Istanbul is a remarkable and interesting city – one that should not be missed if
you travel to that part of the world. For it is here that east meets
west in a delightful mix of modern comfort, familiar ease, and exotic
relaxation.
Great Time in Istanbul
If you would like to have
a great time in Istanbul, some careful planning should be in order. The
last thing you want is to find yourself overwhelmed by the many
tempting sights and sounds that you are ‘pushed’ to visit, not to
mention the barrage of last minute advice you hear from the people who
claim that they hold the key to the secret of having a great time in
Istanbul.
Must See
If you are a history buff and would like
to set your eyes on Istanbul’s many ancient monuments, start by visiting
the Haghia Sophia museum and church. This is truly an imposing
1400-year old building, with a huge, impressive dome that is adorned
with mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine era. Then, proceed to the
nearby breathtaking Blue Mosque. Also ancient, it has six remarkable
minarets and is decorated to the nines with the most beautiful
architecture. Next, walk over to the Topakpi Palace not too far away.
Once a dwelling of royalties, you need a long stretch of time to savour
what you will be seeing here – harems, courtyards, meeting rooms, and
many, many more.
If this is the type of place that captures your interest, then, there are numerous other similar places to explore like the Kucuk Ayasofya Camii, sometimes referred to as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. This is a calm and peaceful place of
worship, adorned by some live ducks in the courtyard! Similarly, there
is the Ortakoy, which is a pleasant neighborhood that houses old
buildings that have been renovated.
Must Experience
To keep the trip interesting, it is best to alternate between seeing and
experiencing. If the Haghia Sophia is a must-see, then the Ayasofya
Hurrem Sultan Hamam is a must-experience. What is a trip to Istanbul if
you do not indulge yourself in a traditional Turkish bath? Upmarket
hamams like the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam are simply lovely. You will
feel relaxed and pampered as the attendants splash soothing water on
your tired body. Just soak the moment and enjoy.
Another great must-see and must-experience is to immerse in some delightful Turkish
dances. For this, you need to spend time at the Hodjapasha Culture
Center, where you can feast your eyes on great dancing costumes and
engross in the fantastic sound of Turkish live music. Then, stroll into
the exhibition in the foyer, where you can learn all about Turkey’s
dance culture history.
Enjoy Istanbul
This is just a sample
of how you can enjoy Istanbul. What you need is to plan your days well
ahead. Good planning will definitely result in a great time there!