Turkey Study Trip Information

These are a few restaurant, hotel and activity ideas for Istanbul specifically.

For a few resources for independent travel, you can book many opportunities directly, or using Get Your Guide, or similar, to search for options.

Google maps is another great resource (download the app on your phone), for searching reviews, and utilizing the “Save” feature, adding an icon/category to keep a map ready of places you’re interested in visiting when you arrive.

Airport Transfers: In Istanbul, we recommend staying in the historic center, in the “Sultanahmet” area. Transfers from Istanbul airport are easily arranged. We recommend first asking your hotel lodging about their options, or you can arrange your own through numerous advance booking transfer services such as Transfeero, or even by taxi on arrival. I recommend having your hotel name and address written on a piece of paper so you can hand it to a taxi driver, in this case, for ease of communication (and not having to hand over your phone). Transfers are often around $50 for a private transfer for a couple, plus or minus some for luxury level of car or larger group. The Sultanahmet area is about an hour from the airport, and there are many pedestrian only areas, so read hotel reviews if curbside drop off is a concern. But usually, it’s not far to drag the luggage (and many transfer services will assist) if you have to walk a block or two from car zones to your hotels in the historic areas. There are many historical, boutique hotels in the Sultanahmet area, that aren’t suitable for larger group hotel bookings as we need, but can be wonderful experiences for a night (or few) if you arrive early.

Hotels: Smaller boutique hotels are especially fun to find in Istanbul in areas close to Haggia Sophia or the Blue Mosque for easy walking and fun restaurant experiences. Sirkeci Mansion, Rast Hotel, and Amiral Palace Hotel are a few can recommend, each in a different area to also give you an idea of locations we like.

Restaurants: We believe that FOOD is one of the best reasons to travel, to literally “taste” and participate in the culture. And Turkish food is worth the trip alone. Just plan all your events around food as the priority, and you’re going to have a great trip; this is my philosophy. From street food to local favorites, to fancy rooftop dining splurges, there are countless opportunities in Istanbul, even more than many destinations, for “perfect bites” and table experiences. We never visit Istanbul without a stop at Old Ottoman Cafe and on our last visit we especially enjoyed Esto Restaurant. Something more upscale like Carlos Terrace Restaurant has also been recommended (above our paygrade so I can’t speak for it - but looks amazing). Again, google maps is a great resource for finding highly reviewed restaurants, and trying something new each time. Ask for recommendations for the best of house - and SAVOR. Now I’m hungry.

Turkish Bath at a Hammam: There are many of these available, either to locations specifically designed to host this, or by searching for hotels that include a Hammam experience on site. Deeply cultural, and recommended experience. One of the most famous is Cagaloglu Hamam which dates from the 1700’s, and is easily accommodating to travelers (english), but there are many to choose from. https://cagalogluhamami.com.tr/en/

Mosque Architecture: There are countless mosques, all with intricate designs and architectural features. Some enjoy going to many of these, from the famous Blue Mosque, to whichever they happen upon. All will have different guidelines as far as where to take shoes off, head coverings for women, etc. but overwhelmingly, all are welcome to visit.

Byzantine Churches: the number of Byzantine churches has dwindled significantly since 1453, but on this website (https://www.thebyzantinelegacy.com/churches) you can find some still in existence that testify to the city’s importance within church history.

Miniaturk Museum: houses numerous miniature models of different buildings from not only Istanbul, but also other places in Turkey and the world. Their website https://miniaturk.com.tr/en could also be a good resource to discover additional interests in the city (if they made a miniature of it, they think it’s important).

Culture Soaking: Istanbul is an amazing place to people watch, and just enjoy the unique cultural flavors of this land. One of Jamie & Samuel’s favorite things to do is grab some street food from the many vendors around Sultanahmet, and enjoy sitting on a bench, or in the grass with the locals, relaxing around the big central fountain between Haggia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Grand Bazaar/Spice Market: We plan to visit these as a group, but there’s no end to what you can see and explore – different every time. A fun place to soak up culture, and find some tastes and treasures.

Counting Cats: Istanbul (and much of Türkiye) has a remarkable approach to caring for, not for “strays,” but for “the city’s animals.” You will see happy, beloved, friendly “stray” cats everywhere, and some dogs as well. There are vending machines for food you can drop some spare change in, that dispenses food below for the next animal that wanders by for a food. Many carry treats or food to share. It’s a remarkable part of Istanbul’s culture. Bring hand wipes and pet the city pets - they’ll love you.

Rick Steves: When it comes to personal travel, Rick Steves is well known for good reason, and his suggestions for personal walking tours and experiences are often very good. Since his books are available electronically, you can listen at your own pace as he and/or a local guide walk you through the streets of major cities like Istanbul and Athens.