Istanbul in 7 Days: everything you need to know

A week in Istanbul is the perfect opportunity to visit it in depth and, why not, explore its surroundings. The Magna Graecia cities on the eastern shore are jewels of the ancient world.

We start the trip with the essentials of Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome.

Stare open-mouthed at the Blue Mosque

No stay in Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Sultan Ahmet Khan I Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. The epithet is due to the mosaics inside which depict geometric and floral motifs.

A few centuries ago, its six minarets provoked much debate. Only the mosque in Mecca had six turrets and some considered this an affront. To solve the problem, a seventh minaret had to be added to the Meccan temple. Admission is free, but if you really want to see it in depth, :::link|text=booking a guided tour of the Blue Mosque|element=2866::: is the smartest option.

By the way, you won't be allowed to enter wearing shorts or with your shoulders bare. For more info, I recommend you read the post with tips for visiting Istanbul.

Stroll in a place rich in history: the Hippodrome

In the early 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus had an arena built for horse racing. When Constantinople became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Hippodrome was remodelled to match the city. Over the years, governors added details to decorate this important part of the city.

One of these is the majestic Egyptian Obelisk. The monument was erected in Egypt during the reign of Thutmose III and honoured the victory in the Syrian military campaign. It was brought to Constantinople by Theodosius the Great and has dominated the surrounding area ever since. Another attraction is the Serpentiform Column that decorated the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Today, the arena has been replaced by Sultanahmet Square.

Cross the threshold of Hagia Sophia

The third stop of the day is a monument that was important to two empires: the Byzantine and the Ottoman. Like other Istanbul attractions, Hagia Sophia has also had a turbulent history. It was built during the reign of Constantine I in 325 on the foundations of a pagan temple, damaged by fire and later rebuilt and enlarged by Constantius I. In the 6th century it was burned down again.

In the 6th century it was burned again during the Nika insurrection and with the arrival of the Turks it was converted into a mosque. Despite all these changes and destruction, it remains an icon of Istanbul and one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world. Take the time to visit it before moving on to the next stage.

End the day with a visit to the whirling dervishes

Are you familiar with the concept of 'Sufism'? If you don't know, it is the spiritual dimension of Islam, although there are various theories about it. Sufism interprets Islam in a different, more tolerant way, favouring metaphysical detachment.

Sufis reach the divine through the famous dance of the whirling dervishes and booking a ticket to a Whirling Dervish show is a must.

To start the day, I have chosen a place that dates back to Byzantine times. A sober gate separates the surface from the bowels of Istanbul.

Enter a haunted place

It stands between two of Istanbul's most beautiful mosques: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Like other buildings in the city, it was commissioned under the reign of Justinian I and stands on the foundations of a Roman basilica. Its purpose was to supply water to the imperial palace, a palace complex that has not survived the passage of time. The Basilica Cistern is a majestic space that stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and the Medusa heads that adorn the columns. I recommend you book a guided tour where you will enter without queuing and an expert guide will tell you all about this magical monument.

Treat your taste buds to the best Turkish meats

You've probably eaten a kebab in your life, but the ones in Spain pale in comparison to their Turkish counterparts. If in our country we are mainly known for doner, in Istanbul they have a wider range of opportunities:

• Iskender. For many, it is the best recipe you can try in the country. The pita is filled with roast lamb, tomato sauce, sheep's butter and yoghurt.
• Adana, a charcoal-grilled wide skewer. It is flavoured with onion, garlic, cumin and red pepper. Usually served with basmati rice, herb couscous or bulgur pilaf.
• Patlıcan, the recipe for aubergine lovers. The meat is marinated for about half an hour and then cooked with the vegetable. It is usually served with a yoghurt sauce.
• Şiş, a very popular version. Unlike other kebabs, it uses smaller pieces of meat grilled on wooden skewers.
• Testi, a version from Cappadocia. It is a stew of meat and vegetables cooked in an earthenware jar.

Rest on the Golden Horn

On the fourth day, we have a long and fascinating excursion planned. It is best to save your strength by doing a relaxing activity the evening before. For this reason, I recommend a cruise on the Bosphorus. There are dozens of excursions, some will take you for a stroll along the waterfront, others include admission to an attraction. If you want, you can opt for an evening cruise with dinner and drinks included.

