Is Istanbul Really a Bull?
Sleek, modern, efficient and developed, Istanbul isn’t really a, “bull”, at all. Transportation is a breeze thanks to the timely and extensive tram and metro system, language barriers are present but easily overcome, restaurants line every street so you will never go hungry and local honesty and generosity seem to follow every step.
This is present-day Istanbul, but what about Istanbul past? The real “bull” of the city is trying to understand thousands of years of empires, religions, cultures, languages and reigns. Reflecting Persian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman histories, every part of this grand city has been raised, repurposed, refurbished or renamed and the best person to share this epic saga with is yes, I’m going to say it, a tour guide. Usually not one for overpriced tour guides, Istanbul was a worthwhile splurge. Imparting knowledge in a detailed yet simplified manner along with answering all your questions, tour guides are the first step to comprehending the immense history.
Another suggestion, explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Only a short ferry ride across the famed Bosphorus Strait (costing a whopping $1.50), the Asian side contains ancient Ottoman ruins used during the siege on Constantinople, palaces and holiday homes once occupied by Ottoman sultans and my favorite part, fine dining restaurants for a fraction of the price of the European side. You can’t say you’ve traveled to Istanbul without visiting Asia.
When it comes to hamams, Turkish Baths, I recommend waiting for treatment in another city. That is, if you have the luxury of onward Turkish travel. Istanbul has a captive tourist market and the high price tags and average hamam services reflect this quantity.
My final piece of advice is switch accommodation at least once during your stay. Whether you stay in a boutique hotel or charming hostel located near Sultanhamet Square (minutes from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia), a high-rise hotel in the modern districts of Taksim or Beyoğlu or a budget friendly, waterfront pad on the Asian side, each city district unwraps another layer of discovery.
Istanbul is by far one of the most historically stimulating and culturally aware cities you will ever visit. Give yourself plenty of time and bite off a little bit of the “Bull” everyday!
This is present-day Istanbul, but what about Istanbul past? The real “bull” of the city is trying to understand thousands of years of empires, religions, cultures, languages and reigns. Reflecting Persian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman histories, every part of this grand city has been raised, repurposed, refurbished or renamed and the best person to share this epic saga with is yes, I’m going to say it, a tour guide. Usually not one for overpriced tour guides, Istanbul was a worthwhile splurge. Imparting knowledge in a detailed yet simplified manner along with answering all your questions, tour guides are the first step to comprehending the immense history.
Another suggestion, explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Only a short ferry ride across the famed Bosphorus Strait (costing a whopping $1.50), the Asian side contains ancient Ottoman ruins used during the siege on Constantinople, palaces and holiday homes once occupied by Ottoman sultans and my favorite part, fine dining restaurants for a fraction of the price of the European side. You can’t say you’ve traveled to Istanbul without visiting Asia.
When it comes to hamams, Turkish Baths, I recommend waiting for treatment in another city. That is, if you have the luxury of onward Turkish travel. Istanbul has a captive tourist market and the high price tags and average hamam services reflect this quantity.
My final piece of advice is switch accommodation at least once during your stay. Whether you stay in a boutique hotel or charming hostel located near Sultanhamet Square (minutes from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia), a high-rise hotel in the modern districts of Taksim or Beyoğlu or a budget friendly, waterfront pad on the Asian side, each city district unwraps another layer of discovery.
Istanbul is by far one of the most historically stimulating and culturally aware cities you will ever visit. Give yourself plenty of time and bite off a little bit of the “Bull” everyday!