Istanbul: Sights, hidden gems & cuisine

Contents:

• Sights in Istanbul: The highlights of the historic old town

• More highlights outside the Old Town

• Neighbourhoods & hidden gems in Istanbul

• The Bosphorus: the city’s lifeline

• Cuisine in Istanbul: A city to savour

• Practical tips for your city break in Istanbul

• Conclusion: Istanbul leaves a lasting impression

Sights in Istanbul: The highlights of the historic old town

Most of Istanbul’s famous sights are located on the historic peninsula on the European side. Many of the highlights around Sultanahmet can be easily explored on foot.

• Hagia Sophia – one of the city’s most significant buildings. The former Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque, is particularly impressive for its monumental dome and centuries-old history. Inside, you’ll also find the so-called Wishing Column: according to legend, a wish will come true if you place your thumb in the opening of the column and turn your hand once in a complete circle.
• Blue Mosque – situated directly opposite Hagia Sophia and famous for its six minarets as well as the numerous blue-and-white Iznik tiles inside.
• Topkapı Palace – the residence and centre of power of the Ottoman sultans for several centuries. The inner courtyards, the harem and the views of the Bosphorus are particularly worth seeing.
• Basilica Cistern – an impressive underground water reservoir dating from the Byzantine era. Hundreds of columns and the famous Medusa heads create a very special atmosphere.
• Grand Bazaar – a vast labyrinth of covered alleyways with thousands of shops selling, amongst other things, jewellery, carpets, ceramics, spices and leather goods.
• Egyptian Bazaar – also known as the Spice Bazaar. The air here is filled with the scent of spices, tea, dried fruit, nuts and Turkish sweets.
• New Mosque – situated right next to the Galata Bridge and the Egyptian Bazaar. With its domes and minarets, it dominates the skyline of Eminönü.

If you want to explore these sights at a leisurely pace, it’s best to allow two days. Among our personal favourites are Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern.

Other highlights outside the Old Town

There are also numerous places outside the historic Old Town that are well worth a visit.

• Dolmabahçe Palace – this magnificent palace, situated directly on the Bosphorus, was built in the 19th century and replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans. The sumptuous halls, the large chandeliers and the location right by the water are particularly impressive.

• Galata Tower – one of Beyoğlu’s most famous landmarks. From the viewing platform, there is a sweeping view across the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the rooftops of Istanbul.

• Ortaköy Mosque – this elegant mosque is situated right on the Bosphorus and, with the Bosphorus Bridge in the background, is one of the city’s most picturesque photo opportunities.

• Galata Bridge – connects the historic peninsula with Karaköy. The numerous fishermen along the bridge and the view of the mosques of Eminönü are particularly characteristic.

If you have enough time, you should combine a visit to these sights with a stroll through Galata, Karaköy and Beşiktaş – this is a great way to discover some of the most beautiful aspects of modern Istanbul.

Neighbourhoods & Hidden Gems in Istanbul

If you want to experience Istanbul beyond the well-known sights, you should take the time to explore the city’s various neighbourhoods. They reveal just how diverse the city really is – from creative and modern to quiet and almost village-like.

• Galata – around the Galata Tower, narrow, winding alleys lead past boutiques, cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. It’s particularly lovely to simply stroll through the neighbourhood without a set plan.

• Karaköy – one of the most exciting neighbourhoods for cafés, restaurants and modern shops. The mix of old trading houses, street art and new dining spots makes Karaköy particularly lively. This is also where you’ll find Istanbul Modern, Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art.

• Balat – known for its colourful houses, steep alleyways, antique shops and small cafés. If you visit early in the morning, you’ll find the neighbourhood much quieter.

• Kadıköy – situated on the Asian side and ideal for getting to know everyday life in Istanbul. Around the market, you’ll find numerous restaurants, bakeries and small shops.

• Moda – right next to Kadıköy and much more laid-back. Cafés, green spaces and the waterfront promenade make the neighbourhood perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

• Kuzguncuk – a quiet hidden gem on the Bosphorus with colourful wooden houses, small shops and cosy cafés. The neighbourhood feels almost like a village in the middle of a metropolis.

The Bosphorus: a lifeline

A boat trip on the Bosphorus is one of the most beautiful experiences Istanbul has to offer. As you sail past Ottoman wooden villas (yalıs), magnificent palaces and imposing bridges, the city reveals a completely different side to itself. A late-afternoon cruise is particularly atmospheric, when the sun slowly sets over the water and bathes Istanbul’s skyline in golden light.

