Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has got it all.

With culture at every corner- from bazaars selling 1000 year old spices, to embracing nude bathing houses, five days isn’t enough time in Turkey’s major city. The city’s long cultural history lies in around the Bosphorus strait, which attracted armies for centuries- from the Greeks, to the Romans, to the Venetians. At last, the Ottomans stormed into town and decided to stay and gave Istanbul it’s decorated imperial mosques, its art galleries, and museums. Thank you Ottomans.

Old Meets New

The best place for an afternoon drink after dodging thousands of tourists at the Hagia Sofia is the A’YA rooftop lounge. It’s easily accessible being a couple minute walk from the mosques, located at the iconic Four Season Hotel. The landscape of Istanbul is so beautiful, there are two Four Seasons. This one is the Hotel at Sultanahmet. Grab a sangria, watch the sunset, gaze out to the Old Town.

Name: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Address: Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1 34122 Sultanahmet-Eminönü, Istanbul


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Bathe Like an Ottoman Sultan

The Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı is a a 16th century Turkish bath house commissioned by Roxelana,  the consort of the Ottoman Emperor Sultan Suleiman I. It’s iconic location, right next to the Aya Sofya makes it easily accessible and hard to miss. You step inside and you can smell the patchouli, cedar that fills the rooms. The design inside is remarkable- from the high ceiling embellished with white marble to the heated center pedestals that you get bathed on. Go for the package 2 which is exfoliation, washing your body, scalp massage, massage, and a bubble party.

Name: Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

Address: Cankurtaran Mh., Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Beauty of Instanbul

Eating along the Bosphorus is a must. Here, you’ll get a front row view the Bosphorus bridge is in the forefront, the stunning Ortakoy mosque is in the background, the water is clear as day with ferry boats swishing in the water. Feriye Palace not only has impeccable views, but the food is also quite tasty. The best dish on the menu is the lamb chops which were naturally seasoned to perfection. How’s that for a romantic lunch on the strait?

Name: Feriye Palace

Address: Ciragan Cad. No:40 Ortakoy, Besiktas  Ortakoy, BesiktasIstanbul 34347, Turkey

Trinkets of Trade

There’s nothing that screams Istanbul more than The Grand Bazaar. Inside you’ll find a plethora of goods such as jewels, gold bracelets, furniture, carpets, leather goods, clothing, and bags. There’s over 4000 shops set up on 61 covered streets. Every since the 15th century Ottoman Empire, its been bustling with activity. ProTip: Go right at 9AM to escape the majority of the crowd. It’s opened daily, except Sundays until 7:00PM.

Name: The Grand Bazaar

Address: Beyazıt Mh., 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

A Turkish Staple

Turkish love their deserts! Located at Takism square, Hafiz Mustafa is a local and foreigner favorite with enough crowds to prove its merit. They have many deserts including backlava, kunafa, pudding, creams, and cakes. A delightful pairing is the rose Turkish delight and Turkish tea. You’re welcome in advance!

Name: Hafiz Mustafa

Address: Hocapasa Mahallesi, Muradiye Cad. No:51, 34080 Sirkeci – Fatih/Fatih/Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Other Notables:

  1. Aya Sofya
  2. Topkapi Palace
  3. Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus Strait
  4. Süleymaniye Mosque
  5. Blue Mosque

Next Stop? Israel