MIDDAY: OTTOMAN CUISINE & HISTORIC HAMMAM RITUALS
After a morning immersed in Istanbul’ s grandeur, recharge with an unforgettable lunch. Head to Matbah Restaurant, located near Hagia Sophia. With seating on an enclosed terrace overlooking this historic monument, Matbah specializes in“ Ottoman Empire Cuisine.” Its detailed menu tells stories of dishes once served at royal courts, each paired with a specific historical period.
Hagia Sophia
Credit: canerozkan
Try the mahmudiye, a dish dating back to 1539. This royal chicken casserole combines almonds, apricots, raisins, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice to create a flavor profile that is both savory and sweet. With each bite, you’ re tasting history— dishes that once graced the tables of Ottoman sultans.
Once you’ re refreshed, treat yourself to an authentic Istanbul experience at the Çemberlitaş Hamamı, just steps from the Grand Bazaar. Commissioned in 1584 by Sultan Selim II’ s wife and designed by legendary architect Mimar Sinan, this hammam showcases Ottoman bathing culture at its finest. Beneath its soaring central dome, sunlight filters through small skylights, illuminating the marble heating slab( göbek taşı). Lie down on the warm stone as attendants scrub away travel fatigue with age-old methods.
Private rooms, essential oil massages, and attentive, English-speaking staff blend historic charm with modern comforts. Don’ t leave without buying their signature olive oil soap— a fragrant keepsake of Istanbul’ s centuries-old bathing traditions.
EVENING: WATERFRONT AND SKY VIEWS
Depending on your arrival and energy levels, wind down your day at your own pace. A gentle way to enjoy the city is to head towards the Beşiktaş waterfront neighborhood. This lively area sits along the Bosphorus Strait and offers a mix of modern life and deep history. Once a fishing village and residential district for Ottoman elites, Beşiktaş now buzzes with cafes, markets, and the salty scent of the sea. Take a relaxed stroll along the promenade, watching ferries crisscross between Europe and Asia.
For a more immersive experience of Istanbul’ s natural beauty, visit Bebek Park nearby. Its flower beds, landscaped lawns, and views across the Bosphorus offer a peaceful escape amid the city’ s energy. Stop by a café to enjoy strong Turkish tea or coffee.
Next, embrace Istanbul’ s defining feature: the Bosphorus. Choose from a range of Bosphorus boat rides— from simple ferry crossings to scenic one- or twohour cruises, sunset tours, yacht rentals, or dinner cruises. Most boat tours pass famous sights like the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Dolmabahçe Palace, now glowing golden in the evening light. A sunset cruise is especially romantic, highlighting the city’ s skyline as it shifts from day to night.
Spice Shopping in Istanbul
Credit: Elena Sergejeva
As twilight falls, visit the Galata Tower for sweeping views of Istanbul’ s historic and modern areas. This medieval stone tower, one of the oldest in the world, provides stunning sights from its 169-foot-high observation deck. As you look over winding streets, tall minarets, and busy markets, you’ ll see why Istanbul has attracted travelers for centuries.
Finally, end your day with a relaxed dinner at a local kebab joint where you can expect skewered meats packed with flavor. Turkish rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and warm flatbreads round out your meal, celebrating Istanbul’ s culinary richness before calling it a night.
GETTING THERE
Turkish Airlines has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Istanbul International Airport( IST) twice daily. Turkish Airlines, with its impressive fleet of over 486 aircraft, flies to more countries than any other airline, officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 2024.
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