What to Drink - The Beverages of Istanbul

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With its long and rich history it seems like there's historical importance to every little thing in Istanbul. The beverages of Istanbul are no exception and there's even folktales and anecdotes associated with the taste of the drinks, how it is served, and what happens when you finish it. Beverages are an important part of social and cultural life in Istanbul. Water is usually my go-to beverage but during my trip, I just couldn't resist all the available options. So I've listed the 6 most common beverages you'll encounter in Istanbul and the amusing stories that go along with each...

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4 Must-Try Restaurants in Istanbul - Foodie Recs

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When you get to Istanbul, you'll be surrounded with plenty of food options from restaurants to street vendors. If you're not sure what to eat yet check out my other post introducing you to the different kinds of Turkish food you'll most likely encounter. Whenever I vacation somewhere food is one of the top priorities for me because it's one of the things I love most about traveling, trying out the local cuisine. I usually get my restaurant recommendations anyway I can, from reading and researching online, asking locals as well as tour guides, and stumbling upon them organically.

After trying out many restaurants in Istanbul, I can highly recommend these four that were absolutely delicious and I would definitely pay a second visit to...

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The Street Food of Istanbul: Where to Find Them & Which Ones to Try

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I really can't leave a city without trying out their street food. Street food, in my opinion, is usually some of the best food you can try in a different country. It's cheaper and much faster than sitting down and enjoying a meal at a restaurant. It's less intimidating if you don't speak the language because the food is usually on display and it's easier to communicate when you can point and gesture. It also isn't a full on meal so you don't feel like you're in a food coma afterwards. Lastly, it's a great grab and go option if you have a packed itinerary and you're rushing from one site to the next. I've listed the 5 most common street foods you'll find in Istanbul and I'll recommend the ones you should try...

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What to eat in Istanbul - Foodie Recs

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On our first day in Istanbul, we joined a walking food tour with Culinary Backstreets. This turned out to be the perfect idea because we were introduced to all sorts of Turkish cuisine that we never would have tried or known how to eat. My palate for Turkish food isn’t nearly as developed, but this food tour definitely opened it up. Below are some common Turkish food that you'll most likely encounter on a trip to Istanbul and ones you should definitely try...

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5 Additional Must See Sites Throughout Istanbul

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I wrote about the five must see sites in the Historic Peninsula in my previous post that can be found here. All of those locations are within a few minutes walking distance from each other. However there are five other locations I highly recommend checking out that aren't in the same area but are just as important and deemed "must see". These five are the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Galata Tower...

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The 5 Must See Sites in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul

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It’s super convenient that a good chunk of the major must-see sights in Istanbul are all within close proximity of each other in the Historic Peninsula. This makes it easier for travelers who prefer to explore on their own, because they can walk to the next location without having to worry too much about transportation. Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome of Constantine are all within a few minutes walk from each other. They’re the big must-see sites in Istanbul and all of them are impressive and unique in their own right...

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Stray animals in Istanbul

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If you spend one day walking through any neighborhood in Istanbul, you’ll be sure to encounter at least a dozen stray cats and dogs roaming the city. The stray animals are very much ingrained into the community. There’s no shortage of animal sightings along the streets, inside restaurant patios, and even climbing up onto our hotel terrace and straight onto my lap...

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