My fascination with Istanbul began when I first stumbled upon this beautiful Netflix show “Midnight at the Pera Palace.” I was completely awestruck by the city being the center of attraction for every regime as far as history goes back. Therefore, a layover in Istanbul was a dream-come-true opportunity to experience live all I had read and seen.

Istanbul: A Historic Time Capsule

The first layover in Istanbul is always historic. You can’t help but notice why people say this city has seen it all! Owing to its strategic location at the Bosporus Strait, all famous empires – from Greeks to Romans to Ottomans, have considered this as their crown jewel. Leaving behind an unparalleled amalgamation of cultures glaringly visible in its historic buildings, palaces, and fortresses. My favorite historic spots include:

• Hagia Sophia

  A true symbol of cultural amalgamation, Hagia Sophia is as interesting as it gets. No wonder it’s on everyone’s bucket list when they visit Istanbul for the first time. Originally built as a cathedral and later converted to a mosque under the Ottomans, the building tells Istanbul’s story like no other.

  Its splendid Byzantine mosaics and marble pillars blend unimaginably well with the beautiful limestone and sandstone minarets added by the Ottomans.

  However, for me, the most striking part of this breathtaking architectural marvel was its massive, transcendent dome. Sunlight falling through the dome, makes you feel the divine presence in all its glory. This feeling draws me back here, almost every time I have a layover in Istanbul.

• Topkapi Palace

Another favorite destination of mine in awe-inspiring Istanbul is the stunning Topkapı Palace. Its ornate gates, intricate tilework, and mosaics-adorned walls and floors all leave you completely awestruck. Its stunning murals offer the perfect selfie backdrop for a social media buff like me.

The crew and I love exploring the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire through the palace’s countless buildings. It has that “stepping back in time” feel to it. You can imagine the sultans and their courtiers strolling through the palace’s gardens, relaxing in shaded pavilions, and enjoying sumptuous feasts in the palace’s many dining halls.

My favorite spots include İftar Pavilion offering stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait, and the Courtyard of the Favorites, featuring a central fountain surrounded by ornate marble columns and lush greenery – truly rejuvenating in every sense!

• Walls of Constantinople

Owing to my growing fascination, I made it a point to watch every show I could find on the city. So naturally, I devoured the Rise of the Empires: Ottoman. And that’s how I got to know about the unbreachable Walls of Constantinople.

So, the next time I had a layover in Istanbul, I made it a point to pay the walls a visit. I found out that since the 5th century, these walls have protected the city from invasions and sieges for over a thousand years. As the legend goes, it took the mighty Ottoman Sultan Mehmed 53 days and a massive “Basilica” canon to breach these walls!

Even after tremendous assault, these walls still stand tall today, as a symbol of Istanbul’s resilience. Furthermore, they offer some of the most spectacular views in Istanbul, particularly breathtaking at sunset & sunrise.

Entertaining Istanbul: Sufism, Belly Dancing, Hookah, & Waterfront Bars

A layover in Istanbul is as entertaining as it’s historic. With such versatility of entertainment available in this city, each layover offers a new experience. Some of my favorite moments include the following:

• Mesmerizing Sema at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge

  Galata Mevlevi Lodge is one of the most enchanting places I have ever visited, not just in Istanbul but in the entire world! While the city offers ample nightlife and modern entertainment, witnessing Sema – a Sufi dance, is truly unique and divine.

  This unforgettable experience transports you to another time and place. The lodge’s peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, dim lighting, and hushed reverence add to its overall mystique.

  The performance includes whirling dervishes, dressed in their traditional white robes and tall, conical hats. As they swirl to the melodious Turkish tunes, with spellbinding grace and fluidity, they surrender themselves to divinity.

  With their arms raised and palms up, the dervishes seek divine grace. The musical chanting creates a hypnotic rhythm that builds in intensity as the dance goes on. This meditative and trance-like experience leaves you awe-struck once the performance culminates.

• Ortakoy – Istanbul’s Nightlife Hub

Apart from historic and cultural blends, Istanbul also offers a fantastic blend of modern and traditional entertainment. While Sema is a divine experience, whenever the crew and I crave a young and vibrant nightlife destination, we head to Otakoy.

