Back to Istanbul - Turkiye
- Sal Schmidt
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Istanbul, a city that never ceases to captivate us. Every visit feels like peeling back the layers of an intricate story. Its energy, its people, its history, it all comes together to create an intoxicating charm we just can’t resist. So, what better place to kickstart our four-month adventure across Asia and back home to Australia than this city of contrasts? Istanbul once again stole a piece of our hearts during our brief yet unforgettable four-night visit.
For this visit, we chose to stay in Beyoglu, a lively yet elegant neighbourhood just a stone’s throw from Taksim and Galata Tower. Our base was The Soul Istanbul, a boutique hotel that truly lived up to its name. From the stylish interiors to the attentive staff, everything about this place reflected the vibrant soul of Istanbul, Turkiye. Its location made it easy to explore the nearby streets on foot, soaking in the essence of this fascinating city.
Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, and this trip was no exception. Every meal seemed to bring us closer to the culture, with flavours as dynamic and delightful as the city itself. For our first dinner, we returned to the Michelin-recommended Cuma Restaurant, a quaint and cosy spot only five minutes from the hotel. This place offers modern takes on traditional Turkish cuisine. The dishes were fresh and flavourful, a perfect introduction to the culinary adventures that awaited.
The next day, we enjoyed a memorable lunch at Mayko Lokanta, a hidden gem just around the corner from our hotel. This intimate eatery felt more like dining in a Turkish home than a restaurant. The food was exquisite, full of traditional flavours cooked with heart, and the warm, inviting ambience made it one of the highlights of our trip.
This trip, we promised ourselves we'd balance our love of food with a little sightseeing, and Istanbul’s rich history didn’t disappoint.
Exploring on foot was a true joy. Walking through its vibrant streets, crossing the iconic Galata Bridge is always a highlight. We watched in fascination as fishermen meticulously prepared their lines, hoping to catch the day's bounty. Venturing further into the Sultanahmet district, the historical heartbeat of Istanbul and immersed in its bustling atmosphere, rich history, and intricate architecture. Istanbul’s energy is palpable, and there’s something incredibly special about experiencing it at street level.
We continued our stroll to the Fatih district, part of the historic old peninsula of Istanbul, and visited the stunning Süleymaniye Mosque, an iconic masterpiece that left us in awe. The Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, Turkey, and one of the largest Ottoman-era mosques in the city. The grandeur of the mosque was humbling, and the views of the city from its surrounding gardens were an unexpected bonus.
For dinner, we returned to Sarnıç Restaurant, a fascinating 1,500-year-old cistern in the heart of Istanbul, and a place that holds special meaning for us. We celebrated our wedding anniversary there a few years ago, where we fell in love with the flavours of Anatolian cuisine and the stunning surroundings, all accompanied by live music whilst dining.
We made sure to fill our final day indulging in more wonderful and delicious Turkish food, we honestly can't get enough, and our favourite Turkish Chamlija wines. Lunch at Tershane Karaköy offered breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, making it the perfect spot to indulge in Turkish cuisine one last time before winding down our trip.
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a stop at Flekk, our favourite cocktail bar in the city. Its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, paired with a unique and expertly crafted drinks menu, made for the perfect start to the evening. After cocktails, we ventured to 47 Tapas Meze (sadly now closed), a small tapas restaurant with an irresistible menu that combined Turkish and Spanish flavours. This delightful fusion had us savouring every bite.
On our way back to the hotel, a sudden rain shower forced us to duck into a charming alleyway bar called La Fee. This hidden gem, with its dim lighting and cosy vibe, felt like the perfect little discovery to toast to our next adventure and bid farewell to Istanbul.
As always, Istanbul delivered an unforgettable mix of food, culture, and warm hospitality. It’s a city that never stops revealing itself, and no matter how many times we visit, it feels like there’s always more to discover.
For now, we leave Istanbul with full hearts (and stomachs), knowing it won’t be long until we’re back again, ready to uncover more of its countless layers. Until next time, Istanbul!
Date visited: 26 Jan 2024
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