Türkiye
Day 1: sightseeing
After checking in, we ventured into the city. We decided to explore the area around the hotel a bit and visited some sights we encountered along the way. The first day perfectly outlined the city as I experienced it for the rest of the trip: lively, vibrant, and with a healthy dose of cozy chaos.
Egyptian Bazaar
The ideal place to look for souvenirs! The Egyptian Bazaar is the place to be for street food and shops.
Yeni Camii Mosque
The Yeni Camii Mosque is also known as the New Mosque. Be sure to stop by to admire this impressive building, as it will give you a glimpse of the architecture in Istanbul! P.S.: It's best to check the dress code for mosques in advance. Headscarves are usually available at the entrance of the mosque. We bought our own headscarf - for hygiene reasons - which we took with us for the rest of the trip.
Ala Sofya Art & Coffee
A trendy coffee bar where delicious coffee and modern art are combined. A hotspot for those who love historical buildings, art, coffee, and pastries!
Arasta Bazaar
An open-air bazaar, super cozy in nice weather. Here you will find handmade carpets, ceramic figurines and tableware, jewelry, and much more. A paradise for those who love to browse in local shops!
The Sarniç Restaurant
A restaurant in a historic cistern was the perfect conclusion to our first day in Istanbul. We enjoyed the delicious food and the belly dance performance later in the evening. Highly recommended!
