Turkey is a land where two continents meet – Asia and Europe. From the famous hot air balloon in Cappadocia to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, every corner tells a story. Rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Turkey offers a journey that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
We visited Istanbul as a stopover destination on our way back to the United States. And it turned out to be one of our best decisions.
2 days of Istanbul Adventure
We landed in Istanbul, Turkey early afternoon. Upon arriving at our hotel, I was surprised by the place we were staying. And after seeing the room, I was even more amazed. It was one of the grand hotels; there was a mall with high-end shops and restaurants, a tram, and an amusement park connected to it. One can easily spend a couple of days without leaving the place. We explored the shops in the afternoon and then had lunch at a restaurant.
Later, we went to the world-famous Turkish Bath Hammam.
The Turkish bath, also known as Hamman, is a traditional steam bath where people relax on heated marble surfaces while steam fills the room and attendants scrub and wash their skin. Some hammams are incredibly luxurious, with grand domes, glowing lanterns, and beautifully carved stone, while others are simpler and welcoming, perfect for families with kids looking to relax together.
The experience was simply outstanding. There was an oil massage, a sauna, a foam bath, and a hammam bath. My whole day’s tiredness was gone. Totally loved it.
Tip: Carry an extra set of clothes, you may need them in case they get wet.
After a nice, relaxed evening, we returned to our hotel. And I explored the shops and amusement park, while my family members went to sleep. Then I treated myself to a nice meal.
Oh ya, I forgot to describe the room. The room was like a big lobby with a dining area, a small kitchen/platform, a room within a room (with 2 beds for kids or anyone who wants privacy from their family), a living room, a king-size bed, and a patio.
I never thought of getting a complimentary room this luxurious.
Day 2
The next day, after the big fat breakfast, we went to see the places that we had shortlisted.
First, we went to the Blue Mosque. It is very pretty from the inside. Then we decided to visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, which is right across the mosque. The museum is beautiful, and a must-visit. And later went to Hagia Sophia Mosque. The mosque is pretty, but there’s a lot of construction going on.
- Check the Blue Mosque’s schedule beforehand, as it closes for prayers several times throughout the day. This will help to plan better.
- Take the combined ticket for Hagia Sophia, the museum, and mosque at the museum centre itself.
- The Hagia Sophia museum is a must-visit attraction (than Hagia Sophia mosque)
After that, we took a lunch break at a restaurant that really stood out. The ambience was cozy and inviting, with just the right touch of elegance. The food was incredible – fresh, vibrant flavors and beautifully presented.st too good.
Next, we explored the famous Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in the afternoon and did some shopping. On one side, the aroma of perfume; on the other, spices. One can easily spend a whole day here if you want to do some serious shopping. Clothes, Handicrafts, Silverware, Souvenirs, Turkish tea sets, perfumes, and aromas, the place is a paradise for shoppers.
The flowers (especially purple), kesar is something to look for in Spice Market.
Later, in the evening, we took the Bosphorus Cruise. It was a 2-hour cruise with snacks/dinner, and entertainment. There were Belly Dancing, Sufi Dance, Tap Dance, Music, and a Magic Show, to name a few forms of entertainment.
- You can take a tram to reach the ferry station during rush hours.
- Though Uber is easily available, it gets difficult to find one in the evening.
To summarize, my trip to Istanbul was nothing short of unforgettable. From wandering through the vibrant streets filled with history to relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath, every moment felt like a journey through time and culture. The city’s blend of old-world charm and modern energy made it impossible not to fall in love with. Whether I was savoring the flavors of local cuisine or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Istanbul left me with memories I will cherish forever.
Travel Tip
You can get 2 nights complimentary as a stopover only when travelling to the USA. For any other travel sector, it is only 1 hotel night or a half/full-day tour as a complimentary stay.
2 Day Itinerary in Istanbul, Turkey
- Day 1: Hammam (Turkish Special Bath)
- Day 2: Hagia Sophia Museum, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise