When it comes to planning a European vacation, there are many destinations and cities that automatically go onto the list. Places such as Paris, Rome and London tend to feature prominently. But what about a place such as Istanbul? Unless you are stopping by on a layover, many people tend to forget about this famous Turkish City. But then, is it really worth it? Here in my Istanbul City Review I will explore exactly that.
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Where is Istanbul?
Istanbul is located in the North West of Turkey. It straddles the body of water called the Bosphorus, that is a sea strait connecting the Black Sea and The Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus is also the geological boundary between the continents of Asia and Europe. This puts Istanbul in the unique position of actually existing on two continents at the same time.
In a way, Istanbul is removed from most other “popular” tourist destinations. Of all the countries around it, Greece is the most popular with tourists, meaning that if you visit Greece, it would not be too much of a stretch to visit Istanbul as well.
What DOES make Istanbul easy to visit, is that its geological position makes it a very important travel hub, and Istanbul’s two International airports are always busy. Many travelers have layovers in Istanbul, especially if on long haul flights to places such as Australia, South East Asia, Asia and even Moscow.
What makes Istanbul Special?
Basically, the History is what makes it so special. And Geography. And the Culture.
Ok, there are a lot of things that make Istanbul special!
Let’s start with the easy one. Geography.
As I already noted above, Istanbul has the distinction of being located on two continents at the same time. This in itself is enough to attract many to visit. It is even enough to entice many to want to live in Istanbul. I mean, why not? You get the best of both worlds, with such a wonderful cross blend of cultures. You get great variety in Istanbul.
And it is THAT reason that Istanbul became historically special. You see, no one invades a city, or country, unless they want something. Be it power, land, or tactical advantage, there is always a reason. In the case of Istanbul, it is the unique Geographical position, making it a powerful place to have control of. For trade reasons as well as many others.
Constantine the Great knew this, and brought much Roman influence to Istanbul. The Ottoman Empire knew this, and such came their influence.
History is written on the very stones in Istanbul, as everyone down through time wanted to have her for themselves. Now, we get to see that history, and witness the results up close.
So yes, Istanbul IS special.
The Neighborhoods
If there is one thing to be said about discovering Istanbul, it’s that every neighborhood is different. So pay attention to where you decide to book your accommodation before you visit for the first time!
You will notice as you move about in Istanbul, that there can be a big difference between one neighborhood and the next. At first, the change is not readily apparent, but it is there.
The only place that I can think of off hand that the difference between neighborhoods is MORE apparent is Plovdiv, Bulgaria. There, you literally cross the street and it’s almost like you’re in a different city.
In Istanbul, it can be more subtle, but it certainly makes you notice.
So what are the differences?
Sultanahmet is the unmissable neighborhood. It is full of history, and is where the most large attractions are.
Beyoglu is all about contemporary art and culture.
Kadikoy, on the Asian side, is the place to be for cafes and nightlife.
Besiktas is all about luxury hotels.
Bebek – Where only the Elite hang out.
Ortakoy – the most Instagrammable neighborhood in Istanbul!
Taksim and Istiklal Street – Party Party Party!
Every neighborhood in Istanbul has its own style. It really makes discovering the city exciting, and every day you truly find something new. I lost count of how many times I have made the statement, “This is now my favorite part of Istanbul!” and then proceeded to find a new favorite the very next day.
So what is my favorite?
I honestly don’t know. I AM very partial to Galata, around the Tower area. But maybe I should go back to Istanbul again….you know….Just to make sure.
Istanbul City Review Note – I have NOT covered all neighborhoods here. No where near it. This is just my musings about how different things can be in Istanbul. So make sure you do your research before you choose where to stay. However visiting – well that’s another story!
The Ferry Culture
You CANNOT possibly do an Istanbul City Review without mentioning the ferries. They are part of the city itself! And so is the culture…
But is it really a culture? I don’t know.
All I know is that people catch the ferry a lot. Now, it IS a city that straddles a body of water, and ferry is the natural way to cross it. But you don’t HAVE to. There is a Marmaray that goes from Kadikoy and Uskudar across to the European side. There are bridges.
So why do people catch the ferry?
There are two answers. First, it is handy and convenient.
