Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, the most populous city in Turkey, consist of 11 millions population. She is also the country's economic, cultural, and historic center. Istanbul is a transcontinental city in Eurasia, straddling the Bosphorus strait (which separates Europe and Asia) between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Its commercial and historical center lies on the European side and about a third of its population lives on the Asian side. Istanbul is viewed as a bridge between the East and West. Some might mistakenly rate her as the capital of Turkey; capital of turkey is Ankara, which is the second biggest city in Turkey.

We are suppose to be excited to make plans for this 4 days trip to Istanbul, as this is the first Muslim country that we are visiting. However, after reading up the 11 millions population and it is a popular tourist destination, hence it is going to be a dense city. We will be expecting to see people everywhere. We will be residing on the Europe side as majority of the historical and tourist attractions are there; in order to minimize  the traveling time.

Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, as we are slightly late for meeting the owner of the Airbnb home-stay. We decided to take a taxi from the airport. The taxi transportation network are completely not regulated, you will not be seeing any metering device in the taxi. The only prominent item that tells you, it is the public taxi that you can flag-down on the street are the color (yellow) and the taxi signage on the top of the car. Being self-aware, I started to negotiate the price from 100 Lira to 80 Lira. (Exchange rate: 1 Lira = 0.20 EUR) At the first hour in the country, still unsure whether is that the right price but seems like it is the lowest that the driver can take, and also the price is acceptable for us.

This is the location where our Airbnb apartment located. We will be staying at the top floor. Imagine that we have to go through the staircase to the top floor everyday... omg... When we arrive, the landlord is still cleaning up the last bit therefore we didn't manage to take any photo of the interior. And thereafter an intensive walking, we totally forgot about it. LOL...

Left: Obelisk of Theodosius is an Ancient Egyptian obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Located just outside of the Blue Mosque. The engraved Egyptian hieroglyphs script still clearly distinguishable.
Right: German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi)

Countless number of street snack stalls found on Sultanahmet Square. Selling roasted Walnut, BBQ or Boiled Corn, Simit. Simit is a popular street snack in Istanbul, it is a savory large donut-shaped bagel covered in sesame seeds and baked. Princess' favorite boiled corn, hence she had it everyday.

Basilica Cistern - is a huge building covering the area of 9,800 meter squared. Here there are 336 columns each of which is 9 meters high. The columns erected at the intervals of 12 lines being 28 at each line. Two Medusa heads used as a block under two columns at the northwestern edge of the cistern are one of the masterworks of sculpture of Roman Age. Many legends regarding Medusa based on mythology makes this cistern more mysterious. A great scene that make it a must to visit. Once stepped in, the environment gave you the coolness and peacefulness.

There is a photo stall that offer traditional costume and photo taking. Each photo is 25 Lira... Price reasonable, therefore we decide to etch a memory with the local traditional costume.

Our first Turkish lunch - Understanding the Muslim culture, it is unlikely to get Pork here. Usual meat will be beef and lamb. We doesn't like lamb, hence we ordered beef kebab and beef skewer. Have to give this restaurant a thumb-up, the taste is fantastic...

Finally passed by this machine which you will be able to get the IstanbulKart. Actually you can find this machine in every tram stations, it's just that our first few itineraries are within walking distance.



IstanbulKart is a value added card that can be use on any public transport; Metro, Tram, Bus, Ferry. Cost of the card is 6 Lira, the amount of change that you suppose to get it from the machine will automatically become the value in the card. There are English version, so it is quite straight forward. With IstanbulKart, the price for each ride will be 2.60 Lira, comparing to the normal price of 5 Lira. Just need 1 card to serve 3 of us.




Galata Tower - also known as the Tower of Christ in Latin, located in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul. It is a medieval stone tower, one of the city's most striking landmarks. It is a high, cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic vista of Istanbul.

Assume to have fascinating view from the top, but look at the queue... We decided to give it a miss.

In order to have partial of the view, yet avoid the queue, We went up to the roof restaurant in Hotel Anemon Galata.

Galata Bridge - A featured bridge in Istanbul, that carries cars, tram and a side walk for pedestrian. In addition, a full rows of seafood restaurants under the bridge that not to be miss. Actually all the restaurants are serving exactly the same food, just go with fate and choose one.

