Why You Should Visit Istanbul, City of Cats
Where East meets West, history meets nightlife, and every street corner comes with a whiskered guardian.
A City Between Two Worlds
Istanbul isn’t just a city—it’s an empire turned playground, a metropolis where minarets and modern skylines compete for attention, and where cats, yes, cats, rule the streets with nonchalant authority. Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosporus, Istanbul is as vast as it is layered. With nearly 16 million people (plus an uncountable number of felines), it’s one of the most dynamic, confusing, and irresistible cities in the world.
Getting There: All Roads (and Airlines) Lead to Istanbul
- By Air: Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the busiest in the world, served by nearly every major airline—Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, and countless budget carriers like Pegasus Airlines, easyJet, and Wizz Air. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), on the Asian side, is a hub for Pegasus and other low-cost airlines.
- By Train: Istanbul is linked to Europe via international trains from Sofia and Bucharest, though these are more of a romantic adventure than a practical commute.
- By Sea: Ferries cross the Bosporus, connecting Europe and Asia multiple times daily—because why not treat yourself to a mini cruise in the middle of your commute?
Getting Around: Public Transport for the Brave and the Curious
Istanbul is huge, so don’t think you can “just walk everywhere.”
- Metro & Trams: Modern, clean, and reliable. The tram line T1 is especially useful—it passes most of the city’s major sights.
- Ferries: A must. Not only practical, but also the cheapest Bosporus tour you’ll get.
- Buses & Dolmuş (shared taxis): Frequent, affordable, and sometimes bewildering.
- Pro Tip: Buy an Istanbulkart for seamless access to all public transport.
The City of Cats
One thing visitors always notice: cats are everywhere. On café chairs, in mosques, even supervising archaeological ruins. But unlike many cities, Istanbul’s strays are cherished. Locals feed them, build shelters, and ensure they live like little emperors. Pet a cat, and you’ve instantly made a friend.
Sights That Will Take Your Breath Away
- Hagia Sophia: Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again. History never looked this grand.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): Famous for its six minarets and intricate tiles. Free to enter, but remember modest dress.
- Topkapi Palace: Former residence of Ottoman sultans. Don’t miss the jewel-filled Treasury.
- Grand Bazaar: A huge labyrinth of shops selling carpets, spices, lamps, and possibly your future excess baggage.
- Spice Bazaar: Aromas of saffron, cinnamon, and Turkish delight.
- Galata Tower: For sweeping city views (and an epic climb).
- Bosphorus Cruise: Because Istanbul is best seen from the water.
Pro Tip: Tickets & Timing
- Hagia Sophia is free, but expect queues. Go early morning.
- Topkapi Palace tickets are best booked online.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays—plan accordingly.
Nightlife: From Rooftops to Raki
When the sun goes down, Istanbul is anything but quiet. And you should really try Raki (Anise-flavored spirit) and of course famous Turkish coffee.
- Beyoğlu & Istiklal Street: Pubs, bars, and live music venues.
- Rooftop Bars: Sip cocktails overlooking the Bosporus.
- Traditional Meyhanes: Enjoy meze, raki (the anise-flavored national drink), and songs that make strangers sing like lifelong friends.
Culinary Heaven
Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers.
- Street Food: Simit (sesame bagels), roasted chestnuts, döner kebabs.
- Breakfast: A Turkish breakfast is a feast—bread, cheese, olives, eggs, honey, and strong tea.
- Restaurants:
- Cheap & cheerful: Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy) for homestyle Anatolian dishes.
- Mid-range: Hamdi Restaurant near the Spice Bazaar, famous for kebabs.
- Luxury: Mikla, perched high above the city with modern Turkish fine dining.
Pro Tip: Ordering in Cafe
Order directly at the counter, pay on the spot, and don’t expect split checks. Tipping is modest—round up or leave 5–10%.
Parks and Open Spaces
Despite being a megacity, Istanbul has green oases:
- Gülhane Park: Next to Topkapi Palace, perfect for tulip season.
- Yıldız Park: Hidden, hilly, and peaceful.
- Emirgan Park: A spring favorite with its tulip displays.
English in Istanbul
Tourism is huge, so you’ll find English spoken at hotels, restaurants, and by younger locals. But in smaller shops or neighborhoods, don’t be surprised if English is scarce. A few Turkish phrases (merhaba, teşekkürler) go a long way.
Accommodation: Choose Your Palace
- Luxury: Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Ciragan Palace Kempinski (an actual Ottoman palace).
- Mid-Range: Boutique hotels in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu.
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses around Taksim. Whatever your budget, options abound.
Romance with a Historical Twist
Few cities can rival Istanbul’s sheer romance. Picture walking hand in hand across the Galata Bridge at sunset, minarets silhouetted against the fiery sky, ferries gliding by, and cats brushing against your legs like furry chaperones.
Final Word
Istanbul is a city of contrasts: ancient yet modern, chaotic yet serene, European yet Asian, and always full of cats. Whether you’re here for the food, the nightlife, the palaces, or just to stroke the city’s countless feline citizens, Istanbul will stay with you long after you leave.
