Tilda's Gander: Flashback: Enchanting Istanbul with a local

Having a friend who grew up and still lives in Istanbul seemed like the perfect excuse to make my first trip to the beautiful Turkish city and I couldn't have been more excited.

With a plethora of things to see and do, my short, 4-night stay was definitely not enough time to do it justice, with long days and sore feet being constants on this trip. Our first stop was the oldest part of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, where the most famed attractions of the city lie in all their towering glory.

Unfortunately, being late January, the weather was unpredictable, and decided to release the floodgates on the day of Sultanhamet adventure. Not letting this dampen our spirits, the Blue Mosque was our first stop for the day. Its distinctive turret-like columns rose up above the old town and the inside was even more captivating. Of course, removal of shoes was mandatory at the entrance to the mosque and we were provided with plastic bags to carry them in. The first section was a courtyard with multiple arches and Arabic engravings, however the internal room we moved through to afterwards was a favourite. You can see in photos below, but the room was intricately decorated, from carpet to domed roof, with mosaics and stained glass, complemented by the immense candle holder that extended down from the roof to rest just above head height in the prayer area. Separate areas for prayer and visiting tourists were cordoned off by a small fence, and the serenity that came with watching the people kneeling and praying was beautiful.

Unfortunately, by the time we got to the Hagia Sofia, it had closed its visiting hours. I was disappointed but happy that I got to see the Blue Mosque and at least marvel at the outside of the Hagia Sofia.

Other Istanbul recommendations include:

Gülhane Park (a beautiful park leading around to a cafe on a hill that overlooks the Bosphorus)
The Spice Market and Grand Bazaar (exactly what they sound like. Charming and bustling markets that have an abundance of spices, Turkish delight, scarves, lanterns and pretty much everything else. Be careful though! Many prices are not displayed so they can bump it up when you ask and they hear you're a tourist)
A taste of traditional Turkish meatballs accompanied by some Ayran (Turkish savoury milk drink) at Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Catching a ferry over to the Asian side of Istanbul (get the local ferries, much cheaper than the touristy cruises! Here you can find a very different vibe to the European side and plenty of gözleme, meatball and filled oyster stalls and a square with perfect, close-up views of the Bosphorus bridge, pictured below)
A spot of shopping along Taksim (the main shopping street)
A meal and a drink at Taksim Nevizade (an area off Taksim packed with restaurants and bars)

This is a bit of ostentatious claim, but I believe Istanbul made its way to my Top 5 cities list! I only wish to re-visit during the summer and take full advantage of anything water-related!

And now, pictures!