Turkey
Location / Region Guide
Istanbul
My Connection to This Location
I lived on an organic farm about an hour and a half outside Istanbul and spent time exploring the city both before and after my stay on the farm.
Must Sees
Must-see stops for this place.
Blue Mosque
An absolutely stunning mosque and my favorite interior of any mosque I visited. The exterior is equally impressive, with beautifully designed domes and remarkable symmetry throughout the structure. Admission is free, but the mosque closes for approximately 90 minutes during each of the five daily prayer times, so it's worth planning your visit accordingly.
Pro Tip
Be sure to check the prayer schedule online before visiting. Prayer times change throughout the year based on the position of the sun, so the closure times are not always the same.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Beautiful historic Mosque. Lots of gold writing in the prayer area which is free to enter but is an active prayer zone. There is a ticketed area that allows you to enter the upper level of the mosque.
Pro Tip
Wear modest clothing. They can turn you away if you aren't dressed appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered for everyone and hair needs to be covered for women. Shoes must come off on carpeted area.
Mussels along the Golden Horn
In Karaköy, right along the mouth of the Golden Horn, vendors sell fresh stuffed mussels. They were one of my favorite bites of the trip. Simple, flavorful, and inexpensive.
Karaköy Gümrük
A great spot for a sit-down seasonal meal with high-quality dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and a wide selection of drinks.
Hadi Sahne Karaköy
This venue was the perfect way to start the night. Lively, energetic, and full of character, it had a great atmosphere from the moment we arrived. The music was loud, the crowd was dancing, and the locals were more than happy to show us how it was done.
Pro Tip
The entertainment schedule rotates throughout the week, so it's worth checking online before your visit. You can also reserve a table in advance if you'd like guaranteed seating.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
Both bazaars are worth visiting, each offering something different. I personally preferred the Spice Bazaar, as I found it a bit less overwhelming. It’s a great place to find a little bit of everything.
Pro Tip
Loose tea and spices are sold by weight. It’s best to have them weighed in front of you before they give you a price, otherwise it can end up being more expensive than expected.
Turkish Breakfast
You can’t go wrong with a traditional Turkish breakfast. It typically includes a variety of cheeses, meats, vegetables, and pastries, paired with çay which is Turkish tea. Be sure to try menemen, a dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers, as well as simit, a Turkish-style sesame bread somewhat similar to a bagel.
Pro Tip
You can usually find breakfast spots that offer a set Turkish breakfast menu, where they bring out a variety of dishes and the quantity is based on the number of people at the table.
Sokak Lezzei
Karaköy is known for its seafood, and trying Balık Dürüm, a traditional fish wrap, is a must. After doing some research, we ended up at Sokak Lezzeti. The long line felt like a good sign and it moved fast.
Pro Tip
The wrap is made with mackerel, a fresh salad of lettuce with a few different vegetables, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, all wrapped in lavash. They prepare them fast and in large quantities, so modifications don’t really seem to be an option. They are great as is.
Galata Tower
This tower was originally built as a watchtower and now operates as a museum. You can go to the top for panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait. Büyük Hendek Caddesi, which is the name of a street, offers one of my favorite views of the tower itself. Searching “Galata Tower photo spot” on Apple Maps will take you directly to that street. A great area to shop around after you enjoy the views of the tower.
Pro Tip
It can get very busy around sunset and you do have to pay to go inside.
Topkapı Palace
Once the home of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapı Palace served as the political and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. Today, you can explore its courtyards, royal chambers, treasury, and extensive collections while learning about the history and influence of the Ottoman dynasty.
Pro Tip
If you don't want to pay to go inside, you can enter through the first gate and enjoy the courtyard prior to reaching the second ticketed gate.