Istanbul is one of my favourite cities in the world. It straddles Europe and Asia like Jean-Claude Van Damme performing an epic split between two trucks. It may not have the fancy white travertines of Pamukkale or the otherworldly terrain of Cappadocia but it is special in it's own right. Interestingly, the city is divided into two parts ie. an Asian part & a European part. The Asian part of Istanbul (eastern side) is separated from the European part (western side) by the Bosphorus Strait - a waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The city leaves you bedazzled with some top-drawer historical attractions and the presence of adorable cats at most of them. After travelling to the neighbouring countries like Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan, I finally had the good fortune of exploring Istanbul, Turkey for 4 days and in this blog, I'll be giving you the ultimate low-down on how to spend 4 days in Istanbul through the 4 day Istanbul itinerary.
Best Time To Visit Istanbul
Before discussing how to spend 4 days in Istanbul, let's get to know the best time to visit Istanbul, Turkey. The summers, just like it's neighbouring European countries, are hot and the winters, extremely chilly.
High season months are May, June, July, August and September. This is the time when you'll have to stand in long queues during sightseeing, the accommodation rates are sky high and the weather is hot and humid. So avoid travelling to Istanbul during this period.
Low season periods are mid-January to March and November to mid-December. These periods are particularly good to visit Istanbul as the accommodation prices fall sharply and you'll be able to comfortably do your sightseeing without standing in long queues. The weather is nice and chilly but there are chances of rain so carry a raincoat/umbrella and a pair of waterproof shoes with you.
Shoulder season periods are March to mid-May and October to mid-November. During these periods, you'll experience a moderate amount of crowd and the weather will be pleasant. You'll get a small discount on the hotel prices but not as much as the low season. From all the analysis, it is clear that the best times to visit Istanbul are February-mid April and October-mid November.
Where To Stay In Istanbul - Istanbul Hotels And Accommodations
Based on the locations of most of the tourist attractions, it's advisable to stay in the old city of Istanbul. It not only gives you easy access to some of the best places to visit in Istanbul but also gives you the option to explore the city streets at your own pace.
Best Value Luxury Accommodation In Istanbul
1. Inqlusif@Galata - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Fer Hotel - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
3. Hotel Ibrahim Pasha - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
Best Budget Accommodation In Istanbul
1. Hotel Tulip House - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Stanpoli Hostel - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
Best Boutique Accommodation In Istanbul
1. Romance Istanbul Hotel Boutique Class - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Hotel Sultania Boutique Class - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
Best Luxury Accommodation In Istanbul
1. Raffles Istanbul - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
2. The St. Regis Istanbul - Check out the property and book your stay by clicking here.
4 Days In Istanbul - The Best Istanbul Itinerary
Exploring Istanbul was my favourite part of the Turkey trip itinerary. That's because the city enchants you with it's charm and leaves you overwhelmed. Now you'll ask whether 4 days are enough to explore Istanbul to which I'll reply - "No, they aren't!"
Even a month isn't enough to cover a vibrant and culturally rich city like Istanbul. However, since I had the opportunity to explore Istanbul for 4 days, here is my ultimate Istanbul itinerary explaining the amazing things to do in Istanbul in 4 days.
Day 1:
On the first day, you'll be exploring the following :
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Spice Bazaar
- TurYol's Bosphorus Day Cruise
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment
1. Hippodrome Of Constantinople
We began our Istanbul trip by first visiting the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The word Hippodrome originates from the Greek word "hippos" meaning horse and "dromos" meaning path. It was a horse/chariot racing arena during the Byzantine period. Presently it's called the Sultan Ahmet Square. The venue was also used for other events like public shaming and execution of the emperor's foes and festive parades.
The main monuments of the Hippodrome are the Obelisk of Thutmose III, the Walled Obelisk & the serpent column. An obelisk is a tall 4 sided tapering monument which has a pyramid-like shape at the top. The Obelisk of Thutmose III, placed on a marble pedestal is particularly impressive as even after surviving 3,500 years, it's in excellent condition.
Songul informed us that it was erected in the track by Theodosius the Great who cut the Obelisk into 3 pieces and brought it to Constantinople from Egypt.
2. Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the biggest landmarks in Istanbul. It's famously known as the Blue Mosque and is a functioning mosque at present. But why Blue Mosque when it doesn't even look blue from the outside? Well, that's because it's interiors are covered with beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Another theory floating behind it's name is that sailors, when sailing through the Marmara Sea, often saw the blue of the sea reflected in the Mosque, and hence the name "Blue Mosque" was assigned to it.
Songul told us that the mosque was built between 1609-1616, a phase considered as the classic period of the Ottoman empire. It was the first of it's kind as it had six minarets instead of the usual four. In fact, the Sultan wanted a minaret made of gold but the architect misunderstood gold to be six. This was because the Turkish word for gold is "altin" and the architect misheard it as "alti" which means six in Turkish.
Funnily, a mistake gave Istanbul one of it's most popular landmarks in history. There's a separate entry for foreigners to explore the interiors of the mosque. Entry to the mosque is free.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- Cover your shoulders and wear long pants/skirts.
- Covers for your feet are mandatory. You are given plastic covers for your footwear.
- Go early as it gets crowded quickly.
- The mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the call to prayer.
3. Hagia Sophia
Also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, the Hagia Sophia was an orthodox Christian cathedral initially but was later turned into a mosque during the Ottoman rule and is currently a museum. It was built in 537 AD and was considered the perfect embodiment of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia was particularly famous for having a massive dome, one of the biggest of it's times.
You can see the royal museum with the four minarets from the exit gate of the Blue Mosque. Renovation work is going on inside the museum to preserve it in good shape for the visitors. You'll be mesmerised by the intricate carvings, gorgeous frescoes, and symbols of Christianity & Islam under the same roof. The Blue Mosque was inspired by the Byzantine architecture of the Hagia Sophia.
It was a bit sad to see a few of the Christian frescoes and symbols in a damaged state. However, the fact that the structure survived earthquakes and many acts of vandalism from the Ottoman Muslim rulers makes it a landmark worth your admiration.
The entrance fee to the museum is 60 Turkish Lira (TL) per person. Also situated in the same Sultanahmet area is "The Pudding Shop" where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at an economical price.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- Be prepared for scaffolding and white barriers because of renovation work.
- Purchase an Istanbul museum pass which gives you access to all major museums in Istanbul besides express entrance. It pays for itself even if you visit 2-3 attractions with it. Since you have only 4 days to explore Istanbul, it makes sense to buy this pass to save time.
- Don't bring a tripod as it isn't allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Covering your head isn't necessary and if you want to go to the washroom, you'll have to head to the cafe outside the museum.
4. Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is a spot that has to feature in your Istanbul must-visit list. This enormous palace was once the residence for the Ottoman Sultans. It's construction began in the 15th century and the place was originally called "New Palace". Later, in the 19th century, the place was given the name Topkapi Palace meaning "Palace with a Cannon Gate".
The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many small buildings. Main attractions in the palace are the Gate of Salutation (entrance to the second courtyard), museum, harem, imperial treasury (housing the arms collection), palace kitchens, library & the circumcision room. You'll get to see relics of the Prophet and his kin, the Kaaba, and many others that are a valuable part of Islamic history.
My personal favourite part of the palace was the Grand Kiosk. It was the last addition to the palace and served as the resting spot for the kings. Here, you can enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the Bosphorus. A cafe and a photo hall for visitors to get clicked in Ottoman attire are located outside the Gate of Salutation. The entrance fee of the palace is 40 TL per person.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- Use your Istanbul Museum Pass to avoid huge lines and save time so that you can cover more places in the day.
- The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays so plan accordingly.
5. Spice Bazaar
From the Topkapi Palace, you can take a metro to the Misir Carsisi or the Spice Bazaar. The Egyptian Bazaar is the centre for the spice trade in Istanbul. Spices, dried fruits, traditional lamps, nuts, coffee beans, teas, and "Turkish delights" adorn the shops in the market. You can shop from here as items here are cheaper as compared to the Grand Bazaar.
But don't buy from the line of stores that are practically selling the same thing. Instead, walk a bit and find tiny shops in the side alley where the locals buy their spices. These places sell authentic stuff and are not tourist traps. You'll also find stalls selling jewellery, pottery items, and souvenirs. The place is worth it if you are a foodie or a coffee/tea lover.
IMPORTANT TIP: Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays so plan accordingly.
6. Turyol's Bosphorus Day Cruise
If you're short on time and want to explore the beauty of Istanbul along the Bosphorus during the noon/sunset time, then the TurYol Bosphorus day cruise is the perfect option for you. To board a TurYol cruise, go to the Eminönü TurYol pier from Spice Bazaar. Walk towards the west side of the Galata Bridge for 5-10 minutes & you'll see a cluster of TurYol boats.
You can easily spot the ticket booth with a Bosphorus Tour board on the top and purchase tickets from there. If you're at the Sultanahmet street, then take the T1 Metro from there to Eminönü for the cruise. The best part about the cruise is that the 90-minute experience costs just 20 TL. The ferry goes right up to the second suspension bridge and then turns back from the Asian shore.
For about 3.5-4 USD, you can see glorious castles and palaces on the Asian & European sides of Istanbul in all their glory from the top deck of the ferry. On the lower deck, you have a small cafe serving Turkish tea, coffee, and snacks. They provide audio commentary in Turkish & English but it's not clearly audible so google about the places on either side of the Bosphorus in advance.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- It can get chilly in the evening so carry a jacket/scarf with you.
- Come at least half an hour early if you want to have a seat on the top deck.
- You can carry your own food/drinks along with you.
- Once you're done, do try the fresh fish sandwich which is served in small stalls near the pier.
7. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Entertainment
Seeing Istanbul during the day is one thing and witnessing it's magnificence during the night is another. If you want to explore the best of Istanbul along the Bosphorus Strait at night while enjoying a lavish dinner and entertaining Turkish shows, then try the Bosphorus dinner cruise. I opted for the Pereme Dinner Cruise and absolutely loved it.
The lower deck has a well-arranged seating where you just sit back and relish some tasty Turkish food as starters, soft drinks, the main course, and desserts make their way one after the other. You need to inform them in advance about the kind of food options (veg/non-veg) you want. 4-5 well-coordinated shows like Belly dancing, Whirling dervishes show, Turkish folk dance, Rhythm show and the Turkish Gypsy dance ensure that you are entertained and remain in high spirits throughout the journey.
Since I went to Turkey during February (2018) and the temperatures dipped as low as 0-2°C, I had a memorable time sitting on the top deck and sipping a beer as the freezing breeze kissed my face. If my 4 days in Istanbul had a highlight moment, then this would be it. The dazzling suspension bridges are a sight to behold at night. I strongly recommend you try the dinner cruise even if you have less than 4 days to spend in Istanbul as it's truly a unique experience.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- Carry a sweatshirt/hoodie and a beanie cap with you if you're going to go to the upper deck during the winter season.
- Do not miss the Valens Aqueduct glowing in the night lights on your way back to your hotel.
Day 2:
You'll be covering the following places on your second day in Istanbul :
- Little Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Kariye Museum
- Pierre Loti Hill & Cafe
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Galata Tower
- Dinner at Alexandra Cocktail Bar
1. Little Hagia Sophia
Little Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built as a prototype for the iconic Hagia Sophia building in Istanbul. It started off as a Church of the Saints - Sergius and Bacchus but was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule.
I loved the little version of Hagia Sophia as firstly, there was little to no crowd at this off-the-beaten-path venue. And secondly, it's a delightful piece of history where you can spend some quiet, peaceful moments while observing the stunning architecture.
The building is surmounted by a classic umbrella dome and is built from bricks, stone blocks, and mortar. Inside the mosque, you'll see many Greek inscriptions dedicated to the Roman emperor Justinian (who had erected this building in the 6th century), his wife Theodora, and Saint Sergius.
The place is active for worshippers to pray and is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Entry to the mosque is free.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- If you have trouble finding the place, then just take a short 5-10 minute walk from the Blue Mosque, downhill towards the Sea of Marmara & you'll find the place.
- Do check out the small museum-like room in the mosque complex for funny paintings with Islamic inscription. You might also spot a family of cats there if you're lucky.
2. Basilica Cistern
Our guide Songul introduced this place to us as the shooting location for the James Bond movie "From Russia With Love" and Dan Brown's movie "Inferno". The place was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and later extended by emperor Justinian. This underground water cistern was once a major water reservoir of Constantinople and a lifeline of the city which provided water to it's people.
The cistern could apparently hold 80,000 m3 ( approximately 17.5 million gallons) of water which during that time was unheard of. The place is an architectural and engineering marvel. I particularly liked the dim lighting which gave it a mysterious yet magical appearance. The walkways are well lit and the cistern boasts of impressive columns and roof vaults.
There were close to 100 underground cisterns all over Istanbul but the Basilica cistern is by far the largest and most well-maintained. The highlights of the place are the upside-down Medusa statues located at the bottom of the cistern. The entrance fee of the place is 20 TL. It's situated about 1.5-2km away from the Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul.
3. Kariye Museum
Also known as "Chora Church", the Kariye Museum follows the pattern which is common to most of the structures in Istanbul. It started off as a Greek Orthodox church in the Byzantine era, later got converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule and finally became a museum in 1948. It's a hidden gem of Istanbul and hence you won't see much crowd here during the weekends or even otherwise.
The roof and walls of the church are adorned with some of the finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. The ambience and the air of the place are such that you are transported back to the Byzantine era. You'll get to read descriptions of Christ and Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the mosaics.
Frequent earthquakes and the Ottomans covering the frescoes with plaster had damaged the interiors but restoration programs have ensured the place retains it's beauty as a museum. The museum is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul and the admission fee is 45 TL per person.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- The Istanbul Museum Pass is valid at this venue. Children below the age of 8 enter for free.
- There's a small restaurant outside the Kariye Museum where you can have your lunch. The place serves deliciously cheesy traditional Pide (Turkish Pizza) which you don't want to miss out on!
4. Pierre Loti Hill And Cafe
Pierre Loti Hill also called Pierre Loti Tepesi is by far my favourite hangout spot in Istanbul. I liked the place so much that I ended up visiting it on my penultimate day in Istanbul too. Here you can visit the Hazrat Eyup Sultan Shrine and the mosque and shop for wonderful Turkish souvenirs from souvenir shops located near the mosque.
You can also get to the top of the hill via a cable car (Teleferik). The cable car takes you up the hill, over the cemetery of Eyup and drops you at the Pierre Loti Cafe. You can witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn and other spectacular mosques and structures present all over Istanbul from the cafe and the viewing platform below it.
Tables arranged under trees with waiters dressed in traditional uniforms give an authentic Turkish feel to the cafe. You have the option to sip a hot Turkish coffee/tea and relish tasty snacks while soaking in the beguiling scenery as the cold breeze flirts with your face. I particularly enjoyed playing with the cats here (Istanbul should be named the cat capital of the world) and spent hours relaxing and enjoying the views of Istanbul.
IMPORTANT TIP: Since you'll be taking a taxi to the Pierre Loti Hill from the Kariye Museum, be aware and alert so as to not be a victim of the "Turkish Lira Note Switch" scam by the taxi driver. The driver tried to pull one on me but I was alert enough to catch him then and there.
5. Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque, located in the Fatih district, is the second-largest mosque in Istanbul and one of the most popular landmarks in the city. I remember Songul telling me that this mosque was her personal favourite and I could see why.
Unlike the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, the Suleymaniye Mosque is not under a regular restoration program so you can access most parts of it with ease. Also, it's less crowded and far away from the hustle and bustle of the Sultanahmet district, which ensures a tranquil atmosphere. Construction of the mosque began in 1550 on the order of Sultan Suleyman. It was designed by the architect Mimar Sinan and inaugurated in 1557.
A forecourt with a central fountain greets you at the entrance of the mosque. The mosque has an impressive facade, dome, and minarets which give it a classical Ottoman look. Iznik tiles with beautiful calligraphy and floral patterns along with stained glass windows adorn the interiors of the mosque.
Walking through the beautifully maintained cemetery and observing the tombs of Sultan Suleyman & his wife is a fascinating experience. The mosque complex has lush green gardens from where you can witness charming views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn & Galata Tower. This place is a must-visit if you're in Istanbul. Entry to the mosque is free.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- If you're hungry and fancy a meal, there are many food joints and restaurants from across the complex.
- There are both eastern and western-style public washrooms near the mosque which are clean and free to use.
- You'll have to remove your shoes and women must cover their heads, knees, and shoulders.
6. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a cone-capped, cylindrical stone building that stands 67m tall (66.9m to be precise). It's particularly touristy and you may have to encounter long lines to get to the top of the tower from where you get all the money-shots of the city. The tower is located near the main junction of the Golden Horn & the Bosphorus.
The upper floors have a restaurant & cafe which offer splendid panoramic views of Istanbul. You'll see more bridges than you know names of. You get a feeling that it'll take you 4 days just to explore all the bridges of Istanbul. The views are intimidatingly beautiful. I found the cafe and restaurant prices at the top a bit pricey especially considering that the coffee and hot chocolate weren't that good.
If you're lucky, then you might get an albatross to pose right beside you in the pictures. The place is a photographer's delight and the 360° panoramic views of the Asian & European sides of Istanbul make the ticket prices worth it. You can also get a picture clicked in traditional Turkish clothes on the first floor. The entry fee for the tower is 35 TL.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- The restaurant and cafe at the top don't accept cards so keep some cash with you.
- Stay safe and aware when standing near the circular railing & clicking pictures.
- There are many bars, cafes, and restaurants around the tower where you can relax and have a meal instead of paying for overpriced food and drinks at the tower.
7. Dinner At Alexandra Cocktail Bar
A trip to Istanbul is incomplete if you haven't raised a toast to the enchanting view of the glittering suspension bridge lighting up the Bosphorus. Head over to the Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutköy district and relish cocktails which are top-notch in every sense of the word.
Picture courtesy - Fb @alexandracocktailbar
There are many floors in the building but I'd suggest you grab a seat on the terrace for the "dining with a view" experience. The burgers and fries combo works like a charm with the drinks and the soothing music creates the perfect setting for a romantic evening. I particularly liked two house cocktails called X-Anax & Winds of the Wings and would recommend you to try them.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- There isn't a reservation system to book a table on the terrace so head there a little early to grab your seats.
- The place is located in Bebek Arnavutköy and is easy to reach from Beşiktaş and Ortaköy.
Day 3:
On your penultimate day in Istanbul, you'll be covering the following places:
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Taksim Square
- Grand Bazaar
- Pierre Loti Hill & Cafe
1. Dolmabahçe Palace
Firstly, I'd like to tell you that touring the Dolmabahçe Palace was like reliving the royal years of the Sultan yourself. This was one of the buildings that I'd seen from the Bosphorus cruise and even then, it's opulence from the outside had caught my attention.
The Sultans had previously made Topkapi Palace their residential centre and carried out administrative activities from there. But the Topkapi Palace lacked the grandeur of the palaces of the European monarchs. As a result, the Ottoman empire's 31st Sultan Abdulmejid decided to build a new modern palace that was luxury and royalty personified in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul on the European coast of the Bosphorus. That palace came to be known as the Dolmabahçe Palace.
The palace complex has big lush green, well-maintained gardens with fountains which also justify the name Dolmabahçe - Dolma in Turkish meaning 'filled' & Bahçe meaning 'garden'. Floors carved from ebony, mahogany and rosewood, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a crystal staircase, an enormous ceremonial hall, artistic 19th & 20th-century paintings, and fabulous European-style architecture are some of the highlights of the palace.
The founder of the Turkish Republic - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed in one of the rooms in the harem section of the palace and even died there on November 10, 1938. The construction cost of the palace was about 1.5 billion USD. The cost of construction & maintenance placed a strain on the empire's resources and ultimately led to it's downfall. The entry fee for the palace is 60 TL & for the harem is 40 TL.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- The Palace is closed on Mondays & Thursdays.
- You're not allowed to click pictures and videos inside the palace. However, don't forget to get a picture clicked at the iconic door from where you can see the Bosphorus.
- There are freely available audio guides so you don't have to pay separately for a guide. Carry your passport or ID with you to use the audio guides.
