We had a wonderful time in Istanbul. enjoyed everything, but three days was far too short.

Istanbul

During our European trip, we had only planned to spend three days in Istanbul—which turned out to be far too short. In hindsight, we should have allowed at least a week to truly explore this fascinating city. Despite our best efforts, we didn’t make it to the Suleymaniye Mosque or the famous Basilica Cistern. But we did manage to visit the stunning Blue Mosque, the beautifully decorated Rustem Pasha Mosque, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar, all of which left a lasting impression.

We stayed at a small hotel in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's Old City during our trip. The hotel was lovely, and we had complimentary fitness training. While our room was in the basement, breakfast and a rooftop terrace were located on level five. There was no lift.

We stayed at the Alp Guesthouse Hotel in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic Old City. Our nice room was in the basement, but breakfast and the rooftop terrace were all the way up on the fifth floor. There was no lift. So we certainly got our daily workout climbing those stairs without a fitness centre. 

During the evening, we loved the wonderful rooftop terrace. It was empty, and we had a romantic dinner there. Also, we had a spectacular view of the Sea of Marmara. A convenience store nearby was where we bought some delicious food and even a bottle of wine. This was unique. The street was near mosques, and most restaurants weren't serving alcohol.

During the evenings, we loved spending time on the wonderful rooftop terrace. It was usually empty, as most of the guests went out for dinner. We bought some delicious food—and even a bottle of wine—from a nearby convenience store. This is a unique case. Since the street was close to several mosques, most restaurants in the area didn’t serve alcohol. So we enjoyed our romantic dinner on the terrace, with a spectacular view of the Sea of Marmara.

It was easy to walk around the surrounding area. Nearby, there were good restaurants and some convenience stores where you could get all you needed.

The location of the hotel was fantastic—many major sights were within easy walking distance. We were just a short stroll away from the Topkapı Palace, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. One memorable experience was being gently woken before dawn by the call to prayer from the nearby Ishak Pasha Mosque. It was truly something special. There were also plenty of good restaurants and convenience stores close by, making everything we needed easily accessible.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapı Palace was built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. It was also a place of learning and culture, with a library, and a hospital. After the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy in 1924, the palace was transformed into a museum.

After seeing the Hagia Sophia mosque, toured the Topkapi Palace. For centuries, this place was the home of the Ottoman Sultans.

Our first sightseeing stop in Istanbul was the nearby Topkapi Palace. We spent over three hours exploring the vast complex, with its beautiful courtyards, the intriguing six-level Harem and the Palace Treasury. It offered a truly fascinating insight into the grandeur and history of the Ottoman Empire.

The Imperial Treasury was the highlight of our visit to Topkapi. The extensive collection includes jewels, art, weapons, and precious stones.

The Imperial Treasury was the highlight of our visit to Topkapi Palace. We were amazed by the wonderful collection of jewelers, porcelain, and  historic weapons. Each piece told a story of magnificence and power, giving a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

The Harem is now a sad place; all the beautiful women worldwide have vanished.

The Harem now feels like a quiet, almost melancholy place. All he beauty and intrigue of women from around the world have vanished.

Mosques

Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. These mosques are not simply places of prayer, but also important historical and architectural sites. The large Blue Mosque was wonderful. Our favourite was the stunning Rüstem Pasha Mosque, which is nestled in the bustling neighbourhood near the Spice Bazaar.

Hagia Sophia mosque was originally built as a Roman basilica in the 6th century. During Ottoman rule, it was converted into a mosque.

Next, We went to the Hagia Sophia mosque. It is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, built as a Roman basilica in the 6th century. It was converted to a mosque, then to a museum and again to a mosque. Because of this, it had Christian and Islamic elements, including minarets and calligraphy alongside religious paintings.

The magnificent 400-year-old Blue Mosque was near our hotel. The Muezzin's wake-up call at 6:15 a.m. was too early for us, but we enjoyed the sound nonetheless.

The 400-year-old Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was just a short walk from our hotel. It is A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture with six minarets and inside, thousands of exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Each morning at 6:15, we were woken by the muezzin’s call to prayer. While we the sound, it was definitely a bit early to be getting up!

Despite the many people, the mosque provides an air of tranquillity. The handcrafted Iznik ceramic tiles, carpets, stained-glass windows, and chandeliers help to create a calming ambiance.

The mosque’s interior is fantastic, with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, carpets, stained-glass windows, and chandeliers. Despite the large number of visitors, the mosque has a wonderful air of tranquillity

Another important landmark in Istanbul is the Süleymaniye Mosque. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. However, when we wanted to visit it, unfortunately, it was closed for renovation.

