Go Beyond Touristy Istanbul
A Remarkable City that can Cripple you with Crowds
Istanbul is Europe’s largest city - and it often feels like it. Given its historical importance - as the capital of the Byzantium then the Ottoman Empires and as an important stop on the Silk Road - it’s no wonder the city captivates imaginations around the world with its wealth of history, architecture and culture. Home to 15 million people, hosting almost 20 million tourists a year and spanning two continents, the city can feel so vast as to be endless. And especially in the touristy sections, it gets so crowded that it can overstimulate you in seconds.
But even if you’re averse to crowds and loud spaces (like me) - you can still have a great time in Istanbul. The main sights will feel overwhelming - and well worth it. You can then decompress and spend the rest of the time exploring the city more like a local, enjoying the sleepier and (in my mind) cooler sections of the city.
Because Istanbul is so large, I recommend being extremely picky about what you choose to see. Below are the three things I think are must-dos - and then a lengthy list of other options to pick from.
Admire the Mosques
If you only have time for one thing in Istanbul - you should go to the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, which are in the same square. Both are enormous and absolutely breathtaking - unique, spectacular pieces of architecture.
But don’t sleep on the other mosques throughout the city - which are less busy and often nearly as awe-inspiring. Some of the other most commonly visited are the Süleymaniye Mosque, Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Ortaköy Mosque, Mosque of Sulaymaniyah the Magnificent, and Rustem Pasha Mosque. Pin them on your map and then pop in if you’re in the neighborhood.
Shop at the Bazaars
Then, if you only have time for one other thing, I think it should be shopping at the Old Ottoman Bazaars - the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. The largest Ottoman markets from the old empire, both are enormous and fascinating - though also a bit kitschy now as they cater heavily to tourists. Particularly if you like to cook, you’ll fall a bit in love with the spice market.
Escape to the Anatolian (Asian) Side
The main tourist attractions of Istanbul are close together on the European side of the city. If you have the time, I strongly recommend taking a ferry to the Anatolian (Asian) side of the city. I chose one of its main districts - Kadikoy - for its dense concentration of vegan restaurants.
I recommend this for several reasons. First, it’s your only chance to cross continents within a city - so it’s a novel experience. Second, the ferry itself is enjoyable as you get beautiful views of both sides of the city. Last, the Anatolian side is less touristy, so you’ll get a more local and less cramped experience. While it wasn’t as beautiful and commercial (in the Western sense) as the European side, I found Kadikoy more hip and entertaining - and was my favorite place to explore.
The Many Many Other Things to Do
Istanbul has far too many things to do for a single visit - and if you try to do them all at once, I think you will just overwhelm yourself and end up not savoring the sights you get to. Depending on how long you’re staying, here are some of the other common things to do:
Go to a Palace: Istanbul has several palaces that were the headquarters of the Ottoman Empire. For 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the administrative center and the home to the Sultans - and is the one richest in traditional Ottoman culture. For something more extravagant and traditionally European, you can go to Dolmabahce Palace - which was built during the decline of the Ottoman Empire as a sign of European wealth. Or, you can check out smaller scale opulence at Beylerbeyi Palace - a summer house for the sultans.
Get a Turkish Bath: I think a must-have experience in the old Ottoman Empire is a Turkish Bath - in which you will have your dead skin completely scrubbed off. Getting a full treatment in Istanbul was one of the most relaxing things I’ve done on my trip - and left me calm and delighted for days. The only reason I didn’t put it as a must-do is because it’s not Istanbul-specific - so you’ll have plenty of chances in this area of the world.
Head to a Museum: Istanbul has a ton of museums you can explore. Some of the most commonly visited by tourists are the Archaeological Museum, the Turkish Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Tour a Cistern: Istanbul has many cisterns below the city - with one near the Hagia Sofia that is famous among tourists for its two large Medusa head carvings - Basilica Cistern.
Walk Through the Commercial District: If you want to experience the most urban European section of Istanbul, walk down its main pedestrianized commercial street - Istiklal Street - and then explore the Taksim district as well. They’re both constantly bustling - and Istiklal offers the most name-brand shopping of anywhere in the city.
Party: Istanbul is renowned for its party scene - and one of the best neighborhoods to partake is Ortakoy (which is also a good neighborhood to explore during the day).
Catch a Panoramic View of the City: You can climb Galatea Tower to get a famous view of the city.
Be picky about how you spend your time so that you can savor whatever you choose to experience. There are worst things in the world than leaving something you find exciting for your second trip to Istanbul.
