The Airbnb itself was S$826 for six nights (for two people) and well worth it. It had a spacious living room with a balcony stretching to the bedroom, where you could soak in the sounds and sights of Istanbul. The living room had a large TV, complete with Netflix, Disney+, and Prime, though you’ll need to log in with your own password.

The sofa also converts into a single bed, which could be handy if you’re travelling with friends or family. A rarity for European Airbnbs, the place had both air conditioning in the living room and bedroom and even an elevator—a luxury in many older buildings.

The kitchen was well-equipped and stocked with basics like water, pasta, biscuits, coffee, and tea. It even had a microwave and oven, with enough cutlery and utensils for preparing a light meal or breakfast.

As for the bedroom, it featured a cosy king-sized bed that kept me regrettably in bed till noon. Inside are two huge cupboards, as well as a mirror, and charging ports.

Right outside was the bathroom, which came with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, ample towels, and even a hair dryer. The washing machine and dryer (with detergent provided!) were a huge plus, along with an iron and ironing board.

We loved how the apartment was on a quiet street but still less than a 10-minute walk from Taksim’s bustling area. Around the corner were food stalls, cafes, and even a laundromat. This Airbnb was our little slice of comfort amidst the buzz of the city.

The food scene in Istanbul is something else entirely, and as a lover of Turkish cuisine, I was thrilled to dive into kebabs, kofta, and more! One dish I couldn’t wait to try was pide, which is essentially Turkey’s version of pizza.

We tasted it at two spots: Altinbaca and Özlem Karadeniz Restaurant. Both were delicious, but the pide at Özlem Karadeniz stole the show. It had a crispy base, generously loaded with cheese and other toppings—a little tangy, incredibly satisfying, and so uniquely Turkish.

And let’s not forget the kofta! We had some of the best at the famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi. For ₺320 (~S$12), we ordered the Sultanahmet Köfte Porsiyon, a grilled meatball dish that was tender, juicy, and loaded with flavour.

Kofta is typically served with bread (for free) and comes with a choice of sides like rice or salad. Another popular kofta spot is Sultanahmet Selim Usta, where you’ll find the walls decorated with celebrity photos and news clippings. Their pudding is also a must-try—soft, warm, and with a comforting hint of egg.

For street food, Istanbul’s grilled salted corn and roasted chestnuts are perfect snacks. And the simit, a sesame-studded pretzel-like bread, was a favourite. I especially loved the ones stuffed with cheese, available for just around ~S$1 each. One dessert that quickly became my favourite was börek, a flaky pastry often filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. There was a low-key stall around the corner from our Airbnb, and I found myself returning multiple times for their börek—so delicious, I think I went back at least five times!

Interestingly, San Sebastián cheesecake is also wildly popular in Istanbul. Originating from Spain, the Turkish twist includes pouring chocolate, biscoff, or Nutella over it. I enjoyed this rich, decadent dessert thrice during my trip.

Istanbul's Turkish delight, AKA lokum is another treat I couldn't get enough of. I know it’s a bit touristy, but I absolutely loved it! There's something about its chewy, sugary texture and the variety of flavours that made me keep going back for more. I picked up a bag from Haci Bekir, one of the oldest and most famous Turkish delight shops in the city. The mixed flavours were delicious, with unique ones like peppermint and honey adding a refreshing twist to the traditional rose and pistachio.

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a rooftop dining experience. We visited Pleasure Terrace Roof Restaurant, a popular spot that actually lives up to the hype. We decided on an afternoon visit to take in the panoramic views of the sea and city skyline under the blue sky. It was hot, but worth it.

We paid about S$30 each for two mains, a dessert, and drinks. They also offered free-flow bread and complimentary baklava—no wonder they have stellar reviews!

Istanbul’s cafe culture is vibrant, too, with hidden gems nestled in alleyways that are perfect for people-watching. Near our Airbnb, Gramaj Coffee was a charming little spot with simple coffee, tea, and an omelette. While the food was basic, the atmosphere was perfect, especially with the street cats lounging nearby.

