Apart from one five day visit to Istanbul most of our interactions with Istanbul have been limited to overnight stays. It’s almost a year since we had a layover in Istanbul before boarding our Ukraine airlines flight to New York, and two years since we arrived with 11 suitcases and the rest of our worldly belongings on a Turkish Airlines flight from Los Angeles as part of our Turkish migration.
An overnight stay doesn’t do this city justice. It’s a sprawling mass of history, hills, and huge welcomes that need to be savored rather than rushed. But once again we’re treating it as a huge departure lounge for somewhere else.
Each time we visit, we realize how much we love it here and how we have to come back again to spend a few days. It’s only an hour’s flight from Bodrum and the domestic flights are inexpensive. On our other two overnight stays we lodged out by the airport to catch an early flight, but this time around our departure time meant that we could.
After dumping off our bags at The Yazar Hotel, a sneaky little budget hotel located down a back street within a short jaunt of Gülhane metro stop, we headed to sunset at the Blue Mosque. We’ve been here a number of times, but as the light changes, so does the view of this impressive Mosque.
Then it was off to explore the cobbled backstreets of tourist-centric Sultanahmet. It was a mild evening but there were only a few tourists around, and although the restauranteurs and shop owners made their presence known, the touting wasn’t overt. Our first stop was at a virtually empty cafe where we got into a political discussion about Trump with the Kurdish waiter, and then talked about the religious changes in Turkish. With both conversational taboos were covered, we downed our beers and headed out in search of dinner.
We wandered further into the labyrinth and found a cozy looking restaurant for dinner for a charred chicken kebab and grilled hollumi salad. By this time the Efes was doing it’s worst and after we toured an impressive sub-terreanean desert and turkish delight shop, we got disoriented and ended up going round in circles, so our trip back to the hotel took twice as long as it should have.
The hotel’s restaurant was located in the roof eves. Not the most salubrious setting for breakfast, but it had an impressive view of the city and Galata Tower in the distance. There was enough time for a second cup of turkish tea before heading back to the Gülhane metro for the 60-70 minute trip back to Ataturk Airport.
Only one metro, three planes and a tuk-tuk stand between us and our first night in Cambodia.
Istanbul is high on my travel wish list. I think an overnight stay would be a good start, if I can swing the layover. I think I need at least a week so see everything on my list there!
We love doing stop overs in Istanbul, even one night is worth the effort. Just head to Sultanahmet area to explore some of the city’s history and taste some delicious food.
I loved my trip to Istanbul a few years ago, and agree that an overnight stay is not long enough. Even 5 days I only managed to cover part of it, but you have inspired me to return and delve deeper.
I’m always happy to explore Istanbul. It’s a challenging city to walk around because of the hills, but the public metro system is really good, and I love the ferry system too.
‘Getting-lost’ is probably the best way to get to know a place, savour its atmosphere and life. Istanbul is such a great city to visit, one must plan a longer trip or many returns 🙂
Yes I think “many returns” are in our future. It’s different than any other city I’ve ever visited, and like an onion, I think there’s many more layers to reveal.
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I am hoping to visit Istanbul in July and definitely want to see the Blue Mosque–it will be our first time so I know we’ll have a long list of things to see and do. And I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who gets into conversations about Trump while traveling abroad.
Start your trip by going up the Galata Tower, from there you really get a sense of the scope of the city and it helps you to plan your exploration of the city. Also, do the grand bazaar in small chunks of time to save your sanity.
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Istanbul was/is a destination for this year, late spring – might still go later in the year. Love the Blue mosque and the sunset experience. Those red roofs are so attractive, just like the ones in Prague. Beautiful.
We never miss an opportunity to have an overnight in Istanbul. Can’t wait to go back.
Istanbul is really high on my list of places to visit as well. There seems to be so much culture and history in this ancient city that makes it so interesting
It’s vibrant and full of culture, and the locals are friendly and proud of their city.
But you have been back in Istanbul right?
I loved our weekend there, even though I dont recomend going in June, it was way to hot during the days for a citytrip 🙂
We’ve been back multiple times as a stay between flights, and have a five day trip there that was brilliant. We did so much walking.
Since Turkish Airlines offers great prices even to destinations in Latin America, I think that many travellers will appreciate your post on Istanbul. It’s such a beautiful and interesting city. I also enjoyed the vibrant contemporary art scene that is not so obvious – well, maybe around the Galata tower.
There is so much to discover in Istanbul.
Yes it’s very arty around the Galata tower, lot’s of great little cafes in that area too. Had a distinct bohemian vibe when we were there.