6 Days in Istanbul

Yassou! This travel diary is about a recent trip of members form our team to Istanbul that took place in September, 2024. Stick with us to get some ideas about your own getaway to a buzzing, fast paced, romantic city.

Getting to and around Istanbul

We booked our flights directly from Athens 4 months prior with Aegean Airlines. Both flights were a breeze since our destination was just about 50 minutes away.

We found the New Istanbul Airport to be not only comfortable but also very easy to navigate given that it hosts a multitude of international flights. The luxurious stores, massive food courts, the comfortable waiting booths and modern architecture are just some things that make your traveling experience much less exhausting. Most importantly, passport and security control is fast and efficient.

The transportation system of the city is huge, fast, efficient and clean. You will find it easy to navigate once you spend a day there.

From the airport to our accommodation in Kumkapi we used the special metro line that took about less than an hour altogether. For short distances and sightseeing, we mainly used the tram lines combined with walking. Keep in mind that there are some steep streets- the city was built on seven hills after all! The metro lines can be used for longer distances as well as a quick way to skip walking over the two bridges again and again. For even faster travel, you can use trains. It is generally advised by locals to avoid taxis if you can as they usually charge well above normal prices to tourists.

If you want to cross to the Asian side you can take one of the ferries that come and go every 10 minutes. This is also a great and cheap way to get a small taste of Bosporus. All of the above means of transport can be purchased through the classic Istanbul card (not the tourist plan) that you can tip and recharge in all stations. You can use one for two people, just make sure you tip it twice.

Sights and areas that are worth it

Let’s face it, things are a bit tough regarding visiting monuments and sites. Most of the famous places that you would like to visit such as Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce and Hagia Sofia have an entrance fee of 20 – 50 euros per person with only a few exceptions. Specifically for Hagia Sofia, you will have to keep yourself updated about policies regarding tourists as they have changed 3 times in the past 2 years. Keep in mind to dress accordingly when visiting mosques.

The Blue Mosque’s interior after the afternoon call for prayer

Some of the most awe inspiring moments of our trip were made in Topkapi, telling tales of past Ottoman greatness and culture, the Blue Mosque that offered beautiful hues of light peering through tinted glass and the Basilica Cistern, passing through huge columns with the still surface of water under our feet working as a mirror. Some of our favorite areas that we had a chance to explore are:

Kadıköy on the Asian side: For everyone telling you that the Asian side of Istanbul is nothing like the European… we had to see it for ourselves to believe it. This is the less tourist-y, hip place that the youth loves. And so did we. Student cafes, old bookstores, streets with endless art on the walls and trees stretching out to picturesque balconies. There are countless shops packed with dirty cheap clothes, accessories, trinkets and perfume, bakeries and restaurants closer to the seaside.

What stole our heart was a park with a view to the Bosporus. Groups of young people gathered around us with snacks and drinks to watch the sun diving into the sea. At night, Kadıköy comes to life with fancy restaurants packed with equally fancy dressed people.

A spectacular sunset we captured while chilling out at the Moda Sahil park in Kadikoy

Fener and Balat: On the European side, these quiet, colorful neighborhoods have existed for centuries, hosting a multitude of different ethnic groups such as Jews, Greeks and Armenians. The steep hills of Fener lead to highlights of the Byzantine era and the Greek Orthodox church such as Tekfur Sarayi and of course the Ecumenical Partriarchate.

A myriad of historic churches and mosques are scattered around beautiful neighborhoods for you to discover. Bold colors, architecture and the view of the sea, taverns and local shops will have you endlessly soaking in the landscapes unfolding in front of you.

Eat and shop in Istanbul

Full course meals and snacks won’t stress you out financially. We had the best wet burgers, donner, a bunch of meatballs, Menemen, tasty salads and sauces all around the city. Simit, a sesame bagel with different toppings that you can find in all red carts on the street makes a perfect breakfast or snack after much walking. It costs less than a Euro.

You will be treated Turkish tea. Everywhere. You. Go.

For your sweet tooth, try out authentic Baklava, St. Stephan cheesecake and Kaymak, a hard kind of delicious ice cream made out of buffalo milk.

The Grand Bazaar sure is a good option for a short walk if you are looking for rugs, leather and jewelry. Consider taking it up a notch and give the Egyptian Bazaar a chance. You will try out spices you’ve never tasted before. All the streets around the Egyptian Bazaar sell clothes, perfume and handbags. Haggling is obligatory in all of your purchases!

City of cute

Cats are everywhere. In the stores’ windows, sitting on chairs, on windowsills. We visited the cat museum in Galata and made a donation to protecting strays by buying some super cute merch. We figured that all citizens carry cat food with them as a daily habit.

Lastly, for book lovers, we recommend the Museum of Innocence, a space that was created to actualize a vintage love story by the renounced writer Orhan Pamuk.

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