Between minarets, ferries and endless streets
Istanbul 2026 edition
First day
Some mornings in Istanbul start quietly, but only for a moment. Tuesday began with a proper pour-over coffee and a freshly baked simit, still warm and sesame-covered. Fueled and excited, we stepped outside to conquer a sunlit metropolis. Certain places in Istanbul are non-negotiable. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were, of course, on the list. Since I had already visited both during my previous stay, this time I split from my family and chose my own little adventure.
First stop: Tea Amo Şirketi for bubble tea. A creamy milk version with tapioca pearls and hazelnut syrup was absolutely perfect. With that cup in hand, I headed toward my favorite activity in the city: long walks along the Bosphorus. The sound of the sea and screaming seagulls always touches something deep inside me. Hair loose, face warmed by the sun, every step accompanied by the buzz of afternoon life. Istanbul moves constantly and somehow, walking with it feels grounding.
Later, we reunited and dove straight into the madness of the Grand Bazaar. Spices, incense, leather, sweets, scents hiding at every corner. I have never seen so many people in one place in my life. Not a single empty square meter. Total chaos. Overwhelming and strangely fascinating.
Lunch brought relief at Vegan Istanbul, where we enjoyed manti and a veggie döner. Comforting, light, and much needed. The evening ended with a gentle walk through Bebek and a coconut matcha from Espresso Lab, enjoyed with a view of the Bosphorus. The step counter showed 28,000 steps. Crazyyy!
Second day, time to cross continents
Wednesday morning welcomed us with my favorite Istanbul ferries. A short, twenty minute ride filled with crashing waves, wind in our faces, and seagulls flying dangerously close. This is a side of Istanbul you don’t understand by reading about it, you have to live it.
On the Asian side, a modern architectural masterpiece awaited us. Situated high on a hill, it offered panoramic views over the city. The Çamlıca Mosque left me speechless. Its sheer scale, calm atmosphere, and thoughtful design were unlike anything I had seen before. Elevators, cafés, a museum, resting areas. All woven into one sacred space. We walked slowly across soft blue carpets, sunlight filtering through colorful stained-glass windows. Peaceful, powerful, humbling. Before leaving, we enjoyed freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, then continued with a seaside walk.
Istanbul traffic, as always, tested our patience. Lunch took much longer to reach than planned, but Rolla Gluten Free rewarded us generously. The falafel bowl and crispy fries were outstanding, quality, flavor, and comfort in one place. The afternoon flowed into shopping in Moda, followed by a wonderful matcha at Walter’s Coffee Roastery. Calm, stylish, and delicious.
Third day
If Istanbul had a creative soul, Thursday was its purest expression. We spent the morning shopping in Taksim, wandering between big brands, small boutiques, side streets, and spontaneous discoveries. The kind of shopping where time disappears and bags quietly multiply.
Later, we headed toward Galataport to visit Istanbul Modern Museum. The building itself feels light and open, with sea views and clean lines. Inside, contemporary art slowed us down, made us think, breathe, and observe. After days of intense movement, it was the perfect pause.
To end the day and our time in the city, we stopped at Matcha Hole. The salted coco oat matcha there was exceptional, smooth, deep, perfectly balanced. One of those flavors that stays with you.
Final thoughts
This journey through Turkey was more than movement from place to place. It was a collection of textures, sounds, flavors, emotions, and moments shared with the people I love.
From quiet lakes and scenic roads, through surreal cave hotels and snowy valleys, to the overwhelming intensity of Istanbul. Every stop offered something different. Sometimes calm, sometimes chaos. Sometimes laughter, sometimes tired legs and heavy hearts. Always real.
Traveling with family changes everything. It slows you down, deepens conversations, creates memories that stay long after the photos fade.
And Istanbul?
It reminded me that a city can be loud and gentle at the same time. Exhausting and addictive. Familiar and endlessly new. Each visit shows a different face and somehow, it always feels like the right one. I’m leaving with full notebooks, tired feet, a heart slightly heavier with gratitude, and a quiet promise to come back. Because some places don’t let you go that easily.
