When my best friends kidnapped me for a surprise trip to Istanbul I didn't really know what to expect. My thoughts immediately went to fears and misgivings. The political climate there is not so great, I though. Not to mention the Turks are not fans of Isreali tourists these days and honestly, Istanbul?! whats wrong with Paris, Rome or Barcelona?
However, three days later I can honestly say: boy, was I wrong. Istanbul turned out to be one of the best cities I have ever traveled to and here is why.
Besides its geographic proximity to Israel (a mere hour and a half plane ride away) Istanbul turned out to be a lively, one-of-a-kind city that seems to capture the best of East and West. It is strategically situated on the banks of the Bosporos strait, connecting it to both Europe and Asia. This "prime" location has made Istanbul an important economic, social, intellectual and cultural hub since its foundation under the Byzantine Empire and to this day.
Due to its geographical vantage point the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires made it their capitals leaving the city rich with history, architecture and art dating back to the 4th century AD.
The culture is a fabulous mix of East meets West. You can walk through super chick and hipster neighborhoods with narrow cobblestone streets stopping to have a cup of Turkish coffee with a Turkish delight and from there head on for a pampering afternoon at a 500 year old traditional Turkish bath (Hammam) right next door. You can go to fancy restaurants looking over the Bosporus and from their head over to the many hustling bustling Bazaars where you can find anything from textiles to fresh herbs and spices. Be sure to check out The Egyptian Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar for a magnificent and breathtaking walk through all the goods Turkey has to offer.
If history and architecture are your priority, you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the many architectural marvels from the Hagia Sofia to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. If food is what you are looking for you are in for a treat. The Turkish cuisine is rich and varied. They take pride in using only fresh and seasonal vegetables and products. The street food is also a treat and you can enjoy an entire day of strolling and tasting the many delicacies the streets have to offer - from fresh corn on the cob, to the many pastries and boreka or balik-ekmek.
Don't pass on a Turkish must - a strong cup of afternoon coffee. And finally, don't miss a tour of the more rugged Asian side. Take a boat ride to the Asian side (on the boat yon might enjoy live Turkish music) where you can stroll in a mouth-watering food market. Istanbul is a city to get lost in - every turn you take you can find something to see, do, listen to or eat. And of you get lost - just look for look for the Bosporus, which will surely give you a sense of direction.
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