The SEE, DO and EAT guide to Istanbul. March 4, 2020

Our spotlight destination for today is Istanbul in Turkey!

Although not the capital of Turkey (the capital happens to be Ankara) this city is certainly one of the world’s top destinations. In fact, in the 2014 Travellers’ Choice Destination awards, Istanbul was voted by millions of holiday makers as the world’s top destination ahead of cities such as Paris, New York, Rome and London.

Extremely unique and unlike anywhere else, Istanbul is the only pan-continental city in the world that is situated on two continents, Europe and Asia.

Another feature that makes it a city like no other is that it home to over 3,113 mosques! The skyline is truly beautiful when the sun is setting on this city and its many mosques.

Please read our 3 quick SEE, DO and EAT tips if you are considering Istanbul as your next training course destination.

SEE – The Sultanahmet District

The Sultanahmet District, known as the heart of the ‘old city,’ is where you can visit many amazing attractions such as the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. You can even walk the ancient city walls in this district! Wonderful to explore on foot, this district showcases Istanbul’s glorious past. It is definitely worth a visit!

DO – Shop at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is the biggest old covered bazaar in the world and is home to over 3,000 shops of all kinds! Regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world, it is no wonder that this market attracts between 250,000 – 400,000 visitors daily. It is likely that the Grand Bazaar stocks anything your heart desires including jewellery, carpets, spices, food, clothing, leather goods, copperware, souvenirs and handicrafts!

EAT - Turkish delight

Originating in Turkey, the best time to try Turkish delight is definitely on a trip to Istanbul. Turkish delight also known as lokum, is a sweet confection with a gel like consistency that is made of sugar and starch. Normally served in small cubes and dusted with icing sugar these sweet jellied cubes are absolutely delightful! Traditional flavours include rosewater, lemon and mint. Some premium versions also incorporate things such as chopped pistachios, dates and hazelnuts. Find them all across the city but if you want to narrow it down, try the Haci Bekir shop that has sold Turkish Delight for over more than two centuries.