Looking for a dreamy city escape with a touch of the orient? Istanbul has so much to offer and can be overlooked in favour of European breaks, but I want to share the gems this city has to give. It also happens to be the motherland for me (half-Turkish on my mother’s side). So let’s explore some Turkish delight.

Like any major city, I feel you need only a few days and usually I would recommend walking around the streets, as it not only gives you a better sense of direction, but you’ll discover some hidden gems. But if you’re visiting this city in the peak of summer, I would highly recommend using public transport where you’ll appreciate the aircon(!) Trams and buses are the most popular methods and for the golden photo op, you can’t miss the vintage tram that takes you to Galata Tower.

Nehir’s personal tips: Cruise on a boat along the Bosphorus river. There are plenty of boat tour companies to choose from and vary in price and what is served. For example, some offer 3 course meals and evening entertainment. I opted for the sunset tour, sipping my tea as the golden hour light danced in the reflections of the river.

Eat sweets. Istanbul has no shortage of desserts. Pastanesi are cake shops and often unknown to tourists, are the famous profiteroles. Go to İnci Pastanesi (found in the Beyoğlu area), which opened its doors in 1944. It stays open late so you can enjoy a midnight sweet treat.

Also, there is the classic baklava. You can't visit Turkey and not indulge in this iconic treat. Karaköy Güllüoğlu - go nowhere else! This is the best baklava in Istanbul and is located near the Bosphorus. I actually went here before my boat tour. They serve cream on the side of baklava here, don’t forget to ask for that. Wash this all down with some great Turkish black tea to balance the taste buds.

Pre-book as much as you can. For most of the tourist attractions, there will be lots of queues. In the dusty heat, the last thing you want to do is stand in a long-line, with no shade to cover. If you can, I’d advise you to pre-book online as much as you can.

Book a Hammam. Nourish the skin and treat yourself to centuries old rituals that encourage a deep and invigorating cleanse. This is my favourite one.

Now to the good part, the key spots not to miss when in Istanbul…

Blue Mosque

A UNESCO heritage site built 1609-1616, the breathtaking Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, has over 20 000 hand-painted blue tiles and magnificent architecture which represents both Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The courtyard is absolutely stunning and a great spot for taking photos. This is one of the few tourist attractions that are free of charge so go visit!

Please remember to dress appropriately. Shorts or skirts (short dresses) are not permitted. Women’s hair must be covered. The mosque provides headscarves and hilarious potato sack skirts for people to cover their legs, which look hilarious. Wear socks! Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque and trust me, you don't want to walk around barefoot.

Inside the mosque is magnificent, with plenty of eye popping corners that draw you in. Stare with bated breath at centuries of worldly culture.

The Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Just over four thousand shops in one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world! The bazaars stir your senses and it can be such an exciting place. The smell of freshly poured coffee, the twinkling glow of dangling lanterns, the cries of vendors yelling, ‘How are you?’ and ‘Where are you from?’ Soak in the overwhelming sites of ceramics, antiques and hand-woven Turkish rugs. Nehir’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle prices, even do the classic walkaway and the shop owner will yell for you to come back and look to negotiate.

It is also customary for vendors to offer you tea, and the selection can be vast, from fruit to classic black. It’s widely accepted as a way to welcome you into their shop. Sometimes, they’ll sit with you and have a conversation. I love these personally, because you get to learn more about another human’s life experience. You can easily spend hours walking up and down. It can be a whole day trip in itself! Awaken the senses in this special place.

Topkapı Palace

Based in the historic Sultanahmet district of the city, you would be remiss not to visit Topkapi Palace. This is probably the most famous site in Turkey.

It was the administrative and living home to the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries. After the conquest of Constantinople, construction of the new palace (Yeni Saray) began. Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, was given its name in the 19th century. The palace contains four main courtyards, and many smaller buildings. Most famously, is the harem, where the female members of the Sultan’s family lived. The harem is six floors, but you can only visit one. Leading state officials held meetings in the Imperial Council building.

After the 17th century, Topkapı gradually lost its importance. The Sultans of that period preferred to spend more time along the Bosphorus. Nowadays the palace is home to a museum, in which millions visit each year.

Hagia Sophia

Probably joint first in most famous sites in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was built astoundingly in just six years, as a christian church during the Byzantine era (year 537). In subsequent centuries it became a mosque. The building definitely reflects both religions over the centuries, with the addition of minarets and inscriptions of Islam, to the lavish mosaics depicting Christianity.

Marvel at the elaborately carved cornices and marble columns. Some of the most beautiful mosaics can be gazed upon here as well. Under one great dome, you can see the perfect synthesis of two different cultures, both Ottoman and Byzantium.

Basilica Cistern

My personal favourite, the Basilica Cistern is just around the corner from the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, so it's worth doing these three sites in one day. This underwater world is incredible, and was called Basilica because it was located under a large public square during the Early Roman Age. Its purpose was to provide a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople, and then continued to provide water to Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest (1453).

I greatly encourage you to visit this place and to opt for the audio guide. One of the highlights is the face of Medusa stone, which can be found on one of the base columns. It is still unclear as to why her face is upside down. There are folk tales that state it was done intentionally. That when the men had to go down to the cistern, they could avoid eye contact. It’s unlikely, but it’s fun learning about how differently this site was once viewed. It’s funny to imagine that once fish swam freely in that clear water. Spend an hour here to cool down from the heat of the day, and then head off for much needed food or maybe tea and baklava.

Galata Tower

Take the nostalgic tramway to the tower from Taksim (the central district of the city) and enjoy the vintage vibes. Once you get off, you’ll walk a small hill to Galata, an old Genoese tower, built as a watchtower overlooking the highest point of the (lost) Walls of Galata. The tower is now a museum and you can climb the steps to the top, for some great panoramic views of Istanbul.

Stroll along the neighbouring streets and you’ll see architecturally, the buildings have more of a European feel. That is the Genoese influence you see. It’s pretty and full of flowers. Nehir’s Tip: Avoid the trap of following your favourite Tik Tokers - they buy a cake there and take snaps with the tower behind. Those cakes are rubbish and overpriced. Instead, head to the bonus spot that few tourists will go to…

Balat

Soak up the vibrant and colourful buildings, and grab cake here instead, in the beautiful Balat. Located on the western side of Istanbul, was historically a Jewish quarter. The area became a significant centre for Jews, especially following the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Nowadays, the Jewish community in this area has dwindled, but its historical tale is one of resilience, cultural fusion and urban evolution.

It is a multicultural district and was also home to many Greek Orthodox families. Walk along the cobbled streets and discover the red silhouette and magnificent architecture of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College. This quaint neighbourhood is one of the most diverse in Istanbul. The historic buildings, synagogues, churches, and various architectural beauties give a real sense of this as you walk through it.

Istanbul | Constantinople