A City Of Crossroads

A no-brainer. Absolutely stunning. Make sure to see it lit up at night, too!

AKA the Tiled Mosque. I think this is even more beautiful than the Blue Mosque, and it's a little more off the beaten path.

While in Istanbul, a visit to a Turkish Bath is a must! I should note that I didn't find the massage entirely relaxing - you're laying on hard marble, so having my ribcage and hip bones pressed into the slabs wasn't ideal - but it's a really interesting experience, and when they first cover you in soap, it feels like you're lying under a cloud (a super cool feeling). The Tellaks (male masseuses) have this down to a science, and work very quickly.

The Ortakoy area is worth an afternoon, and the Ortakoy Pier is beautiful. Stop by House Cafe for a drink and stop by a street cart for a stuffed baked potato - SO incredible.

Great drinks and 360 degree views of this beautiful city!

Istiklal Caddesi and the side streets off of it, especially toward the southern end of the street, are where you'll find all the young people, and it's amazing!

This is more of a hostel than a hotel, but that's preferable to me at the moment. Tiny rooms, but reasonably priced, well located, and includes a great breakfast.