We didn’t decide to go to Turkey until 5 days before we flew out. Let me tell you, the moment I looked up photos and sights to see I was hooked. The city is extremely picturesque and has an incredible history. Reading up on how the city transformed over the years was so intriguing. I wanted to experience it for myself.

This destination is also one that seems to be a hesitation for people, in terms of safety. I want to note my experience was normal and we never felt unsafe. Always be aware of surroundings when traveling no matter where you are.

I have to mention that this trip was so smooth and the city was so easy to get around. I was so impressed. This is why I recommend you travel here, besides how beautiful it is!!!

Day 1:

Blue Mosuqe.

This was under construction during our time in Istanbul, but we still went in to get a hint of the beautiful interior and exterior. One of the more famous mosques in Istanbul the exterior domes have a blue tint to them, giving it its name “Blue Mosque.” There is no entry fee, but try and arrive early as in high times there may be many people walking around. If you do not have a scarf to cover your head, they have ones for rent.

I recommend getting out to this sight be 8:15/8:30AM so get your day started before the other buildings open.

Topkapi Palace.

Here is a large palace located in Sultanahmet side of Istanbul. The cost to enter the main grounds was 72TL; these tickets can be purchased online or at the palace. If you wish to enter the Harem it is an additional 42TL. There are a limited amount of people allowed to enter the Harem so these tickets can only be bought on site.

I would recommend seeing this site second, after the Blue Mosque. It opens after so you can see both and still be first into the palace!

Originally we wanted to do this on day 1, but it was closed. On the second day when we went it was about 11AM and super packed. This is why I would go here on day 1.

Used in the 15th and 16th century as a main residence, there was 4k-5k people who worked throughout the palace. There are two portions of the Palace, the main grounds the and Harem. This was meant for the Sultan and his family members such as wives and mother.

Hagia Sophia.

This gorgeous building dates back to year 537 AD but was later turned into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It now stands as a museum which you can pay to enter and tour. Cost is 100TL per person. You can buy these online or in person.

The exterior has a beautiful pink hue to it. Seeing the sunset reflect off the building and enhance the color was stunning.

It was not super busy in the morning when we went, but also I think March is a down season. Be sure to walk on both floors. It seemed like most people roamed around he bottom floor and didn’t realize you were able to go up a floor. When you first go inside the building, before you enter in the main room look to your left and there is a stone ramp tucked away that goes up to the top of the building.

The interior was under construction, which didn’t allow us to get a full view. For the most part we could see it but there was 1/4 of the interior all that was covered with scaffolding.

Basilica Cistern.

Underground is a large dim room filled with pillars. This previously served as a water reserve below the city where a basilica once stood, hence the name. Cost for entry was 30TL. For the price I would say don’t skip it because it was so inexpensive and was very interesting to relate it back to the history of the city. It is an incredible structure.

Two items to look for down there are the medusa heads and the teardrop pillar.

At the bottom of two pillars are large medusa heads that are upside-down and sideways. The reasoning is unknown, possible that they were from a previous building and they fit well.

The teardrop pillar called the “crying column” looks as if it is crying due to the shape and wetness of the pillars design. They say the tears are from the slaves who built the underground area.

Spice Market.

This was my favorite market in the city! The ceiling was too beautiful and the shops are so beautiful. Colorful spices and treats line each shop wall. I enjoyed walking through here. We even bought some turkish delight here. I was surprised at how yummy it was. With a nuggety insides and a caramel flavor I definitely wish I had bought home to try!

Grand Bazar.

A large covered market can be found in the old city is another site highlight. Here you will find stalls with food, rugs, lamps, clothing and much more. There is a rush of people in here, its an interesting experience. Walk around, visit the shops and maybe even find a souvenir to bring home.

Süleymaniye Mosque.

From what I read this mosque was considered underrated and I completely agree. Compared to the Blue Mosque it was similar and I felt it was not super busy. Free to enter and walk around, the outsides courtyard was wonderful. Also, not under construction, which is a huge plus.

Not sure why people would choose to not visit this mosque. It is a little ways up from the spice market and bazar so really an extra 15 minute walk or so. Plus if you stop at a rooftop on your way over to it it lessens the walk time.

NOTE: we walked everywhere on the Sultanahmet side of the city.

Rooftops.

You will want to make time for a rooftop because it will give you a beautiful view of the city. Here was our experience and what knowledge I can give to you:

I found a rooftop called Kubbe Istanbul, but as we were searching for it the staircase I thought was supposed to use to get to the top (based on my research and memory) seemed to not be there anymore. I read that if you ask the locals for the “kubbe” they will guide you to it. So there was a man standing around and when we asked him where they were he was like I can show you another one, showed us some pictures of it from their instagram and offered to lead us there. We were a bit sketched out, not gonna lie, but we will see where this place is and if we want to go to this rooftop. We walked safely up the hill and to the rooftop, it was a legit business.

Here is a link to the Kubbe Istanbul rooftop the one we did not go to. In the end they were the same price, 100TL per person, and had similar views. The one we went to had a super close view to the Suleymainye Mosque! Later I found the other places instagram and they have an INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT with real directions to the rooftop so you won’t be lost like me.

Day 2:

Balat.

Said to be a neighborhood full of colorful spots. We made the hike up from the city. Honestly the public transportation from where we were in the city was not convenient so we walked it all along the river. It was about a 40 minute walk from Suleymainye (compared to a 40 minute bus/ walk). There are two different spots in Balat to see: the colorful houses and the rainbow stairs.

The street is Kiremit and the stairs are incir agaci kahvesi.

Though we did this day 1, if you want a more chill route, add this to your day 2 itinerary. The routes from the old city to the neighborhood on public transit are not the best so head here from Galata Tower.

Galata Tower.

We were crazy fast seeing the city because one palace we planned on seeing was closed. Originally we were going to visit this tower on the second day because it was across the river, but it was 2 pm so we figured we had time. From Balat we hopped on a bus and crossed the river. We used our IstanbulKart card to board the bus.

The cost to climb was 45TL each. You take an elevator up and then a spiral staircase to access the top level where you can walk out. The ledge was actually so small, about 2 feet wide, and so busy with people. It was so packed though and people didn’t know how to move around it mindfully.

If you want to follow our original schedule go earlier in the morning to avoid the annoying crowds. Regardless, it was cool to get a 360 degree view of the city. Looking out towards Sulthanamet you can see all the Mosques.

Originally it was built with the purpose of being lighthouseAt one point it was ruined in an earthquake. To this day it stands tall as a stone structure.

Feel free to explore the Karakoy neighborhood if you have time.

Dolmabahce Palace.

On the following day we took the metro from the Sultanahmet side to Dolmabahce Palace. We were the first people on the grounds because we arrived early. There are two parts of the tour, main palace and the Harem. The total cost for both palaces was 90TL. I would recommend seeing both, but if budget is tight you could skip the harem.

This palace was built towards the end of the Ottoman empire as a way to signal they still had wealth. It is huge and extremely lavish with over 300 rooms/ baths. No photos/videos are allowed inside, which I was so bummed about.

Google image search the main stair case… it. is. incredible. The spindles on the staircase were some sort of crystal or glass and it looked so beautiful. The doorknobs were also delicate ceramic details that I very much appreciated.

We also got to see some spotted turkeys here, they were so cute.

We went to Topkapi Palace this day as noted in an above section because it was closed day 1, but I would recommend starting day 2 with this. On day two I would see Galat Tower and Karaokoy neighborhood with the rainbow umbrellas. Then if you did not do Balat day 1 head over to that neighborhood (see Balat section for note on public transportation.)

Where we stayed.

There are two neighborhoods you can stay in Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. We opted for the Sultanahmet because we found a really great deal on a hotel. Originally we booked it for one night with the plans to stay on the Beyoglu side the following day. When we checked in we got upgraded to an executive suite. The view and location was incredible so we booked it a second night on the spot.

Since our itinerary changed up due to one spot being closed day 1 and how quickly we went through the sights on day 1 it worked that we were on that side again. This side is also the last and first stop on the Havaist bus route so it makes it so much easier. Though the Taksim neighborhood had great deals on hotels I am glad we stayed where we did. In my opinion this is the neighborhood you should stay in.

Route.

For those of you with flight benefits, we purchased a ZED standby ticket on Turkish Airlines from ORD-IST for $116. The airport we flew into is the new airport and was really pretty inside!

ORD- IST

IST-ZRH-PHL-ORD

I got a seat in the bulkhead with extra leg room. The seat had some good recline on it so it was a pretty comfy ride. The food was decent as well! They give out amenity kits to everyone in coach. I thought they were so cool and they had fun items inside like socks, eyemask, lipgloss, toothbrush and a pen.

VISA.

Once we got to the airport we had to clear customs. To enter Turkey we were required to purchase a Visa for $50. This can be done online. Once completing the process all you must do is print it off and carry it with you.

HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART!

The airport IST is about an hour by car from the old city (Sulthanahmet).

BUS

For the most cost effective and convenient purchase a ticket on a Havaist bus. This ride was a steal!!! It was 18 Turkish Lira and you ride in a comfortable coach bus with AC.

There is no additional cost to bring luggage, which they store below.

When exiting the airport head to the bus/transportation level and the buses are there right as you walk outside. You can pay for this with either credit card or IstanbulKart (metro card- see below).

TAXI

A taxi will cost you around 200TL; big difference in price. This bus also makes a stop in Taksim as well for those of you staying on the Beyoglu side.

ISTANBULKART

In the city, they have buses and trains. You can purchase a metro pass called IstanbulKart for 6TL and add money as you go.

We bought ours at the airport just to make sure we had it on hand. One card can be used for multiple people. Rides seemed to be around 20-30 TL each. We love to walk so we only rode the bus and the train once.

There is also an app called Bitaksi, sort of like Uber or Lyft. We never used it, but it can be handy if you like rideshares. Please note leaving the airport via this app is not allowed.