Istanbul, Turkey - a virtual tour
A series of videos, photographs & food recommendations capturing the beauty of the city.
Istanbul, the city
Istanbul is one of those cities which is often on people’s bucket list. Though I was delighted to go, I didn’t have any prior expectations. By the time I left, I was so in love. I just didn’t expect it to have to offer as much as it did. Additionally, the city so beautifully balances its History with its modern streak, London being the only other city that does this so well. And just like London, with every turning there was so much to see, somewhere new to go, all the streets looked different from one another as if you were stepping into different parts of town in a short space of time. With so much to offer, it was challenging to fit the very best in a short reel. But here are some glimpses of the vibrant streets, sights and sounds of Istanbul…
Pera Palace, the luxury hotel
A glimpse into the splendour that is Pera Palace. A luxury and historical hotel that housed the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Queen II. Elizabeth, Hitchcock, Agatha Christie and the very first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk…to name a few. It was also rumoured that Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel, The Murder on the Orient Express at the hotel and her favoured room, 411 is now named after her. Like everything else in Istanbul, you knew you weren't staying in some lifeless, mass manufactured hotel. This hotel was holding the lives and stories of dreamers…
Topkapi Palace
Whilst I was enjoying Istanbul upon arrival, I didn’t fall in love with it until I visited Topkapi Palace. Stepping into the palace was like be flushed with life, excitement and inspiration. There was such a strong vibe of tradition and heritage all brimming with so much beauty. Despite the crowd, the sacredness was palpable which really made you honour, respect and appreciate how you were immersed in thousands of years of History…
The stills
The details in pictures plus where to eat in Istanbul…
Where to eat in Istanbul
The world famous, Nusret Gökçe aka ‘salt-bae’s’ restaurant. The food was wonderful but it’s the lively atmosphere and theatrics of the waiters that make it worth going.
A breathtaking restaurant with stunning views. The food was lovely but noting exceptional. But the view and ambience and decor more than made up for it.
Another incredible restaurant in Istanbul with phenomenal views. The restaurant was filled with life, buzzing of good company and transforms into a club late at night.
Founded 155 years ago during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz Khan, Hafiz Mustafa is the oldest (and the very best) Turkish sweet and coffee shop in Istanbul. The Ottomon coffee with gum mastic was one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had.
More from around the world
