Weekend retreat in Istanbul

After more than a decade of knowing each other we the *Girls* gang,  decided it was finally time to break away from the routine and explore somewhere new. After much debate and excitement, we settled on the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, and set the dates.

The anticipation grew as we booked our flights and hotels, carefully crafted an itinerary, and compiled a list of must-see attractions. All that was left was the countdown to our travel day.

On the big day, we gathered early in the morning, each of us with cabin baggage in hand, ready for the adventure ahead. We headed to the airport, eager to board the comfort of Turkish Airlines, known for its warm hospitality and cozy service.

After a smooth flight, we touched down at the majestic Istanbul Airport, greeted by the pleasant warmth of the Turkish sun. A quick taxi ride later, we arrived at our hotel, ideally located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hotel's promenade offered stunning views of the Bosphorus, with a fleet of boats drifting lazily by—a perfect introduction to the city's charm.

We checked into the hotel, freshened up, and immediately set out to explore this fascinating destination.

Istanbul, a city where history and culture collide, overwhelmed our senses at every turn. Its streets are lined with ancient Byzantine churches, magnificent Ottoman mosques, and vibrant spice markets. A unique fusion of East and West, Istanbul captivated us with its breathtaking architecture, rich aromas, and a dynamic blend of timeless tradition and contemporary energy.

On Day 1, after a quick but satisfying lunch, we set off to the Bosphorus to catch the sunset on a relaxing boat ride. After a brief negotiation, we boarded a charming ferry that would take us along the iconic strait. Istanbul, a vibrant crossroads between Europe and Asia, is uniquely divided by the Bosphorus, and the ferry ride was the perfect way to experience the city from a new perspective.

As evening descended, the sky softened into a blush pink, and seagulls gracefully hovered above the water. The Bosphorus Bridge began to twinkle with lights, casting a golden glow over the city. The iconic landmarks of Istanbul—its mosques, palaces, and minarets—slowly illuminated, adding to the magical atmosphere. The view of the city from the water was absolutely stunning, with the skyline shimmering against the fading light.

Next on our list of must-see sights was Taksim Square and the historic Galata Tower. Thanks to helpful locals and our guide, we figured out how to purchase our tickets from the automated kiosk and set off toward the heart of modern Istanbul. We wandered down Istiklal Caddesi, the bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. As we arrived at Galata Tower, we marveled at this medieval watchtower, which dates back to the 13th century and was originally built during the Byzantine era.

After a day filled with exploration and awe, we capped the evening with a satisfying dinner, savoring the flavors of Istanbul. Full and content, we made our way back to the hotel, eager to rest up for another exciting day ahead.

On Day 2, we woke up to a picture-perfect sunny day—the ideal weather to explore Istanbul's breathtaking architecture. After a leisurely and hearty breakfast, we set off to visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, starting with the famous Blue Mosque. Known for its magnificent domes and six soaring minarets, the Blue Mosque, completed in the 17th century, is not only an architectural marvel but also a vibrant, functioning place of worship.

A short walk from the Blue Mosque, we arrived at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. A true masterpiece of architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the Wonders of the World. Originally built as a church where emperors were crowned, it later became a mosque and, today, stands as a museum that bridges centuries of religious and cultural history.

Just steps away from Hagia Sophia lies the majestic Topkapi Palace. Built in the 15th century, this former seat of the Ottoman Empire is an incredible display of imperial grandeur. Now a museum, it offers an in-depth look into the history of the empire, with rooms filled with exquisite paintings, intricate courtyards, and the opulent harems. The palace houses some of the most revered treasures of the Islamic world, including Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword, as well as the staff of Prophet Moses. Each room in this historic complex tells a story of Ottoman power and cultural sophistication.

After nearly five hours of touring and walking, we were ready for a much-needed break. We stopped by the charming Hafiz Mustafa Café, where we indulged in rich baklava, decadent cakes, and the refreshing flavors of apple-hibiscus tea and Turkish coffee—just the pick-me-up we needed to recharge.

Our next stop was the vibrant Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Stepping inside felt like entering a sensory wonderland—a kaleidoscope of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and exotic goods. The air was thick with the intoxicating scents of saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and countless other spices, each with its own story to tell. After some lively bargaining with the vendors, we picked up a few unique souvenirs to remember our time in Istanbul.

We wrapped up the day with a peaceful evening stroll along the promenade near our hotel, taking in the cool night air and reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day. The city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable moments we had shared.

Day 3 started with an unexpected twist, as light rain drizzled over the city. But after a delicious and indulgent breakfast, we headed our quest to explore Istanbul’s hidden gems. Our first stop was the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir that once supplied water to the city of Constantinople. As we descended into the cool, dimly lit cavern, we were awestruck by the sheer scale of the cistern, which can hold up to 17.5 million gallons of water. The strange beauty of the place, with its towering columns and gently rippling waters, felt almost surreal.

Thankfully, the weather gods smiled upon us, and as we emerged from the cistern, the rain began to taper off, revealing a brighter, clearer sky. With some time still on our hands, we decided to explore the bustling shopping street of Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim Square again. Lined with shops and cafes, the lively street gave us a taste of modern Istanbul. We took our time, strolling through the crowds, and after a satisfying lunch, we treated ourselves to a refreshing coffee at Garten Café, a cozy spot near our hotel in Sultanahmet.

Later in the afternoon, we returned to the hotel to gather our luggage, then hopped into a taxi to Istanbul Airport for our flight back to Frankfurt. As the reality of our departure set in, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’d shared. This trip had been nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

It’s always a blast traveling with such like-minded, adventurous friends. Thank you, *Girls*, for making this trip one for the books! You all truly *rock*!

With this unforgettable Istanbul experience, we returned home with beautiful memories that will stay in our hearts forever.