Istanbul
Sea Side
My favorite spot where ever I am: The sea. Growing up hundreds of kilometers away, the sea always has a special charm for me. Lucky us, our hostel was on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, so we had to do at least two ferry trips every day.
Markets
Definitely my second favorit place everywhere. Fishes are sold right on the small fish market next to the Galata Bridge – and of course there is the Grand Bazaar.
Bazaar
Uh, what a tourist trap. Hundreds of shops – and all selling the same. Can't imagine they won't make a better deal by selling different stuff.
Food
Sesame rings and hot Sahlep is the best to keep warm during long days of walking this city.
Mosques
You thought some western European churches are pompous? Better look at Istanbul's mosques first. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, New Mosque and all the others are just impressive examples of architecture.
Praying
People are amazingly calm and relaxed during their prayers – no matter how many tourists walk around them.
More Sightseeing
Mosques and markets aren't the only attractions of a 2.600 years old 13 million people megacity, of course. Even compared with the huge ancient buildings on top, the Basilica Cistern is still an amazing piece of work completeley built underneath the surface about 1.500 years ago.
Galata Tower
I hate queues, but we heard the Galata Tower is really worth the time. An hour later we knew why.
Streets
All those attractions are probably a must for a first time visit, but above all the walk through the steets in between is often more interesting. I love how much of everyday's life takes place on the street cities like Istanbul – even at cold winter nights. In contrast, the small Maiden's Tower at the entrance of the Bosphorus probably is the most quiet place of the city.
