Traveling during the coronavirus pandemic can't be easy. We all know that tourism is vital to the economies of many countries, and they're eager to welcome visitors again. But, guys, be responsible and put your health first! Take all travel precautions and minimize your health risks.
Ok, this article about a wonderful trip to Istanbul should've been posted in April or at least in May. Ooops! But something went wrong (or as I prefer to say - it always goes right!) and here I am, writing this in September October... So many things have happened since then. I even had to cancel my dream vacation the day before departure, because I got tested for the coronavirus, and it came back positive. Well, that's life! Meanwhile, let's get down to the spring and charming Istanbul, even though it's October outdoors.
Spring is my favorite season. I love this beautiful time with all my heart. Don't get me wrong, guys, I adore and enjoy every time of year, but there is something magical in spring that makes my soul dance. That's why I do my best to travel somewhere in spring. To be honest, it's my the very first time in Turkey. Surprise, I know! When it comes to your first visit, many of us tend to get the most out of our experience abroad. I'm not an exception at all. However, I try to immerse in local culture with no rush and let many wonderful things happen or not. So, for the first time I highly recommend you visiting Dolmabahçe Palace. I assure, you'll be impressed by the largest and one of the most fascinating buildings in Turkey. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take pictures inside of the palace.
Are you a cat lover? In case you are, you should definitely visit Istanbul, known also as "The City of Cats". Here they are loved and cared by people. Locals feed, look after street cats, they even create little homes for furry residents of Istanbul. Well, isn't that sweet? It's cat heaven on Earth. You can meet these beautiful creatures everywhere, even at the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Why not the reason to visit it? Ok-ok, of course there are many more obvious reasons and another one is to enjoy a masterpiece of world's architecture history. Just be sure to check the pray time (five times a day), especially the Friday noon prayers. That was my double mistake and why we didn't get to the Blue Mosque. Well, hopefully, next time!
The best way to explore a new city is to get lost in the streets. Believe me, you'll find a lot of hidden gems. One of the best districts to embrace the unexpected is Karaköy. Known for its extraordinary cafes, street art, historic studios, galleries and boutique shops. When you're here, feel local atmosphere enjoying freshly made bagels and drinking turkish tea at authentic Galata Simitçi, take a million pictures of the colorful narrow Umbrella street, buy a stylish outfit at Lokal Hareket, stare at vintage jewelry that is never out of fashion at Maezae, visit a rooftop Orthodox church Aya Panteleymon Kilisesi and finally find your favorite graffiti artwork.
One more of the top things you have to do when in Istanbul is to enjoy the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony. To my sadness, we weren't allowed to take pictures during the performance. But believe me, guys, it's worth watching! The show is so mesmerizing and mystical I would even say. My highest recommendation for catching the best Whirling Dervishes Performance is theHodjapasha Dance Theater, the building itself was transformed from a large 15th-century hamam (Turkish bath). Sounds already impressive, doesn't it? Note that you can save time by booking your tickets online in advance.
Oh boy! I have to confess, I'm addicted to beautiful hotels and apartments. Before any trip I can easily spend all day in search of the perfect apartment on the Internet. For me, it's highly crucial to be surrounded with comfort and beauty. No worries, guys, it's not an advertisement of the apartment, where we stayed. It's all out of love for this tiny nest in the center of Istanbul and a super friendly host. Looking for a suitable accommodation can become a time-consuming and nerve-wracking experience, I know. So, if you struggle to find a good place in Istanbul don't hesitate to ask me a link to this wonderful place with an enormous and (what's more important!) private terrace. Or you can search it on Airbnb by yourself.
Well, let's talk a little bit more about the pleasure of pretending to be locals. Maybe it's childish, but wherever I am, I do love to imagine myself living and doing all the little things what locals regularly do. I mean, what about to go to the nearest authentic book store, have a small talk with a bookseller, buy a lovely book in a foreign language, despite the fact that you can't even read a word in it. However, the cover is so beautiful and somehow reminds you Paris, so you simply can't resist buying it. Then go to one of the most instagramable bakeries with a Parisien name Kruvasan, buy lots of sweets and delicious croissants, of course! Everyone deserves to spoil themselves every once in a while. So why not spoil yourself with a little picnic on a terrace? We all do the same stuff at home, but there is something special and romantic doing this in another country. Tell me, I'm not the only one, who loves these things.
The spectacular view of the Galata Tower from your terrace leaves an unforgettable impression. This is one of the city’s most amazing landmarks surrounded by numerous interesting legends and myths. According to one of them, if a man and a woman climb the Galata Tower together for the first time, they will inevitably get married. However, if one of the two has been to the tower before, the magic of the matter is lost. Well, it's up to you, guys, whether believe it or not. However, with a little effort you can easily create your own story and romantic traditions.
Maybe one day when I miss this view of spectacular city lights at gentle sunsets, I'll come back to this charming apartment under a rooftop to enjoy slow living and all the little things that offer Istanbul. Time will tell!
