They say that Istanbul is “a bridge that connects Europe and Asia”, but in the opinion of our Istanbul local Selin, this has changed a bit over the last decade. Nowadays Istanbul is a global metropolis with a personality all of its own. Recent visitors will tell you that the city is neither specifically oriental nor Middle-Eastern. In a sense Istanbul is not that different from Paris, New York or London, but it has its own special charm.
Where can one get the best view of your city?
It’s no secret that the Galata Tower (the historical tower of the Galata district) has the greatest view. For this reason there’s always a huge crowd in front queuing to climb to the top. My tip is to follow the narrow streets of Gümüşsuyu until you find an empty spot for a view of the city. Another great spot is Salacak on the Asian side – here you can sit on benches and enjoy picturesque views of the Bosporus and the Maiden’s Tower. Also keep in mind that Istanbul is known as the City on the Seven Hills, so you could even find your own hill to use as a viewing platform.
Photo credit: Serdar Gurbuz
What areas should be avoided in terms of tourist traps?
Sultanahmet and Eminönü, the most touristic areas, are worth discovering but you should be careful when shopping as you’ll probably get ripped off. Also, when enjoying the local nightlife, you should watch out for the places known as “Pavyon” unless you’re looking for adult entertainment and wish to lose all your money in the process.
What places would you recommend to culture buffs?
Istanbul is a huge city so it would take forever to name specific places. My advice is to not be afraid of exploring – walk around the Balat district to discover the origins of the Rums, visit the Üsküdar and Kadıköy districts on the Asian side to see some historical architecture, check out the art galleries and design stuidios at Beyoğlu and Galata, and head to the Prince Islands to admire the nature.
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Photo credit: Moyan Brenn
What should I take home as a souvenir?
There are lots of little stores selling handmade and designer goods around Galata and Taksim. Local handicrafts are always a good bet if you’re looking for unique and authentic souvenirs. Besides, it’s always nice to support local designers.
Where do the locals head on a sunny day?
When the weather is nice, the most popular places to visit are Caddebostan Sahili and Moda Sahili on the Asian side. These places are near the sea and are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, reading, having a picnic with friends and even napping.
What is the top event of the year for locals?
There are several events that locals really look forward to. There’s the Istanbul Film Festival for cinema fans, the Istanbul Jazz Festival for music lovers and !f Istanbul for hardcore movie buffs. You can read more about these events HERE.
What places would you recommend in Turkey besides Istanbul?
The Aegean side of the country has become a hotspot in recent years – there are lots of scenic and relaxing places to visit. The Mediterranean side is also particularly popular. It all depends on what kind of holiday you would like to have, whether you’re interested in partying or spending time enjoying what nature has to offer.
Photo credit: Tony Bevington
What foods do Turkish locals love to eat?
Turkey is home to so many different ethnicities and cultures, and as the capital, Istanbul is a place where they are all represented. You can find all manner of cuisines here such as Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Aegean, Armenian… and the list goes on. There’s no way of knowing which one is the most popular amongst locals because they’re all mixed up – at times it’s difficult to differentiate between Mediterranean and Aegean dishes. Just dare to step out of your comfort zone and don’t hesitate to try local dishes.
What are Turkish people like?
I don’t like to make generalisations about people’s nationalities, however I can say that due to the geographical position of Turkey, the people here are warm and friendly, and they know how to live together.
Selin is a journalist who left her job to become a freelance content creator. She was born on the Mediterranean side of Turkey but has lived in Istanbul for almost 20 years. She takes pleasure in discovering her own city daily and hopes to one day have enough time and money to travel around the world and catch up on all that she has missed!
Opening photo credit: iises.net