2. Taksim Square
Taksim Square is the modern part of Istanbul city that is constantly buzzing with activity. It's located in the Beyoğlu district in the European part of the city. The Square is a tourist favourite and is popular for it's restaurants, cafes, shops, pubs, and street art like local graffiti & live street performances.
Taksim means "division" or "distribution" in Turkish. It was the point where the water lines from the northern part of the city were collected and branched to other parts to supply water. In a way, it's the beating heart of Istanbul. Here you'll see the Republic monument crafted by an Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. The ideal way to traverse the Square is to take a tram ride.
You can get down at different points and explore the various restaurants and cafes to satiate the foodie in you. Meat eaters can try street food items like islak (Hamburger with Turkish sauces and herbs),döner (Turkish sandwich with chicken/beef). Vegetarians can try street corn, pide (Turkish pizza). In drinks, try the Ayran (cold yogurt beverage). People who have a sweet tooth (like me) can try the dondurma (thick battered Turkish ice-cream), baklava and Turkish delights.
You can head to Istiklal Street which is the most happening part of the Square. This cobblestone street is home to most of the movie theatres in the city. It has souvenir stores, shops for you to indulge in retail therapy; and cafes, restaurants, pubs for you to eat, drink and have a good time.
3. Grand Bazaar
Just picturise the biggest shopping mall in the world with so many stores that you get tired shopping but the stores don't seem to end. That's exactly what the Grand Bazaar is like. It's the Godzilla of markets that covers more than 60 streets and has more than 4,000 shops. It's a shopaholic's wet dream. You could literally spend all 4 days in this huge Istanbul Bazaar and still not fully explore it. Located in the Eminounu district of Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
The place has close to half a million visitors a day. In fact, in 2014, it was listed as the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Imagine the scale at which the market runs. This is the place where your haggling skills are tested. Don't be afraid to 1) get lost in the winding alleys of the market and 2) bargain.
In the former case, just remember the number of the gate you entered through and then enjoy shopping. When you feel like you're done, ask any vendor directions to that gate and they'll oblige. They might run a sales pitch to you first to sell their stuff but eventually, they will guide you to your destination.
In the latter case, bargain and start from a price as low as you want. Keep an upper limit of the price you can pay (in mind) and leave the store if the vendor doesn't agree at your price. Chances are that the vendor next to him will agree at your price. Ultimately, it's an unsaid rule of the bazaar. You're there to buy and they're there to sell.
Decorative lamps, souvenirs, spices, dried fruits, herbs, cheese, nuts, seeds, clothes, rugs, carpets, baklava, Turkish delights, teas, coffees, artworks, antiques, jewellery, etc., are some of the things that you can buy from the bazaar. The bazaar is an absolute treat for the eyes as it's bursting with colours and the energy of the place is infectious.
If you're hungry and crave some lip-smackingly tasty food, then go to this restaurant called Havuzlu which serves the best Turkish food in the market. After all, you can't miss the chance to taste authentic Turkish cuisine if you have 4 days to spend in Istanbul.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- Don't carry any expensive items with you as there are pickpockets who can take advantage of you in the crowd.
- Bargain hard but with a polite smile. It works like a charm.
4. Pierre Loti Hill And Cafe
No, I haven't made a mistake by writing it twice. If you still have time after covering the Grand Bazaar, then you can go take that cable car ride up to the top of the Pierre Loti hill just before sunset. Ring in the sunset by raising a "hot chocolatey" toast to the mesmerising views of the Golden Horn from the Pierre Loti Cafe.
The cafe, named after a famous writer Pierre Loti (actual name Julien Viaud), was earlier called Rabia Kadın Café. Apparently, he came to Istanbul in 1876 and it was this cafe and the majestic views around the hill, that inspired him to write a famous novel Aziyadé and hence, the cafe got named after him.
You can understand the amount of love I have for the place from the fact that I visited it twice despite having only 4 days to spend in Istanbul.
Day 4:
Come the last day and we'll be doing the following places :
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Lunch at Ioki Asia
- Bar hopping around the Taksim Square
1. Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is located in the Üsküdar district in Istanbul and is a more controlled version of the Dolmabahçe Palace which was dripping in excessive luxury. The term Beylerbeyi essentially means "Lord of the Lords" in Turkish. The palace was the summer residence for Ottoman Sultans and also the place where foreign heads of state stayed at for political meetings.
