If you like food, culture and architecture (and who doesn’t?!) then you’ll love a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. So go ahead and book a ticket first; then take note of these 10 things to do when you’re there:
Explore the Old City. It’s a treasure trove of stunning, historical buildings like the blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
Try Iskender Kebab. You won’t be lacking for a good kebab in Istanbul, but the Iskender variety is special. It’s chopped up pita bread soaked in tomato sauce, baked, then topped with juicy, buttery lamb meat and a dollop of yogurt. Kasap Osman serves the best one in the city.
Visit Topkapi Palace. Plan to spend the day, but if you must rush it, the highlights are the harem and the treasury.
Spend an afternoon at the Grand Bazaar. From jewelry to pottery, everything’s ripe for buying, but the real take-home experience is in the visual stimulation.
Check out Taksim Square. It’s a big square and popular meeting point–walking down it leads to the Beyoglu which is closed to all motorized traffic, save for the cutest little tram that you can ride.
Take a ride on the Bosphorous ferry. It’s a beautiful boat ride along the river with stunning views–best done at sunset.
Indulge in Turkish desserts. Turkish delight, of course, and baklava and kadayif, too. Don’t miss Turkish ice cream, dondurma, it’s especially interesting due to its slightly tough and sticky texture.
Relax at a hamam. The beloved Turkish bath houses feel heavenly after a long day (or many days) of sightseeing.
Sign up for a food tour. Istanbul Eats is a culinary tour that prides itself on taking you to little known local eateries.
Climb the Galata Tower. For an extraordinary panoramic view of the city get high up in this nine-story medieval stone tower.
(Main image: Taryn Adler)
