Istanbul has been on our travel list for a long time. It’s on two continents, has had a wide variety of cultural influences, and everyone who has ever been absolutely loved it.
We flew in late on a Friday night and set out on Saturday morning to explore. Our first stop was to pick up our Museum Pass which I highly recommend. Not only do you save money if you are planning to visit multiple sights, but you get to skip the queues. This is especially nice when visiting popular sights like the Aya Sofya.
After picking up our Museum Passes, our first stop was the Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia). Build in 537, it is 700 years older than the Notre Dame and has served as both a church and a mosque. Now, it houses a beautiful museum.
Inside of the awe-inspiring Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)
Simply Stunning.
Gorgeous details
The Earth has moved, but the Aya Sofya still stands!
Everywhere you look, more beautiful details.
From the outside…
Around the corner from the entrance of the Aya Sofya is the entrance to the Tomb of Sultan Selim II. Within the complex are 42 sarcophagi and one of the most beautiful tombs in Istanbul.
Inside the tomb complex
Our next stop was the other must-see religious site in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque was built in the early 1600s and is still an active mosque. As such, it is closed during the five daily prayer times. Fortunately, there is a lot to see in the area, so if it is closed for prayer when you try to visit, you can always come back later. Women must cover their heads and all visitors must remove shoes. There are clearly posted signs with clothing regulations and the mosque staff is helpful.
The extremely photogenic Blue Mosque
Imposing structure…
One of the minarets
Inside was gorgeous
Stunning architectural detail
Ceiling detail
We enjoyed our time exploring this beautiful landmark.
From any angle the building is stunning!
After visiting the Blue Mosque, we headed to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, right across the street from the Blue Mosque.
Beautiful old Koran.
The detail is amazing!
Our next stop was the Istanbul Archaeological Museum which houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of artifacts. We didn’t have much time to spend here, but what we did see was very cool!
Some of the artifacts
A garden full of interesting antiquities…
What better way to end our first full day in Istanbul than to enjoy dinner with a bird’s eye view of the city? A few days prior to our arrival, I made us a reservation at Imbat Restaurant on the roof of the Orient Express Hotel as recommended by some of our best friends in London. Definitely worth it.
Beautiful view on a rainy night…
Main course
Turkish Cheese Platter
Walking back to the hotel. Such a photogenic city, we couldn’t resist!
The next morning, we hit Topkapi Palace which was recommended to us by several friends. Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans from 1465-1856.
Stepping back in time!
Fabulously ornate smoking room
The view
The Harem: definitely a highlight!
We also saw several important holy relics of the Muslim world including Mohammed’s cloak and sword and some hair from his beard.
After leaving Topkapi Palace, we went to a place that was top of my list in Istanbul: The Basilica Cistern. It was built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns and the lighting gives it a magical feel.
Basilica Cistern
Excited to be there!
A couple of the columns (which were thought to be recycled from other construction projects) have Medusa at the base. She is either upside down or sideways to avoid harming anyone who makes eye contact with her!
On a quest for Medusa!
Found her!
The next morning we set off for the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Inside the Grand Bazaar!
We stopped for some Turkish Tea and Coffee once inside. Please notice the difference in our excitement levels…
After we finished our shopping at the Grand Bazaar, we headed to a hilltop mosque called Süleymaniye Mosque.
Süleymaniye Mosque exterior view
Süleymaniye Mosque interior view
Checking out the stunning architecture
Next stop: the Spice Market!
Best pistachios I’ve ever had…we may have purchased multiple kilos!
A delicious assortment of TEA!!
After snacking in the spice market, we boarded a ferry bound for the Asian side of Istanbul.
See ya, Europe. Asia, here we come!
We were on a quest to find Ciya Sofrasi, a restaurant recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Istanbul. If was definitely worth the journey!
Turkish Meze selections. Yum.
Yes. We ate all of it. And it was delicious.
Once back in Sultanahmet, we topped our evening with a night cap at the Four Seasons–a former Turkish prison turned amazing hotel.
So happy 🙂
On our last full day, we decided to hop and ferry and head to the Princes Islands for a relaxed day.
Beautiful ferry ride!
Picture Perfect!
The seagulls were amazing in flight!
There are no cars on the island, so we took a horse and buggy tour.
Charming old homes…
Caffeine with a view!
Beautiful, old ferry terminal
Our next stop was back at the Four Seasons for Turkish High Tea.
Turkish High Tea
Multiple types of baklava on offer at the high tea
For our last dinner, we went to the what was the top-rated restaurant in Istanbul (according to Trip Advisor) and weren’t disappointed! The Old Ottoman Cafe was affordable and delicious.
Our dinner!
We ended the evening (and our trip) with some jazz music at Nardis Jazz club. Not our favorite evening of jazz, but it was nice to experience a different part of Istanbul at night.
Galata Tower
Jazz Set
Istanbul did not disappoint. It was beautiful, the food was delicious and it’s a city we hope to visit again!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure 