Istanbul is such a colourful, vibrant & friendly city, we hope the photos provide a glimpse of our experience. We spent 10 days here split between old and modern city as the locals call it. The Sultanahmet (old city) is where most of us are familiar with. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar/Spice Bazaar all are home in the Sultanahmet part. Modern city is surrounded by financial district,residential, name brand stores, and hip restaurants for locals and tourists. Crossing to each side can be done via walking or tram across the Galata bridge. Staying in both areas allowed us to see the tourist sites and then feel the local vibes in the modern side.
We also took a day trip to the Asian side of Istanbul called Kadikoy. It’s a short 30mins boat ride across. Kadikoy is mainly residential and local merchants.
Here are the first part of photos – Istanbul old city, Sultanahmet
Photo taken on rooftop bar at sunset. Recommended by a friendly local to use the restaurant rooftop for the view, no need to buy food. Just a $2 Turkish tea.
Sunset at Blue Mosque.
Sunrise at Blue Mosque before the crowds
Blue Mosque early morning
Hagia Sophia from restaurant rooftop.
Inside of Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar – Turkish Delights
Spice Bazaar – They love their handmade soaps
Spice Bazaar – More Turkish desserts
Turkish delights and Walnut w/dried figs from famous Hafiz Mustafa dessert shop
Basilica Cistern – is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul
Deep fried donut dipped in honey/syrup after – a bit too sweet
Turkish teacups from Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar – Turkish mosaic lanterns
Beautiful colours of Grand Bazaar
Sugar serveware for their tea
The halls of the famous Grand Bazaar
Typical Kebab dish and the fixings
Grilled Seabream – common grill fish