This vibrant and charming neighborhood on the European side of the city, offers countless picturesque waterfront bars and restaurants, with stunning Bosphorus Bridge views and live music.

The neighborhood is rampant with multi-level nightclubs such as Anjelique, where you get to enjoy the chic atmosphere.

Its rooftop terrace and multiple dance floors ensure you don’t have a dull moment. And when we crave sampling some delish cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Kiki Ortakoy is my go-to place.

• Sultana’s Dinner and 1001 Night Show

  Sultana’s Dinner and 1001 Night Show is yet another unforgettable experience the crew and I had on a layover in Istanbul. The show offers a truly unique blend of Turkish entertainment and cuisine.

  The evening begins with a traditional Turkish feast, featuring a wide spread of delicious dishes, including my favorite lamb kebab and meze. Even vegetarian and Halal options are available, so the dinner is as inclusive as it gets. The venue’s cozy and intimate atmosphere is indescribably relaxing.

Post dinner, the night transforms into a fun and entertainment event with traditional Turkish performances, belly dancing, folk dances, and live music. You even get your choice of Hookah to enjoy the show like a true Ottoman royal!

Unique Istanbul Experiences: Body Massage, Backgammon & Bazaar

While history and entertainment are just some facets of the Turkish Adventure, some unique experiences are never to be missed. My favorites include the following:

• Relaxing at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

  After a tiring flight schedule, a layover in Istanbul is a blessing, the crew and I can’t appreciate enough. When we are not brimming with touristy curiosity, we love taking it slow. So, what better way than a hot and balmy bath followed by a soothing traditional massage?

  Therefore, on several Istanbul layovers, we have visited the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı for the best rejuvenation possible. The moment you enter this place, you leave all your woes and tired body behind.

  You are greeted with refreshing homemade sherbet and then taken to the bathing area, situated under a beautiful dome. Here you are soaked in perfumed foams, that help you relax.

  Following this, you are given the massage of your choice. Giving a huge relief to your aching body, the establishment ensures, that you are a new person altogether when you exit the gates.

  You can even choose from the diverse menu of snacks while you have this blissful experience.

• Playing Backgammon at a Local Tea Shop

  Like Chess is to Russia, Backgammon is to Turkey. Istanbul’s streets are lined with tea shops and tables with Turkish gentlemen sitting across each other, wrapped in intense Backgammon duels.

  The whole vibe is so competitive with a cheering crowd siding with their unofficially chosen player. However, the competition heat subsides, and the players walk hand in hand for a hot cup of Suleimani. Mostly the winner treats the loser.

  Nothing can match witnessing an invigorating round of this 5,000-year-old Persian game, other than playing it yourself. The Turkish players have a custom of offering their board to you if you stand during a game and show interest. You can accept the challenge and beat them at their own game by being your strategic best, and hoping that the die favors you.

  So, before your next layover in Istanbul, do brush up on the rules, to seize such an opportunity. Who knows you might end up becoming the next local champion! I, for one, was totally ‘Marsed’ by the seasoned player who challenged me once.

• Getting Lost in Grand Bazaar’s Grandeur

  Ideally named, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is impossible to miss. At a walking distance from most historic sites, the market is spread across 60 streets and houses close to 5,000 shops. From silk carpets to exotic spices, you can’t imagine the diversity till you step foot here.

Decorated with an array of beautiful and colorful stained-glass lanterns, the Bazaar oozes with the perseverant Turkish salesman spirit. You can bargain as much as you want but at the end of it all, you will have purchased some iconic life-cherishing items.

On almost every layover in Istanbul, I go souvenir shopping here. After my really embarrassing defeat at Backgammon, I even bought a board to practice at home. And the best part is that the market knows that once inside, you wouldn’t want to leave. So, it weaves a maze around you, making getting out a stimulating escape-room experience.

Thus, when you get out, you take with you a bittersweet memory blending the achievement of solving the maze with the sadness of leaving this beautiful city behind.

Güle Güle, Istanbul: You Have Charmed Me!

A layover in Istanbul is always short, no matter how many days you get to spend here. The city has so much to offer that I love coming back here and exploring its new parts and facets. Miniatürk or Miniature Turkey and the tulips of the Gülhane Park still remain unexplored. So, the next time I am there, my bucket list will be brimming with new adventures!