Istanbul 01
How about we start off with the touristy places? All of which also happen to be religious places of worship (except Aya Sofya which is now a museum). The first two are synonymous with Istanbul. And also crawling with tourists. If you dislike crowds too, a tip is to arrive at opening time – usually 9am in these parts. Ben & I concurred that it is less painful to wake up early than get caught behind throngs of tour groups.
First up is Aya Sofya – a Greek orthodox basilica turned mosque turned museum
Below is the Blue Mosque, opposite Aya Sofya, kind of. Two massive structures with a park in the middle of them.
Food tip: After visiting the two mosques, you’d have worked up an appetite so head to Tahiri Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta for meatballs. Order a side of pilaf to go with it, please. They open at 11am, don’t be shy to be first in line, we were. You won’t be sorry.
Next is the New Mosque, it is next to the Spice Market in Eminönü so you can’t really miss it. Can’t really miss the PIGEONS!
The last is the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. It’s along Istiklal Caddesi which is like THE main road in Beyoğlu.
I swear we didn’t just go into mosques and churches in Istanbul! Heh. By the way, can you believe it’s already November?!
