|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Nestled between two continents, Istanbul is a city where east meets west, and tradition dances with modernity. Istanbul is a city that is full of history and culture, but this isn’t another travel blog focused on the known spots like Hagia Sophia or Dolmabahçe Palace. After getting my fill of touristy attractions in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, I craved an authentic experience. My conquest brought me to the charming neighbourhoods of Balat and Arnavutköy, where I found those hidden treasures that truly showcase the city’s vibrant local life.
Balat
Balat is one of those districts in Istanbul that feels like a time capsule of Istanbul’s past. The streets are lined with charming colourful houses and overflows of character that capture the heart instantly.
Stroll over to the Fener Greek High School, affectionately known as the Red Church. Its striking red façade stands out against the pastel colours of Balat, and the sight of this historic building had me imagining the rich stories it could tell. Its stunning architecture also makes it a must-see. Within walking distance, I came across the famous rainbow stairs. Climbing the vibrant steps, I snapped a few photos, and soaked up the kaleidoscope of colour around me. Just to the right of these stairs lies Antik Café, which features the famous colourful rainbow umbrellas that add a touch of magic to this area. If you want to get a photo with the rainbow umbrellas you will need to be a customer of the café. Another place to click a fantastic photo for absolutely free is wall art at Tiffany & Tomato. The designs change often, keeping it fresh for return visitors. It’s Instagram gold, and I couldn’t resist capturing the moment against this backdrop of the Turkish eye.
Further down Balat are cosy homeware shops, cafes, restaurants, and quirky boutiques, each offering a piece of local craftsmanship, and it’s the perfect area for picking up a few unique souvenirs. And while you’re here, indulge in a warm Simit (a delicious Turkish sesame bagel) from a local vendor, it’s a must try snack! You can try Midye Dolma here too. I bought some, and honestly speaking, it was the best thing I tasted in my whole trip to Turkey. It reminded me so much of seafood paella.
The Markets
A brief glimpse of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market rounded out my day. While I knew these markets would be overwhelming, I choose not to dive deep this time, especially since I was off to Morocco next. I felt fairly confident I could score better deals in Marrakech because I knew a bit of the language which would help with bargaining. Thankfully when i went to Morocco, it all balanced out because my Moroccan friends just ended up buying items on my behalf in Casablanca for a fraction of the price that it was going for in Istanbul and Marrakech. So overall it was worth skipping the crowds at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in Istanbul, but the atmosphere at the Grand Bazaar and the aroma of spices wafting from Spice Market nonetheless stole my senses.
Karaköy Port and Galata Tower
Wandered toward Karaköy Port, where the lively atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of Istanbul. Here is where you catch the ferry to cross over to the Asian side of Turkey. We hopped on the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy and it took approximately 25 minutes. We didn’t explore Kadıköy for too long since it was our very first day in Istanbul, and we were exhausted from all the activities we experienced in Pamukkale and Cappadocia. However, it was the best way to see the sunset. Seeing the city from the Bosphorus is incredible and perfect for photo ops with a backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks.
I also visited the Galata Tower, a historical landmark that offers epic panoramic views of the city. If you are in the area i would also recommend visiting San Sebastian Cheesecake, known for the best Cheesecake servings in Istanbul. Or an alternative tip, to burn off the calories beforehand is to get a few other treats along the way to compliment the cheesecake and walk towards Gülhane Park, a quiet oasis among greenery for a picnic.
Taksim and Istiklal Caddesi
In Taksim we couldn’t resist a sweet stop at Faruk Güllüoğlu for some of the best baklava in the city. Baklava is a flaky pastry full of nuts and syrup is just divine!
Continuing down Taksim, we came upon the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which I recommend visiting. It was a serene stop that offered a glimpse into the Catholic side of Istanbul. From there, we headed down to Istiklal Caddesi, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, cafés and restaurants, capturing the essence of modern Istanbul.
Arnavutköy
My exploration continued in Arnavutköy, a picturesque waterside neighbourhood, appreciated for beautiful wooden houses and fashionable cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Here we also came across a hidden gem and one of my favourite restaurants: The Hide Café and Restaurant. I had an excellent meal there and it was the ideal venue to unwind and catch up with a friend, while enjoying the lush greenery that decorated the restaurant inside and out. For me, Arnavutköy and Balat were the two best neighbourhoods in Istanbul because they had so much to offer and gave a perfect twist of traditional and modern Turkey.
Going off the beaten track in Istanbul allowed me to connect with the city in a way that felt authentic and rewarding. It shows sometimes that the most memorable moments of travel do not come from popular landmarks but from the colourful, everyday moments which make a city feel just like home.
