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As the clock ticks towards midnight, adventurers gather in designated launch areas, often near the picturesque banks of the Bosphorus. The excitement is palpable as the balloons slowly fill and rise, glowing against the night sky. Once airborne, you’ll be treated to a stunning vista of Istanbul’s twinkling lights and historic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, set against the backdrop of the serene Bosphorus Strait.
The calm and serenity of gliding through the air contrast beautifully with the vibrant celebrations happening below. Toast to the New Year with a glass of champagne as you float above one of the world’s most enchanting cities. The experience is as romantic as it is exhilarating, making it perfect for couples and families alike.
As the balloons gently descend after the stroke of midnight, you’ll land with a heart full of memories. This unique New Year’s experience showcases Istanbul’s beauty from a rare perspective and promises to be a highlight of your holiday season.
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]]>Topkapı Palace
Once the home of regal Ottoman sultans, Topkapı Palace is renowned for its stunning gardens, royal courtyards, and sacred rooms such as the treasury and Library of Ahmet III. Of course, with so many attractions in one place, Topkapı Palace is home to an array of photo-worthy spots.
Kapalı Çarşı
Popularly known as the Grand Bazaar, this is a shopping haven, filled with world-renown designer stores. Still, there are plenty of local treasures to buy in Kapalı Çarşı, ranging from clothing to rugs and jewelry.
Blue Mosque
One thing that defines the Istanbul landscape is the towering mosques. Arguably the most famous is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. With its impressive blue tiling, this grandiose mosque is certainly a sight to behold. Of course, this mosque has a rich history that is ready to be explored.
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]]>Enjoy a Night Out at Meyhane
You will come across a lot of meyhane in Istanbul. They are traditional Turkish restaurants that offer a slightly different experience than you are accustomed to. In meyhane, you can eat and drink while also getting to enjoy live Turkish music and have a great time alongside locals.
Have a Picnic at Yıldız Park
Yıldız Park is one of Istanbul’s biggest and most beautiful parks. Once a part of the imperial gardens, the park now offers a perfect spot for relaxation with panoramic views and rows of beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. Get some food and drinks, find a perfect spot on the grass, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit a Proper Hammam
Hammams are public baths that play a significant role in Turkish culture. They are not only places where you can relax and clean yourself but also serve as socializing centers. Make sure to skip hammams in your hotel and find a proper one in the city to see what it’s all about.
Watch the Fishermen at Galata Bridge
Galata Bridge is one of the most prominent fishing spots in Istanbul. It is a fascinating sight to watch fishermen trying to make a catch while joking around and discussing everyday topics. Make sure to make your way to Galata Bridge during your stay and witness this activity with your own eyes.
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]]>Yet, if you venture to the Shangri-La Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, you would be entirely forgiven for giving Turkey the honor.
The 5-star hotel offers guests a Baklava Butler Experience which they can redeem with an ornate key received upon arrival. Presenting the key to the staff at the Lobby Lounge or IST TOO restaurant unlocks a journey that begins with a portion of classic baklava that is served alongside Turkish Maraş ice cream made from clotted cream.
The baklava is filled with pistachios and comes from a bakery in Gaziantep which is considered the birthplace of the crispy pastry.
The bakery has been around since 1949, but the family who runs it has been in the baklava business since 1843. Now operated by Karaköy Güllüoglu, he is the 5th generation of his family to do so.
They ship around the world, but Shangri-La guests who partake in the Baklava Butler Experience will be personally chauffeured to the bakery and engage in a two-hour workshop where they will learn all the tricks of the trade.
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]]>Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi
Istanbul offers free Wi-Fi access at most big squares and around popular tourist attractions. The speed might not be great, but you at least won’t have to invest in expensive mobile travel plans or buy local SIM cards.
Get the Istanbulkart
Istanbul is much bigger than most people realize, so you will need to cover large distances to see everything you are interested in. The best and cheapest way to do so is by using Istanbul’s efficient public transportation. To do so, get the Istanbulkart, which is used to pay for rides and is valid for all types of transportation, including buses and subways.
Make Online Bookings and Ticket Purchases
You can buy tickets for the majority of tourist attractions online, and you should. Most of them offer discounts on admission fees with this type of purchase, and you can save yourself a significant amount of money if you plan to visit more of them.
Explore Free Tourists Attractions
There are plenty of tourist attractions in Istanbul that are completely free to enjoy. This includes museums, galleries, parks, and viewpoints. Also, some of the paying tourist attractions offer free admission on particular days, so make sure to do your research.
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]]>For Best Experience: March Through May
You are likely to have the best experience in Istanbul if you go between March and May. This is when the weather is almost perfect, being sunny enough that you can wear light clothes but not too hot that you will have to look for a breather under the shade. There is also an abundance of exciting events happening in the city, like the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
For Lowest Prices: December Through February
Starting in December, the tourist crowds in Istanbul start to shrink. This is because the weather isn’t perfect, and there can be occasional showers throughout the day. But if you don’t mind this, you can score some great deals on accommodation and flights as hotels and service providers start offering lower prices due to lesser demand.
For Most Eventful Time: June Through August
If you want to experience Istanbul at its liveliest and have the most eventful time, go between June and August. Sure, the weather can get hot, and the prices of accommodation get up, but you will be in the middle of the buzz. There is always something happening in Istanbul during the summer, from events and festivals to impromptu street performances.
