The Best of Istanbul – Photo Essay
There have been a few places around the world that we have travelled to that we hadn’t really given too much thought to before visiting. We are ashamed to admit that Istanbul in Turkey is one of those places.
As one of the largest cities in the world, and bordering Asia and Europe, we should have expected more. A lot more. But we basically didn’t do our research. We were really only in Turkey for the ANZAC Day celebrations along the Gallipoli Peninsula and our Sail Turkey adventure.
By the end of our 4 days exploring the city from our Istanbul vacation rental, including the incredible UNESCO World Heritage historic city centre, we felt incredibly lucky to have even had that long in Istanbul. Since then we have also vowed to do the proper research to make sure we don’t miss out on any other potentially amazing cities in the future!
Istanbul Photo Essay
These are our favourite photos from Istanbul. We hope you can see why the city grew on us so quickly.
Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage Historic City Centre Panorama from Galata Tower
Istanbul New Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque at Sunset
Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque
Minarets and Entrance to Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque
Foot Washing Area, Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque
Kebab Street Food in Istanbul
Fresh Corn on the Cob, Night Street Food in Istanbul
Mosque Framed by the windows in Galata Tower
Galata Tower, Istanbul
While we quite easily could have spent longer in Istanbul on our cheap holiday to Turkey we felt that 4 days was just enough time to see all the travel highlights. It was the perfect taster before the rest of our adventure travels through Turkey along the western coastline.
We just hope that we find the time in 2013 to explore deeper into the true heart of Turkey and hopefully experience more of this rich and diverse country that we initially knew so little about.
Category: Asia
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Beautiful photos, guys. I really must make it to Istanbul one day soon. It’s been at the top of my list for years and somehow I never make it there.
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..In photos: A lazy stroll around Caye Caulker
We were so surprised by how much we enjoyed it. Really need to explore the rest of Turkey at some stage now.
The already dreamy city-scapes look even more surreal in your photos.
Karen @ Trans-Americas Journey recently posted..Best of the Trans-Americas Journey 2012 – Best Hotels
That’s what HDR will do for photos
But still the cityscape is truly that magnificent!
Wow! Thanks for the chance to reminisce about how beautiful Istanbul is. I went 2 years ago and your pictures helped me to relive my travels. Thanks!
Natalie @ In Natalie’s Shoes recently posted..DIY Personalized Mug.. Maybe
We were there nearly 1 year ago and our own photos made me remember so many good times! Going to start going back through the last 3 years of travel and editing all my favourite ones I haven’t shared yet
Mosques and churches always seem to make great subjects in photos. These are no exception! Istanbul remains high on my bucket list
Escaping Abroad recently posted..The Moment I Fell In Love with Scuba Diving
Hope you manage to get to Istanbul sometime soon! It is a fantastic place to visit and continues to become more and more popular every year.
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
We, too, had done very little research about Istanbul, thinking it would simply be a stopover between the Middle East and Europe. But we really loved it! Spent 6 days there, and definitely want to go back. Thanks for the photo reminders!
PS. We had our favorite sandwich of our RTW in Istanbul. YUMMY
Larissa recently posted..Free things to do in Belgrade: One of Europe’s oldest cities
The sandwich sounds amazing! Wonder if it rivals Gozleme which we fell in love with in Turkey
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
I just want to say: yum, yum, yum, yum. yum!!
wanderingeducators recently posted..Florida Culture for the Week of January 14, 2013 by Josh Garrick
I did drool a little on my keyboard when I was going back through all the food photos haha.
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
Istanbul is a city I hear more and more about and is starting to creep to the top of my list. I also hear it is a great place to live. Nice mix of photos! I especially like the kebab street food photo–the man’s expression is great.
Jenna recently posted..A Sneak Peek at the Monterey Peninsula
I need to start taking more people shots I think. He probably couldn’t figure out why I would want to take a photo of him doing his job! I guess I would find it weird if someone took a photo of me at my desk haha.
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
Aw, you’re making me miss Istanbul now…
Theodora recently posted..On Namche and Ageing
Well your Himalayan adventures are making me jealous! Lets call it even
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
Beautiful photos! We’ve only been to Istanbul on a long layover. We had 8 hours coming home from Jordan, so took the opportunity to grab a visa and explore the old city a bit. We really only had time for the Blue Mosque, the spice market, and the Grand Bazaar. We did eat corn on the cob from one of those stands though! We definitely need to go back.