I also tried fresh pomegranate juice for the first time here—it’s pressed on the spot and only about S$3 for a cup. It’s intensely sour and refreshing, ideal for a sunny day.

But as much as I like fruit juice, I like Turkish apple tea even more. Though not as popular with locals, it’s a beloved drink among tourists. It tastes like a concentrated version of the apple tea you’d get on an airplane, only much better!

Of course, I had to try Turkish coffee, known for its thick, rich texture and strong flavour. It’s like kopi gao but with a grainier feel. Though I enjoyed it, I think tea still wins for me in Istanbul.

A surprising favourite was Ayran, a refreshing drink made from yogurt, salt, and water. It’s perfect on a hot day or with a hearty meal.

For a night out, Istanbul has an impressive bar scene. My favourite was Pendor, known for a strong cocktail called Hönönö. You’re meant to drink it in one go—a fun experience, but take it slow as they’re strong!

Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey

While shopping wasn’t the main focus of my trip, I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs, especially Turkish snacks, to share with friends back home. Istanbul is a great city for finding unique local products, whether it’s handicrafts, food, or luxurious fragrances.

If you’re looking for traditional souvenirs, Istanbul’s bazaars are the place to go. The Grand Bazaar, in particular, is a must-visit. As the world’s oldest covered market and one of the largest buildings globally, it’s a sprawling labyrinth of over 4,000 shops. The bazaar’s atmosphere is electric, with vendors selling everything from jewellery and textiles to ceramics, spices, and, of course, Turkish delights.

Another popular market is the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar. It’s a bit smaller but no less unique. It’s one of the largest covered shopping complexes in the city, second only to the Grand Bazaar, and it’s a great place to buy spices, herbs, dried fruits, and other Turkish culinary delights.

What I didn’t expect to find, however, was a high-end shopping experience at Paket Postanesi Galataport Istanbul. Located by the seaside promenade, this modern shopping mall offers a completely different vibe.

It’s not the typical mall but rather a luxurious space for brands like Atelier Rebul, a Turkish fragrance and cosmetics company. I treated myself to one of their scents with an old-money vibe, which became one of my new favourites. It’s not too expensive for a designer fragrance, and a bottle (before tax refund) costs around S$150.

Sightseeing in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city with so much to offer, and during our six-day trip, we dedicated three of those days to rushing around to visit the must-see sights.

One of the first places we visited was the Galata Tower, which was just a 15-minute walk from our hotel. This medieval Genoese tower once served as a watchtower for the area. Located in the Galata neighbourhood, this tower offers a panoramic view of Istanbul. You can go up and enjoy the bird's-eye view, though we opted not to queue for the observation deck (which tends to be quite crowded). A good tip is to visit just before closing time when the crowds thin out.

A short 10-minute stroll from the tower, we discovered one of Istanbul's many umbrella streets. It's hard to miss the charming little streets lined with colourful umbrellas hanging overhead. You can find them in Karakoy, Balat, and Kadikoy.

Of course, no trip to Istanbul would be complete without visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque.

This mosque gets its name from the 20,000 handmade blue tiles adorning its interior. Built between 1609 and 1616, it stands as one of the most important religious sites in Istanbul. When visiting mosques, be sure to dress modestly and wear a headscarf!

Another must-visit religious site is the Hagia Sophia, which has a rich history as both a church and a mosque. The building features stunning mosaics, such as the Virgin with Child in the apse, that reflect its Christian heritage.

The Hagia Sophia also contains runic inscriptions in its marble parapets, believed to have been engraved by the Varangian Guard—Viking mercenaries who worked in Constantinople during the 10th century. It's amazing to see how both cultures are intertwined here.

For a different kind of history, we visited the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul. Located on İstiklal Avenue, this church has an interesting backstory—Pope John XXIII once preached here for 10 years before becoming the pope. His statue stands proudly in the church’s courtyard.

If you're a fan of royal history, the Topkapi Palace is a must-see. This 15th-century palace once housed the Ottoman sultans and now serves as a museum.

