For my birthday, Kemey and I spent a long weekend in Istanbul. Yes indeed, ya gotta do the Blue Mosque/Hagia Sophia/Basilica Cistern/Topkapi Palace/Grand Bazaar shuffle when you’re there, but there’s so much more to see and do in this massive and dynamic city. Here are just a few of the “other” highlights from our trip.
The Full Bosphorus Cruise to and from the Black Sea was a picturesque way to begin to get a sense of just how massive and beautiful Istanbul is. And at just under £7, I reckon it was good value too.
The Whirling Dervishes Mevlevi Sema ceremony at the Sirkeci “Orient Express” train station was one of the most amazing and serene things I’ve ever seen in my life. Wow!
A great Turkish coffee in a cosy and contemporary cafe was had at Momo in the upscale neighbourhood of Cihangir. Looking for a place start writing that novel or to simply chill out? This just might be it!
Got pastrami? They do at Cankurtaran Gida! Located in Istanbul’s bustling Spice Bazaar, this deli has been selling traditional cured meats and cheeses since 1946. Pick up some treats to take back home or grab a freshly made pastrami sandwich for a meaty snack.
I got a great shave, haircut, ear waxing, etc etc etc at the Atak Saloon barbershop (for about the same price I usually get a trim here in London) just at the entrance to the Çemberlitaş Hamam before paying a visit its the historic 16th century baths. I don’t think I’ve been so clean cut or squeeky clean in my life!
Based on its stellar TripAdvisor rating, we decided to stay at the humble Sultan House hotel in Sultanahmet. It was comfortable, clean and affordable. The guys working there were incredibly polite and helpful. If you’re planning to ‘do’ all of Istanbul’s big historic sightseeing attractions, this would make an excellent base.