Jennifer recently posted..Circumnavigating Iceland: The Wild and Rugged East Coast
Sounds like you did quite a lot in just 8 hours anyway. Well done! Most people would probably just sit in the airport watching movies. We actually didn’t really enjoy the corn, probably because it had been there all day haha.
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
Very cool pictures! I’ve been to Turkey, but not to Istanbul – yet! Keep hearing a lot of good stuff about it, though, also in terms of hipness and stylewise. Pretty sure it’s another big city that could win me over rather quickly:)
Vera recently posted..The friendliness of the Thai people (& a hostel review)
I think that Loz would break his camera by taking too many photos
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
It’s starting to become an issue
Love the shot titled “Minarets and Entrance to Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque” – that’s just gorgeous 
Laurence recently posted..The friendliness of the Thai people (& a hostel review)
Have learnt so much about editing in the last few months. Starting to go back through old photos and edit them. Very pleased with myself haha.
A beautiful city indeed. If you’ll be back in Turkey this spring, make sure to drop us a line and come and visit
Pete recently posted..64 Degrees North
We would love to return this spring! Fingers crossed we can explore Cappadocia at sometime this year.
Cole Burmester recently posted..2012 Travel Adventures in Photos
Stunning photos! I’ve heard such amazing things about Istanbul – can’t wait to explore it some day!
Kate xo
Hope you get to visit one day soon Kate! It is a wonderful city but make sure you also take the time to explore the rest of Turkey too
Cole Burmester recently posted..Travel Adventure of the Year – The Ultimate Train Challenge 2013
Istanbul became one of my favorite cities within minutes of arriving. Such a great place!
Ali recently posted..How to Make a Travel Budget
Felt exactly the same way Ali
We arrived late at night and the first thing we did once we checked in was go for a walk.
I had a friend who told me to visit Turkey but I didn’t believe that I would like it until now!
What great photos!!
Thank you!
Thanks Delane
Istanbul is one of those cities that I think it would be impossible to hate. It’s SO different from anywhere else in the world, and so alive! I can’t wait to go back sometime soon.
Amanda recently posted..What the Fook is a Loony Dook?
Lets organise a press trip because we want to go back too
The picture of the mosque is so stunning! My friend told me that kebab taste better in Turkey. I wonder if that’s true.
Hahaha which one? We took a few ;D
All of them but what I like most is the picture of Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque.
Glad we made it so tough to choose your favourite! But I think you might have picked a winner too
Beautiful photos and architecture! Istanbul is a place I’m yet to visit and I see why I should plan one. Kebab looks good
Salika Jay recently posted..A Short Guide To Madrid
Kebabs were delicious! Not sure what makes them taste better there… maybe it is because I wasn’t eating it after drinking all night haha
Cole, thanks for this. We’re planning to be in Istanbul later this year, and you’ve given us the perfect start on what do do and see. Beautiful photos!
Micki recently posted..Six Quick Steps to Nailing the Cheapest Flight
Did you see our Spice Markets post? Most people head to the Grand Bazaar but I much prefer the smaller, more local, Spice Markets. They are located below the New Mosque in our “Best of Istanbul” post
Turkey is one of those place where I really want to visit in depth… I would love to spend at least 3 months there.
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted..Australia – North Stradbroke Island
We only spent 2 weeks there, and half of that was on a boat sailing the coastline so not really authentic. Need to get deeper into Turkey itself!
Stunning photos guys! I really need to visit Turkey again,it’s probably been over 15 years since I was there! And haven’t visited Istanbul yet!
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..Top 5 Things to Do in Estoril
You REALLY need to go back to Turkey if you haven’t been to Istanbul yet Jarmo!
Gorgeous photos. I hope to travel there for NYE celebrations! Can’t wait. =)
Cheryl recently posted..Cheryl Howard … Does Ottawa!
Are their NYE celebrations big there? Will have to look into it!
Not quite sure! It’s just been a dream of mine to celebrate one there for an couple of years now!!
Cheryl recently posted..Photos: The Chain Bridge in Budapest at Night.
Wow, great pictures. I’ve never been to Turkey, but really want to go.
The kebabs make my mouth water, I remember having one almost every day when I was in France. How is the food in Istanbul?
Craig – ADayTrip.com recently posted..19 Free Things to Do in Providence, RI
All of the local markets and street food was really good. The one meal we had in a restaurant turned out to be over priced, touristy, and the food wasn’t great!
