Things To Do In Istanbul
We start the day with a walk across Galata Bridge and up the hill to Galata Tower. The bridge, even on a Sunday morning is a bustle – people fishing all across the bridge and vendors selling the mornings simit (sesame crusted ring bread). The fish restaurants and cafes were doing there usual business hoping to lure the passersby in for food and drink. There is a lot of this tourist hustle in Istanbul, but it is easily ignored or brushed off with a “no thanks”.
Up the hill from Galata Bridge is Galata Tower. Built in the 1300s it was used as part of the cities defenses, a lighthouse and a perch from which to spot fires. It was at one time the tallest structure in Istanbul, standing 9 stories tall. It still offers the full panoramic view. Getting to the top is easy. For 7 of the 9 stories visitors are taken up by an elevator. The last 2 are an easy stair case up. For those with a bit of height fright, be aware that the ledge is thinner then you would probably like and it being crowded is not a great comfort. It is worth going though as you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of a spectacular city.
When on these trips we walk as much as possible to get a true feel of the city. Crossing the bridge, seeing both sides of the Bosphorous and going up up the hill to the tower, you see a lot of Istanbul and you certainly feel how big and busy it is. It has that cross roads feel to it. Although modern, Istanbul is a gritty place that looks heavily trafficked and worn by decades on decades of use. Amongst it’s bigness though, are lots of nooks, crannies and side streets where an even richer piece of Istanbul can be felt, experienced, tasted and wondered about. As you walk in Istanbul its history shines through right before your very eyes. The foundation of the city’s greatness is the greatness of the Turkish people. The touristy nonsense aside, their hospitality and kindness is the some of the best in the world. One of my travel partners is a 3 and 1/2 year old. He felt the hospitality in his cheeks. Whether at the hotel or in a restaurant, a cheek pinching is standard practice as are warm smiles on the streets. And while we westerners might at first find it odd or uncomfortable, a cheek pinching is simply a true mark of friendliness and nothing more. It is a kid friendly place for sure. When talking about Istanbul and Turkey, you can see them beam with pride because it is a special place.
After our walk to the tower, we need to head back to the hotel for transport to the airport. We did not get to see everything we wanted, but it gives us a great excuse to go back. It will be worth the trip and I hope we can return soon. As we enter the airport, there is another cheek pinching accompanied by a toss in the air by the security guard. I think my son finally was getting used to it given the big smile he had on his face. It probably helped that he had a belly full of Turkish Delight, too!
Do you want to know more about the things to see and do in Istanbul> Read the other posts in this series here and here.
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