Why You Should Visit Turkey
Turkey was one of our best-ever vacation trips. This is because of the friendliness and hospitality of the people and not just the sights. Our detailed, day by day blog vividly describes the best Turkey destinations from our 32-day trip. It also describes the surprising origin of the Turks and tulips, as well as useful travel advice and history relevant to the sights you will see. Turkey is just east of Greece, whose islands literally drape the Turkish Turquoise Coast.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we have none. Our content and advice is derived from our personal expertise, experience, and knowledge based on travelling and living 23 years around the world.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a massive, sprawling city of 15 million people covering 5,461 km² or seven times the area of New York City!! In order to grow, it was built on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait and thus is located in two continents. This post covers the west side, which coincides with the original city of Constantinople. This city is not merely part of Europe but was the capital of the Roman Empire from 330 until 1453! This city is closely tied to the history of Europe and especially to the Rise of Venice.
Best of Istanbul Itinerary
We spent 8 nights in Istanbul altogether – the following was how we spent the first 4 days of our 32-day trip. Yes, there is that much to see. If you are on a shorter trip, you can spend less time in Istanbul by just focusing on this itinerary, which concentrated on the top sights in the old city of Constantinople. The “5Σ” (sigma) rating assigned to each walk is based on our Itinerary Rating system.
1. Topkapi Palace Paradise 5Σ
Topkapi is definitely worth a day. We would highly recommend the extra ticket for the Harem if you have the time. Here you will see close up the beautiful blue Iznik tiles and ornately carved wood decorations where the Sultan’s family lived. It is also useful to go there when everywhere else is so busy and then go to the jewel and weapon rooms (the most congested areas) at the end of the day.
2. Ayasofia Dome-ination 5Σ
Ayasofia was the most significant dome and building of the Roman Era. It was so important that it influenced Ottoman and thus Islamic architecture.
3. Istanbul Archaeology Museums 5Σ
Meet Alexander the Great, Iznik tiles, and other important artefacts that talk about the impact of Turkey on the world.
4. Chora Church Mosaics 4Σ
Chora’s mosaics are so detailed they look at first glance like paintings. Chora is a must see for lovers of magnificent Byzantine gold mosaics.
5. Süleymaniye Mosque Dome-ination 5Σ
Admire the incredible domes of Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman masterpiece.
From here you can walk downhill to the Spice Market. Buy delicious Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi kahve (coffee), Turkish Delight, and hazelnuts. Enjoy the atmosphere.
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