The Comfort and Chaos of Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey)
After some unexpected travel hiccups that took us through Athens instead of London, we finally made it to our destination: the stunning JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea. This brand new hotel had only been open for about three months, and what a place to call home for our latest Istanbul adventure.
The JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea is absolutely gorgeous. Our standard room came with beautiful views of the Marmara Sea, a freestanding tub perfect for relaxing after long days of exploring, and the most comfortable bed with amazing foam pillows. The hotel features three restaurants, both indoor and outdoor pools with a jacuzzi, a spa with hammam and sauna, and plenty of spaces to just sit and relax.
One thing we always love about Marriott properties is their excellent breakfast spread, and this hotel was no exception. The international breakfast buffet was the perfect way to fuel up for our Istanbul explorations.
Third Time’s the Charm
This was actually our third trip to Istanbul, so we decided to skip some of the typical tourist spots and focus on areas we hadn’t explored before. Istanbul has been a major world city for centuries, formerly known as Constantinople, and there’s so much history and culture packed into this incredible place that you could visit dozens of times and never run out of things to see.
We did, however have to start our exploration at the famous Spice Market, where every spice you can imagine fills the air with incredible aromas. We needed to refill our supply of apple tea! Walking through the market, we met friendly vendors like one who started as a translator working Spanish to English and Arabic to Turkish, then saved for four years to open his small spice shop. His enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit really impressed us.
The Grand Bazaar extends far beyond just one building. Street after street makes up this massive shopping area where you can find absolutely everything: clothing, purses, watches, shoes, toilet paper, wedding dresses, rugs, raw fabric, lamps, and lighting. If you can think of it, you’ll probably find it for sale in the Grand Bazaar.
Before we left the Grand Bazaar, we decided to splurge on lunch at Nusr-Et, the restaurant owned by famous Turkish chef “Salt Bae”. Since we were in Türkiye, the prices were much more reasonable than his international locations. We went with burgers instead of his famous steaks since we’d had a big breakfast, and honestly, it was one of the best burgers we’ve ever had. They offer a version covered in 24-karat gold for $58 US, but we passed on that particular extravagance as well, Joseph is still too frugal to splurge for that.
Discovering Instagramable Balat
Getting around Istanbul is an adventure in itself. The traffic is absolutely chaotic, and you really just have to trust your taxi driver to navigate through it. Taxis are very affordable and a good way to get around, but always have cash ready since not all drivers accept credit cards.
You can use the Uber app to order official yellow taxis, but be aware that they give you a price range and you might end up paying whatever the driver decides. Always stick to the official yellow taxis for safety and reliability.
We spent time exploring Balat, which used to be the old Jewish quarter of Istanbul. This neighborhood has been completely transformed into an Instagram paradise, with many shops displaying Instagram logos on their storefronts so visitors can easily tag and promote them.
We visited Cafe Obscura, a really unique spot with a cafe and restaurant on the ground floor and a camera museum upstairs. They have a beautiful terrace and serve everything from sandwiches and coffee to burgers and amazing desserts.
The area is also home to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, which has maintained its presence in Istanbul for over 17 centuries and houses the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox church.
Galata Tower and Taksim Square
Back to the heart of the old town, the Galata Tower area offers some of the best views in the city, though getting there isn’t for the faint of heart. This part of Istanbul has lots of hills and steps, so you really need to watch where you’re going and can’t just wander aimlessly.
The tower itself was completed in the 1300s and served as a watchtower over the city. The surrounding area is full of life, with street vendors selling simit (kind of a Turkish version of bagels covered in sesame seeds) and roasted corn with various seasonings.
Taksim Square serves as the center of modern Istanbul and is the hub of their Metro system, which is quite efficient for getting around the main parts of the city. The area is packed with restaurants, international shopping, Turkish ice cream shops, and the grand mosque can be seen in the background.
The Metro system is continuously being developed and expanded, with some really nice new cars that make getting around much more comfortable.
Why We Keep Coming Back
Istanbul is one of those cities you simply cannot get enough of, much like London. There’s so much history, so much to do, and so many different neighborhoods to explore that you could visit countless times and never have the same experience twice.
The blend of European and Asian influences, ancient history and modern development, traditional culture and contemporary innovation makes Istanbul truly unique. Whether you’re interested in shopping, history, food, architecture, or just soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities, Istanbul delivers on every level.
This trip reminded us why Istanbul holds such a special place in our hearts. Even on our third visit, we discovered new neighborhoods, tried new restaurants, and fell in love with the city all over again.
Want to see us navigate the chaotic streets of Istanbul and experience the magic of the Grand Bazaar? Watch our full Turkish adventure on our YouTube channel:
