Istanbul is one of those cities that completely pulls you in. It’s a place where ancient history, vibrant culture, and incredible food all blend together into something truly special. We spent our time here seeing all the major sights, wandering through its bustling streets, and eating every type of Turkish cuisine we could find—and it did not disappoint.
There’s so much to see in Istanbul that it feels impossible to do it all in one trip, but we certainly tried! We started at the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Seeing its massive dome and intricate mosaics in person was absolutely breathtaking. Right across from it, the Blue Mosque was equally stunning, with its striking blue-tiled interior and towering minarets. The Topkapi Palace gave us a glimpse into the lavish lives of the Ottoman sultans, complete with golden treasures and beautiful courtyards. The Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir with dim lighting and towering columns, felt like something straight out of a movie. We also made our way to Dolmabahçe Palace, which was even more extravagant than we expected, with its crystal chandeliers and European-style architecture.
For a change of pace, we took a ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city, enjoying the view of Istanbul’s skyline from the water. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar were both sensory overloads in the best way—colorful stalls filled with spices, Turkish delight, lamps, jewelry, and carpets. Even if we weren’t buying much, just walking through the chaos was an experience in itself.
Street food in Istanbul is next-level. We grabbed simit, a sesame-crusted bread similar to a bagel, from street vendors as we walked around. We also couldn’t resist balık ekmek, a grilled fish sandwich served fresh from the boats at Eminönü. One of our favorite snacks was midye dolma, mussels stuffed with spiced rice and a squeeze of lemon—so simple but so good.
For dinner, we went all out. We had iskender kebab, thinly sliced lamb or beef over pita bread, drenched in a rich tomato sauce and served with yogurt. We also tried testi kebab, which is slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a sealed clay pot that gets cracked open at your table. And, of course, we had to try manti, Turkish dumplings covered in yogurt and spices.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we indulged in baklava and kunefe, a warm, crispy dessert filled with gooey cheese and soaked in syrup. We also had Turkish delight, which comes in every flavor imaginable. And we drank more Turkish coffee than we could count—thick, strong, and always served with a glass of water.
Istanbul is a city that never stops surprising you. Every street has something new to discover, whether it’s an ancient ruin, a hidden café, or a local shop selling handmade goods. The mix of history, culture, and food here is unlike anywhere else we’ve been.
We loved every second of our time in Istanbul and would come back in a heartbeat. If you ever get the chance to visit, go hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to fall in love with this incredible city!