The Ultimative Travel Guide for Istanbul by Edisa Shahini
As a Kosovar, whose country has been ruled by the Ottoman Empire from the 14th century up until the early 20th in some territories, I grew up with similar Ottoman culture and traditions. My parents used to visit Istanbul at least twice a year— for work, shopping or just to visit some relatives where we combined city visits with summer holidays in other parts of Turkey. My heart is connected to Istanbul like Istanbul’s Europe and Asia part. The transcontinental culture-clash, the rich history, the influence of different cultures, make this metropole so special. Its extraordinary architecture, bazaars, mosques, and fairytale Ottoman palaces, its food, and arts - a melange that is so unique and magical you have to experience for yourself.
Istanbul has been mentioned and featured in many books, among others in movies like James Bond's “From Russia With Love” in 1963, in 1999’s “The World Is Not Enough”, as well as in Skyfall (2012). The Bosphorus part of Istanbul is truly romantic, for couples who want to enjoy the moonlight over Bosphorus while having dinner in a beautiful restaurant with a sea view.
Fishermen prepare early morning on the Galata Bridge, Grand Bazaar jewelry stores getting ready to open for hundreds of thousands of visitors each day. The simit guy prepares his street vendor to sell fresh simit (Turkish bagel) all day long. Some of Istanbul’s most beautiful places are its mosques, ornate façades, and Byzantine Catholic churches. The city’s architectural masterpiece, the Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia) or ‘church of the divine wisdom’ began life 1,500 years ago as a Byzantine cathedral, was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, then in the 1930s became a museum – until, the summer of 2020, it became a mosque once again. It is truly breathtaking and a must-see when in Istanbul, including the fairy tale Blue Mosque. My personal favorite, the Ortaköy Mosque is one of the city’s prettiest mosques. Located beside the Bosphorus bridge, it looks dreamy at sunset and magical at sunrise.
You can feel the connection between romantic nostalgia and bold modernity, and that’s what makes me love this magnificent city. Here are my favorite places to stay, eat, drink, and what to see in Istanbul for a long weekend.
Things you have to do in Istanbul
- At least once in a lifetime, you need to try an authentic Turkish Bath at Cagaloglu Hammam (Address: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul)
- Ferry rides in Istanbul are a wonderful experience to visit the Asian part of Istanbul during the day and ride back during sunset. Absolutely magical!
- Whirling Dervishes Show, “Sema” in Turkish is a mystical ceremony and part of the most important heritages from the Islam culture, inspired and improved by Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi (1207-1273), a world-famous Islamic mystical poet, theologian, and a spiritual master (Sufi). It originates from the city of Konya and dates back to more than 800 years. I would recommend seeing them at Sultanahmet Historical Sarnic Restaurant.
- Visit the Princes' Islands for a day trip, if you have planned a longer stay in Istanbul. It’s a quiet and beautiful place where the only sounds you’ll hear are bicycle bells and footsteps.
- Go to see the historic Galata Tower and the legendary Galata Bridge before sunset. It’s surreal!
- Visit the 554-year-old Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world's most exciting old bazaars.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Soho House Istanbul
Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:56, 34430 Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Hotel Les Ottomans
Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:68, 34345 Beşiktaş, İstanbul
THE STAY Bosphorus
Yıldız, The Stay Bosphorus, Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:1/A, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
A'jia Hote
Kanlıca Ahmet Rasim Paşa Yalısı, Halide Edip Adıvar Cd. D:No:27, 34810 Beykoz, İstanbul
Pera Palace Hotel
Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebaşı Cd. No:52, 34430 Beyoğlu, İstanbul
AYASOFYA PANSIYONLARI
Sogukçesme Sokak, Sultanahmet, İstanbul
Where to shop in Istanbul
Best areas to shop in Istanbul are Nisantasi, Şişli, Bebek and Etiler. Here are my favorite shops and designer:
Museum Of Fine Clothing
Teşvikiye, Akkavak Sk. No:14 Bezci Aparmanı D, Teşvikiye Cd. No:3, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
CASHMERE IN LOVE
Küçük Bebek Caddesi, Çınaraltı Building 2-A, Bebek, Istanbul
Midnight Express
Küçük Bebek Cd. No: 3/A Bebek, Beşiktaş / İstanbul
Begüm Khan
Harbiye, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. 14/3, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
The best way to get around Istanbul
Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe, and the world's fifteenth-largest city—so you can imagine how busy it can be. However, Istanbul's yellow cabs are a great transportation option to get anywhere you want. Nowadays it’s easy to check the prices calculated with the taximeter.
Where to dine in Istanbul
Cecconi’s Istanbul
Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:56, 34430 Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Sunset Grill & Bar
Kuruçeşme, Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş, İstanbul
PARK ŞAMDAN & THE BAR at Hotel Les Ottomans
Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No:68, 34345 Beşiktaş, İstanbul
Zoya's House
Harbiye Mahallesi, Bostan Sokak, Sadiye Vefik Apartmanı, No:13, İç Kapı No:1, 34367 Şişli, İstanbul
Glens Istanbul
Harbiye Mahallesi, Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:12/1, 34367 Şişli, İstanbul
The House Cafe Ortaköy
Address: Yıldız, Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:1, 34349 Beşiktaş, İstanbul
Nova Şantiye Café
Süleymaniye, Siyavuş Paşa Sk. No:24, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
Gabfoods
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi, Kuruçeşme Cd. no 2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Zuma Istanbul
İstinye, İstinye Mahallesi Bayır Çıkmazı, park No:461, 34460 Sarıyer
Sarnıç Restaurant
Cankurtaran, Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:26, 34122 Fatih, İstanbul
About the author
Edisa Shahini is a Vienna-based content creator who curates the best travel and lifestyle experiences for her followers.