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]]>Kilyos
If you are visiting during the summer, then Kilyos is a perfect choice for a day trip from Istanbul. This small village is nestled on the shores of the Black Sea and has some of the most beautiful beaches you had a chance to come across. You can also spend some time exploring Kilyos Castle from the 14th century.
Troy
If you are in Istanbul, then you are presented with a unique opportunity to visit the archeological remains of the ancient city of Troy. The city is famed for serving as a battleground of the Trojan War, according to Homer’s epic poem. The site is currently being excavated, but there is already plenty to see here. It was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Bursa
If you are looking to explore more Turkish cities, then a visit to Bursa will definitely be worth your time. The city once served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire and is perhaps one of the best places to learn more about this once-glorious empire. The historical part of Bursa is where you want to spend most of your time as it has the city’s most impressive historical buildings and monuments.
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]]>Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul straddles the Bosporus Strait, which separates the European and Asian continents. A substantial portion of the city is located on either side of the strait, meaning that the blend between Asia and Europe in Turkey’s biggest city couldn’t be any stronger and more authentic.
Suez, Egypt
Have you heard of the Suez Canal before? This artificial body of water, which separates Asia from Africa, is right next to its namesake city. The canal itself is a major attraction of this two-continent city, with other highlights including the Suez National Museum.
Orenburg, Russia
Located near the Russian border with Kazakhstan is the city of Orenburg, a city that falls right on the border between Europe and Asia. Deep into Russia’s heartland, this city is separated by the Ural River, which marks the continental division.
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]]>Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit are from March to May and between September and November. Room rates are average, the temperatures are between the 60s and 70s, and the crowds are manageable. The peak season is from June to August and the prices are more expensive due to the increased demand. December through February are the cheapest time to visit, but it’s rainy and snowy.
How to Get Around
Buses and trams are the best way to get around the city and they cover the touristy areas. Be aware that there are no maps inside the buses and drivers don’t announce the stops, so you’ll need to know where you are headed. Another option is the metro, but the stops are farther apart and aren’t ideal for sightseeing. Don’t drive in Istanbul because the road signs are in Turkish and accidents happen often.
Where to Stay
Raffles Istanbul
The location of this 5-star hotel can’t be beaten—it’s situated above the Bosphorus and Zorlu’s shopping, dining, and entertainment megaplex are connected to the hotel. The rooms come with butler service, walk-in closets, private balconies, and bathrooms with marble tubs and showers. There’s also a spa, multiple restaurants, swimming pools, and a kids club.
Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
This former Ottoman Empire palace will have you feeling like royalty while you enjoy amazing views of the Bosphorus. The rooms have traditional Turkish decor and they overlook Yildiz Park or the sea. The 5-star hotel has a spa with many treatments, a hammam, a fitness center, a sauna, and an outdoor infinity pool. There are also three restaurants and many of the top attractions are within three miles.
Sirkeci Mansion
Just steps from Topkapi Palace Museum and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums sits Sirkeci Mansion, a 4.5-star hotel. The hotel has immersive experiences like free Turkish cooking classes and weekly guided walks through the city. There is also complimentary meze in the hotel’s living room, Turkish baths, Neyzade Restaurant, a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, and a sauna.
What to Do
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Sultan Ahmed I’s Blue Mosque has been around since the early 1600s and was built to rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. The mosque has stunning architecture both inside and out including an array of domes, semidomes, and minarets (narrow towers).
Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)
Hagia Sophia Museum attracts tons of visitors because of its gorgeous architecture, beautiful interior views, and historical significance. The attraction was built between 532 and 537 and it was a church for nearly a thousand years before serving as a mosque and then becoming a secular museum. It was once the biggest cathedral in the world and it’s a great depiction of Byzantine architecture.
Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)
Located within walking distance of the most famous sites, the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered shopping markets in the world. There are 60 streets of 5,000-plus shops with a wide range of products. You’ll find everything you could possibly think of here.
What to Eat
Meze
Meze (appetizers) are a staple in Istanbul and some of the best are fava (mashed broad beans), köpoğlu (fried eggplant cubes with a tomato and yogurt sauce), muhammara (a dip made from red pepper paste, lemon juice, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses).
Simit
This bagel-like bread covered with sesame seeds can be found on almost every street corner and it can be eaten plain or at breakfast.
Kebap
There are tons of varieties of kebap including spicy and non-spicy hand kneaded seasoned lamb meat, ground beef or lamb wrapped in lavas bread and topped with yogurt and tomato sauce, and grillled seasoned cubes of lamb or chicken meat.
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]]>One of the most famous buildings you will probably find in Sultanahmet is the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia has lived many lives; it was once a church, then it turned into a mosque, and now it’s actually a museum! Obviously from the outside seeing it your breath will literally get taken away, but go inside and see all the Byzantine mosaics and you will really lose it.
The Blue Mosque is another famous landmark that you have to visit when you’re in Sultanahmet. What a lot of people don’t know is that it still actually functions as a mosque, which is incredible considering it was built in the early 17th century!
If you’re a foodie who also loves history, stick around in Sultanahmet and have a meal at Balıkçı Sabahattın. This restaurant has been around for almost 100 years and opened only 4 years after the creation of modern-day Turkey. It’s such an iconic place and also serves up incredible Turkish food.
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