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

Istanbul

During our European trip, we only planned to spend three days in Istanbul, which was not enough. In hindsight, we should have allocated at least seven days to explore this amazing city fully. Despite our best efforts, we missed visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque and the famous Basilica Cistern. However, we did manage to visit the stunning Blue Mosque, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

It was easy to walk around the surrounding area. We found good restaurants and convenience stores where we could obtain everything we needed.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapı Palace was built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. It was the main home of the sultan. The palace held the Imperial Council, the harem, the treasury, and the mint. It was also a place of learning and culture, with a library, and a hospital. In 1924, the Ottoman monarchy was abolished. Following this, the palace was made into a museum.

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

First, we went to the close by Topkapi Palace. It took us 3 hours to visit the four courtyards, the harem and the treasury. 

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. The extensive collection includes jewels, art, weapons, and precious stones.

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

The Harem is now a sad place; all the beautiful women worldwide 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 – Sultan Ahmed Mosque was not far from our hotel.  It is A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture with six minarets and inside, thousands of exquisite blue Iznik tiles. At 6:15 we did wake up from Muezzin’s call. We enjoyed the sound but it was too early to get 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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