istanbul, turkey

Once again a “stop over”, i decided to stay 2 nights in Istanbul on my way to Lisbon, and my only regret is that i didn’t do it sooner.
I landed in the airport SUPER early – 5.30am, which made it impossible to check-in in my hotel. So i just dropped my luggage, and walked up to Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and i have to say that these were the most amazing photos i took, the colors of the sky during sunrise were just gorgeous. Of course you cant go inside until 8.30am, but totally worth walking around. I ended up having breakfast in the only place nearby that was opened at 6.30am, and ended up going there everyday. Just great Turkish breakfast!

Once it was a normal time to do some tourism, i started my proper visit,
1. Topkapi Palace

2. Hagia Irene
3. Hagia Sophia
4. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque): just gorgeous,
5. Basilica Cistern: this place has this mysterious feel that makes it a must go to.
6. Grand Bazaar: just amazing, i got some awesome kilim cushions for a great price. Cotton and Bamboo scarves, trows and towels are also a must buy in Istanbul, and at great prices.
7. Theodosius Cistern (Serefiye Sarnici): gorgeous, and newly restored, with a modern glazed building around it.

8. Spice Bazaar: just fantastic experience, you can definitely find great things here, but i would say don’t buy inside the bazaar, the prices are multiplied by 4, check it, see what you like, and then go to the outside part of the bazaar, for 25% of the price (the peanuts with honey and seeds was my absolute favorite!).
9. Süleymaniye Mosque: one of my favorite spots, just gorgeous mosque, and great views over Galata.

On the other side of the Golden Horn:
– Dolmabahçe Palace
– Gataca Tower: for great views of the city, make sure to take your time, and don’t look only through your camera lenses. Be prepared to queue quite a bit for it though, early morning is the ideal time. The buildings and streets around the Galata Tower are worth taking a couple of strolls around, they have that Mediterranean port city feel. Nearby there is a great cheese and wine place – Sensus Wine Boutique Galata, great local cold cuts and cheese, and of course, local wine. You can ask them to make a platter with different types, so you can try different stuff.