It’s fitting that Istanbul is split into two sides on two continents: Europe and Asia. Throughout history, Istanbul has always straddled multiple cultures, religions, and values, and it’s this history that makes Istanbul particularly fascinating to me! The European side contains Istanbul’s most famous sites, while the Asian side is calmer and quieter, but with its own unique feel.
I spent a few blissful days with my family in Istanbul before flying back to Iraq in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the city. This travel guide is a long time coming, so enjoy 🙂
Must-see landmarks
the hagia sophia
The Hagia Sophia has been a church for 1000 years and a mosque for another 500! Built in 537 CE, it’s been a center of religious life for thousands of years and contains both early Christian mosaics and beautiful Islamic architectural elements. It perfectly reflects the blending of Western, Middle Eastern, Christian, and Muslim that is built into the fabric of the entire city.
For most of the last century, the Hagia Sophia has functioned as a museum. However, since I visited in 2019, it was re-designated solely as a functioning mosque, but it is still open to visitors outside of prayer times!
Tourist tip: Unlike how you read it, Hagia is actually pronounced “Aya.” 🙂
the blue mosque (or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Located right across a scenic courtyard from the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a stunning piece of Ottoman-style architecture. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and is nicknamed “the Blue Mosque” for its incredibly intricate blue tile designs.
Like most mosques, all visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the building and female visitors should have their hair covered out of respect for the sacred space.
Süleymaniye Mosque
This mosque is another stunning piece of architecture—like most of Istanbul! It was built by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550 CE and until 2019, it was the largest mosque in the city. It overlooks the Grand and Spice Bazaars and has beautiful grounds and view of the city.
topkapi palace
Now a museum, Topkapi Palace was once the main residence of Ottoman sultans, their wives, and their court. It consists of hundreds of elaborately decorated rooms and the palace and grounds are at one of the highest points of the city, so the view is ✨amazing.✨
I cannot get over the tile designs throughout the palace! Especially in the Harem Apartments, where all of the sultan’s wives and children lived, the design of each room, courtyard, and corridor is stunning.
the grand bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is like a labyrinth of name-brand bags, clothes, rugs, tea sets, porcelain, art, soaps, and more. It has 61 covered streets and over 4000 shops—so you can easily get lost in the maze of beautiful wares. It’s a must visit!
Tourist tip: If you’ve never been to a bazaar like this, don’t be surprised if the sellers follow you around their shop to make the sale when you show interest in what they have. And if you find something you like, it’s very normal to haggle!
the spice bazaar
Curries, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, raisins, nuts, and Turkish delight. And so. much. more. The Spice Bazaar is a truly incredible experience. I love covered markets like this and the aroma of all the spices is heavenly.
Sahaflar Carsisi Old Book Market
Tucked away in the Grand Bazaar, the Old Book Market has new and used books, religious manuscripts, textbooks, maps, and rare books. I didn’t find much in English, but it’s still very worth a visit if you’re a book lover! You won’t find a square inch that doesn’t have some sort of paper or stationery on it!
arasta bazaar
The Arasta Bazaar is a long paved street lined with tons of shops. It’s definitely a tourist spot, but is much less busy than the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar! You can find great kilim rugs, pillow covers, and other textiles, tea, coffee, art, and so many other lovely things!
any street that looks interesting
Istanbul is filled with beautiful streets, colorful buildings, and thousands of cats. I think we saw 40 in just one day! 😂
I highly recommend strolling down any street that looks interesting to you and getting lost in the city!
Restaurants
Mom’s corner
I know we went to other restaurants on this trip, but this one sticks out in my mind the most! It’s just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The menu is filled with traditional Turkish foods (including this stew served in a clay pot that you smash before eating!) and you can lounge on kilim cushions on the floor while you eat!
I hope you can see that I love Istanbul. It holds a special place in my heart—partially because it’s where I was reunited with my parents and sister after many months—and because it really is such a unique place with so much history!