How to plan your Bosphorus tour:

• Public ferries: The municipal ferry company Şehir Hatları offers both a short and a long Bosphorus tour. An affordable and authentic way to experience Istanbul from the water.
• Private boat tours: Around Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş, there are numerous operators offering shorter sightseeing cruises. It’s best to compare prices and routes before booking.
• Best time: A trip in the late afternoon or at sunset is particularly lovely.
• Our alternative: If you don’t fancy a sightseeing cruise, simply combine a regular ferry journey to Üsküdar or Kadıköy with a visit to the Asian side. The view of Istanbul’s skyline is just as stunning this way.
• Practical tip: Pack a light jacket – even on warm days, it can get surprisingly windy on the Bosphorus.

Cuisine in Istanbul: A city to savour

In Istanbul, good food is far more than just a meal – it is part of the city’s way of life. Over the centuries, the metropolis has developed into a culinary melting pot, where spices, fresh ingredients and traditional recipes play a central role. Many dishes and culinary traditions are still passed down from generation to generation today.

Whether it’s freshly baked simit, a glass of pomegranate juice, meze, börek or sweet baklava: culinary discoveries await on practically every corner in Istanbul. Neighbourhoods such as Galata, Karaköy and Kadıköy are particularly exciting, where traditional eateries, small bakeries and modern cafés sit side by side.

Our personal recommendations

Breakfast & Speciality Coffee

• Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı in Nişantaşı – ideal for a hearty, traditional Turkish breakfast with a wide variety of small dishes. You’re guaranteed not to go home hungry here.
• Parsa Coffee Roasters – highly recommended for anyone who enjoys speciality coffee. The surrounding area is also perfect for a leisurely stroll and exploring.
• Coffee Sapiens – another great coffee spot in Karaköy, just a few steps away from Parsa Coffee Roasters.

Restaurants

• Aheste – excellent meze and Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. One of our personal favourites.
• Olden 1772 – a special atmosphere in a historic building with stone walls and a spiral staircase, combined with excellent cuisine.
• Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta – a popular spot for balık dürüm or balık ekmek. This little eatery is often easy to spot thanks to the long queue.
• TURK Fatih Tutak & GALLADA by Fatih Tutak – two very different concepts from the renowned Turkish top chef. TURK Fatih Tutak has been awarded two Michelin stars and reinterprets Turkish cuisine at a fine-dining level. GALLADA at The Peninsula Istanbul combines Turkish and Asian influences with a stylish ambience and a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.
• The BARN – an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant on a sustainable farm outside the city centre. Many of the ingredients come directly from the local area, and the concept places a strong emphasis on sustainability and zero waste.

Practical tips for your city break in Istanbul

Istanbul is huge, vibrant and sometimes a bit chaotic. However, with a few simple tips, you can explore the city with ease:

• Use public transport: the metro, trams and ferries will take you quickly to many of the sights. The Istanbulkart is particularly handy, as it can be used on various forms of public transport.

• Allow plenty of time: Distances are long and traffic can be time-consuming. It’s therefore best to group attractions by neighbourhood.

• Our hotel recommendation: Mest Hotel Istanbul – a charming hotel right next to the Egyptian Bazaar, with a stylish ambience and a beautiful rooftop terrace where breakfast is served with views over Istanbul. The location is perfect for sightseeing, although it can get quite lively around the Bazaar during the day. If you prefer a quieter setting, the area around Galata offers a good alternative.

• Visiting mosques respectfully: Make sure you’re dressed appropriately and, where possible, plan your visits outside prayer times.

• Pack comfortable shoes: cobbled streets, steep alleyways and long walks are almost always part of the daily routine in Istanbul.

• Organise cash before your trip: With Swiss Bankers’ banknote delivery service, you can conveniently order Turkish lira before you set off. This can be particularly worthwhile in Istanbul, as many cash machines charge additional, sometimes high, operator fees – depending on the machine, these can amount to around 15 to 25 euros. It is therefore essential to check the fees displayed before withdrawing money.

• Don’t forget travel insurance: With TravelProtect from Swiss Bankers, you can protect yourself against unforeseen events whilst travelling – for a more relaxed city break.

• Stay alert on the roads: It’s worth taking an extra look, especially when crossing the road – traffic in Istanbul sometimes follows a rhythm all of its own.

Conclusion: Istanbul leaves a lasting impression

Istanbul is a city brimming with flavours, scents and cultures – and is almost impossible to sum up in a single definition. With its millennia-old history, vibrant neighbourhoods, the Bosphorus and diverse cuisine, it constantly reveals new facets of itself.

It is precisely this blend of tradition, modernity and lively chaos that gives the city its special charm. And one final tip: do take extra care when crossing the road – just as you should with all the surprising details that Istanbul has in store at every turn.