One Day in Istanbul
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One twenty-four hours in Istanbul is not enough. Its such a huge, eclectic, city with such an immense history that it is impossible to see everything it has to offer in but one day. Unfortunately 1 twenty-four hour period is all nosotros had, but we made the all-time of information technology.
Istanbul wasn't initially on our itinerary. Withal, the cheapest flying to Europe was through Istanbul on Turkish airlines, and beingness a savvy traveler who had e'er wanted to visit Istanbul, I decided to see how much extra coin information technology would cost to extend the layover for a day and a one-half. It was only $8! I would highly recommend that anyone traveling to Europe from the States check out Turkish Airlines and make a quick stop in Istanbul if possible.
Our flight arrived from Zurich in the evening, and nosotros institute a shuttle coach from the airport to the Byzantium Suites Hotel in Former Town. We decided to stay hither because it close to all the biggest tourist attractions: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Constantine's Palace, and the G Bazaar.
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were only a five minute walk from our hotel. Both buildings are architectural masterpieces. The Blue Mosque was built in the early on 17th century and is renowned for the greyish-ish hue of the dome, the splendidly decorative blue tiles on the inside, and its seven distinct pillars. It is still a functional mosque, but tourists can visit during non-worship hours. Women must wearable caput scarves, which are provided at the entrance free of accuse. Hagia Sophia is a much earlier achievement, congenital originally as a Christian Byzantine Church building in the fifth century. It was an architectural wonder, considered one of the largest cathedrals in the world for almost a thousand years. It was after converted into a mosque, and is currently a museum. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the museum, just information technology is the list for my next visit to Istanbul.
After a quick tour of the Blue Mosque, we headed towards the place that was on the height of everyone'due south must-do list for Istanbul – the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Boutique had always held such mystery to me. Was it filled with antiquities? Turkish handicrafts? Junk?
Information technology was generally the centre options. We didn't take time to go through the entire Bazaar (that on its ain would have taken at least two days) only the portion we did see housed a plethora of shops selling Turkish souvenirs, lamps, rugs, and jewelry. Shopping here was a cracking bargain due to the favorable commutation rate, I was able to buy some really squeamish 925 argent bracelets for about xx US dollars each. I would honey to take the time to explore the back alleys of the Bazaar, where, in my fantasies, the mystical antiquarian stores are hiding, merely unfortunately I didn't come up across any of those. I still thoroughly enjoyed shopping at the Bazaar, and I know that I will come back the next time I get to spend a day in Istanbul. Be aware though that the 1000 Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
We spent the residuum of the afternoon walking through the neighborhoods of Istanbul, checking out the architecture, and assuasive our friend Jet the opportunity to picket out and taste some of the famed Turkish street food. She had a listing of items to try, including a lamb intestine sandwich. She offered a gustatory modality to the residual of usa, just we politely declined.
Unfortunately, in the wintertime, many of the large historical sites shut at 5pm, when the sun is going down. We arrived at the entrance to the Great Palace a few minutes after it had airtight, so we weren't able to go in. Instead, nosotros took a walk through Gulhane Park, which is located correct side by side to the palace grounds. The park was a serene respite from the noisy city, with a wonderful landscaping job that was apparent fifty-fifty in the dead of wintertime.
Our day in Istanbul was much besides short. I consider this trip a nice preview to the urban center rather than an bodily visit. There are so many things to run into in Istanbul, and so many foods to attempt (not lamb intestine, I won't be doing that), so many cultures together in ane metropolis, that it's impossible to truly experience in a twenty-four hours or two. Yet, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to get fifty-fifty this pocket-size glimpse, and if y'all are ever traveling Turkish Airlines, I would recommend a quick visit.
Melanie launched Partners in Fire in 2022 to certificate her quest for fiscal independence with a mix of finance, fun, and solving the world's problems. She's self educated in personal finance and passionate about fighting systematic problems that prevent others from achieving their own fiscal goals. She also loves travel, anthropology, gaming and her cats.
Source: https://partnersinfire.com/blog/day-in-istanbul/
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