In the Streets of Istanbul, Turkey

(If you’re just joining us, this is the last of a series of posts about our travels to Istanbul and Barcelona. Check prior posts for more info.)

We spent two-plus unforgettable days wandering the streets of Istanbul. We took a bus from the old sector over the Galata Bridge, through the more modern area of Beyoglu, over the Bosphorus Bridge to touch our feet on Asian soil at the Beylerbeyi Palace, back through Taksim Square, returning over the Golden Horn to the area of our hotel. We explored the depths of the Basilica Cistern, built in 532 AD to supply water to palaces of old Istanbul, and looked out over the rooftops of the city from rooftop terrace restaurants.

Istanbul port area and the Galata Bridge
Istanbul port area and the Galata Bridge

We ate well (and often!), got lost and tired in the winding streets and bazaars, and knew we just didn’t have enough time to see even a fraction of what we wanted to see. But we enjoyed everything we experienced.

The boat tour on the Bosphorus and up to the Black Sea, the comprehensive tour of the museum of the Hagia Sophia, explorations of the streets on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, a visit to the Topkapi Palace grounds, and museums, a downright thorough scouring of each and every corner of the Grand Bazaar, and side trips to fascinating places like Ephesus and Cappadoccia will all just have to wait until our next visit. They give us a lot to look forward to.

Okay, to finish off, here’s a small gallery of photos shot around the streets of Istanbul. It’s a city that should be on everyone’s world itinerary wishlist.