Until a few years ago, not many tourists ventured to the Asian shore. However, it is a very fascinating area and well worth a visit.

Start the day by honouring tradition

Before you start your tour, treat yourself to a kahvalti, the Turkish breakfast consisting of:

• Cheese. The assortment usually includes feta (beyaz peynir), ior (similar to cottage cheese), kasseri (a hard cheese made from unpasteurised sheep's milk) or other specialities.
• Green and black olives
• Pastırma (cured beef, air-dried and seasoned with spices)
• Kaymak (thick cream)
• Menemen, a frying pan with green peppers, tomato sauce and eggs.
• Sukklu yumurta, made from dried beef sausage with egg, is another classic.

Kahvalti also includes more common ingredients such as fruits and jams. Turks often accompany these delicacies with simit, a ring of bread coated with sesame seeds. As for drinks, breakfasts include a cup of black tea. On the Asian side, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast at...

• Beyaz Firin, an institution since the mid-19th century. I recommend you try their böreks, delicious spinach puff pastries (Yasa Cd. 23).
• Midpoint, the franchise that has conquered Turkey. In Istanbul you can find it in several places, but the most scenic is undoubtedly the one in the Kadikoy neighbourhood. Here you can enjoy a breakfast facing the sea (Fener Kalamış Cd. 116).
• Ceviz Ağacı, a classic on the east bank. On Sundays you can enjoy a rich brunch with an open buffet. It is located in the Koşuyolu district and is usually very busy (Muhittin Üstündağ Cd. 85).
• Süt Yumurta Reçel, an establishment known for its menem. You can fill your cup of tea as many times as you like (Ali Suavi Sokak 30).

Walk the streets of a booming district

No trip to the east bank should exclude Moda, Istanbul's fashionable district (pardon the redundancy). Indeed, if this area has risen up the rankings, much is due to this district which has benefited from the influx of young people and hipsters.

Vintage shops, bars and patisseries attract passers-by, while antique enthusiasts flock to Tellalzade Sokak Street where the pace of shopping is much more relaxed compared to the Grand Bazaar. To see the buzzing streets from a different perspective, hop on the nostalgic tram, a historic convoy that serves 10 stations in the neighbourhood.

Stroll to Haydarpaşa

The next stop is an Asian Istanbul classic: the Haydarpaşa train station. German architects Otto Ritter and Helmuth Cuno designed a neo-Renaissance building with two elegant towers and a sandstone roof. It was inaugurated on 19 August 1908 and in its long history has witnessed important historical events.

Enjoy the sunset at Kuzguncuk

To get to the next stage, find your way to the Nakkaştepe stop. Near the station there are several bus lines that will take you there.

Kuzguncuk has something special. It rises between the Bosphorus and the hills that slope down to the sea and is known for its mansions and wooden houses. Greeks, Jews, Armenians and Turks lived here peacefully and all left their mark. Strolling through the streets, you will see churches, synagogues and mosques and countless charming bars and cafés.

In recent years, it has gained a lot of popularity. The reason for its success is the Turkish TV series, as the neighbourhood is the backdrop for numerous film shoots. It is a peaceful area that has nothing to do with the chaotic city centre. If you want to make it big on Instagram, all you have to do is look for the most evocative spot. Perhaps immortalising the cats resting peacefully.

A 5-day holiday in Istanbul (or more) will give you the opportunity to discover the nearby towns. A good option is to cross the Aegean to explore the Asian side and the heritage of the Greeks and Romans. Most tours last two days and cost around €600. Generally, the price includes two lunches, one night in a hotel, a professional guide and entrance fees to the attractions.

