My Istanbul travel guide: the only city in the world that sits on two continents. Europe on one side, Asia on the other.
One random night after a workout session with my friends in Singapore, we ended up at a Turkish restaurant in Millenia Walk. We joked about visiting our Turkish friend in Istanbul, who was heading back home that summer. A few weeks later, that joke turned into reality – I decided Türkiye would be the destination for my birthday trip this year.
As a Philippine passport holder, I needed a visa to enter Turkey. While waiting for the approval, my two friends and I finalised our itinerary. In the end, we decided on three destinations: Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Summary
Flying from Singapore to Istanbul
We all had different budgets, so the three of us flew separately on our preferred airlines. As a treat to myself, I booked a Business Class on Singapore Airlines. The non-stop flight from Singapore to Istanbul takes around 11 hours. And for me, choosing business was absolutely worth it for comfort on such a long journey.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, return fares usually hover around SGD 1,000++, depending on the airline and season.
Our stay in Istanbul
(L) My room in the Airbnb apartment (R) Gil, Andi, Yiğit and I ready to explore the Taksim area
Since our Turkey trip would last about 2 weeks, we chose to stay in an Airbnb for our first stop. Our apartment was in Taksim, a vibrant district in the heart of Istanbul known for shopping, dining and nightlife. Of course, there are plenty of hotels in the area too, if you prefer that type of accommodation.
The apartment’s charm is unique. And it has all the basic amenities we needed, such as wifi, kitchen, fridge, washing machine and dryer. The bathroom even has a Turkish hammam-style design, which gave it a lovely traditional touch. It’s walking distance to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, so finding a restaurant, café, or even supermarket is really easy.
Things to see and do in Istanbul: European side
1. Shop and dine along İstiklal Caddesi
A true taste of Turkey: rich and delicious
İstiklal Caddesi, or Independence Avenue, is a 1.4 km pedestrian street in Istanbul’s historic Beyoğlu, stretching from Taksim Square to the Galata Tower. You’ll find the iconic red tram, historical buildings, and endless shops, cafés and restaurants. This is where we had our first taste of truly authentic Turkish food.
2. Walk to the Galata Tower and Galata Bridge
(L) Galata Tower (R) Galata Bridge
The Galata Tower once served as a watchtower and even a prison during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Today, it’s a museum with an observation deck. We didn’t go up the tower but enjoyed taking photos from the base.
From there, we wandered towards the Galata Bridge, soaking in the breeze and the sweeping views of the Bosphorus Strait. Seagulls soared overhead, and as the sun began to set, it added an extra layer of magic to the scene.
3. Ride the Tünel, Istanbul’s underground funicular
Miniature model of Tünel Photo: Lord Acuña
A historic two-station underground funicular, Tünel connects Karaköy and Beyoğlu. Opened in 1875, it is the second oldest urban underground line in the world, after London’s Underground. If you’re walking downhill from Galata Tower to Karaköy, it’s easy. But going back uphill can be a workout, so the Tünel is the perfect and comfortable alternative.
4. Step inside the majestic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
The outside and inside of Hagia Sophia Photo: Lord Acuña
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) and the Blue Mosque are two of Istanbul’s most iconic architectural masterpieces — both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hagia Sophia showcases a striking blend of Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Islamic influences, from its massive dome to its golden mosaics and Arabic calligraphy panels. The Blue Mosque, meanwhile, is renowned for its interior lined with more than 20,000 blue and white İznik tiles, along with a stunning central dome illuminated by 260 stained-glass windows.
Since we started our day a little late, we only had time to explore Hagia Sophia. If you want to visit both, here’s my tip: book your tickets in advance on Klook to save time and skip long queues. Allocate at least an hour for each attraction. And remember to consider possible waiting times – especially if you didn’t pre-book – as well as temporary midday closures for prayers on Fridays.
5. Descend into the Basilica Cistern
The columns inside Basilica Cistern and one of the 2 Medusa heads Photo: Lord Acuña
Yerebatan Sarnıcı, or Basilica Cistern, is the largest ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul — a breathtaking 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece supported by 336 towering columns. Among them are two famous Medusa heads, adding a touch of mystery and myth to the dimly lit space.
