When you're looking to expand your horizons in terms of your travel or travel in style,
going a little bit further afield to explore a little further east, from the
islands of Croatia to the Great Wall Of China all depends on your personal
preferences. Are you looking for something new and exciting or something
classic and reliable? In many ways, Turkey, and specifically, Istanbul, gives
you the chance to see the benefits of both sides, old and new. But what can you
do to ensure that you explore Istanbul properly, but also make sure that you do
it under budget?
Go Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Old Istanbul is the perfect opportunity to get an
impression of the more classical side of this place and to give you a proper
feel of the rich culture of Turkey. If you have the budget and you’re looking
for a way to land in style, there are plenty of cruise organisations like the Bolsover Cruise Club
to get you there. And when you land, you can easily get to the Old City and
venture to Sultanahmet square, to witness the remnants of the Hippodrome. But
if you're looking for something that's representative of classical Turkish
architecture, the Blue Mosque is the perfect way to introduce yourself to a way
of life for so many Muslims.
Hit The Museums
Another way to get your fill of sightseeing is to hit the Istanbul
Müzekart, but you can also get an Istanbul Museum Pass, which gets you entry to
some of the most beautiful sights in the city, including the Hagia Sophia but
it also gives you plenty of discounts on other shops, museums, and restaurants
if you are hungry. Our pick of the museums is the Sadberk Hanım Museum which
houses a diverse collection of artefacts, covering the Prehistoric times up to
the Byzantine era. In fact, this museum is one of the best-kept secrets, even
for Istanbul residents!
Go To Asia
So close to Asia that you could just head to the suburb of Karaköy and
take a ferry to the Asian neighbourhood of Kadıköy, of where you can explore to
your heart’s content, beauty shops, cafes, and if you want to get your fill of
exquisite, hip culture, you could go to the Yeldeğirmeni Art Center and catch an exhibition or a film screening. All in a day's work if you
want to get your fill of culture, and get away from Istanbul for the day!
Relax In A Secret Garden
As vast as the city of Istanbul is especially if you've been sightseeing
all day, having some time to yourself and relax in such a vibrant city may seem
impossible but in fact, there are plenty of places for you to have some
downtime, or enjoy a picnic. You could go to Yıldız Park in Beşiktaş to have a
calm, tranquil bit of time to yourself. One of the best is Gülhane Park if
you're looking for something autumnal.
Istanbul is a place rich with culture and history, but as somewhere that
offers the unexpected, if you're looking for a way to relax in such a large
place, from quiet museums to secret gardens, you've got plenty to choose from.
