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Cruises to Istanbul bring you to a city that’s an intoxicating blend of Europe and Asia; a destination rich in history, culture, and one of the world’s great cuisines. Slender minarets pierce the skyline, and the call to prayer echoes across the Bosphorus. Spices in kaleidoscopic colors are piled high in bustling markets. The aroma of sizzling street food beckons on every corner, while locals linger in sidewalk cafés over cups of thick, fragrant coffee.
At the same time, Istanbul is a city of cool rooftop bars with jaw-dropping Bosphorus views, designer boutiques, sumptuous spas, and world-class art galleries. Take in all the iconic sights, from the extravagant Topkapi Palace to dazzling Hagia Sophia and the exquisite Blue Mosque. Join a Bosphorus cruise to the Black Sea and haggle for carpets in the Grand Bazaar. On your cruise to Turkey, make time to stroll the eclectic neighborhoods of the city, absorbing its unique soul and irresistible energy.
Once the opulent court of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace was built in 1460 and occupied until the 19th century. A stroll through the lavish pavilions, the Imperial Treasury, the kitchens, and the extravagant harem is an insight into the decadent lives of the sultans, as well as their courtiers, eunuchs, and concubines. Put it this way: there’s little that these walls haven’t witnessed. You’ll also see priceless jewels, Chinese porcelain, elaborate fountains, and manicured gardens.
Arguably Istanbul’s most famous landmark, Hagia Sophia, distinguished by its soaring dome and shimmering gold mosaics, dates back to the 6th century. It has served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and is now a mosque once more. The lower section is reserved for prayer these days, but non-Muslim visitors can enjoy the dazzling mosaics of the upper gallery, the Imperial door, ancient Viking inscriptions, and the astonishing dome, an exceptional example of Byzantine architecture.
Built between 1609 and 1616 as a rival to Hagia Sophia, the exquisite Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, takes its name from the 20,000-plus blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior in intricate designs. Overlooking the city from Sultanahmet hill, it’s the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets. Light filters in through over 200 stained glass windows, which only adds to the beauty of the setting. This is a working mosque, so dress respectfully when you visit.
A boat trip along the Bosphorus is a wonderful way to gain perspective on the city, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. Gleaming marble palaces and ornate villas line the leafy banks, while water traffic buzzes to and from the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara in a constant stream. You’ll sail past the graceful Ortaköy Mosque, the crenelated Rumeli Fortress, and the elaborate Dolmabahçe Palace, and glide under the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, which is almost a mile long.
Descend underground to the Basilica Cistern, or Sunken Palace, an impressive structure built in the 6th century to capture and store water. Gaze up at the vaulted brick ceilings and admire the 336 slender marble columns, like a ghostly underground forest. Light plays on the water and the shoals of carp that live here. The basilica has been featured in more than a few movie scenes.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is an assault on the senses; a riot of color, noise, and aromas. With more than 3,000 shops here, it’s like a small city. Browse for glass mosaic lanterns, colorful carpets, leather goods, painted ceramic bowls, leather slippers, shisha pipes, gold and silver jewelry, and chess and backgammon sets. You’re expected to haggle, so be friendly, take your time, understand the exchange rate, and go in low; ending at between 50 and 70% of the asking price is a good result.
Turkish cuisine is regarded as one of the best in the world, blending influences from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. There’s street food on every corner, from sizzling doner kebabs—meat grilled on a skewer and stuffed into pita bread—to köfte, spiced meatballs in crusty bread with various sides. In a restaurant, start with meze, a colorful range of dips, salads, cheeses, grilled meats, and bread, designed to be shared and often enough for an entire meal. Try some of the pastry dishes; börek is filo filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, while pide is Turkey’s answer to pizza, the dough molded into a boat shape and topped with cheese, meat, spinach, and herbs.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven, as there are entire shops selling nothing but baklava, filo dough filled with nuts and drenched in sugar syrup. Turkish coffee is served thick and strong, while rose-scented Turkish Delight makes a great gift to take home.
Istanbul occupies a highly strategic position on the narrow Bosphorus, the waterway that connects the Sea of Marmara and ultimately, the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, separating Europe from Asia. As such, the city has always been part of a major trade route. A Greek colony, Byzantium, was here in 660 BCE, renamed Constantinople by the Romans in 330 AD. The city was the heart of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years until it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, after which Ankara became the capital. Constantinople was officially changed to Istanbul in 1930.
Istanbul continued to thrive as a center of culture and trade and today ranks as one of the biggest cities in Europe, with a population, including those living on the Asian side, of more than 15 million. There’s a sense of hospitality to visitors. Turkey is officially a secular country, so while Islam is the predominant faith, there is no requirement for women to cover their heads and no restriction on the availability of alcohol.
You’ll find all the shopping you could ask for above the ultra-modern Galataport cruise terminal; the entire complex is packed with high-end boutiques, cultural spaces, and restaurants. For a more culturally authentic Turkish shopping experience, head across the Golden Horn to the Fatih neighborhood, the Grand Bazaar, and the Egyptian Bazaar.
Istanbul has an extensive metro and a wide-ranging bus network. There are yellow taxis everywhere, and your Uber app will work here, but traffic congestion is notorious. By far the nicest way to get around is by ferry, with over 50 ferry piers throughout the city. Use these to take a scenic ride along the Bosphorus, to visit the Asian side of the city, or for a day trip to the lush Princes’ Islands.
You’ll use the Turkish lira in Istanbul. Be sure to understand the exchange rate; the lira is a relatively small unit of currency, and it’s important not to misjudge the number of zeros on a price tag or check. Many stores will accept euros as well, but be sure to ask—and expect to receive change in Turkish liras. ATMs are scattered around the city, and paying with cash at restaurants and at some market stalls is preferred. Many establishments accept credit cards, specifically Visa and Mastercard. A tip of around 10% is appreciated for good service.
