Istanbul, one city, two continents

Once a year go to some place you've never been before.

Dalai Lama

I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul a year ago. Despite the traveling restrictions, my partner and I managed to get there. My partner wanted to go to Istanbul since a long time ago and, after being in Marrakech and felt hooked about its beauty, atmosphere and culture, we decided that the city of two continents would be a great destination, especially in the middle of a pandemic.

Personally, the mosques architecture was what I like the most about Istanbul. I was impressed by the number of mosques that stand on the city and I just loved visiting them and been enchanted by their calm and peaceful atmosphere. My favourites ones were Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque. This last one is located on a hill and the views of the city are amazing. I also enjoyed getting lost in the Grand Bazaar, looking at the Turkish lightings, and taking a Bosphorus cruise while feeding the seagulls and admiring the view while the sun was going down. Its beauty doesn't leave you indifferent. And the mosaic lamps neither :-). My partner had the patience of a saint as it took me a while to find the lamp I wanted to bring home. I like buying small gifts that remind me of my trip to that specific place.

View from the hotel

Street view from the hotel

Hagia Sophia

Inside Hagia Sophia

Have you ever been to Istanbul? What was your experience? Did you visit any place last year? I would like to read your experiences.