Exploring Istanbul’s highlights in one day – from Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque and wandering the city’s vibrant streets full of history and culture.
Swim and sauna
My day started just as it should – early, with a morning swim and some sauna time. I needed this! Everyone was having breakfast, so I had the pool just for myself. I even had time to chill a bit by the pool. The hotel was feeling like an oasis in the middle of all the chaos that is Istanbul.
In fact, if you are visiting, I would recommend staying in a hotel like this – good location (I picked the Fatih district), spacious and with decent amenities like gym, pool and SPA. After all, this hotel cost me only £56 for a night. Book the same hotel here.
Beautiful views
I decided that the tram was too full and went to explore Istanbul by foot. I find walking the best way to explore everywhere I go, so I started going into the side streets, around the beautifully decorated mosques and I stumbled upon many hidden treasures. Such as the Sahaflar Bazaar where you can buy hand-crafted notebooks (the dream for a stationery lover like me!).
I ended up in Kapalıçarşı – a massive world-famous market selling all sorts of tea, lokum (Turkish Delight) and spices. I feel like you would need a whole day just to go around. I almost got tempted to buy a traditional Turkish dress that was just so pretty! Shopkeepers were trying to speak with me, get me to try things, telling me about their stock. It’s a very lively and exciting place. If they are not speaking with clients, locals are sitting and having tea.
I then visited what I call the Big Three – starting with the Blue Mosque. It’s monumental building and in the sun, it looks like it’s sparkling. Then I took the scenic walk through a small park to find Hagia Sophia. It’s 1,488 years old and fascinates me how long this temple has been on the planet. Hagia Sophia is also the most famous building in Istanbul. The last one of the Big Three was Topkapı Palace built by Mehmed II after he took over Constantinople. I had to go through airport-style security to even enter the gardens. Unfortunately, the queues for tickets were very long and I was short on time, so I left this for later this year when I plan to return to Istanbul for longer than just 24 hours.
The flower park
I accidentally found Gülhane Park – a stunning green park, full of bright colourful flowers. The path through it led me to what I think is my favourite place in Istanbul – Cankurtaran. Here you can watch the dark-blue sea and enjoy the sounds it makes when it hits the walls. This place offers a view to both the European and the Asian side. You can see the Bosphorus Bridge and the Galata Tower! I highly recommend a visit if you are in Istanbul.
The Asian side
I had a delicious lunch and headed over to Asia. It took me about 5 to 8 minutes to enter a new continent. All you have to do is go to the Metro – go to floor -9 and get on the train. I have never been so deep underground before, but I can confirm – I did have mobile data coverage.
The Asian side feels completely different. It’s quieter, more relaxed, with not so many people on the streets. I saw mostly locals. The buildings seem old and a bit tired, but full of character. I felt like I was in a small seaside resort and I couldn’t tell this was Istanbul if I didn’t know.
On the Asian side I saw a lot of these small vehicles I am tempted to call tuk-tuks, but I might be wrong. There were some cute coffee shops and a busy port.
Soon enough, I was on a 1-hour metro ride to the airport (the easiest, cleanest and most straightforward airport transfer!) I even managed to have a mini nap. I started to feel the 5 days of non-stop walking exploring and not-so-much sleep.
The cheapest airport
I never knew there was a cheap airport. See, as a traveller, I spend a lot of time at airports. I eat there, shop there, chill and wait for my flights. Sabiha Gökçen international airport, however, offers freshly prepared Turkish Food on cheap prices and it has Simit Sarayı (which I have been missing greatly since it exited London’s market). I had stuffed peppers and a bottle of water for just £5. It was great to be able to have a decent meal and not spend more than the price of my plane ticket!
Downsides
I am honest with you and there are things I need to mention about Istanbul. People smoke everywhere and cigarette buds are a common sight. Someone was even smoking on my Pegasus flight to Dalaman!
No one says: “Sorry”, ever! I have been pushed, stepped on, a suitcase was dropped on my leg and I even saw a male using the female toilet (I believe by mistake) and none of these people said: “Sorry”.
Chill now…
I arrived at Dalaman in the evening. My driver took me to the hotel – the ride lasts like 5 minutes. The SPA was still open so I took advantage of the sauna and steam room. The SPA manager and the staff were lovely and helpful.
I am now in bed and there is a noisy machine in operation just outside my window. It’s not “the end of the world” noisy, it’s just the aircon system of the hotel buzzing, but this is enough to stress me sometimes. Not today, though. I specifically requested a “quiet” room, but this buzzing sound doesn’t warrant a lengthy change of rooms. I have already unpacked and set up camp. Good night now!
