Turkey

Angie
January 20, 2024
- Travel, Europe, Asia

I have visited Turkey twice. The first time, I visited Bodrum on an all-inclusive holiday during COVID, and the second time was a last-minute trip to Istanbul. I will only discuss my time in Istanbul.

Istanbul has been one of the places I have wanted to visit for a while. As my husband had not been to Turkey, I wanted to show him why I loved my trip to Turkey before. Istanbul is known for affordable plastic surgery, hair transplants and dental work. Despite saying that it is not a common European city break compared to some other popular destinations. I personally think it is still a bit of a hidden gem.

Turkey
Istanbul

Travel to Istanbul

We flew to Istanbul from Cairo, which was a 2-hour flight. This marked our last, last-minute trip before flying back to England. We chose Nile Air for this journey and were impressed by the generous 30 kg free baggage allowance, excellent onboard service, and complimentary refreshments and meals, despite the short duration of the flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the border control queue was lengthy but efficiently managed, taking approximately 30 minutes. The passport check was smooth, and our passports were stamped without any inquiries about our stay. Overall, the entry process was seamless.

E-Sim in Istanbul

Due to this being a last-minute spontaneous trip, we hadn’t researched local SIM card providers or package costs. Upon discovering the expensive prices of weekly offers, we considered using our UK SIMs with the daily EU roaming fee, which we believed would be more economical. Then, I recalled seeing advertisements for E-Sims online and decided to explore this option. E- Sims turned out to be revolutionary, and I regret not using them sooner. To purchase, you need access to Wi-Fi, which you can access before your travels. We found a very affordable data package for the week, and immediately after the purchase, we received an email which included instructions on how to enable the E-Sim. I recommend starting with a single purchase to ensure it works if you’re travelling with someone, as we did. I will definitely opt for this service on future trips.

Transport in Istanbul

We used an Uber to travel from the airport to our hotel, and surprisingly, it was a yellow taxi. This was the first time I had seen Uber partnering with local taxis. Our driver informed us that the fastest route has tolls and a tunnel, and we agreed to pay the additional fee. Unlike the usual Uber procedure, I wasn’t charged before travelling, but I had received an estimated travel cost. Upon arriving at our accommodation, the driver asked for payment for the tolls and the tunnel. We were surprised, as we expected these charges to be included. He had a contactless card machine, and we paid him directly. However, upon realising that Uber had charged me more than the estimated cost and had included the tunnel charge, I contacted Uber to explain the situation. About a day later, Uber refunded me the amount the driver had asked us to pay him directly. I’m not sure if this is a common occurrence, but it’s essential to be vigilant for additional charges that aren’t processed through Uber during your trips, as it could potentially be a scam.

During our time in Istanbul, we opted to walk to all the attractions, cafes, and restaurants. Istanbul, in my opinion, is a very pedestrian-friendly city. While I did observe public transport options such as buses, the metro and trams, I think many people find them convenient. Istanbul seems to have a well-established and efficient public transportation system compared to many other major cities.

Accommodation in Istanbul

We selected a hotel in Istanbul without paying much attention to the location. Although I had read reviews stating that the hotel is situated in a good area and had overall positive feedback, our decision was primarily based on these factors. Upon our arrival, the reception staff provided us with a map highlighting notable attractions, walking routes, and estimated travel times. They

also shared information about areas with both expensive and affordable restaurants, as well as cautioned us about places where people might attempt to overcharge us in shops. While the room wasn’t very spacious, it was clean and equipped with all the necessary amenities for our short trip. I appreciated having a duvet, especially given the cold temperatures during our stay. I know this might seem like a strange thing to mention for many. Many hotels only provided thin sheets in hot countries and after travelling for a long period of time, something so small can make a significant difference.

The hotel was approximately a 10-minute walk from Hagia Sophia Mosque in the Sultanahmet area. I observed that this part of Istanbul had more expensive restaurants, and in the future, I might consider staying on the other European side of Istanbul, across the bridge in the Galata or Karakoy area.

Restaurants in Istanbul

I have always enjoyed Turkish cuisine, often opting for Turkish restaurants in other countries, particularly for their grilled dishes. With high expectations for Istanbul’s food scene, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent food and service in all the restaurants we visited. This was a welcome change, considering our experiences in some other places this year where customer service left much to be desired. I appreciated the transparency in billing, without surprise extra taxes and fees that can often appear on bills in other countries. There were three particular delights I enjoyed: vendors selling pretzels with soft cheese or chocolate spread. A hot drink called sahlab. Sahlab is made with milk, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and sahlab powder derived from dried orchid tubers. Lastly, fresh pomegranate juice which is my all time favourite. Be aware it will cost a lot more in restaurants and you will have to wander around to find the best prices from street vendors, it can vary depending on the area you are in.

Every restaurant and cafe we dined in lived up to our expectations, serving delicious food that catered to our preferences. The menus offered a variety of options, and I was pleased to find that there were no disappointments. However, I noticed that cafes and restaurants in the Sultanahmet area tended to be pricier than those in the other European part of Istanbul, across the bridge in Galata and Karakoy. For more affordable yet equally or even more delightful options, I would recommend exploring food and drink choices in these two areas.

Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul offers a wealth of free attractions, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers. Some of these attractions include Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, The Sultanahmet Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, museums,

and various viewpoints. The close proximity of many of these attractions allows visitors to leisurely stroll between them, pausing at charming cafes along the way. Istanbul, with its rich history and diverse neighbourhoods, seems to have something interesting to discover around every corner. An often-overlooked aspect that adds to the city’s charm is its population of street animals. Istanbul is home to well-fed and fluffy street cats and dogs, a sight that might not be considered a traditional attraction but is certainly noteworthy. These animals appear to be cared for, with water bowls and dry food left out for them. It’s not uncommon to find friendly cats sitting beside your table, hoping for a share of your dinner, as you dine in the outdoor sections of restaurants.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and The Sultan Ahmed Blue

Mosque

Hagia Sophia Mosque stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions, known for its historic significance and renowned interior. Originally built as a Byzantine church in the 4th century, it underwent conversion to a mosque after the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Despite the transformation, a mural from its Christian origins has been preserved, adding to the mosque’s unique historical tapestry. Hagia Sophia is not only a beautiful mosque but also open to non-Muslim visitors, providing an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to explore its grandeur.

The Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque, another architectural gem, shares a rich history and is open to non-Muslim visitors as well. Inside, visitors can find free literature, including translations of the Quran in various languages and informational leaflets about Islam. Istanbul’s mosques, including these two, present a welcoming environment for people of different faiths to appreciate their beauty and to learn about Islamic culture. The illuminated mosques create a captivating sight, especially at night when their architectural details are highlighted against the city’s hilly landscape, contributing to the unique charm of Istanbul.

Grand Bazaar and Street Bazaars

While exploring Istanbul, we had the chance to visit the Grand Bazaar, an ancient and colossal covered market that boasts the title of one of the world’s oldest and largest. It comprised 61 covered streets with over 4,000 shops. Open from 9 am to 7 pm daily, the Grand Bazaar offers an extensive array of items, from Turkish delights and spices to clothing, accessories, rugs, and even gold. Although prices inside can be a bit elevated, the experience of navigating its vibrant streets is truly something to behold.

Adjacent to the Grand Bazaar, there’s an open-air market with numerous streets leading to the waterfront. Here, you can find shops selling a variety of products, including dates, cheese, meats, olives, teas and more. During our stroll, we stumbled upon the production of black seed oil, witnessing its creation right before our eyes. Opting for this authentic and affordable black seed oil, which I consider a healthy dietary staple, added a special touch to our visit to Istanbul’s markets.

Culture in Istanbul

Exploring Istanbul, I encountered both Muslim and non-Muslim Turkish nationals, living together harmoniously in this vibrant city. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and I observed a sense of unity among the diverse population. The friendly and respectful demeanour of the Turkish people left a positive impression on me, making Istanbul a place where we could envision calling home and settling down with ease.

Things to look out for in Istanbul

While exploring Istanbul, we inadvertently fell victim to one of the oldest scams in the city. Near the Galata Tower, a man dropped his brush, and when my husband returned it, he insisted on polishing his shoes telling us it is free as a token of appreciation. However, after the service, he demanded more money than we initially offered, claiming it wasn’t enough. Later, I discovered that this was a common and oldest scam in the city.

A few days later, we witnessed a similar incident where a man dropped his brush, and a passerby, aware of the scam, refused to interact with the shoe cleaner after giving him back his brush.

We also observed another unsettling situation at the waterfront, where traveller looking women with young children were giving them packs of tissues and encouraging them to approach tourists to sell them. The sight of a toddler, still learning to walk, being used for sales by their “guardians’ ’ was disheartening. Despite saying this I am not aware of these individuals’ life circumstances and what has led them to this kind of act and behaviour.

Mosques and Female prayer areas in Istanbul

The mosques in Istanbul are truly captivating with their unique and grand architecture, unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere, a lot of these mosques are over 500 years old. Some mosques resemble majestic castles, particularly when illuminated at night. What’s especially noteworthy is that many of the prominent mosques are open to tourists, allowing them to explore the stunning interiors and learn about Islam. Each mosque we visited had well-appointed female prayer areas. The interior architecture is equally if not more breathtaking, making it highly recommended for everyone to step inside. Finding a mosque in close proximity was convenient, thanks to the resonating call to prayer (azan) echoing through the streets.

Additionally, during our time in cafes or restaurants, we encountered no issues when requesting a quiet spot for prayer. I always carry a travel-friendly compact prayer mat with me which is always convenient . I think the accommodating atmosphere we encountered is due Islam being the main religion of Turkey, which we particularly appreciate. Weather in Istanbul We explored Istanbul at the end of December, where the weather settled around 15 degrees Celsius and a clear blue sky. The air carried a crisp and fresh feel, not excessively cold. Istanbul, with its majestic allure, offers different vibes and experiences depending on the time of year and season. Each season showcases the city’s charm in its unique way. Istanbul, with its timeless appeal, strikes me as a city worth visiting throughout all the seasons of the year.

Conclusion of Istanbul

Istanbul has become one of my favourite cities to visit. The city’s charm and diverse offerings exceeded my expectations in many ways. Contrary to its reputation for heavy traffic, I found it no worse than other major cities. The people were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and the city proved to be very walk-friendly, with each street offering something unique. Affordability, a pleasant surprise in comparison to other major European cities, adds to its appeal. Istanbul has now entered our considerations for potential relocation and settling down in the future for many reasons.