Nepali Wanderer

I remember feeling overwhelmed the moment I stepped into Istanbul. Due to a last-minute visa and flight issue, I had to cut my stay short by a day, giving me just three days to explore this magnificent city. The feeling of needing to cover so much in so little time was reminiscent of the final hour of an exam. Using my experience as a student, I crafted a strategic itinerary, cutting a few places from my list and comforting myself with the thought that I’d revisit Istanbul again. I wanted to experience whatever I could in a calm, peaceful state.

The Layout of Istanbul: A City Divided

Let me paint a picture of why Istanbul can be overwhelming. Most of us know it’s a city split between two continents, Asia and Europe. But the city is further divided into three distinct parts by the famous Bosphorus Strait. The Asian side lies on one bank, while the European side is split into the historic old city (home to iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque) and the modern Galata region (home to Galata Tower, Taksim Square, vibrant nightlife, and more). I chose to stay in the old city since I’m more of a history person. (I know what you’re thinking).

Day One: A Glimpse of History

I structured my trip to scan the city on the first day, delve deeper on the second, and revisit my favourite spots on the third. My journey began with a visit to Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel with a rich history. Originally constructed as a church in 537 AD, it was converted into a mosque in 1453, then a museum in 1935, and recently reverted to a mosque in 2020. This single structure alone epitomises the confluence of various empires and cultures in Istanbul, serving as a living reminder of how history is shaped by religion, even today.

Opposite Hagia Sophia stands the Blue Mosque, built in 1616. The area between these two monumental structures offers one of the most picturesque views in the world. I then wandered towards the Galata region, crossing the bridge that connects the two European halves of the city. The Galata Tower was visible from afar, surrounded by charming, crammed houses. The best way to see Istanbul was from the Galata Tower, so I ascended the tower to catch a 360-degree vista of the city. From there, I finally appreciated why Istanbul has been a crucial city for over 2000 years. Why its equal proximity to three continents makes it a central hub of the world. Why the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, remains one of the most important trade routes globally.

After appreciating the city from the Galata Tower, I walked through the vibrant Istiklal Street towards Taksim Square. The narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, pizzerias, and restaurants brought back memories of my college days in Barcelona. That nostalgic Barcelona vibe, combined with my month-long stay in Turkey, gave me a warm, homely feeling. In sharp contrast to my initial overwhelmed state, I now walked past warmly lit cafes and bustling streets, reminding me why walking is the best way to experience any city.

Later, I met a “local foreigner” friend who had been living in Istanbul for a year. He introduced me to the local way of experiencing the city, starting with a cable car ride for a quicker commute. We explored lesser-known areas behind the Galata Tower and walked along the coast towards Besiktas. The seemingly never-ending Istanbul looked even larger and more vibrant after this walk. Instead of taking an expensive tourist cruise (which I had planned in ignorance), we opted for a cheap regular ferry (perks of traveling with a local) to the Asian side of the city. The view of Istanbul from the Bosphorus was magical, with the city’s skyline shining above the water. We roamed around the colorful streets of Kadıköy before heading back. From there, I returned to my hotel, feeling satisfied that I had already seen so much!

Day Two: Deep Dive into Culture

The next day, I began with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir constructed in the 6th century. This cistern, with its hauntingly beautiful columns, is a site of occasional concerts due to its unique acoustics. For me, it was particularly special as it was featured in Dan Brown’s novel, “Inferno.” Walking through the dimly lit, echoing halls, I was on my own Robert Langdon vibe, following some ancient trail of mystery.

Afterward, I returned to Hagia Sophia to explore its interior, marveling at its architectural grandeur. I surreptitiously joined a Spanish tour group (couldn’t join the English one for obvious reasons) to glean more insights from the guide. The intricate details, like the hidden portraits of angels and the remnants of its Christian past, offer a glimpse into its storied history. I even spotted a small painting of something iconic in my religion, the famous trident (Trisul). I took a picture, laughing at the idea of one day creating my own conspiracy video about its supposed Hindu roots (you never know!). I then visited the Blue Mosque, admiring its serene, majestic interior.

Next, I walked to the Grand Bazaar. One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has been a trading hub since the days of the Silk Road. It’s easy (and fun) to get lost in its maze-like alleys, filled with shops selling everything from antiques to spices. I picked up a few souvenirs, including colorful plates and tea cups, along with my best buy from there (hibiscus tea, what else were you expecting?).

As night fell, I revisited the area around Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, now illuminated in vibrant, changing colors. Sitting there, I reflected on Istanbul’s rich history, diverse culture, and modern dynamism. How a single city in two continents has so much to offer, from history (pre-Constantinople days to modern Istanbul) to culture (with the influence of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottomans intact), to food (Turkey in general), to nature (beautiful coastline and nearby hills — in fact, the city is known as the city of seven hills).

Day Three: A Final Farewell

On my final day, I had my flight back home, after a month long enriching stay in Turkey. So, I decided to revisit my favourite spots and made one last visit inside the Hagia Sophia (trust me, it’s that alluring). I wanted to make it my lasting impression of Turkey overall. As I took my cab, I gazed out of the window for one last view of the city — the bustling neighbourhoods, vibrant streets, and stunningly diverse skyline. I left with a heart full of memories and a promise to return.

PS: I returned to Istanbul with my mom this year, thanks to a day-long transit I had there. For a day only, I already had my itinerary, and replicated my “scan the city” tour for my mom.