Turkey | Istanbul — Where To Next?

Istanbul is unlike any other place w have ever been. This trip marked our first time visiting a country where the predominant religion is Islam, and the experience was enlightening in so many ways. While we immersed ourselves in the rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, what struck us most was the spiritual rhythm of the city. Istanbul is alive with the sounds of faith—particularly the hauntingly beautiful calls to prayer that punctuate the day. We kept remarking that both of us felt appreciative about them as they reminded us to simply pause, reflect, be present and ever so grateful of the experiences we are having.

We left Istanbul feeling both humbled and enriched by our experiences. While we are far from experts on Islam or its cultural significance, we were moved by the rituals, art, and history we encountered, and we hope to share our journey with you respectfully. If we misrepresent anything, we would love to learn—please reach out and educate us.

If we had to sum up our time in Istanbul with one theme, it would be this: Stop and Be Present. The city, with its mix of the ancient and the modern, has a way of pulling you into the moment.

Jeremy and Valerie in front of Hagia Sophia.

Our Istanbul Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive from Athens, Greece and settle into our hotel, Hagia Sophia Mansions—the location couldn’t have been more perfect! Dinner at Matbah was the ideal introduction to Turkish (technically it was Ottoman) cuisine.
Day 2: After a delicious rooftop lunch with views of the Blue Mosque, we explored the mosque itself. Later, we took a Bosphorus boat cruise at sunset, followed by drinks on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Hagia Sophia.
Day 3: We couldn’t pass up the hammam at our hotel, so we took the day and enjoy some rest and relaxation. It was heaven!
Day 4: We dove deep into the history of the Hagia Sophia and explored the stunning Basilica Cistern. This day was a beautiful blend of ancient history and spiritual reflection.
Day 5: Off to Budapest, Hungary for the next adventure!

Inside the 1500 year old cistern under our hotel, now used as the Hammam where one can go for relaxation in the bath (seen above), sauna or for message treatments.

Highlights of Istanbul:

Calls to Prayer: The calls to prayer, which occur five times a day, became a reflective part of our routine. Though we aren’t people of faith, we found ourselves pausing to ask, “What am I grateful for? What am I experiencing right now?” These moments helped us savor the incredible sights, sounds, and tastes of Istanbul.

The call to prayer is more than just a sound—it’s an experience. The melodic chants echo from the minarets and wash over the city. Whether we were at the Hagia Sophia or strolling through the bustling streets, we couldn’t help but pause. These moments of calm and reflection became a cherished part of our days in Istanbul.

Evening call to prayer from the Hagia Sophia Mosque. The call alternates between Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque. You can hear it here.

The Food: Turkish cuisine deserves an entire blog post of its own! We didn’t have a single bad meal. Matbah Restaurant was one of our favorites with its incredible Ottoman dishes. It was a meal we will not soon forget. Another memorable meal was at this small place we went for lunch with an incredible rooftop view of The Blue Mosque.

Valerie and Jeremy at an awesome lunch place. Rooftop views of Istanbul and the Blue Mosque.

Bosphorus Boat Cruise: Watching the sunset over Istanbul from a boat on the Bosphorus was pure magic. The skyline, dotted with domes and minarets, gradually softened as the sun set, turning the sky a palette of pinks and oranges. It’s one of those “pinch me” moments that feels surreal.

View of Istanbul (Europe side) from the Bosphorus River.

The Basilica Cistern: Beneath the busy streets of Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir with towering columns reflected in shallow water. Originally built to help manage the city’s water supply, it is now a quiet, cool space used for musical events and art exhibitions. The architecture is mesmerizing. While well known and a big tourist attraction, it’s a literal hidden gems that leaves you speechless.

Also, you may recognize it from a few movies! It is even better in person.

We Learned All the Things!

Religious Interconnection: One of the most fascinating parts of visiting Istanbul was seeing how interconnected Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are. At the Hagia Sophia, which has been both a cathedral and a mosque, there are mosaics depicting Jesus and Mary alongside verses from the Quran. It was a powerful reminder of the shared histories of these faiths.

First Time in a Mosque: Visiting the mosques was a humbling experience. The vast ceilings, intricate designs, and stained glass felt familiar, yet distinct from the Christian churches we have visited. It was a reminder that places of worship, regardless of faith, often serve the same purpose: to elevate the spirit.

The Beauty of Istanbul’s Architecture: The mosques and palaces in Istanbul are breathtaking works of art in themselves. Each tile, each arch, seems to tell a story of devotion and history. The Blue Mosque was particularly stunning with its sprawling dome and ornate details.

Istanbul is a city that blends history, faith, and culture in ways we had never before experienced. From the calming calls to prayer to the awe-inspiring architecture, it’s a bustling city, but provides pockets that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. We left with a deep appreciation for this ancient city and its people, and we’re already planning our next visit.

Cheers to our amazing experience in Turkey! We highly recommend it adding it to your travel list.

Now…Where To Next?

Turkey | Istanbul

Hungary | Budapest

Greece | Athens, Paros & Santorini