The second is that they love it. It is a part of life in Istanbul. We certainly connected with that culture ourselves when we were in Istanbul the first time, and still do.
Being able to start and finish the day with a nice leisurely ferry ride is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or a tourist. In fact, as tourists we just followed what the locals did.
We would buy some bread from the bread carts, or a kebab/pita from the stalls at the docks. Then, when we were on the ferry, we would get a coffee or tea. Then, we watch the world go by as we relax, eat, drink, chat and laugh on the ride across to the other side.
On the way home, we would watch one of the best sunsets in the world as it drops down over the water.
Is there a Ferry Culture? I don’t know. But if there is, I’m in – boots and all!
The Whole “Asia” and “Europe” Thing
What is this anyway?
Ok. So we know that Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, and that one side is Europe and the other side Asia. But what does that mean in reality?
Many visitors to Istanbul will hear about it and THIS is what they expect.
The European side will have mini Eiffel Towers and Colosseums. People will eat Pizza and all speak English. There will be Irish Pubs, German Beerhalls and French Patisseries.
The Asian side will have Chinese restaurants everywhere, and street carts selling Nasi Goreng and Dim Sum.
No. Istanbul is not a mini world theme park!
Basically there is not much difference between the European side and the Asian side. Except this.
The Euro side is a little more lively. This can only be expected when that is the side of the Bosphorus where most of the major attractions are. They were not built there because it’s Europe. They were built there hundreds of years ago when most of the settlement of Constantinople was ON that side.
The Asian side is just a lot quieter. There are not as many attractions, but visitors will find it is very beautiful and peaceful. If you are after a quieter place to stay, then this is it.
If you want to be more in the center of it all, pick the European side.
The People
I find the people in Istanbul to be nice, but at first I thought they were rather unfriendly. Does that even make sense?
The reason I thought they were unfriendly was maybe just their gruff nature. But I came to realize that in Istanbul, it’s just their business like persona. Things are a little more hurried in the bigger cities, and that happens all over the world.
In Istanbul though, once they realize you are a tourist, I found they were more than willing to help. In several restaurants, we couldn’t read the menu. So we asked the cooks what the food was. Their gruff expressions would break into a big grin and suddenly we would be getting regaled about every single food, the price, and what they recommend!
When we couldn’t understand about the IstanbulKart, or how to catch the ferry, suddenly there was someone offering help. It reminded me a little of Japan in that regard.
The people of Istanbul are friendly and open. You just have to give them a chance, and don’t judge a book by its cover.
Istanbul City Review Note – If someone, usually a man, is TOO friendly and you are around the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque area in Sultanahmet, I can guarantee he is trying to sell you carpet! RUN! RUN NOW!
Is it TOO Touristy?
I guess if I am doing an Istanbul City Review, we need to answer THIS question.
No. One thing that Istanbul is not, in my opinion, is touristy.
The most touristy it gets is around Sultanahmet, or some areas of Taksim. But even then, it isn’t.
When I think of touristy, it means that things are designed, angled and aimed at the tourist market. And in those sorts of places, you will not find locals. For example, Kuta, Bali.
In Istanbul, everywhere you go there will be locals shopping as well as tourists. In the Grand Bazaar, it is packed with locals. The Spice Bazaar is the same. Even though there are souvenir shops, there are still many, many locals.
Places like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, there are locals enjoying a day out. They are even lined up alongside you to go inside and take a look. Same at Galata Tower. At Ortakoy Mosque, you have to FIGHT FOR ROOM alongside the locals, they love it so much!
No, Istanbul is not too touristy. Many of the major “tourist” areas show no signs of tourism whatsoever.
In Istanbul, you can really feel like you are getting the full local experience, blend in alongside the locals, and really enjoy your experience.
Do I recommend it?
If you haven’t worked out the answer to this question yet, then you haven’t been paying attention.
Because YES I do! A resounding yes!
This is a city that will please everyone. There is no way that you could not visit Istanbul and not find something that you like, and totally vibe with. The city is incredible with its diversity, and uniqueness. Do yourself a favor and visit, and when you do, make it more than just a couple of days!
Thanks for reading my Istanbul City Review, and I certainly hope you might know a bit more about the city now. If you want to know more, try reading my Complete Guide to Istanbul, for information on where to stay, things to do, and how to get around.
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