The Spoonmaker's Diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, is just one of the many treasures on display here. You can also see religious relics, such as Prophet Mohammed’s beard hair, Abraham's Pot, and even David's Sword.

Just a short walk from the Topkapi Palace is the Basilica Cistern, which once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. It’s the largest cistern in Istanbul, spanning nearly 10,000 square meters and holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. The eerie, underground atmosphere makes it feel like a scene out of a movie. Fun fact: Sean Connery filmed a scene for James Bond: From Russia With Love here!

Remember to throw a coin in and make a wish!

Next, we ventured to the Balat district, one of Istanbul's oldest neighbourhoods known for its colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture. The Balat houses on Kiremit Street are particularly famous for their colourful facades.

We also treated ourselves to a delightful homemade pasta meal at a Balat restaurant called Primi. The handmade pasta, priced at around S$20 per plate, was delicious, and the bread dipped in olive oil was a perfect accompaniment.

Balat is also home to the Bulgarian Iron Church, a stunning Orthodox church made of prefabricated cast iron. The church stands as a symbol of the Bulgarian Christian minority in the city.

Nearby, you'll also see the Fener Greek High School, a beautiful building with a rich history.

For something a little more relaxed, we visited Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. Istanbul is unique in that it spans two continents—Europe and Asia—separated by the Bosphorus Strait. A ferry ride across the strait offers beautiful views, especially at sunset, as the cool breeze sweeps across the water.

Kadıköy is a laid-back neighbourhood with plenty of cafes, bars, and bookshops. It has a totally different vibe from the hustle and bustle of the European side, offering a more chill, local experience.

Other things to note when travelling to Istanbul, Turkey

When you travel to Istanbul, there are a few practical tips that can make your stay more comfortable and hassle-free. First, you'll definitely need a SIM card during your stay. I got mine for less than S$15, which included unlimited data for a day. It was super handy, and I purchased it from Shopee before the trip.

As for money, I found it more practical to withdraw cash directly from ATMs rather than using money changers. The YouTrip card offers great exchange rates and waives the usual transaction fees, which saved me a lot of money.

Istanbul’s public transport is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate, with options like the metro, nostalgic tramways, buses, ferries, and yellow cabs. I highly recommend getting the Istanbulkart, which costs ₺130. The card doesn’t come with credit, so you’ll need to load it up with money at any machine. Once it’s topped up, it works on almost every type of transport, including buses, ferries, and even public toilets!

It’s a convenient way to travel, especially since you can share the card with up to five people in your group. If you’re topping it up, I’d suggest using a card, as the cash system at some machines can be a bit tricky.

A fun transport experience I recommend is the Tünel, Istanbul’s historic underground funicular railway that’s been in service since 1875.

The locals in Istanbul are incredibly friendly, and I was helped multiple times when I looked lost or struggled with the Istanbulkart machine. However, be cautious of scams—at the airport, I encountered a man who claimed that Uber was illegal and insisted on taking their taxi. Uber is a thing in Istanbul, so don’t fall for these kinds of tricks. It’s always good to stay aware, but overall, Istanbul is a welcoming city with a lot to offer, and these little tips can help make your experience even better.

Istanbul’s mix of culture, history, food, and scenery is magnetic. Every meal felt like a celebration, and every street offered something new to explore. If you’re looking for a unique destination filled with rich flavours and vibrant energy, Istanbul is absolutely worth the journey. Locals were so friendly, the culture is one of the richest I’ve seen, and the CATS—oh, they’re just adorable! Food is affordable, and I felt truly at home in this lively city. Whoever told me Istanbul was boring clearly didn’t know what they were talking about! Six days was definitely not enough, and I already can’t wait to go back to explore even more.

Thanks for reading, and see you next post!



Love this post? Feel free to share and comment below or check out what to do in Bangkok for two days if you want to travel somewhere closer to home. Follow my Instagram @faithjoanchua, Lemon8, TikTok, and YouTube for more content.