EXPLORING ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The perfect sweet spot between Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, European and Asian culture, a visit to Turkey scratches itches than you didn’t even know were there. Here are the incredible must-dos on a trip to the spectacular city of Istanbul.

Visit the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque

Istanbul is full of stunning, ancient landmarks — but two that can’t be missed are the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia. Situated just a few minutes' walk apart for more than 400 years, these two mosques feature domed ceilings, incredibly intricate mosaic decoration on nearly all surfaces and rich histories. With a guide, the details of the mosques and their stories can be unpacked as you make your way through the space — though their beauty is well worth seeing (guide or not), and information about the mosques is readily available.

Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market

Were you even in Istanbul if you didn’t go to the Grand Bazaar? This seemingly endless market is home to thousands of stands decked with ceramics, rugs, blankets, candy, old jewelry, new jewelry, antiques, priceless watches — you name it, it’s there. As an indoor market, the Bazaar is a perfect way to fill a rainy day and come home with bags full of new goodies for a great price.

A fifteen-minute walk from the Bazaar is the Spice Market — which may appear similar to Bazaar in structure but is comprised only of food. Turkish Delights, pastries, teas and, of course, spices line the walls of the market ready to be packed up and taken home. If pastries and spices aren’t for you, fear not. There are free samples of incredible freshly brewed tea at every corner.

Go Sightseeing from the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus Strait runs through the center of Istanbul, connecting the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, and it is lovely to cruise on if you want to get a good look at the coastlines of the vast city. Bosphorus cruises are available throughout the day and can range from and hour and fifteen minutes to three hours. They can even include a dinner on board.

Sailing along the coast, you can get a great look at the many hotels, monuments and private homes that line both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Rain or shine, you can appreciate the views from the upper deck, outdoor deck and indoor deck with tables and chairs.

Enjoy a Spa Day at the Hammam

Hammams are bath houses scattered all around Istanbul with trained professionals that can provide a relaxing, cleansing experience. A trip to a hammam can vary in time based on what package you sign up for, but a common experience includes a salt scrub for exfoliation, a bubble massage — which is indeed a massage during which you are covered head-to-toe in bubbles — and a hot water rinse at the start and finish of the visit. Some hammams will follow your massage with a cup of tea or Turkish coffee and a few Turkish Delights before you walk outside feeling squeaky clean and loosened up.