City Break in Istanbul

An itinerary through history, culture and flavors in the city that lives between two continents
 

Istanbul is a city that leaves its mark. A crossroads between East and West, between Europe and Asia, this metropolis suspended over the Bosphorus Strait has enchanted for millennia with its cultural heritage, its lively soul and a cuisine that tells the story of the world. An ideal destination for a city break, Istanbul is the perfect combination of history and modernity, where even in a few days you can experience an unforgettable journey through iconic monuments, creative neighborhoods and timeless traditions.

Between sultans, spices and Byzantine wonders
 

The ideal start to a stay in Istanbul is undoubtedly the Historic Peninsula, the ancient heart of the city, where time seems to have stopped. Here stands the majestic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, with its dome suspended between heaven and earth and its interiors laden with centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman art. A few steps away, the Blue Mosque amazes with its elegance, the six slender minarets and over 20,000 turquoise ceramic tiles that give it its name.

Don't miss the Hagia Sophia Museum of History and Experience, which offers a multi-sensory immersion in the building's thousand-year history. Not far away, there is the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, where rooms covered with İznik tiles house treasures, jewels, ceremonial weapons and relics of the East. For a break in the shade of the trees, Park Gülhane (formerly the palace garden) offers a quiet interlude between the scent of roses and a view of the sea.

We continue among the colors and scents of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most fascinating covered markets in the world: a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops where you can discover carpets, ceramics, gold jewelry and spices. Not far away, the Spice Bazaar, built in the seventeenth century, is a riot of oriental aromas, Turkish sweets, dried fruit and medicinal herbs. A true invitation to the senses.

From the Bosphorus to creative modernity
 

Another day can be dedicated to the discovery of the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. A ferry tour offers spectacular views of the two shores of the city: Ottoman villas, mosques overlooking the water, suspension bridges and seagulls' nests. Sailing at sunset is a poetic experience, to be done at least once in a lifetime. Right on the banks of the Bosphorus stands the Dolmabahçe Palace, a nineteenth-century imperial residence that surprises with its elegance in neo-Baroque style.

Once ashore, we continue to the Karaköy district, one of the most creative centers of the city. Trendy cafes, art galleries and independent boutiques line the narrow streets that lead to Galataport İstanbul, Istanbul's new waterfront, where art, shopping and gastronomy merge with sea views. Right here is the İstanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, housed in an iconic building designed by Renzo Piano.

With the picturesque Tünel, the historic underground funicular from 1875, you can reach the famous İstiklal Caddesi, the most famous pedestrian promenade in the city. A vibrant boulevard, dotted with bookstores, theaters, churches, art galleries and the Red Tram, a true nostalgic symbol of the city. Climbing the Galata Tower, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of old Istanbul, before ending the walk in Taksim Square, the nerve center of the modern city and home to the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), with one of the most spectacular opera halls in the country hosting shows and concerts.

Princes' Islands, for a day trip from Istanbul
 

Another day can be reserved for exploring the beautiful Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, for an escape from the urban rhythm. Also known as Kızıl Adalar (Red Islands), they are one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Istanbul, especially during the summer months. The archipelago consists of nine islands, four of which are larger (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada) connected by ferries from both the European and Asian shores of the city. No vehicles circulate on the islands but only electric minibuses and you can get around on foot or by bicycle. 

Walking through the tree-lined avenues of Büyükada, the largest of the islands, you can admire beautiful Ottoman villas and Victorian-style cottages in pastel tones, while churches, monasteries and palaces tell stories of bygone eras. The four main islands offer sandy beaches, rocky coves, overwater bathing platforms and beach clubs. Sedef Adası, smaller and more exclusive, is accessible by small boats departing from Büyükada. 

The flavors of Istanbul
 

Between visits, Istanbul also seduces at the table. It starts with the traditional Turkish breakfast, a small daily ritual: regional cheeses (tulum, kaşar, çökelek or mihaliç), olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, honey, kaymak (clotted cream), homemade jams and the inevitable simit, ring-shaped bread sprinkled with sesame, accompanied by hot tea served in tulip glasses.

For lunch, a must for those who love authentic cuisine are the meatballs of Sultanahmet, served with warm bread and salad. For a quick snack, the streets of Istanbul offer a world of flavors: roasted chestnuts, grilled corn, spicy kokoreç and fragrant stuffed mussels.

Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 

In the evening, it is the perfect time for dinner in a meyhane, the classic Turkish tavern where you can enjoy a selection of meze, fresh fish and a glass of rakı, in a convivial and musical atmosphere. An authentic and profound way to get in touch with the warmest and most hospitable soul of the city.

Texts by Lisa Maria River, Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock - Depositphotos

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Where to stay in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia and museum

Skip-the-line entrance ticket to visit Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque with its dome, minarets, and mosaics. Duration: 2 hours. Possibility to add a visit to the museum. Multilingual audio guide and free internet access for an AR (Augmented Reality) technology experience. Information and reservations: Hagia Sophia priority entrance ticket.

Bosphorus cruise with dinner and Turkish show

Evening cruise on the Bosphorus with dinner and unlimited drinks to discover Istanbul between two continents and with beautiful panoramic views of Dolmabahce Palace, Cirağan Palace and Ortakoy Mosque. Dinner with vegetarian options. Turkish shows and live DJs. Duration 3 hours. Free cancellation. Info and reservations: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner and Turkish Show.
 

Princes' Islands cruise (Heybeliada & Büyükada)

Boat excursion to the Princes Islands on the Sea of Marmara, with guide. Duration of 8 hours departing from Istanbul. Visit Heybeliada Island, the second largest of the islands and the greenest, with free time at leisure. Visit Büyükada Island with lunch, island exploration, and dips in the sea during the summer months. On the way back to Istanbul, free time for shopping. Hotel pickup and drop-off. Info and reservations with free cancellation: Princes' Islands Cruise.