A weekend in Istanbul

in Pinmapple2 years ago (edited)

A little late to post this, but in early June me and my fiancé had the opportunity to visit Istanbul to celebrate her birthday.

We’ve been living in Bulgaria for the last 6 years and as we share border with turkey, we had always wanted to visit. I can’t blame some of our friends here who tend to visit istanbul once every month with a return coach ticket from Plovdiv only costing around £30!

It was indeed a lovely weekend trip, but nowhere near long enough to fully explore this city. We didn’t know that Istanbul’s population is 12 million, which becomes very apparent as you start walking the streets in the centre!

I hope you like the photos I managed to take…

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  • The first night we stayed in an area called Küçükçekmece, which was close to the bus station we arrived in to. Our hotel was only £15 for the night which is the cheapest place I’ve ever stayed at. There isn’t much to do in this area so we took the metro to see Besiktas!

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For the next 2 nights, we stayed at a wonderful hidden Airbnb (first picture) right next to Istiklal street, which is the main shopping street in Istanbul. Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos of the inside.
This was the perfect location to go visit Galata tower (even though we didn’t actually go up the tower) and it was only a 20 minute walk to galata bridge which gave a stunning view across to Fatih!

Sultanahmet square was one of the highlights of the trip, with both the Ayasofya mosque
and blue mosque located on each corner. Entrance is free to both the mosques and they are absolutely stunning from the inside! A very serene and calming atmosphere compared to the hustle in the streets.

A must visit cafe has to be Seven hills, where we enjoyed some famous Turkish tea!

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The last photo in this set has to be personal favourite!
Hope everyone enjoyed this short blog! Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to/ want to visit Istanbul!

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Turkey borders Bulgaria, but I've never actually been there. I find this fact quite strange, as this country is not far away, nor is it inaccessible. But still.
How did you feel there during your visit? After you already have a basis for comparison with Bulgaria. More comfortable, cozier? Or the opposite?

From my experience here in Bulgaria, i would definitely say Bulgaria is more comfortable and peaceful. Istanbul is beautiful but overcrowded. However, it does for a nice holiday destination

I somehow thought there was something in common between Plovdiv and Istanbul. I don't know why, maybe something regarding the spirit of these two cities. But it can't be like that, of course, since Plovdiv is such a peaceful and calm city. 😊
BTW, your last picture is my favorite too. I didn't even notice at first glance the main object photographed in it.

The mosque looks beautiful. Never seen one in person, hopefully I get to someday!

The mosque is lovely!

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Sorry for the oversight. I have generated the code, but can't find a way to edit my blog now. Could i attach it to the comments?

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