You can spot it during your Bosphorus cruise on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The palace was built between the years 1861-1865 and was ordered to build by Sultan Abdülaziz. The pavilions, ponds, and sculptures leading to the main palace building are well maintained and add to the beauty of the palace complex.
You are offered plastic bags to cover your shoes before you walk into any of the rooms in the palace. The entrance hall with a glittering chandelier immediately catches your attention. Luxurious carpets, exotic Baccarat crystal chandeliers, opulent woodwork, and furnishings take you back to the times gone by and give you an idea of how the upper aristocratic class lived during those times.
If you're at the Beylerbeyi Palace and suddenly hunger strikes, then head to Cafeteria Mado. The cafe specializes in desserts and is a heaven for dessert lovers. Relish the Baklavas, sutlac, dondurma, and enjoy the view of the Bosphorus bridge while at it. The entry fee for the palace is 40 TL.
IMPORTANT TIPS :
- Audio guides are available so you don't have to separately pay a guide. Carry your passport or an ID to avail of the audio guide service.
- Photography and videography inside the palace aren't allowed (I took the risk of clicking one just inside the entrance hall)
- The palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
2. Lunch At Ioki Asia
After seeing the royal life at the Beylerbeyi Palace, it's time to treat yourself to some great food. Take a cab/taxi to the Ioki Asia restaurant in the Kandilli neighbourhood (4.5 km away from the Beylerbeyi Palace) of Üsküdar district. Ioki Asia is apparently the best Asian food restaurant in Istanbul.
It's situated in a good location which is easily accessible from both the Asian and European sides and offers gorgeous views of the Bosphorus. Grab a seat on the terrace facing the Kandilli Iskele and enjoy the view of the ships passing by as you gorge on delectable sushi. The ambience is serene and cozy.
My food recommendations to you are - spicy miso soup (with seaweed, tofu & green onion), fried tofu salad, spicy edamame, sweet potato fries, veggie roll, yasai yaki udon (wheat flour noodle) with veggies, kappa maki sushi (containing cucumber) and hazelnut chocolate roll.
3. Bar Hopping Around The Taksim Square
End your sojourn in Istanbul by finishing on a high (literally!). After enjoying a sumptuous meal at Ioki Asia, you can go bar hopping around Taksim Square. There are some good local bars in the area where you can chill, socialize, grab a drink, and raise a toast to the awesomeness of Istanbul.
Two of my favourites were the U2 Istanbul Irish Pub & Urban Cafe.
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is a tiny little pub in the Şehit Muhtar neighbourhood of Taksim. Here you can sit, have conversations with other foreigners, make friends, and have a good time. Leo, the guy who owns & manages the place and is an absolute rockstar who's warm, courteous, and makes you feel at home. Enjoy having the best fresh cold Guinness in Istanbul while tapping your feet to some catchy Irish music.
Located 700 metres away from Taksim Square, along the Istiklal street, is the Urban Cafe. Here you can enjoy some local beer and bruschetta. The Cafe building has 3 levels and the staff is welcoming and attentive. Chilled vibe, a nice collection of beers & ales, soft music, a good Italian spread, and modern interiors make for an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Istanbul is such a vibrant eclectic mix of culture, history, and modernity that you can't help but fall in love with it. I developed an intense attachment with Istanbul despite spending just 4 days in it. Very rarely does it happen that you not only like exploring a particular city, but also fancy living there if given an option. Till now, only two cities have been able to invoke this feeling in me: Innsbruck in Austria and Istanbul in Turkey.
What also helped me build a deep connection with Istanbul in just 4 days was my amazing Turkish travel agent Avni who was a thorough gentleman and provided his useful assistance throughout the trip & my lovely guide Songul who showed me Istanbul through her eyes. I'd definitely recommend you to get in touch with INDIGO tourism & Travel Agency if you're planning a trip to Turkey.
To conclude, I'd like to quote Napolean Bonaparte who rightly said - "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital".
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So beautiful trip thank for sharing this with us
You're welcome:)