12
Jun
2014
0

Istanbul: Mini Guide

A city that gracefully straddles two continents, Istanbul is my favourite city! There is a unique buzz about this place – rocking nightlife, architectural wonders, interesting history, warm & friendly people and delicious food – soul satiating experience for the veggie.

Istanbul: Turkish lamps at Grand Bazar

Istanbul: Turkish lamps at Grand Bazar

While Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Antalya are on the list of must visit places, this trip did not include them. We spent four days in Istanbul, falling love with the city.

Where to stay: Feeling like a Sultan in Sultanahmet…

Sultanahmet is the old part of town and houses the main historical monuments. We typically like to stay within walking distance of all monuments and experience the culture. Another convenient area to stay is close to Istiklal street where night life is rocking and every evening seems like Saturday night..Sultanahmet was our choice.

Istanbul: Exploring the streets of Sultanahmet (Old Town)

Istanbul: Exploring the streets of Sultanahmet (Old Town)

Excellent B&B/Guest house – Home away from home…

We stayed at Marmara Guesthouse in the Old Town area. As we visited the city in off season, we got good a great deal for a spic and span room with breakfast. Off season prices for most guesthouses in the old town area were approximately USD 55 – 75 per night.

Istanbul: Sunrise from the breakfast terrace at Marmara Guesthouse

Istanbul: Sunrise from the breakfast terrace at Marmara Guesthouse

The guest house is run by Elif and her parents – felt like staying with relatives. Without a doubt, Elif’s mom makes the best preserves and conserves in the world. She should start selling them in bulk – I would love to be the supplier to the Indian market! I am sure I will mint money selling the yum yum yum products!

When to visit – February… Cold… but not too cold…

February – Spring was around the corner and the manicured lawns in the city were blooming with flowers of varied colours. The flower merchants were stocked with tulips, which mesmerised me as I had never seen tulips in real life till then. I need to thank Ankur for the buying me one, which I carried around all through the evening. Chivalry and romance are never out of fashion, are they?

Istanbul: First real tulips in my life!

Istanbul: First real tulips in my life!

February is cold in Istanbul – about 10 degrees Celsius. It was not the cold that bothered us: we were coming from the Arctic after braving temperature of -25 degree Celsius. It was the rain that made it a little uncomfortable – cold and wet isn’t my favourite combination. Best months to visit the city would be March to May and September to October – spring and autumn. Peak season is also associated with high accommodation prices and plenty of tourists – we typically like to go to a destination either in the first week of off season (to save some money when we are on a budget trip) or in peak season (when we are not on a shoestring budget). Summer – May to August is hot, when the locals go for their summer break; Winter – November to February is cold, rainy and snowy.

Food – Delicious food for the veggies…

Our favourite restaurant in Sultanahmet was Shadow – perfect example of Turkish hospitality! Plenty of vegetarian starters. And if your appetite allows main course, the chefs typically make a vegetarian version of the famous non-vegetarian dishes.

We had the vegetarian version of the ‘Testi Kebab’ – a dish prepared in a sealed earthen pot. The pot is broken before you prior to serving. Highly recommend trying it as well as an egg plant preparation called ‘Imam Bayildi’.

Istanbul: Baklava

Istanbul: Baklava

And Oh! Anyone who has been to the Middle East will surely support my view that the rich, honey dipped Baklavas are a must have when you are in the region. For those who have a sweet tooth, the Turkish delight with rose petals and pistachios are unique to Turkey – get some packed for folks at home!

Turkish Coffee – A drink for the teetotallers?

The cold winters allowed us to enjoy Turkish coffee – thick and sweet. We particular enjoyed the way it was served at Cafe Ist (a cafe on Istiklal Street) – fuming dry ice, little glass of water and two pieces of Turkish delight.

Istanbul: Turkish Coffee at Cafe Ist on Istiklal Street

Istanbul: Turkish Coffee at Cafe Ist on Istiklal Street

The Arabic tea after every meal helped us down the tasty, sinful delights that we had consumed. Another drink that I would recommend, which is available in winters only, is called ‘Sahlep’ (my recommendation – Ankur did not like it much). It contains powder from the tubers of orchids, cinnamon and a few other herbs and spices. I loved sitting on a bench in the park on a cold winter evening, sipping a glass of hot Sahlep and munching chestnuts – perfect evening!

What to do?

There is plenty to keep you occupied – monuments to see, places to visit and activities to do. Here is a snapshot of what kept us busy for four days. Obviously, I will write more on each of the below in my subsequent posts.

What to see?

Hagia Sophia: A church…converted to a mosque…and now to a museum… stands witness to the history of one of the oldest cities in the world. An outstanding monument for mosiac lovers and history, architecture and art enthusiasts.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace: Let your imagination run and let it unfold a day in a king’s life in front of your eyes. Soak in the sun as it filters through the varied colours of the stained glass window…

Blue Mosque: It’s big and blue. It’s interiors are embellished with shades of blue and gold. Experience the Islamic religion as you stand under the huge dome…

Istanbul: Interiors of the Blue Mosque

Istanbul: Interiors of the Blue Mosque

Dolmabache Palace: Different from the Ottoman architecture that you would have witnessed in the old town, the monument transports you to Europe…

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Bascillica Cistern: Peep into the structure that housed water to let millions survive over the ages…

What to do?

Do Nothing: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Sultanahmet…food and nightlife of Istiklal street…

Turkish Hamam: Get scrubbed until you are squeaky clean in an authentic Turkish Hamam…

Be Entertained: Enjoy a lavish Turkish spread as gorgeous belly dancers perform the exotic dance … witness a whirling dervish ceremony is serenity is what you seek…

Bosphorous Cruise: Traverse the continents and watch the city from a distance and you sail on the Bosphorous…

Istanbul: City - as seen from the Bosphorous

Istanbul: City – as seen from the Bosphorous

Shop till you drop: Strike a bargain with the local merchants at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

While Istanbul is just another city to Ankur, it is my favourite city. I am waiting to fly Turkish Airlines to Europe, which has a longish layover in Istanbul and I can use this as an excuse to revisit this charming city…. And fall in love with it once again!As always…send me an e-mail if you need any further details. Glad to help!

Let the travellers’ tribe grow!

You may also like

Hagia Sophia: Introduction and Tips
Top 5 Places to Revisit
Monday Musings: Moonscapes of Cappadocia
Istanbul : Beyond Monuments

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