Last year, I booked a trip to Istanbul on a whim. I've heard the usual mix of opinions, and some people have rave reviews about food and architecture, but others warned it was “exaggerated” and “too confusing.” But nothing prepared me about how quickly and totally I would fall in love with the city.
So when it comes to tourist attractions, imagine the surprise you have when you recently came across research with radical storage that has named Istanbul the world's most disappointing city. The report cites a negative mention rate of 16% across major landmarks, with Topkapi Palace being the most overwhelming at the top of the list. But I didn't agree any more. Istanbul may be loud and busy, but in the end it is the capital. Some major sites have long queues. But nonetheless, it is one of the most charming, vibrant and culturally rich cities I have ever visited.
This is where ancient empires literally overlap. I was standing in Hagia Sofia, a church, mosque and museum. It is a quiet witness to nearly 1,500 years of history.
The Grand Bazaar definitely shouldn't be overlooked. All horns sell as much stories as spices and silk. The shopkeeper is lovely and offers a generous portion of tea and samples of Turkish delights.
Needless to say, Istanbul had some of the best foods. From delicate baklava dripped in syrup to sizzling, sizzling kebabs cooked on charcoal, Turkish cuisine offers plenty of bold flavours and warm hospitality.
Located on the seaside, the city also had amazing seafood, ranging from stuffed mussels to grilled sardines, which rarely broke the bank.
You will soon feel the difference in affordable prices, especially if you are just coming from Western Europe. Even in the city centre, a pint of beer returned me £3, but the complete meal ended up at £12.
The Topkapi Palace was not at the top of my list of places to visit, but the overwhelming charm of one person doesn't talk about the entire city. Istanbul is more than a tour of the palace.
It is a sunrise call to prayer that echoes the streets. It's a ferry that crosses the continent in 20 minutes. Istanbul feels like a world away from living in the UK. This is just a 4 hour flight.
In my opinion, calling the attractions in Istanbul “unfortunate” is more than not said. For me, it is one of the most memorable places I have ever been and I'm already planning my return.
