What to See in Istanbul: A Personal Journey Through History, Cats, and Culinary Delights

Istanbul—where East meets West

Mila

9/23/2024

I've always wanted to visit Istanbul, in my mind I felt a comforting sense of peace that I wished to live. And I was 100% right. Istanbul is truly beautiful and welcoming. History whispers through every corner. It's a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Having spent a few days wandering its streets, I can say with certainty that Istanbul captured my heart in ways I never expected. Here's my personal take on what to see, eat, and experience in this incredible city.

The Bosphorus Cruise: A View Like No Other

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a cruise along the Bosphorus. It’s something you absolutely must do. Boarding one of the boats at the docks, I felt the city open up in a whole new way. The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe from Asia, and as you sail along, you get a real sense of how Istanbul straddles two worlds.

In my opinion, the cruise is the best way to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks—like the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Rumeli Fortress—while enjoying a 3-course meal and live music at your private table. The skyline where minarets and modern skyscrapers stand side by side is just breathtaking. With the wind in your hair and the city glistening under the sun, it’s hard not to feel swept up by the romance of the place.

The real magic, though, comes in those quiet moments—when you look out at the water and see the reflection of the bridges that connect continents. That’s when you realize: Istanbul isn’t just a city; it’s an experience.

Cats of Istanbul: The Furry Guardians of the City

If you've heard anything about Istanbul, you’ve probably heard about the cats, and I love cats, my son loves cats and we couldn't wait for meeting them all. I had read about them before I arrived, but nothing could have prepared me for just how omnipresent and beloved they are. Cats roam the city freely, lounging on sunlit benches, napping outside of mosques, and playfully chasing one another through the streets.

The people of Istanbul treat them with immense love and respect, and I was so happy and relieved to witness that. You’ll find bowls of food and water left out for them everywhere, and even shop owners adopt these street cats as unofficial mascots. I even stumbled across a café that had more cats than customers! It’s as if the city belongs to them, and we are all just visitors in their kingdom.

For a cat lover like me, it was a dream. You’ll often find them lounging near the grand mosques, like the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, adding to the serene beauty of these historic sites. So if you like cats, my biggest advice while visiting Istanbul is to spend some time petting and playing with them, they truly add magic to the whole experience.

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Istanbul’s Soul

Now, let’s talk about food. Oh, the food! Istanbul’s culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural melting pot—rich, flavorful, and incredibly diverse. I spent my days wandering between restaurants, street food vendors, and markets, sampling everything from mezze to kebabs to sweet, sticky baklava.

One of my favorite experiences was having a simple breakfast of simit (a sesame-covered bread ring) and Turkish tea by the Galata Tower. It’s such a humble yet flavorful start to the day. But the real stars of Istanbul’s culinary scene are the street foods. I couldn't resist the allure of freshly grilled köfte (spiced meatballs) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels with rice), which you’ll find all over the city, especially near the Spice Bazaar.

Speaking of the Spice Bazaar—don’t miss it! It’s a feast for the senses, with vibrant piles of saffron, cumin, and paprika, alongside dried fruits, nuts, and endless varieties of Turkish delight. I could have spent hours wandering through the stalls, taking in the colors and smells and so many photos.

Another must-try? Balık ekmek—a fish sandwich you can grab near the Galata Bridge. Freshly grilled fish served in crusty bread with onions and lettuce, eaten while gazing out at the Bosphorus—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the city. Actually averything about Istanbul will stay with you long after you've left.

What Else to See: History at Every Corner

Of course, Istanbul’s history is impossible to ignore. One of my first stops was the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking monument that’s served as both a church and a mosque. Walking inside, the sheer scale and beauty of the place left me speechless. The blend of Christian and Islamic art inside is a powerful reminder of the city’s unique history.

Then there’s the Blue Mosque, with its stunning interior adorned with intricate blue tiles. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and appreciate the beauty humans are capable of creating.

Don’t forget to visit Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans once ruled, and take a stroll through its lush gardens overlooking the Bosphorus. For a break from the hustle and bustle, the quiet courtyard of the Süleymaniye Mosque offers some of the best panoramic views of the city.

Istanbul is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the sight of the sun setting over the Bosphorus, the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the streets, the taste of fresh baklava, and the gentle purring of a street cat curled up beside you. Every corner of this city tells a story, and as you wander through its vibrant streets, you’ll find that Istanbul leaves a mark on your soul, one that lingers long after you’ve gone, and I feel so lucky to have been there.

So if you find yourself in this magical city, take it slow. Sail on the Bosphorus, share a moment with the cats, and eat as much as you can. Trust me, you’ll leave with your heart—and your stomach—full.

In conclusion, the last thing I want to mention is that I booked all my activities and tickets through GetYourGuide (link here: what to do in Istanbul) and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The platform was easy to use, I found great discounts, and everything went smoothly. If you're planning your trip to Istanbul, I highly recommend checking it out—it made my travels so much easier! Have a great trip to Istanbul!

P.S.: Just a heads up — some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win — you get awesome stuff, and I get to keep sharing my adventures with you! Thank you for the support! 😊