Shopping and gastronomy: a personal experience.
Last year, Russian tourists again took the first place in terms of the number of trips to Istanbul, and the growth of the tourist flow continues. Not least because Istanbul has become one of the main hubs for Russians. But even taking into account the large share of the transit flow, it remains the city where you want to stay at least for a couple of days to enjoy the charming atmosphere, try your favorite and completely new Turkish dishes, and also have time to buy everything that is so lacking in Russian shopping malls today. Which, in fact, was done by the editor-in-chief of Profi.Travel — and now I’m ready to share my experience.
Photo: Anton Bozhko
If you want to live in the European part of Istanbul and admire the Bosphorus from the window, and in the evenings also the lights of the most famous bridge over the strait, you should choose the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel. Very close is Besiktas Square, where life does not stop until late at night.
What to see in Istanbul in two days
In St. Sophia, for sure, there were all those who came to Istanbul at least once. But there are probably few in the Museum of the history of St. Sophia, which is very close by.
You will walk through the halls of the museum as if through epochs — in each new room you will hear one of the stories of St. Sophia, watching how its appearance changes in a digital image on the entire wall, minarets are erected and crumbling, the conqueror’s troops besiege Istanbul again and again, and the rulers replace each other. It is worth booking an excursion there in advance.
Very close by is the Basilica cistern, a reservoir from the time of Constantinople, the largest in Istanbul, with an area of 1300 sq. m. Two years ago, reconstruction was completed here, sculptures and atmospheric lighting were installed. Because of the constantly changing lighting, the cistern looks funny, gloomy, or solemn.
While the sun has not set yet, it is worth going for a walk along the Bosphorus on a yacht to look at such houses, historical buildings, villas and mansions of the Ottoman era, see their reflection in the mirrored water of the strait and catch a completely different feeling of Istanbul, which is inaccessible until you step on board and feel light splashes on the skin.
Of course, you should ask the captain to drift a little near the famous Maiden Tower. According to legend, it was built by the Turkish sultan, to whom a clairvoyant predicted the death of his daughter on her 18th birthday. There, the sultan hoped to protect her from all possible misfortunes. According to one version, he never succeeded, and his daughter died from a snake bite, which was hiding in fruits brought from the “mainland”. According to another, thanks to the beautiful young man who came to the rescue, she remained alive. In short, it is an atmospheric place, conducive to hearing a couple of legends.
And in the evening, take a ride on the famous red tram along Istiklal Street — just at its end is the Ataturk Cultural Center, where you can listen to the Istanbul State Academic Orchestra.
The center opened after a large-scale reconstruction in 2021 and is really worth a visit. Opera Hall with 2040 seats the hall is a huge dome located inside the building, it has simply amazing acoustics. There is also a theater hall in the building, about half the size of the main one, as well as a gallery where various exhibitions are held.
Shopping in Istanbul: authenticity, fashion brands and exclusivity
The Egyptian bazaar may not be the best place to shop, but it’s worth starting the day with it to recharge the right mood. You can probably find everything here: from Turkish carpets to traditional ceramics and jewelry.
Tea, spices, Turkish sweets, dried fruits are only a small part of the colorful counters that you will want to approach, taste, and inhale the aroma. And when you get tired of walking along the rows of the Grand Bazaar, go have a cup of real Turkish coffee. But be sure to do it in one of the most beloved coffee shops by the locals.
Mehmet Efendi’s coffee shop is easy to find: if you walk through the main building of the Grand Bazaar, it will be just a few meters to the left. The institution has been operating since 1930, and since then it has been famous for delicious coffee, for which there is a daily queue of locals. You can enjoy a cup of fragrant and rich drink at a table outside. And inside, in addition to the store, you will find a small museum dedicated to the creator of the coffee shop and his various collections, including antique porcelain cups.
Well, if you want something sweet with your coffee, then it’s worth a look at Hacı Bekir Lokumu — this oriental sweets store has been operating since 1777 and is rightfully one of the Turkish legends.
If the jewelry seen in the shops of the Egyptian bazaar has not sunk into your soul, you can go to Nuru Osmaniye Street, where the most famous jewelry boutiques are located. The most unusual of them belongs to Sevan Bichakchi, a master who wanted to create his own direction in jewelry art. And he succeeded: his unique works can be seen on many world celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez. The author’s holography technology, which is used to process precious stones in the Bichakchi workshop, has no analogues. And buyers appreciate the jeweler for the fact that he can make jewelry that reflects the character of the owner.
Those who miss the departed For Russian fashion brands, it is necessary to go to Galataport — a modern art space on the embankment of the European part of Istanbul, where you can find boutiques of most popular international brands, as well as cafes, breweries and restaurants with stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait from their terraces.
It’s worth just coming here for a walk, if you don’t have a special desire to shop, recharge yourself with an atmosphere of fun and good mood, visit the Museum of Modern Art.
We make your vacation really delicious
Turkish cuisine in Russia is loved for various reasons. Well, first of all, who else can cook mutton so divinely, and in so many variants? And in general, there are no problems with Turkish meat: they can cook it in different ways and it always turns out delicious. Secondly, in whose other kitchen, maybe, besides the Caucasian one, can you find such a variety of greens? And the eggplants? There are 69 dishes with eggplant in Turkey, and not only babaganush, which everyone in our country knows and loves. So, what is worth trying in Istanbul, and which restaurants to choose?
In the Ali Ocakbasi restaurant, which has an outdoor terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, you should definitely try chig kefte – original bulgur cutlets, grilled cold cuts, as well as sweets from caramelized pumpkin with tahini, nuts and ice cream. In general, caramelized pumpkin is now in fashion in popular establishments in Istanbul, and each one prepares it in its own way. Here is one of the best options.
Another great version of this dessert is served at the Feriye restaurant. The establishment has a Michelin star, high service and excellent location — right next to the Bosphorus Bridge. It’s especially atmospheric in the evenings.
Of the main dishes, it is worth trying lentil soup, which is given a spicy taste by ginger and lemon, surprisingly tender meat with mushrooms and potatoes, and from snacks — a pie with pastrami, cheese and leek.
The Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine restaurant also has a Michelin star. It is definitely worth ordering hyunkar begendi — stewed beef with creamy eggplant puree. There are also especially delicious meze — traditional snacks, ichli kefte — lamb cutlet in breadcrumbs from bulgur and airy crusty bread ekmek.
Foxy Nişantaşı restaurant is a more democratic option, but there is an interesting serving of dishes and original recipes. It is worth paying attention to the wine list — you can find options with an excellent combination of price and quality. Choose profiteroles with banana cream and chocolate from desserts.
There are seven Michelin—starred restaurants in Istanbul, two with a green Michelin star, about two dozen gourmet establishments and fifty of those recommended by leading travel guides. But even if you just try baked chestnuts with smoke on the street or the locals’ favorite street food option — kumpir, baked potatoes with different fillers, you will remember for a long time how delicious it was. Because they love and know how to cook here, regardless of the status of the institution.
The editorial office of Profi.Travel thanks the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the trip.
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