I wanted to visit Turkey ever since I saw it Bollywood movies like Ek Tha Tiger, Dil Dhadkne Do, Baby and Guru’s Iconic Song Mayya Mayya. Being a fan of the Turkish drama series Fareah, I was always amazed by the beauty of each state of Turkey. I got to explore 2 places in Turkey, Gaziantep, and Istanbul. Beautiful is an understatement for what I witnessed.
I was in Turkey with Turkey Tourism Board, it was a sponsored by them but I promise I will be as honest as I can, and let you know exactly what all I did and enjoyed the most in my trip and things you just can’t miss, when in Istanbul.
Before we start, here are a few things you should keep in mind. I was staying at Hotel Divan, in Taksim square which is a 5star and is for about Rs6,000 per night with breakfast. The current currency exchange rate is 1lira = Rs12. Uber is the best way to communicate from one place to other, Vodafone network works fine there of you have roaming.
Here is a list of places, you just can’t miss out in Istanbul-
- Private Yacht Breakfast at Bosphorus
The sea breeze, the warm Turkish tea, the lavish cheese platter and a delish Turkish egg omelet full of cheese and veggies is enough to make your tummy and soul happy, with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. You can also skip the breakfast, and take a tour at the Bosphorus for much cheaper.
If you want to rent a Yacht with your friends and have breakfast served, it will cost you around Rs25,000. Timing- 9am to 11am.
2. Grand Bazaar
As the name describes, the grandest bazaar in the world, Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered market in the world. You can get, Turkish lamps, Turkish Teas, Spices, and beautiful hand-stitched and embroidered bags and shoes. Pro Tip, we Indians love bargaining and this is a place to show off all you’ve learned so far, it’s not a fixed market shop so don’t shy away from bargaining especially if you’re buying in bulk.
Timing- 10am to 8pm
3. Pera Street Market
This place is crowded and will give you all the feels of European streets, with beautiful architecture on both sides of the roads as you walk, this street is a foodies heaven, you get everything here, fluffy cheesecakes and baklava from the prettiest bakeries, to juicy and filling shawarma for 10 Turkish Liras, they also have your shopping fix, if you wanna shop the European collection of Zara or Sephora. Brands like Bershka, Pull&Bear, Topshop and other brands which are not available in India are also on this buzzing and happening street. Visit it in the evening, it’s beautiful. Most of the stores are open till 8pm.
4. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful architecture I have seen, it was earlier a greek church and later converted to an Ottoman Imperial Mosque and is now a museum open for all. As you walk in, you can see portraits of Jesus Crist, as well as carvings in Arabic. A perfect example of communal harmony as it is. It is huge, and most of the part is free to visit. It can take up to 2 to 3 hours to properly see each thing.
Timing- 8am to 5pm, Entry- Free
5. Breakfast at Emirgan Sutis
6. Istanbul Bar Hopping
If you love drinking, you are in the right place. Insite of having Muslims as a majority, you won’t go home all dry. Taksim square becomes one of the craziest places at night, where the ques are so huge outside the bars, that they start serving as you’re standing on the footpaths waiting for your turn to enter. The crowd and vibes are really chill, and after a long day of touring around, you deserve a drink.
Zingy Zest 