Discover the treasures of Magna Graecia

On the first day, a bus will pick you up at a central location in Istanbul at around 7:00 or 8:00. The journey is quite long and an early start is necessary. These tours include an expert guide, breakfast and lunch, one night in a hotel, entrance fees to the monuments and return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle. Buses usually stop at:

• Meryem Ana, the home of the Virgin Mary. According to the scriptures, Mary and St. John the Apostle fled the persecution of Christians in Palestine and took refuge in this corner of modern-day Turkey.
• Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also known as the Temple of Diana, it was the first place of worship to use marble. Daughter of Zeus and Leto, Artemis was the Greek goddess of fertility.
• Ephesus, the pearl on the shores of the Aegean Sea. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2015 and boasts attractions such as Hadrian's Temple, the Sacred Way and the Library of Celsus.
• Isa Bey Mosque, where three religions meet. Originally a pagan temple, it was converted into a Christian church and then a Muslim mosque. It acquired its last function in 1375 by the architect Ali of Damascus.

On the second day, the journey resumes in the morning. Your driver will take you to ** Pamukkale**, a stunning natural attraction declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Cotton Castle, a place that looks like something out of a storybook. These are natural pools that originated after an earthquake. They are characterised by the white rocks that contrast with the emerald colour of the water. In my opinion it is one of the best excursions you can do from Istanbul.
• Travertine pools, these are white limestone formations in the form of pools formed over thousands of years due to the accumulation of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water of the thermal waterfalls.
• Thermal waterfalls these thermal waters cascade down through the pools in the Pamukkale mountain. The water flowing from the waterfalls has a high concentration of minerals, so it could have healing and skin-healing properties.
• Ruins of Hierapolis this ancient city is located at the top of Pamukkale. In Roman times, it was an important healing centre due to its hot springs, until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century AD.

To conclude your week, I recommend you rest body and soul in a hammam. Here are our favourite destinations

• Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, the baths built by Mimar Sinan, the most important Ottoman architect of all time. He was a contemporary of Michelangelo and some historians consider him to be the Turkish equivalent (Ayasofya Meydanı 2).
• Ağa Hamami, the Turkish bath near Taksim Square, the heart of the European quarter. Its construction dates back to the 15th century and it was originally the private hamam of Mehmed the Conqueror and his sons (Turnacıbaşı Cd. 48).
• Cağaloğlu Hamamı, the last great hamam built in the Ottoman era. It was opened in 1741 and unlike other baths in Istanbul, it retains its original decoration. For a complete experience, I recommend "The Ottoman Luxury Service", a package that includes a bubble massage accompanied by Turkish tea, homemade sorbet, desserts, snacks and fruit (Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. 24).
• Süleymaniye Hamamı, the Turkish bath of Suleymaniye the Magnificent. It was built in 1550 for the private use of the sultan. It is located a few metres from the Suleymaniye Mosque and is the only mixed hammam in the city (Mimar Sinan Cd. 20).
• Kılıç Ali Pasha Hamamı, the baths built at the behest of Admiral Kılıç Ali Pasha. He was one of the most important figures in the Ottoman navy and is even mentioned in Don Quixote under the name "Uchali". An attendant - natır for the ladies, tellak for the men - will greet you at the entrance and accompany you throughout your stay. This haman has gentler treatments for children. It might be a good plan if you are travelling to Istanbul with your little ones (Hamam Sk. 1).
• Tarihi Galatasaray Hamamı, a place that has hosted pashas, grand viziers and kadi, the Muslim judges. For relaxation, I recommend choosing a "Pasha", a treatment that includes a Turkish bath, scrub, bubble bath and a 50-minute oil massage (Turnacıbaşı Cd. 8).

Turkey's most famous and iconic city is enchanting and when the sun gives way to night, its charm is even more evident. To conclude your holiday, you can take some time to enjoy the skyline. Here are the best viewpoints in Istanbul:

• Salacak, a village in the Üsküdar district. From here you can take impressive pictures of the Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) and the west bank of the city.
• Camlica Hill, the site of the first Greek colony in Byzantium. It is a natural park overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the bridge of the same name.
• Galata Tower. From the summit you can enjoy a breathtaking 360º view.
• Pierre Loti Hill. It is located above the Golden Horn and pays homage to the French writer Julien Viaud known as Pierre Loti. To avoid the crowds, I recommend a weekday hike up here.
• Otaðtepe, famous for its view over the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.