Istanbul Discovery: Between Two Continents and Endless Wonders

Sometimes you don’t need a plan. In February 2022, I flew from Stuttgart to Istanbul – no fixed route, no schedule, just going.

At the airport, I quickly realized: the metro connection didn’t exist yet back then. So, a taxi it was. Not the most elegant solution, but it got me to the hotel, and that was all I needed at that point.

Barely checked in, I was out the door. Istanbul doesn’t give you a choice – you want to go immediately. The colors, the sounds, the smells on the street, the mix of the call to prayer and car horns and teaspoons clinking on glass – it’s nothing you can capture in photos. You have to experience it yourself.

From the Sultanahmet district, the city is perfect for exploring on foot. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace – all within walking distance, all packed close together, and everywhere in between, street cats and simit sellers. If you want to cross to the Asian side, you have two options: the metro under the Bosphorus, or the ferry across the water. My tip: take the boat, at least once. Seeing Istanbul from the water, the skyline rising on both sides, is one of those moments that stays with you.

The Grand Bazaar is a must – even if haggling isn’t your thing. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit.

The best view of the European side is from the Galata Tower. And if you want the panorama from the Asian side, head to Küçük Çamlıca – Istanbul’s TV tower, from where you can see the entire city spread out before you.

Sitting on the flight back to Stuttgart, I knew I’d be back. That it would only take five months, though – I didn’t see that coming.