The Blue Mosque - also known as Sultan Ahmet Camii. This is the most popular attraction that every tourist will visit. The exterior is so grand that all tourist will eventually take a selfie with it. Just our luck, the mosque is close for restoration.

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hammam - is a traditional spa or bath in Turkey.

What will you be expecting from Hammam? The simple description of a Hammam is like a usual massage saloon which consist of Sauna, Steam-bath, Jacuzzi, Massage room, and the only thing that is different from a usual massage saloon is the bathroom with a ceramic platform with an attendance who is going to serve you. Immediately after entering the Hammam, the first place you will reach is the changing room with rows of lockers, hence  male and female are separated. You will be given a bath-robe which eventually become useless. Almost throughout the activities, you will be literally naked!

After a 15 mins sauna, you will be guided to the bathroom and you will be put to lie down on the ceramic platform. The attendance will use a scrubbing glove to scrub throughout your whole body to remove all the dead-skin. Quite a bit embarrassing as this is the first time, a stranger bath me. I think the last time when somebody bath me when I was still a kiddo...

Not a cheap experience, but I would say that it is once in a life time experience.


Turkish Ice-Cream - Something that cannot miss. Two qualities distinguish Turkish ice cream: hard texture and resistance to melting, brought about by inclusion of the thickening agents.

Nuruosmaniye Mosque - is an Ottoman mosque located in the Çemberlitaş neighbourhood of Fatih district in Istanbul. It is considered one of the finest examples of mosques in Ottoman Baroque style.

A minimum requirement of attire required to enter the mosque. Modest dress is required.
Men and women should both cover as much skin as possible; women are required to cover their heads.

 Click here to see the move-able of the interior of Nuruosmaniye Mosque.


Grand Bazaar - in Turkish called Kapalıçarşı, meaning ‘Covered Market’. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.

Look at the crowd... omg
There is no sight of end of the road. This place is like a maze.

Spice Bazaar - is known as Mısır Çarşısı in Turkish, meaning Egyptian Bazaar. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. About a 10-mins walk from Grand Bazaar. The bazaar was the center for spice trade in Istanbul, but in the last years more and more shops of other type are replacing the spice shops. However, you will still able to see many shops selling spices.

Hodjapasha - is a performing theatre that present the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha, and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals.

Pot Kebab - Introducing one of the best Turkish cuisine we had in Istanbul. The strong herb covering the every piece of meat marinating in the pot. According to the shop owner, the pot was place in the charcoal stove for hours before it is serve. The waiter will perform a so-called "ceremony" to serve the kebab.

Exploring the Asian side of Istanbul. There are several ways to get to the Asian side of Istanbul; Tram, Bus and Ferry. IstanbulKart is acceptable in all these mode of transports. We choose to go by ferry, so we can admire the beautiful scenery along the way. From Eminonu Ferry Terminal to Kadıköy Ferry Terminal, takes merely 20 mins.

Kadıköy Shopping Street - is a famous shopping street for tourist, located in the Asian side of Istanbul. You will not miss the shopping street if you arrive Kadıköy via Ferry. The walking path will lead you directly onto the street.

Stop over for a delicious dessert.

Taksim Square - Fanning out from Taksim Square with its Republic Monument, Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping and dining district. Vintage trams trundle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters and cafes. A dense web of side streets contains bars, antiques shops, and rooftop eateries with Bosphorus views.

Taksim street filled with people...

An intensive shopping day, we decided to take a rest to enjoy Queen's and Princess' beloved Turkish tea.

Ayasofia Museum - After several attempt to this museum but were not successful due to the queue. We decided to wake up earlier on our last day to see what exactly drawing huge crowds into this museum. Admiring every fine sculpturing in this 6th century's building, used to be a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica (church), later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum.

Top Recommended Restaurant - Seoul Restaurant
Serving authentic Korean food, located just behind the Blue Mosque. We visited twice during our 4 days trip... Noodle With Black Bean Sauce (Jajangmyeon) and a Seafood Soup are a thumb-up.