Eternal Istanbul & Top Things To Do In The Empires' Capital
Istanbul is a city that has a special place in my heart. As a child, I was captivated by the incredible history of this ancient city that transformed from a Greek colony to the Byzantine Empire's capital and then became the capital of another empire - Ottoman.
Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia, an important centre of power of the past and a melting pot of traditions - no wonder that reading about this eternal city attracted me so much when I was a child.
My first major trip abroad when I was a student was also to Istanbul: 12 years ago I spent a wonderful long weekend in this great city, hoping to come back in the future. My hopes turned into reality: after a decade I came back and was wandering through the same streets that saw me as a young 18-year-old girl passionate about the dreams that have completely vanished over time. At that time, I was a different person: my life during my second visit to Istanbul was different from what I thought it would be when I was a student.
Time flies, and people change, but Istanbul and the great Hagia Sophia remain unchanged. At that time, standing between Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, I felt as if this naive 18-year-old girl finally met a young woman who found herself on a different life path, and they recognised each other, exchanging smiles and accepting whatever was (and was not) done during these 10 years.
Two years later, I came back again, more confident and less sentimental, looking forward to saying "hi" to Istanbul - a special city that helped me to accept my old and new self, and to spend an incredible few days there with my best friend who came here from Kas for a few months.
In this post, I will focus only on a few things from the huge list of the best things to do in Istanbul and see in this amazing city, this small list is primarily based on the experience I had during my most recent trip there. So, let's get started!
Before we jump into the details, one important comment: do not forget that if you do not have a local SIM card, you might not be able to use mobile internet, otherwise you will be charged crazy amounts for any data usage. To save money but stay connected to the Internet, you can use Airalo - an app, that creates a local e-sim for you. I have used it so many times and love it.
Discover the History of the Ottoman Empire in Topkapi Palace
One of the main landmarks of Istanbul is Topkapi Palace which was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by the order of Sultan Mehmed II shortly after his conquest of Constantinople and is considered one of the largest palaces globally. For nearly four centuries, it functioned as the Ottoman Sultans' residence and the state's administrative and educational centre.
Following Mehmed's passing, approximately 30 sultans governed from the palace, overseeing its enhancement and enlargement into the distinctive blend of Islamic, European, and Ottoman architectural styles that define it today. Featuring four courtyards and more than 400 rooms, the palace accommodated around 4,000 individuals, including 300 concubines in the Harem.
Following the end of the Ottoman monarchy in 1924, Topkapi Palace was transformed into a museum. The museum houses a remarkable imperial collection including rare books, manuscripts, illustrated volumes, the Holy Relics of the Prophet Muhammad, original copies of The Quran, Ottoman attire, royal treasury items, weaponry, portraits, and notable artefacts.
You can easily spend a day there, so allow at least 3-4 hours to be able to immerse into the incredible history of the Ottoman Empire, observe its unique treasures, wander through the rooms of the Harem (one of the most interesting places in the Palace) and explore other impressive buildings of this great palace.
Visit the Iconic Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
When in Istanbul, you cannot miss two of the most significant landmarks: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, located within walking distance from the Topkapi Palace.
Hagia Sophia used to serve as a cathedral, mosque, and museum throughout its incredible history. Originally, it was built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century and after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted to a mosque. When you go inside, you will notice these different phases of Hagia Sophia's tragic history.
The Blue Mosque, located just opposite the Hagia Sophia, across the square, is officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and is another iconic landmark of the city. Constructed in the early 17th century, the mosque is famous for its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles that adorn its interior walls, giving it the nickname "Blue Mosque."
The architectural style of the Blue Mosque blends traditional Islamic elements with Byzantine influences, creating a unique and visually stunning structure.
Explore Dolmabahce Palace
This incredibly beautiful European-style Dolmabahce Palace was built in the mid-19th century and served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire until its collapse in 1922.
It was constructed by the order of Sultan Abdulmecid I and designed by the Armenian architects Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğayos Balyan, blending elements of Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles.
The palace consists of a series of elegantly decorated rooms, including the Ceremonial Hall, the Crystal Staircase, and the Grand Ballroom, and also - a very important from a historical perspective room, where the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his last days.
Similarly to the Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace is a place where you can spend a full day, thanks to the number of rooms and halls, the art museum located at the territory of the palace, and the impressive gardens. Be ready to spend at least 3 hours there to cover the major parts of this impressive building and get lost in its incredible gardens.
Visit the Vibrant Neighbourhoods of Kadikoy & Cihangir
Istanbul is not only about history: it's a whole world of incredibly vibrant life that is worth exploring. Everyone will find a neighbourhood of Istanbul that fits most of his needs and expectations, as you are guests of my blog, I will share, which are my top favourites.
I like a lot 2 neighbourhoods, located on different sides of Bosphor: Kadıköy and Cihangir. They are both known for their incredible vibes and amazing atmosphere, and I highly recommend staying in one of them; depending on your preferences.
Kadıköy is a vibrant district on the Asian side of Istanbul, famous for its bustling streets, diverse food scene, and lively nightlife. With its cosy cafes, trendy bars, and live music venues, Kadıköy offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
What makes this district almost perfect for me, is this amazing promenade suitable for long walks and running sessions and for observing sunsets.
Cihangir, on the other hand, is a bohemian neighbourhood located on the European side of the city. This district is known for its artistic flair, charming European-style streets, and eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants, Cihangir is a hotspot for creative minds and expats looking for a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Istanbul is a city that some people love and others hate, there are obvious reasons for both feelings, but I do not know anyone who would be neutral towards this place. You can either love or hate this incredible, overpopulated, messy but so charming historical city that has seen the collapse of two major empires of the past and will inevitably see more dramatic and important events in the future.
I hope you like this post, and that it inspired you to visit the eternal city of Istanbul and gave you some ideas on how to spend your time there.
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