hundreds of kinds of spices and teas, along with treats like Turkish delight, dried fruit, and nuts. If you're interested in buying anything, you can sample or smell anything you'd like. Document the process on your Stories—def capture the bright colors of the spices and beautiful flowers in the teas.
A couple tips: Vendors don't respond as well to negotiating in the Spice Bazaar as they do in the Grand Bazaar (more on that in a sec), but they will round down. For example, if they offer you something for 54 lira (the Turkish currency), you can counter with 50. And, as with any marketplace, be respectful with photos—this is where people earn a living.
With 64 streets, dozens of restaurants (including Nusr-Et, aka Salt Bae's steakhouse), and its own police station, the Grand Bazaar is basically a city within a city. You'll need your wits about you here—the shops can become disorienting, and a lot of people will be trying to get your attention. Also, there are 22 entrances, so remember which gate you entered, and exit the same way.
Although you can probably find anything your heart desires in the Grand Bazaar, my advice is to focus on an item or two you want to buy, like jewelry, carpets, or lanterns. And while there are plenty of colorful shops, I also found the architecture fascinating. The ceiling features bright tile work from the original construction. You'll also see small minarets inside the halls, so don't forget to look up!
A trip to Turkey wouldn't be complete without a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath and massage meant to cleanse you physically and spiritually. While staying at the Ciragan Palace, I had a treatment called the Sultan's Bath. An attendant scrubbed, cleansed, and moisturized me as I lie on a marble platform, and then I had a deep, full-body massage. I left with baby-smooth skin and limber muscles. Since you can't take photos during the treatment, snap some selfies after to brag about how relaxed you are.
The Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral built during the Byzantine empire, which was then converted to a mosque, and the architecture and design are breathtaking. Inside, you'll follow the history of the structure, which is now a museum and was built in 537. Tiles have been chipped away to reveal golden mosaics depicting stories of Christianity from the original construction, while gigantic symbols of Christianity and Islam are on display around the dome. Floor-to-ceiling marble columns surround the inside, where you'll find remnants of many restorations.
How cool is it that you can cross from Europe to Asia in ten minutes? The best way to go continental is by boat. Catch the public ferry in Ortaköy, a waterfront neighborhood on the European side of the Bosphorus. As you wait, admire the Ortaköy Mosque, one of the most iconic in Istanbul.
After the short ferry ride, you'll land in the idyllic neighborhood of Kuzguncuk. The area is quiet but packed with charm—the hilly streets are lined with colorful, wooden houses that make for bright photo backdrops. You'll also find inviting stoops that provide excellent framing for outfit pics (see my above cat 'gram). Once those hills wear you out, rest up at a cafe with outdoor seating, or pop into a gallery to check out local art.
0 Коментарии