I spent about 24 hours in Istanbul, and I was blown away. It was the first time I visited a city with a very different culture, different architecture, different food…. I loved it and I definitely want to return.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The stupidest thing I did in 2012… and the photo to remember it
24 hours would have been barely enough time to scratch the surface. We felt we need to go back after 4 days there
Definitely try and make the time for it this year, or soon!
I haven’t been to Istanbul yet either, but I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Istanbul. Great photos and glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Laurel recently posted..Tembe Elephant Park: My TOP Travel Adventure of 2012
It is a fantastic place Laurel! Chuck it on your to-do list for this year
Was in Istanbul for only a few hours (layover) but did manage to see a few of the biggies – can’t wait to go back after seeing these photos!
Dave recently posted..10 Travel Writing Tips When You’re Not Traveling
Make sure you have at least 3/4 days there Dave! You guys will love it when you make it over this side of the world.
I went to Turkey this past year and was blown away at how my camera’s view finder was imprinted on my face after days out shooting! Gorgeous and pulsating – I came back with nearly 1000 pictures after less than 4 days in Istanbul!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas recently posted..Visiting Estepa: More Than Just Mantecados
Sometimes I forget to end up looking past my viewfinder! Need to learn to put it down every now and then
oh these photos are unreal. did you take these yourselves? they are stunning. the facet, the towers, the night vendor, wow. wow. truly makes this now on my bucket list too. oh god, so much world to see, so little time!
gabi klaf recently posted..When You See A Wonder Of The World, Exhausted- Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Nomadic Family Travel Blog For Long Term Budget World Travel With Kids
Yup they are all our photos Gabi
I wish everyone could see more of the world!
Nice photos as always, keep up the good work! Was wondering, what software do you use for your HDR processing?
Sam recently posted..Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise with Phillips Cruises
We have just started using Lightroom 4 and LOVE it! We have software called Photomatix Pro which is a plugin for Lightroom and works a treat for HDR processing. Definitely try it out.
Truly amazing photos. You have done it again! Wow!
Laura @Travelocafe recently posted..Best Western Hotel Lerdalshojden, Rattvik. Stunning Views & Cute Decor
Thanks Laura
All we do is capture the world with our camera then share it! Nothing special 
Great photos! That street vendor pic is making me hungry
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..TBGB: Preventing Gender-Based Violence & Empowering Youth In Tanzania
Makes me hungry every time I think about Istanbul… so many delicious local ingredients to try.
Beautiful. I really would like to go there. thanks for sharing and can’t wait to see more.
Heidi Wagoner recently posted..10 Tips for Spanish Resident Visa Application – for the American Traveler
No worries Heidi
Hope you visit soon!
Beautiful photos, Cole! Istanbul is really an amazing city! Tip: a trip on Bosphorus is a must do in Istanbul!
Izy Berry – The Wrong Way Home recently posted..Where I Want To Go
Hopefully we get the chance to go back Izy because we never explored the Asian side and would love to go on the Bosphorus too!
Stunning captures as always Cole! I love the way the sky patterns in one of the pictures! And the architecture is superb. Have a lovely day
Arti recently posted..Where to Stay in Kyoto: New Miyako Hotel
Thanks Arti! Will have a great day now thanks to your nice comments
wow. amazing pictures! Have been to Istanbul before but it was just a business trip so I had no time to explore the city. But it’s on my bucket list!
Yvonne recently posted..The BIG BANG Just Travelous Relaunch Contest
You would love it there Yvonne
Hopefully this year you can make it a priority!
Stunning pictures, Nice shot.. Kebab is one of my favorite street food in Istanbul.
So delicious!
Your photos are simply stunning – çok guzel
Kym Ciftci recently posted..Weekly Photo Challenge – Forward
Thank you Kym! It is a beautiful city to photography
Istanbul is really one of the world’s most exciting cities – with a fascinating blend of East meets West. Our recent story on “Turkish Delight” in Compass magazine covers some of Istanbul’s attractions – from soaking in a steamy hammam to feasting like a sultan. Glad you got to enjoy some of Istanbul! And your photos are gorgeous…
Sand in My Suitcase recently posted..On Mallorca, Sleep in Everything From a Castle to a Farm “Finca”
Thanks guys
Agree totally that Istanbul it is one of the world’s most exciting cities!
Great HDR photos! I loved Istanbul and Turkey as a whole and was there for the ANZAC service this year too. Beautiful people and a beautiful country.
ardun recently posted..Koza Cave Hotel
Cheers Ardun
ANZAC Day is a really moving experience for everyone. Glad you had a great time!