Solo Traveler with Rick Steves' Tours
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I had never been to a mostly-Muslim country and was concerned about going by myself. I chose a Rick Steves' tour as a way to familiarize myself with the area. Rick Steves tours' are a good fit for solo travelers since the tours allow plenty of free time to explore on one's own. Rather than break this down into days, I'm using categories that I hope will give an overview of this fantastic city. |
The Mosques
Mosques are everywhere in Istanbul. They range from cozy neighborhood gathering places to imposing structures meant to awe.
Mosques are everywhere in Istanbul. They range from cozy neighborhood gathering places to imposing structures meant to awe.
Commerce
Istanbul has been the city of commerce for millenia. Whether it is a single vendor selling chestnuts or one of the busy markets around town, anything you can image is available for sale. You might even find your favorite beverage available! (Pro tip: "diet coke" here is called "coke zero." No, it's not the same as Coke Zero in the US.)
Istanbul has been the city of commerce for millenia. Whether it is a single vendor selling chestnuts or one of the busy markets around town, anything you can image is available for sale. You might even find your favorite beverage available! (Pro tip: "diet coke" here is called "coke zero." No, it's not the same as Coke Zero in the US.)
Animals
I heard there were street animals all over Istanbul, and I was prepared to be appalled. Nothing could be further from the truth. Street animals are well cared. Dogs and cats are tagged to show which ones have been fixed. Mosques have birdhouses hung on their walls. I saw people throwing the remains of corn cobs on mosque grounds and thought that was disrespectful until I realized they were feeding the local birds. Stall keepers at the end of the night will feed leftovers to the local cats. One warning: cats are friendly but they aren't domesticated. I saw one tourist get badly scratched because he was ruffling a cat's fur instead of just petting it.
I heard there were street animals all over Istanbul, and I was prepared to be appalled. Nothing could be further from the truth. Street animals are well cared. Dogs and cats are tagged to show which ones have been fixed. Mosques have birdhouses hung on their walls. I saw people throwing the remains of corn cobs on mosque grounds and thought that was disrespectful until I realized they were feeding the local birds. Stall keepers at the end of the night will feed leftovers to the local cats. One warning: cats are friendly but they aren't domesticated. I saw one tourist get badly scratched because he was ruffling a cat's fur instead of just petting it.
Colorful Neighborhoods
Balat had many colorful houses, perhaps deliberately painted to attract the Instagram crowd. At one point I was so busy looking up at the buildings I stumbled over a curb, and was then sharply lectured by an elderly woman in a hijab (turns out "telephone" is pretty much the same in every language). Beyoğlu's street art is more temporary and less deliberate, although they do have painted stairs that are popular with the Instagrammers.
Balat had many colorful houses, perhaps deliberately painted to attract the Instagram crowd. At one point I was so busy looking up at the buildings I stumbled over a curb, and was then sharply lectured by an elderly woman in a hijab (turns out "telephone" is pretty much the same in every language). Beyoğlu's street art is more temporary and less deliberate, although they do have painted stairs that are popular with the Instagrammers.
Ancient Art, Ancient Buildings
The area around Istanbul has been occupied by humans for at least 8000 years, according to archeologists. It has been a major trading center since Greeks founded "Byzantium" c. 700 BCE. The Roman Empire was run from the city for over 1000 years before falling to the Ottoman Turks. Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences can be seen all over the city.
The area around Istanbul has been occupied by humans for at least 8000 years, according to archeologists. It has been a major trading center since Greeks founded "Byzantium" c. 700 BCE. The Roman Empire was run from the city for over 1000 years before falling to the Ottoman Turks. Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences can be seen all over the city.
Remains of walled fortifications can be seen in various areas around the city.
They did not keep invaders out.
They did not keep invaders out.
Istanbul From On High
Speaking of Galata Tower: although it's not officially part of the tour, it and many other historical places are included with the tour's museum pass so you can visit it without paying anything extra. There is an elevator to take you to the (almost) top BUT if you decide to descend a floor or two, you are committed to climbing the entire way down. The elevator only stops on two floors. It can be pretty hairy since there are no handrails and the circular stairwell is STEEP. Great views, though!
Speaking of Galata Tower: although it's not officially part of the tour, it and many other historical places are included with the tour's museum pass so you can visit it without paying anything extra. There is an elevator to take you to the (almost) top BUT if you decide to descend a floor or two, you are committed to climbing the entire way down. The elevator only stops on two floors. It can be pretty hairy since there are no handrails and the circular stairwell is STEEP. Great views, though!
Food!
There was an excellent buffet served every day at the tour's hotel, and several outings included food. That said, just walking around provided a LOT of opportunities to eat like a local.
There was an excellent buffet served every day at the tour's hotel, and several outings included food. That said, just walking around provided a LOT of opportunities to eat like a local.
The hotel room came with a small fridge, so I ended up buying a lot of fruit and nuts at markets for snacks. I want to mention the warm yogurt soup, which sounded strange but was delicious.
Topkapı Palace
The old Ottoman palace is now a huge museum that is a short walk from the tour's hotel. It would be easy to spend a week or two (or more) here during a trip to Istanbul. The church where the 2nd Ecumenical Council took place is there, as well as the former haram and a fantastic archeological museum. The grounds themselves are beautiful just to walk around, with fantastic views of Istanbul available if you peek over walls.
The old Ottoman palace is now a huge museum that is a short walk from the tour's hotel. It would be easy to spend a week or two (or more) here during a trip to Istanbul. The church where the 2nd Ecumenical Council took place is there, as well as the former haram and a fantastic archeological museum. The grounds themselves are beautiful just to walk around, with fantastic views of Istanbul available if you peek over walls.
And that was my trip to Istanbul with Rick Steves' Tours! My initial trepidation was unfounded. Istanbul is a great walking city, with warm people and amazing history. I wouldn't hesitate to go back on my own, although I confess I've been eyeing the longer Rick Steves' tour that takes in much more of Turkey. Many thanks to the tour organizers, the hotel staff, and my fellow tourists!