We purchased the entrance ticket along with the audio guide, which added a lot to the experience. It allowed us to wander at our own pace, pausing at key points to fully appreciate the history, architecture, and atmosphere of this otherworldly underground space.
6. Visit the Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace served as the royal residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s most important museums, home to four grand courtyards, extensive collections of imperial treasures and religious relics, and the famed Harem.
We didn’t go inside, as exploring the palace properly can easily take half a day. Access to the main palace complex, the Harem, and other key areas including the Tulip Garden requires a ticket. However, the first courtyard is open to the public for free, so we spent some time exploring the gardens.
Note: You can book combo tickets on Klook that include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace – making it easier to plan your visits, and save money and time.
7. Bonus: Watch the Legends of Istanbul
Souvenir from Legends of Istanbul Photo: Lord Acuña
Experience the eight greatest Legends of Istanbul come to life in this 45-minute immersive live show. Running daily at 4:00 PM, each scene transports the audience across centuries with holographic visuals, mesmerising dance and dramatic music.
Watching this show wasn’t originally on our itinerary, but we stumbled upon it just a few minutes’ walk away from Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. I absolutely loved learning about Istanbul’s legends I’d never heard of before through this show. To top it off, each of us received a souvenir coin after the performance.
8. More shopping: Grand Bazaar is a shopaholic’s paradise
One of the 22 entrances to the Grand Bazaar Photo: Lord Acuña
With twenty-two gates leading into the covered market from all directions, take your time to explore the Grand Bazaar. Look around and haggle – after all, bargaining is half the fun in these historic bazaars. Here, you’ll find everything from intricate carpets and vibrant textiles to ceramics, spices, lanterns, jewellery and unique souvenirs. Feeling a little indulgent, I splurged on a silver bracelet featuring an evil eye design, and then complemented it with a gorgeous 14K gold bracelet.
Things to see and do in Istanbul: Asian side
Note: I only had half a day to explore Istanbul’s Asian side, so this list isn’t as extensive as the guide above – but it covers the highlights I managed to see.
1. Get a glimpse of Maiden’s Tower
Photo: Lord Acuña
The Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) is one of the eight legends brought to life in the Legends of Istanbul show. According to the tale, a Byzantine emperor built the tower on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus to protect his daughter from a prophecy that she would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday.
You can catch a glimpse of the tower while taking the ferry to or from to or from the Asian side. Or reach it via a short boat ride from Üsküdar or Salacak, where it now houses a charming café and restaurant.
2. Stroll through Kadıköy
Kadıköy is the beating heart of Istanbul’s Asian side. Restaurants, cafés, live music venues and cosy bars line the streets. Although my visit was brief, I could immediately feel the neighbourhood’s lively charm. For a quieter moment, there are several parks where you can take a leisurely stroll or simply relax on a bench.
3. Savour the local flavours
Tombik döner + my ayran obsession = happiness.
Sampling the local cuisine in Kadıköy is as much about the atmosphere as the food itself. We had lunch at Metet Közde Döner, a neighbourhood favourite, where I ordered a classic tombik döner. Tucked into a soft, freshly baked bun and layered with crisp vegetables, it was simple, satisfying, and a quintessential taste of Istanbul – made even better with a cold glass of ayran.
How to travel from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side (and back)
On the ferry with my friend Andi and Yiğit
We crossed from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul by ferry, which is the easiest way to travel between the two shores. The ride itself is part of the experience, with beautiful views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.
Ready to hop across continents? Here’s how to catch the ferry from Karaköy to Kadıköy and back:
1. Locate the pier: Head to Karaköy Pier (Karaköy İskelesi), which is just a short walk from the Galata Bridge.
2. Get your Istanbulkart: The card works on almost every form of public transport, including the ferries.
3. Tap and board: Tap your Istanbulkart at the entrance gate and hop on any ferry heading to Kadıköy on the Asian side.
4. Enjoy the ride: This scenic ride will take about 20 – 30 minutes.
5. Return from Kadıköy Pier: When you’re ready to head back, make your way to Kadıköy Pier (Kadıköy İskelesi). Ferries to Karaköy, and other terminals like Eminönü and Beşiktaş, run frequently throughout the day.
So there you have it — my personal travel guide, perfect for anyone exploring Istanbul for the very first time.
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