Another important landmark in Istanbul is the Süleymaniye Mosque. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. However, when we wanted to visit it, unfortunately, it was closed for renovation.

The mosque was more than just a place of worship. It also included a hospital, a primary school, a public bath, a caravanserai, a medical school, a Qur'an school, and a public kitchen that serves food to the poor. Now, it is restored as a nice restaurant serving tasty meals.

The mosque was more than just a place of worship. It also included a hospital, a primary school, a public bath, a caravanserai, a medical school, a Qur’an school, and a public kitchen that serves food to the poor. Now, it is restored as a nice restaurant serving tasty meals.

Then we found a hidden gem in Istanbul, located near the Spice Bazaar. The 1562 built Rüstem Pasha Mosque, is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It is considered one of his masterpieces due to its harmonious proportions and the quality of the İznik tiles.

Then we found a hidden gem in Istanbul, located near the Spice Bazaar. The 1562 built Rüstem Pasha Mosque, is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It is considered one of his masterpieces due to its harmonious proportions and the quality of the İznik tiles.

The Rustem Pasha Mosque is often referred to as a "miniature Blue Mosque" without the crowds. When we visited the mosque, there were no tourists and only a few worshippers. The serene atmosphere was wonderful. Later we went to the Grand Bazaar

The Rustem Pasha Mosque is often referred to as a “miniature Blue Mosque” without the crowds. When we visited the mosque, there were no tourists and only a few worshippers. The serene atmosphere was wonderful.

Grand Bazaar and other

Istanbul is famous for its bustling bazaars. We visited the large Grand Bazaar with more than 4000 stores. In addition, the much smaller but authentic Mahmutpa a Bazaar and the charming Spice Bazaar.

While in Istanbul, you must visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The Bazaar is a city in the city with 4000 stores, a mosque, banks, a police station, and a post office.

While in Istanbul, We visited the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which is a must! The Bazaar is a city in the city with 4000 stores, a mosque, banks, a police station, and a post office.

We realized what show we had missed when we saw the fantastic belly dancer costume store in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

When we saw the fantastic belly dancer costume store in the Grand Bazaar we realised what show we had missed in Istanbul.

On our route to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, we came across Mahmutpasha Bazaar. It is a local and authentic bazaar and not a tourist-oriented market. Not as big as the Grand Bazaar but more authentic

On our route to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, we came across Mahmutpaşa Bazaar. It is a local and authentic bazaar and not a tourist-oriented market. The Bazaar is known for its variety of goods, including textiles, clothing, accessories, jewellery, and household items. It’s a local market where customers haggle for the best deals.

We loved the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest markets. It's located near the Rustem Pasha Mosque. It is second to the Grand Bazaar

We loved the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest markets. A bustling marketplace where you can find spices, sweets, nuts, and other delightful products. The vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists. It’s located near the Rustem Pasha Mosque

Golden Horn

The Golden Horn is a stunning natural harbour that separates the historic peninsula of Istanbul from the rest of the city. It played a crucial role in the defense of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and was a key maritime trade route for centuries. It is a major tourist destination with recreational parks and cultural centres. There are various restaurants and boat cruises to choose from.

The Galata Bridge is not just for the traffic but also a cultural and social hub. The upper level is for road traffic and tramlines and is popular among local fishermen who line the rails to fish in the waters of the Golden Horn. the lower level for pedestrians, shops, and restaurants.

The Galata Bridge is not just for the traffic but also a cultural and social hub. The upper level is for road traffic and tramlines and is popular among local fishermen who line the rails to fish in the waters of the Golden Horn. the lower level for pedestrians, shops, and restaurants.  Dining here provides stunning views of the Golden Horn and the historic skyline of Istanbul. The bridge has breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the landmarks of Istanbul.

Finally, we did a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise from the Galata Bridge. It was great to see Istanbul from a new angle. On the cruise, we passed the great Dolmabahçe Palace. We also saw the Bosphorus Bridge.

Finally, we did a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise from the Galata Bridge. It was great to see Istanbul from a new angle. On the cruise, we passed the great Dolmabahçe Palace. We sailed under the Bosphorus Bridge. It connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. And we saw the mediaeval fortresses, Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress. This was the end of a wonderful trip to Istanbul.

Later, we passed Rumeli Hisarı castle. Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the castle in the 15th century. It was part of his plan to siege Constantinople.

Later, we passed Rumeli Hisarı castle. Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the castle in the 15th century. It was part of his plan to siege Constantinople.

Then, we cruised under the "Bosphorus Bridge". It connects Europe and Asia. When we finish the cruise, we have a second visit to the Grand Bazaar

Then, we cruised under the “Bosphorus Bridge”. It connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

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