This lively city is knitted together by narrow streets which are intricate cobwebs of cats, cars, and people, ebbing and flowing in a chaotic harmony. As we were there during summer, people were driving with their windows down, sharing their music with the passerby, or when they were stuck in traffic (which was often), they exchanged friendly conversations with older gentlemen who were chilling out on their front porch (so basically just on the footpath).

We marvelled at how lively the city is. On any day of the week, people meet up at cafes and restaurants, sitting outside and chatting.

Night time transforms the city into another world. Restaurants, pubs, bars, and streets are buzzing with people of all ages, dressed up, drinking, laughing, eating, and enjoying each others company. Again, doesn’t matter what day it is, people seemed like they didn’t have to work the next day!

The only real quiet that we experienced was in the mornings when the streets were empty and many cafes and restaurants were still closed. As we have learned from our new local friend Betül, that things don’t get going until about midday when people meet for brunch. 

Fun fact: kahvaltı – Turkish breakfast, which is more like a brunch, comes with many mezes (side dishes) and a big bread basket. The impressive spread is leisurely enjoyed over 2-4 hours where people would snack, sip tea, and chat – sounds epic right?!.

As you may have guessed… this is one of Bua’s favourite meal times in Turkey.

Food – Where do we even start?! Istanbul is so far our best gastronomic experience… and our bar is not low as we have been to Sri Lanka, South India, all over Thailand, and eaten our way through the vegan scene in Bali. Naturally, Kahvalti (Turkish Breakfast) is the star of the show. There are many cafes and restaurants offering full vegan Kahvalti or vegan options, and so even with our plant-based diet, we leisurely ate our way through all the meze (small side dishes) and bread. 

Talking about bread, Simit – an Istanbul staple was our beloved daily snack. A Simit a day keeps the doctors away – we convinced ourselves while chomping down on the chewy yet crunchy crust with softer bready dough. This cousin gives Pretzel a run for its money… It might even win the race (sorry Germany). All we can say is Istanbul’s food scene was heaven on earth. 

• Hanging out with Betül; we absolutely loved getting to know her and learning more about the Turkish way of life and Islam.

• Public transport was so convenient, and nothing beats travelling via the ferry – absolutely stunning view!

• Of course, we can’t not have cats in our top highlights! Do not confuse them with street cats, as these beautiful creatures are extremely well-loved in Istanbul. Most of them could pass as breeder cats who are well-groomed, well-fed, and you know it, spoiled. They sleep, walk, and chill wherever they like!

• Culinary delights; sweets – hands down Baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu; savoury Gözleme (a savoury Turkish pancake stuffed with a variety of toppings.)