Why do I Like Istanbul?

My most recent trip was in July 2025, the starting point of a three-week journey across Turkey. By now, I’ve seen the city’s major landmarks as well as many lesser-known sites. I’ve written many posts about Istanbul from different perspectives, yet I could still write many more. This city’s history is a never-ending source of inspiration.

To answer the question of why I love Istanbul, I’ll divide my thoughts into three parts:

1. History and historic sites

2. Shopping

3. Food

THE CITY WHERE HISTORY HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT

History is everywhere in Istanbul, especially in the old city. The famous landmarks, like Hagia Sophia, are obvious highlights. Nearly 1500 years old, this breath-taking architectural marvel has a history as rich as any monument in the world.

But what captivates me are the historic treasures hidden in plain sight. Between Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you’ll find countless overlooked gems.

One example is the German Fountain, built in 1900 to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit. In many cities, it would be a prime attraction. In Istanbul, you might pass it without noticing.

Similarly, while visiting the Fatih and Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosques, I stumbled upon the Dülgerzade Mosque on Fevzi Pasha Street, built in 1482. You won’t find this 500-year-old mosque in most guidebooks.

The Kizilminare Mosque, built in 1521, the same year Suleiman the Magnificent conquered Belgrade, is another such discovery. Small and easily overlooked, yet steeped in history.

And then there’s the Valens Aqueduct, a 4th-century structure that once brought water to Constantinople. Unless you happen to pass under it, you might never know it’s there.

In Istanbul, these kinds of monuments are everywhere, quietly reminding you that history here isn’t confined to museums and most famous historic structures.

SHOPPING IN MARKETS THAT SWALLOW YOU WHOLE

When I say “shopping,” I don’t necessarily mean buying. That said, there were times I arrived in Istanbul with an empty suitcase and left with it bursting.

My preferred base is Beyoğlu, especially near Istiklal Street. Unlike the old city, which goes quiet after 6pm, Istiklal Street is alive until midnight. It’s colourful, crowded and endlessly fascinating, the perfect place for an evening stroll.

But the real shopping magic happens in the Grand Bazaar and surrounding Bazaar Quarter. Everything else pales compared to this part of the city.

Here, the variety of goods is staggering. You can find everything, from textiles to jewellery to food. There are plenty of fake designer items, especially on Çadırcılar Street, but Turkey’s strong textile industry also means that you can find good quality clothing at fair prices.

In my opinion, this is the most fascinating part of the city, a place where you can spend hours wandering the bazaar’s labyrinthine streets. You don’t need to buy a thing, simply taking in the sights is an experience in itself.

The area is neatly divided into sections, each dedicated to a single type of item. You’ll find entire streets selling nothing but underwear, socks or children’s clothes, while other lanes are devoted entirely to food.

The colourful displays are striking and unlike anything you’d see in a Western European supermarket. Here, abundance is on full display, an overwhelming variety that delights the senses.

That’s one of the reasons I like Istanbul – the smells, the colours, the images, all sparking my imagination every time.

I usually leave with bags of cashew nuts, walnuts and almonds. In the past, I’ve also bought dried figs and apricots, always sweet, fresh and delicious.

EATING LIKE A LOCAL

One of the joys of Istanbul is the food. Turkish cuisine is familiar to me. Serbia was under Ottoman rule for nearly 500 years, so many dishes are shared.

More importantly, food here is generally fresh and well-prepared. Western-style fast food chains are far less dominant. Turkish people prefer proper, cooked food.

I only eat in local restaurants where home-cooked meals are ready to choose from. It’s quick, inexpensive and healthy. For example, I liked Balkan Lokantasi on Ankara Street, near Topkapi Palace, which was very busy and served fresh and delicious food.

One more favourite place of mine was Ehlitat Lokantasi on Balo Street, still delicious, although no longer the bargain it once was.

I always avoid tourist-only restaurants and eat where locals do. If Turks are eating there, I know it’s good.

SOME OTHER REASONS WHY I LIKE ISTANBUL

Over the years, Istanbul has become more expensive. In 2015, 1 pound got me 4 lira; in 2019, 7 lira; in July 2025, 44 lira. Unfortunately, prices have risen even faster than the currency has fallen. Where a meal once cost 2–3 pounds, now it’s 5 pounds or more.

Istanbul is impossible to sum up in a single post. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. For anyone interested in history and in having a wonderful time, Istanbul is as close to perfect as a city can get.