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"Short stories and travel reports from my life adventures around the globe".

Visit Istanbul

Visit Istanbul Suleymaniye Mosque.

Visit Istanbul: Suleymaniye Mosque.

What a fabulous city Istanbul is! Sladja and I arrived in September 2020, deep in the heart of the global pandemic. We were actually on our way to Serbia (via Singapore) from Cambodia, where a temporary residence application awaited. And yet, despite the precarious nature of the times, we found ourselves tempted into breaking the journey up with a stay in the Turkish capital.

Turkey flag.

Visit Istanbul

After all, Turkey was one of very few countries open to foreign visitors. So we figured what the heck and booked an 18-night stay. This, we guessed, would be our last chance to experience a new country before settling down in Serbia until the COVID mess significantly improved. All we had to do was enjoy it and stay away from the damn virus.

Visit Istanbul.

Visit Istanbul views across the Bosphorus

Visit Istanbul: views across the Bosphorus.

Luckily, we had an incredible time in Istanbul whilst staying COVID-free. We certainly made the most of our stay, crossing off a host of spectacular mosques, palaces, cisterns, mausoleums and museums. Among the many highlights, I can’t help but smile broadly to think of our afternoon cruising The Bosphorus. Of people-watching on Galata bridge and dinner at the outstanding Pandeli Restaurant.

Visit Istanbul Cruising the Bosphorus.

Visit Istanbul: Galata Bridge.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Looking for a detailed overview of what to see and do in the Turkish capital? Then why not visit Istanbul through my travel articles on:

Süleymaniye Mosque

Basilica Cistern

Topkapi Palace

The Grand Bazaar

Pandeli Restaurant

Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

On The Bosphorus

Ferikoy Flea Market

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Dolmabahçe Palace

Theodosius Cistern

Great Palace Mosaics Museum

Bulgarian St. Stephen Church

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Museum of Innocence

The Cats of Istanbul (coming soon!)

The Magnificent Mosques of Istanbul (coming soon!)

Cool Spots Around Istanbul (coming soon!)

Where to Eat and Drink in Istanbul (coming soon!)

Leighton Travels logo travel reports and short stories.

Visit Istanbul

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