A week in Istanbul: between traditional and hipster vibes

 

I had the chance to spend one week in Istanbul. I was remote working so I was visiting only in the morning and during the weekend but I got enough time to almost see it all! Here are my tips and if you have any specific questions please feel free to reach out: marieceline.piednoir@gmail.com

WHEN?

I went beginning of May and the weather was just perfect.

WHAT TO PACK?

For women, always keep in mind that you are in a Muslim country and need ideally to cover your shoulders and legs. Even your head in mosques.
Other than that, the usual, and I would double check that you pack:

  • comfy shoes to walk a lot (and easy to put on and take off for the mosques)

  • sunglasses

  • sun cream

  • you can run along the river so consider your running gear

  • if you go to prince’s islands, a swimsuit

  • a bad that can close well because you will be in really crowded streets at some point

  • a windbreaker for the boat

  • it was chilly in the evening so something to cover up

ACCESS/TRANSPORT:

Be careful: there are TWO airports in Istanbul, so double check where you arrive and most importantly from where you depart. There are buses and shuttles to go to the city center but it is super long and there are Ubers for a few euros more so I always took a uber. Be careful when you go back: book way in advance because you can get stuck in traffic easily. Better to wait at the airport than to miss the flight!

Buy the Istanbul card! Super practical to then move around the city. There are kiosks all around the city. Check at the airport too, this would be ideal.

It is super easy to move in IST, especially by tram. Always have cash with you though.

Uber is available in IST!

PHONE/INTERNET:

I highly recommend you to take an e-sim card with Airalo, it worked perfectly and it is way cheaper than the sim cards at the airport!

EXCHANGE RATE:

The exchange rate changes every day! There are famous locations for better rates. I withdraw money so I cannot advise you but ask your hotel/host.

If you are with BNP, they have a sister company in Turkey, TEP so if you withdraw, no fees.

WHERE TO STAY?

I stayed in the golden horn, at the Second Home Hostel. Great location and nice staff. Ok rooms. But if I have to do it again I think I would love to stay around Galata because it’s where all the restaurants and the animations are.

WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS?:

WHAT TO DO?

Official guides in IST are a bit expensive but if you are a group (or even a couple, depending on your budget), I would 100% recommend it for the old town (the golden horn).
Here are 2 contacts:

  • Mustafa: +905322174081

  • Eray: +905423708643

All the mosques and churches are free. Do not forget to bring something to cover your head/shoulders/legs and to wear shoes you can easily take off and on. Also, check the priers times because some of them close at that time.

You can buy the museum pass on the first day and it gives you access to the Topkapi Palace, the Galata Tower, and many museums.

CRUISES:

Do NOT book tickets online or via tours or your hotel, just go to the ticket booths and buy there. Way cheaper. You can choose different timings and routes, up to you and your planning but I highly recommend doing one,

HAMMAMS:

  • You have a LOT of hammams in Istanbul, you can also ask your host/hotel to tell you the best ones around. Men and women are separated. It is so so so relaxing, I would recommend doing it in the evening.

  • Çemberlitaş Hamamı: I went to this one and it was amazing

  • Kılıc Ali Pasa Hamam seems fancy but so gorgeous. I did not have the time to go unfortunately but a friend recommended it.

THE GOLDEN HORN:

Well, you are now in the heart of Istanbul, so get ready for a lot to do and to see! Many blogs give you the same tips because here most of the places are famous touristic spots, but all are worth going because it is gorgeous. Do not forget to bring something to cover your head/shoulders/legs and to wear shoes you can easily take off and on.

Here is the list of all to see and some info:

GALATA:

  • Kamondo Stairs: nice architecture. Take them on your way to the tower

  • Galata tower is worth it for the view! Would be great to go at sunset but the cue is HUGE so we went after lunchtime and it was great too

  • Just get lost in the streets around the tower, it’s super cute. Büyük Hendek Cd is a nice street to start with.

KARAKOY:

It’s the place to party in Istanbul. 4-5 streets filled with restaurants and bars. I would say have a look around during the day and most importantly at night for the vibe.

HACIMIMI, KABATAS & CIHANGIR:

Adorable streets, I loved the vibe. So many coffee places and trendy/hipster shops. No specific landmarks, just walk around! Do not stay on the main streets, the cute ones are in between.

Behind Galatasaray Lisesi you will find nice spots. Go down Yeni Çarşı Cd.

There are some colorful stairs here and I particularly like this area and this one. The Dolmabahçe Palace, it’s a bit further but beautiful! It’s really big so book some time.

AROUND ISTIKLAL CD:

This is THE touristic street in Istanbul. It goes until the historic Taksim Square. I hated it because it is an example of the consumerism that destroys our planet, but it was impressive to see this also exists in Istanbul. All around though you have some nice and trendy streets so I would say just walk around. Here are some things you can spot on the way:

BALAT & FENER:

Adorable districts! They are known as the “Instagram district” and you understand why when you see all the typical streets, colorful houses, antique shops, hipster cafés, restaurants, etc. I would say just get lost and wander around. Here are some spots you can check:

KADIKOY (on the Asian side):

It’s super nice to go on the Asian side, just because it’s a boat trip! Also, just crazy to think that you are changing continents.

PRINCE’S ISLANDS:

Coming soon

WHERE TO EAT?

I knew this would be one of the most challenging sections of the blog to write because there are SO MANY delicious options… And I am vegetarian so all the below have insane veggie/vegan options.

The most famous food here is kebab… and I found a vegan one: Community Kitchen
Just delicious and the owner is super nice.

One typical dessert here is the Künefe. I loved it! Even if it could seem weird because it’s like a sweet cheese! You can find it everywhere in the streets/markets. I went here and here and both were super good.

Turkey is famous for its sweets. Same, you find it everywhere in Istanbul. One really famous place is Hafiz Mustafa 1864 and they have great boxes for transportation and presents. Another place. way more local and cheaper is MUSTAFA GÖKÇİN BAKLAVALARI KARAKÖY ŞUBESİ, delicious.

GOLDEN HORN:

GALATA:

HACIMIMI:

So many options all around. Here is a selection:

KABATAS & CIHANGIR:

KARAKOY:

So many places! I would say just walk around and choose, but here are some options I selected:

BALAT & FENER: I got confused by all the options! So many adorable cafes and vegetarian restaurants… I tried to do a selection for you so at least it’s easier to choose!


KADIKOY (Asian side): SO many options all around… I almost lost my mind and stopped saving options on google maps haha. But here are the ones that made it:

PRINCE’S ISLANDS:

Coming Soon