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My cozy Istanbul Turkey travel guide: Best things to do, eat, stay & pack
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items Istanbul is that dreamy blend where East meets West. If you’re planning a trip, here’s my list of absolute Istanbul must-dos: the sights worth your time, the food that will make you fall in love, cozy stays near the action, and smart things to pack s...
Sections
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Things to do in Istanbul
Where to eat in Istanbul
Places to stay in Istanbul
Things to pack
Things to do in Istanbul
the one place that truly hits “Byzantine to Ottoman” in one glance.
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Dolmabahçe Palace Day Tour Istanbul
You can experience the Ottoman court life + treasury; go early for calmer courtyards. Ideal for insta photos as well.
Topkapi Palace Tickets [2025] - Promos, Prices, Reviews & Opening Hours
Breakfast and evening cruise options are available but i would recommend day time as it looks more scenary.
Bosphorus Boat Tour Istanbul
Come for the brass, lamps, and textiles; stay for the tea and conversation. The building itself is striking, and the shops—bright, tidy, and beautifully arranged—make for a stunning scene. The vendors can be a little forward at times, but they’re usu...
Grand Bazaar
honestly, it was worth it. You skip the long ticket line, the guide gives you a quick 15–20 minute rundown about the history and the Medusa heads, and then you’re free to wander around on your own. The place itself is super atmospheric dim lights, ro...
Basilica Cistern with Orientation Tour
Where to eat in Istanbul
Super delicious mediterranean restaurant with a perfect atmosphere and style, highly recommended to dine like a local
Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant (Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul)
Neolokal is often regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Turkey, so I went in with high expectations. Personally, I’m most drawn to places that are either deeply traditional and authentic, or boldly innovative. Neolokal seemed to aim for innova...
Neolokal (Galata, Istanbul) - Restaurant
Mikla, one of Istanbul’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants and known for its Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. I booked through FHR three days in advance. The food was extraordinary and reasonably priced for the experience. What impressed me most was the view at night: the whole city stretched out below, with the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara melting together in the distance.
Mikla (Pera, Istanbul) - Restaurant
The location is exceptional. It sits right at the edge where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn, in Karaköy. From many of its rooms, and from places like the rooftop restaurant, you get sweeping views of Istanbul’s iconic skylines: Hagia Sophia, Top...
The Peninsula Istanbul
Places to stay in Istanbul
boutique, hammam vibes, minutes to Gülhane/Topkapı.
Sirkeci Mansion, Istanbul
roof terrace over the Sea of Marmara; great value and location.
Hotel Amira Istanbul
social, clean, right by the action.
Cheers Hostel, Istanbul
The hotel is set right on the water in a restored Ottoman palace, and the view over the Bosphorus especially at night is unforgettable. The rooms are very comfortable, with high ceilings and large bathrooms, and everything was spotless and well maint...
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Things to pack
needed for mosque entries; doubles as a sun cover.
Travel Scarf
Essentials keep your phone/camera happy.
Eu Plug Adapter
Very tidy hand/skin/oral care mid-flight and on arrival
Departure