How To Have a Romantic Getaway In Istanbul, Turkey

There are many romantic cities around the world; Paris,  Rome,  New York, and London are always at the top of any list.  But, have you ever considered Istanbul? 

What makes a city romantic?  The culture, history, food, smells, colors, sounds, a full sensory experience – of which Istanbul has plenty to offer. Istanbul is a very sophisticated city offering many one-of-a-kind experiences.

As a port city, Istanbul is surrounded by water, creating endless opportunities for romantic moments. Picture walking on the beach or along the harbor, watching the lights twinkling on the water. 

 

A romantic place to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire. With fabulous architecture, colorful markets, fresh seafood, and the bonus of being on two continents, I think Istanbul has romance covered.

 A luxurious and romantic experience awaits travelers at the Kempinski Ciragan Palace, on the Bosphorus side of the city.  Enjoy lazy days at the stunning infinity pool while watching the ships glide by, or have the concierge arrange a custom tour of the top sites in Istanbul. They’ll even arrange a private limousine, boat, or helicopter tour for you.

 

Plan a romantic holiday in Istanbul

To appreciate the history and architecture of Istanbul, you must see the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. All are located in the old historic area around the port on the European side of Istanbul– all are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hagia Sophia

The most famous monument in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum. Hagia Sophia was first constructed in 537 AD and was rebuilt several times. It is universally raved about as one of the best tourist attractions in the world. Don’t forget to look up and ogle the famous dome – 98 feet in diameter.

 

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (or The Sultan Ahmed Mosque) has one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia and was built to replace it as a place of worship. It is so named for the many blue tiles that decorate the interior and is impressive for its overwhelming size, majesty, and splendor. There are over 200 stained glass windows and over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles on the lower level alone.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace was once the home of Sultans. Be sure to visit the Imperial Treasury, where there are priceless works of art on display as well as textiles, jewels, swords, and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s diamond, along with solid gold candlesticks the height of an average man.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul is a must. Wander through the streets of the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in the world. Istanbul has always been a center for trade and commerce and nowhere is it more evident than the Grand Bazaar. Until the first half of the nineteenth century, it was THE PLACE to shop, with a reputation for the highest quality and largest selection of goods anywhere in the world.

There are over sixty-one streets with names like The Gold Jewelers Road, describing the name of the kind of goods you can expect to find and purchase there. The Grand Bazaar attracts around 250,000 visitors daily. See something that catches your eye? Go ahead and haggle – it’s expected.

Spice Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, is the second-largest market after the Grand Bazaar. It was and remains the largest market in town for fresh spices and herbs. Visiting here is a must, even if you have only one day in Istanbul. Where else can you get the variety of foods, smells, colors, and the very essence of culture all in one place? If you’d like to know more about the market and how to shop like a local there, here’s a great article on shopping here

 Food and wine in Istanbul

The food in Istanbul is influenced by many different cultures and people. Because it’s a peninsula, fresh fish and seafood are plentiful. Try something very regional, like anchovies from the Black Sea. These are not the small salty anchovies that we often think of in the USA; they are larger, fresh, and delicious! 

For a romantic meal in Istanbul, try Meze, meaning small dishes. It’s a great way to taste many different local specialties, like stuffed grape leaves, fried cheese bits, eggplant cooked in every way possible, and fava beans. Many of these are finger foods – if you’re with a partner what could be more romantic than feeding each other small bites while sipping a nice complimentary wine?

Mystery, fabulous architecture, world-class markets, and gourmet foods, all located in one of the oldest cities in the world – Istanbul is a romantic’s dream. When are you going?