Before I embarked on this global trotting journey, there were three countries at the top of my bucket list: Thailand, Indonesia, and Turkiye. After finally crossing all three off — in that exact order — I can confidently say I saved the best for last. I’m a geek for rich history, culture, food, adventure, and unique experiences, and Turkey had all of that… and then some.
Turkey is vast, with a diverse landscape that feels like stepping into a new country with every region. A lot of research went into creating an itinerary that suited my interests, but with only fifteen days, I barely scratched the surface.
Istanbul: Where Two Continents Collide
Istanbul is, without doubt, one of the most famous cities in the world — and the only city that connects two continents. The layers of history here add to its charm and mystery. Over the past few years, my fascination with history has grown exponentially, so Istanbul was a dream destination.
I decided to prep my trip the “bookworm way” — by reading a memoir set in my destination country to gain cultural and historical context. For Turkey, my choice was Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk. This was the perfect intro before setting foot in Istanbul.
I was lucky enough to get a direct flight from Tokyo to Istanbul. First time ever — and wow, the lack of layovers cut down on travel stress significantly. Less flight anxiety? Yes please. Worth the extra buck. No Mendokusai indeed.
Fun fact: Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey (Ankara holds that title). But it’s the beating heart of the country — about 20% of Turkey’s population lives here. Think of it like Tokyo in Japan. Skipping Istanbul is like going to Japan and skipping Tokyo… Yabai!
I spent four full days here — enough to whet my appetite, but nowhere near enough to truly lose myself in the city. If you can, I recommend a week. Istanbul has both an Asian and a European side, and there is so much to explore.
Here’s what I got up to:
Cycling City Tour 🚴♀️
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The best way to get acquainted with a new city? A guided bicycle tour on your first day. You cover a lot of ground, figure out your favorite spots, and get insider tips from your guide. I’ve tried this in Tokyo, Singapore, Stellenbosch, and Vietnam — and it’s a winning theory every time.
In Istanbul, we zipped through Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace — all in three hours. It was the perfect introduction to the city.
Food Tour: Culinary Heaven 🍽️
Turkey is a food lover’s paradise, so a food tour was high on my list. A local guide took us to her favorite hidden gems, and I got to try dishes that aren’t popularized online.
We feasted at a banquet with a spread of Turkish classics, then wandered through street food stalls before ending the evening at a rooftop lounge with Turkish tea and coffee while watching the sunset.
Speaking of breakfast — Turkish breakfast is an art form. Bread, cheese, olives, butter, honey, eggs, vegetables, tea, and coffee. Every morning felt like a feast. My personal obsession became simit bread with cream and honey. Honestly, I’d fly back to Turkey just for that.
Turkish tea has a slightly sweet taste, and Turkish coffee is unique — served in a small cup, with fine coffee grinds settled at the bottom. My top Turkish food picks? Doner kebab, lamb kebab, lahmacun, pide, baklava, lokum, and Turkish coffee.
Street Food Adventures 🍢
Street food is everywhere: simit, roasted maize, roasted chestnuts, and more. Turkish ice cream is a performance in itself — the vendors entertain you while serving it. The ice cream is made from goat milk, making it stickier and slower to melt. Bonus: it tastes heavenly in baklava.
Sunset Boat Ride on the Bosphorus 🌅
I booked a sunset boat ride, complete with drinks, Turkish delights, and a history session. We sailed along both the European and Asian sides while learning about Istanbul’s history. The sunset view? Magical. Highly recommend.
Must-Sees in Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace
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The grandest palace in Istanbul. Save this for last after Topkapi Palace. Note: Closed Mondays.
Basilica Cistern
Built 1,500 years ago by the Romans, this underground wonder supplied water to the city. Now a museum, it’s fascinating, especially if you love history. Bonus: the upside-down Medusa heads used as column bases — said to neutralize her powers. Cool, right?
Taksim Square
A vibrant hub that feels like the heartbeat of modern Istanbul. I loved wandering here, soaking in the atmosphere. The highlight for me was spotting the iconic red tram gliding through the square, framed by beautiful Ottoman architecture. I couldn’t resist indulging in street snacks — fresh simit and a Turkish ice cream show from a lively vendor who put on quite the performance. It was fun, delicious, and 100% Instagram-worthy.
Balat
One of the most colorful and historically rich neighborhoods in Istanbul. Balat was once home to Jewish and Armenian communities, and you can still feel that layered history in its narrow cobblestone streets. The neighborhood is lined with beautifully painted rows of houses in every shade imaginable — a photographer’s dream. If you’re into photography (or just love a good Instagram photo), you’ll absolutely adore this place. There are also plenty of cute cafes and charming souvenir shops — I actually got most of my souvenirs here. The big red building perched on the hill (the Fener Greek Orthodox College) is stunning, and the brightly painted staircases scattered throughout add even more color to the already vibrant scene.
Navigating Public Transport 🚌🚋
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Istanbul’s public transport can be tricky at first, but worth mastering. Buses, taxis, trams, trains — I tried them all so you don’t have to.
Taxis: Use Uber to avoid scams.
Buses: Confusing, even with Google Maps (I gave up).
Trams: My favorite. Reliable, frequent, and easy to navigate. You can use your credit card, a tram pass, or buy a ticket.
My Thoughts on Istanbul ❤️
Istanbul is big, unique, and bustling. Wandering its narrow streets and back alleys is addictive. Cafés and small shops seem to pop up around every corner, and the stray cats here add a special charm — sleeping in restaurant chairs, peeking into shop windows, or getting cuddled by shop owners. Turkey stole my heart — every corner of it told a story. Istanbul alone was an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and irresistible food
