Top 10 Istanbul, Turkey Things to Do
Istanbul, Turkey boasts over 2,500 years of history as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Istanbul, Turkey is known for its incredible landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Strait, and Grand Bazaar.
With my travel to 7 continents now 35+ countries, my spirit and soul called me to explore Istanbul, Turkey. It became a reality in May 2022 with five day travels.
During my travel experience in Istanbul, Turkey, my parents and I stayed within five minutes of the Galata Tower in Beyoğlu district. The once in a lifetime trip to Istanbul was extra special because I traveled with my parents after adventures in Portugal and years of full-time travel before returning to Atlanta, GA.
It is time to put Istanbul, Turkey on your bucket list.
Beyond its rich history, Istanbul is known for being the city where Asia and Europe meet, Turkish Baths, and market experiences with the Grand and Spice Bazaar. Fun Fact: My mom spent three months working at the Grand Bazaar and living with a Turkish family in her 20s!
Beyond the land mass of Istanbul, Turkey, the bodies of water surrounding the city include Marmara Sea in the south, Black Sea in the north, and the connection of the Bosphorus Strait.
Turkey History
Turkey is a historical, cultural, and bucket list phenomenon for travelers from all walks of life for good reason. Its history takes us beyond 23,000 BC, earliest known human communities, stone and copper ages, St Pauls travels, Crusader armies, conquest of Constantinople, and Ottoman Empire.
According to most sources, Istanbul, Turkey is over 90% Muslim.
Geographically, Turkey is bounded on the north by the Black Sea, on the northeast by Georgia and Armenia, on the east by Azerbaijan and Iran, on the southeast by Iraq and Syria, on the southwest and west by the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, and on the northwest by Greece and Bulgaria.
Whether you will spend one day in Istanbul, Turkey, or 5 days like I did, you will love it.
It's not easy to narrow down Istanbul, Turkey to a Top 10 Things to Do, but here goes!
Istanbul, Turkey Top 10 Things to Do
Visit Galata Tower
Cruise Bosphorus River
Spend a Half to a Full Day at a Turkish Bath
Unplug at Gulhane Park
Visit Grand and Spice Bazaar for clothes, rugs, spices, lamps, luggage and more!
Marvel at Hagia Sophia
Walk through Blue Mosque
Visit Topkapi Palace
Catch sunrises and sunsets in the city
Enjoy foodie favorites like breakfast, Turkish Tea + Coffee + Delights
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey is a must on any global travelers list for its history of four empires, architecture marvels, and cultural experiences.
Language
Turkish. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Climate
It has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The hottest and coldest months are typically July and February, respectively.
Currency
Lira. Euro and Dollars may be used in some tourist areas.
Banks
Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Mostly souvenir and street food stands take only cash. You may find ATMs virtually everywhere. Be careful which ATMs you use as some are bank specific (It is easy to get confused as many will still have all the card logos). I did this by accident and got my card confiscated.
Highlights
23,000+ years of history and culture
Two continents meet in Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish is the official language
Over 90% Muslim recognized city
More than 1.2 million foreigners live in Istanbul
May live comfortably on about $1,000 monthly
