My trip to Istanbul last year was short but sweet. I flew from Gatwick on the Friday evening, and flew back on Sunday afternoon. I would have loved to have spent longer there, as it’s a beautiful city (from what I saw, anyway), but work was hectic, and I couldn’t afford to take any extra days off.
I went at the beginning of October, so the weather was ideal. Like a bowl of porridge for Goldilocks, it wasn’t too cold, and it wasn’t too hot, it was just right. I wore a t-shirt and leggings during the day, and covered up with a wrap when entering the mosques. Then in the evening I changed into jeans and another t-shirt, and wore the wrap while sitting outside drinking Efes and smoking shisha. It was the perfect break away, and I was gutted it went so quickly.
Despite only being there just over 24 hours, I still managed to take hundreds of photos (though A LOT of them are of cats, I’m not gonna lie). I uploaded most of them to Instagram, but here are a few of my favourites:
Though I saw a lot, there are still many things in this amazing city that I didn’t experience, so I will definitely be going back at some point.
Have you been to Istanbul? What were your highlights? I’d love to hear from you, so drop me a comment below.
I love your photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Caitlin – they’re just taken on a Samsung Galaxy S6 ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos. Blue mosque is always be My favorite object every time I had chances to visit Istanbul
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Nurul – the Blue Mosque is amazing! We were on the top of a rooftop bar when the prayer calls started, it was mesmerising ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are beautiful photos Rebecca, I’ll read and see all your posts eventually.
Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Hummis!!
LikeLike
Wow what some absolutely beautiful pictures, I kept thinking oh wow I love that door, then wow look at those colours. Absolutely stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah – it’s a really interesting city with so much colour, character and charm x
LikeLike
I really want to go to Istanbul and it looks stunning. October sounds like a good time then if it wasn’t too hot or cold x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, October was the perfect time to go – it was still warm (t-shirt weather at least), but it wasn’t stifling. It’s a really pretty city if you ever get the opportunity to go Rhian 🙂 x
LikeLike
They sure are fantastic photos. It looks so pretty there which so many rich, vibrant colours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know – I wasn’t expecting Istanbul to be as colourful as it was! x
LikeLike
Great photos, it’s a shame you couldn’t stay longer but looks like you had an amazing time anyway 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, considering we weren’t there that long, we still managed to cram a lot in. I will definitely go back again though x
LikeLike
I actually lived just north of Istanbul for about 4 years. It’s a really beautiful place, and hometown for my wife!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh really, that’s fabulous! So you know first-hand exactly how beautiful and colourful it is! X
LikeLike
Beautiful! The pictures capture the soul of the city. I absolutely love Istanbul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too – I hope to get back there at some point! x
LikeLike
Top of my bucket list… You got beautiful pictures there…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Great photos. I love the street art one and the fabric one, really vibrant colours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Aysha! Have you been to Istanbul? x
LikeLike
Ok, so hmm these pics have…well made me want to head down to Gatwick and jump on a plane myself 😀 haha – Istanbul has always been one of those places I’ve wanted to go but have put off for one reason or another – I definitely need to make the effort and go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I think it’s understandable why you’ve put off travelling to Istanbul, especially recently. I really hope the terrorism warnings ease of soon, because it’s a beautiful city and it would be a shame for you not to visit x
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like such a gorgeous city. I am so jealous, I would love to visit Istanbul and see the mixture of Asian and European influences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it’s a bit of a trek for you to get to, but hopefully you’ll make it one day Kate! x
LikeLike
omg.. the building with the intricately decorated ceiling and walls is GORGEOUS. What building is that?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the top and inside of the Blue Mosque – it’s beautiful isn’t it x
LikeLike
Oh my God, it is stunning. Such a well written blogpost! Keep up the good work! – puchi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!
LikeLike
What a great post! reading you post made me want to go travel around the world
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you much of a traveller Wynne? Where’s the best place you’ve been? x
LikeLike
I totally agree and though Istanbul is an instagramable city. It’s so beautiful and the oldness of the city is what makes in unique. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Ania, its a captivating city! x
LikeLike
Wow now that is what you call a whistle stop getaway but its great you managed to cram so many activities in. As a street art hunter naturally seeing that it has street art is enough to put it on my bucket list! I also love all the old buildings and the impressive architecture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There was loads of really impressive street art in Istanbul, it would be a great place for you to do one of your photo shoots! x
LikeLike
Wonderful photographs! I like your photography a lot! Your blog is making me to put Istanbul on my bucket-list. Heritage and cultural beauty is key here. Seriously there are now a lot of destinations on my bucket-list. I don’t know how will I’ll be going to conquer these. But soon I’ll do this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have faith in you Prateek, I know you will achieve your dreams! x
LikeLike
I really love your snaps! Few weeks ago I told myself I need to visit Istanbul next year. After your post I want to go there even more
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you’re able to visit Istanbul in 2018! It’s an incredibly beautiful city Dunja! x
LikeLike
All these pictures are soo beautiful! Istanbul is on my list, I really want to visit is soon, let’s see when do I get a chance. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you’re able to visit there soon Aditi! x
LikeLike
You have some incredible pictures that you had from instagram here. I wasn’t sure that I would have put Instanbul on my list of places to visit but with all the great pictures I will have to reconsider.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely worth considering David – there is so much history and culture there!
LikeLike
Awesome photos!! I love Istanbul since it has so many hidden corners that you can visit and take photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Elena! x
LikeLike