With its vibrant lifestyle and natural beauty, Istanbul mesmerizes its visitors all the time. Countless various cultures have been living side-by-side in the city for centuries, and it can be seen in every detail of every street corner. As if just looking at photos of the city were not enough, we put together a list of reasons why you should book your tickets, you hotel, and get on the way immediately.
1. Hours-long and tasty Turkish breakfast is available every day, but it’s especially joyful to have it on Sundays.
From Moda to Bebek, Istanbul abounds with breakfast places where you can get something from every region in the country on one table. One must not leave the table without trying menemen.
2. Turkish coffee is mandatory after breakfast.
Kahvaltı is breakfast in Turkish. It’s the combination of two words: kahve and altı, which translates as “before coffee.” You can understand the importance of coffee after breakfast.
3. The city is full of artisanal coffee shops as well.
4. Every time, crossing from one side of the city to the other is a sight for sore eyes.
Whether from Kadıköy to Karaköy, eyeing the Haydarpaşa then the Old City, or from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, witnessing the beauty of the view with Bosphorus Bridge, the journey is always a joy.
5. Spring in Istanbul is all blossoms and no crowds.
The city flourishes at this time of year, and it’s free of all the queues and over-crowded buses of the summer months.
6. Cats own the streets; we are just passing by.
The cats of Istanbul will make you fall in love with them - cat person or not.
7. Getting lost in the passageways of the world’s oldest shopping mall is a heady experience.
Kapalıçarşı, known in English as the Grand Bazaar, has been keeping many secrets since the dawn of civilization. Enter through one of its many gates and get lost while discovering it.
8. Once church, then a mosque, then turned museum, the Hagia Sophia is a wonder to be explored.
The building is a feat of imagination and engineering skill, a testament to the city’s profound contribution to all of human history.
9. Two 500-year-old castles, Rumeli and Yedikule, will leave you in awe.
Their towering walls over the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara are worth a few hours of exploration.
10. Farmer’s markets abound with fruits, vegetables, and herbs from all over Turkey.
Şile Earth Market and Feriköy Organic Market offer the best in the city.
11. Kebap is not the only amazing thing about Turkish cuisine.
You could try a new dish every day of the week and you’d never exhaust the options. Try lahmacun, Ege otları, mantı, beyti, tavuk göğusu - the list is endless, and delicious.
12. Having fresh-grilled Black Sea fish with a glass of rakı is one of the most delightful - and essential - Istanbul experiences.
The centuries-old tradition of endless meals with friends and family, accompanied by ever-flowing rakı, is the stuff of legends, dreams, poems, songs, and memories.
13. Sailing on the Bosphorus will make you fall in love with Istanbul’s wild side.
It’s a massive metropolis, but it’s also a place of great natural bounty. Istanbul’s seas offer an adventurous traveller a chance to take to the waves.
14. The Prince Islands may be hot spots during summer but they are amazing all year round.
Even in the grey winter months, these islands are an enclave of peace and the slow-life. Take a long walk, have dinner at an old monastery, or simply join the locals on the beach.
15. You may love Berlin or Ibiza’s clubs, but you won’t find anything like Istanbul’s nightlife.
From cocktail bars to the places open until long after the sun comes up, Istanbul’s party scene is mesmerizing.
16. And after a night of partying, ıslak hamburgers and mantı are in order.
To end the night, you have to enjoy a few ıslak (wet) hamburgers or a full plate of Turkish ravioli, mantı.
17. It’s a city that inspires all kinds of artists, from poets and writers to contemporary musicians.
Listen to songs about Istanbul and read about it while you are here.
18. Families love the city: it’s so kid-friendly that your child wouldn’t want to leave it.
Just follow the #Istanbulwithkids hashtag.
19. And when the city overwhelms you, it is easy to get away from it.
It takes just a few hours to get to beautiful Ayvalık, taste the local food, and try the best olive oil in the country.
20. Plus, it’s just an hour-long plane trip away from the beautifulseaside towns of Çeşme and Bodrum - perfect for a weekend.
Bodrum has been the go-to place of Istanbullites in summer since forever. A cute little town near Izmir, Çeşme has become the hot spot lately for summer holidays. But both seaside towns are especially beautiful during spring without all the crowds.
21. Which other city on Earth is on two continents? None.
And it was the capital of three Empires.
For more inquiries or information please send us an e-mail and would be glad to answer you as soon as possible
Looking forward to hearing from you
Oguzhan APAK
The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner
Looking forward to hearing from you
Oguzhan APAK
The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner
thelordofistanbultravelplanner
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