48 HOURS IN ISTANBUL
No matter the season, historic Istanbul is the perfect getaway for avid city-hoppers
Emily Bell and Isabeau Brimeau’s top tips for a Turkish weekend trip.
Alow chant ripples through Istanbul. Dawn has not yet broken and the first call to prayer has begun – a reminder that the city is already awake. Some time between the second and third call we weave our way through the hustle and bustle into the CBD. Baklava-stacked shop windows and racks of over-sequined wedding dresses catch the eyes of us tourists. Without question, the former honey-drizzled treat is the preferable purchase here.
Content producer Emily Bell and digital editor Isabeau Brimeau visited Istanbul for a few days. Together, they have compiled an itinerary featuring must-visit sights and eateries. Hungry travellers and intrepid explorers, prepare yourself for 48 hours in this Turkish city…
SEEING the sites
BASILICA CISTERN Deep beneath the city streets lurks the largest Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. Consisting of 336 columns, it’s a low-lit, majestic underground chamber built in 532. Its primary function was to provide water to the nearby Palace and surrounding buildings. Fast forward a few centuries, it’s open to the public and can be accessed via a 52-step descent, down to the depths of the city. yerebatan.com
BLUE MOSQUE Built between 1609 and
1616, the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) is located in the heart of Istanbul. It has become known as the Blue Mosque due to decorative blue tiles lining the interior walls. Before you visit, be aware it’s an active mosque. You’ll hear the call to prayer flood the city five times a day when the mosque will close for 90 minutes for prayers. bluemosque.co
BOSPORUS Known as the Strait of Istanbul, the Bosporus river acts as a significant boundary separating Europe and Asia. Purchase a ticket from the Eminönü Ferry Terminal and hop aboard a cruise to explore the city from the water. Sip a beverage and watch as the historic city floats by, spotting ancient sites and palaces from dawn, noon and dusk.
THE GOLDEN OLDIE: THE GRAND BAZAAR One of the oldest, largest covered markets in the world, the bazaar is an endless hive of activity and an experience for the senses. Stained glass lamps hang from shop ceilings and hawkers beckon to passers-by, tempting them with samples of Turkish delight and tea tastings.
WORTH THE DAY TRIP: GALLIPOLI
As a New Zealander or Australian, a day trip to Gallipoli and Anzac Cove is a rite of passage. Gallipoli Tour offer an in-depth guided tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula, covering Anzac Cove, several memorial sites and the ANZAC trenches. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and spoke English well. The included lunch was delicious and pick up/drop off was well organised. Do note that this takes a full day (approximately 6am-10pm). gallipolitour.com
FEELING hungry?
DÖNERCI ŞAHIN USTA
It’s not a true visit to Turkey without eating a traditional kebab. Pillowy bread is rubbed down the side of the cooked meat then filled with thin strips of meat, sliced tomato, onions, herbs and chilli. Ayran, a salty yoghurt drink is also worth trying. Open Monday-saturday, 11am-5pm.
OLIVE ANATOLIAN RESTAURANT
Set on the top floor of the Yaşmak Sultan Hotel, this restaurant is a great spot for dinner after a long day exploring. Recommendations include the Traditional Turkish Meze Selection and Hünkar Beğendi – stewed lamb with cinnamon and onion, served on a bed of smoked eggplant puree. oliverestaurant.net
ŞIRIN FIRIN BAKERY
Located in the hip, modern neighbourhood of Galata, this sleek bakery is a great spot for coffee and cake. With an impressive array of baked goods, a pastel green exterior – and matching pastel green scooter – Şirin Firin is an Instagrammer’s dream. Open daily, 6am to late.
Don’t forget to pack a scarf and/or a pair of trousers if you’re thinking of visiting a place of worship
EMILY’S TOP TIP
Don’t forget to pack a scarf or a pair of trousers if you’re thinking of visiting a place of worship. Pack comfortable shoes so you can easily explore the city by foot.
ISABEAU’S TOP TIP
Be mindful when buying tea, nuts, nougat or other treats from The Grand Bazaar.
You may feel cornered in the stores and while the price per 100 grams may sound reasonable, if there’s a minimum amount you have to purchase it can end up costing a small fortune – learn from my mistakes…
WHERE TO stay
BEST FOR FAMILY: ISTANBUL PLACE Opting for an apartment is ideal when travelling with kids. But that doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on luxury. For an authentic experience, Istanbul Place have a wide range of apartments available. istanbulplace.com
BEST FOR BUDGET: BUCOLEON HOSTEL Located in the heart of Old Town, this affordable, clean and modern hostel is tucked away down a side street but within walking distance to the Blue Mosque. hostelworld.com
BEST FOR LUXURY: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ISTANBUL AT THE BOSPHORUS
Located on the shores of the Bosphorus strait, this restored 19th-century palace is perfect for those looking to splash some cash. The guest rooms and suites have an airy, contemporary feel, the food offerings are ample and if you’re after helicopter rental (!) they can organise that for you too. fourseasons.com/bosphorus
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
You might want to plan your trip around some of these key dates.
APRIL 2020: International Film Festival MAY 1 2020: Labour Day
APRIL 24 – MAY 23 2020: Ramadan (Ramadan ends May 26)
JUNE – JULY 2020: Istanbul Music Festival