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Top 10 Things to Do and See for your First Time in Istanbul, Turkiye

Published on July 13, 2025January 30, 2026 by C'est le Brie3 Comments

Top 10 Things in Istanbul, Turkiye

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Istanbul is truly a unique city. It offers decadent food, stunning architecture, and a rich, historic culture. It’s an easy city to just wander the neighborhoods and take in the sights, smells, and sounds. This is why I would recommend not over-planning a trip there, but instead allowing yourself to get lost in the city. The views from around the city are truly breathtaking, and there is just so much to see and do. But, if you’re type A like we are, I highly advise having a list of places you want to see and then centering your explorations around those landmarks! Below is a list of my top ten must-do recommendations for this awesome city!

I was in Istanbul for work and stayed at the Sheraton Istanbul City Center. It was a great venue for my work conference, had comfortable rooms, and a lovely breakfast buffet with a variety of wonderful Turkish dishes. The best part was that the hotel offered a free shuttle that took us straight to Taksim Square (see #4) for sightseeing, people-watching, and plenty of shopping! The Sheraton also provided some nice treats in the room when I arrived!

And if you’re interested on catching up on Istanbul’s history, I read a non-fiction book about the city called Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World that helped me understand the city’s history before my trip.

Bosphorus Strait Cruise

I always love to travel to cities with beautiful rivers or bodies of water flowing through them. Istanbul might just be the most ideal spot for water views! I wrote a review about the GetYourGuide Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch in Istanbul, and I absolutely recommend it! A cruise like this lets you put your feet up and just enjoy the majestic beauty of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait.

2. Explore Ortakoy Mosque and have dinner with views at Banyan

This corner of Istanbul may just be my favorite. The Ortakoy Mosque (also known as Büyük Mecidiye Mosque) has stunning views of the Bosphorus, and the sights feel like they are out of a movie. There are so many great photo opportunities, and I just loved being right on the water! After exploring the mosque, my mom and I had dinner and drinks at Banyan. It’s a restaurant perched on the water with stunning sunset views and delicious food. We were able to watch the boats drift by in the water and relax over some nice cocktails.

3. Basilica Cistern Tour

This Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide Tour was unexpected, but so much fun. It was a bit eerie because it is underground and quite dark, but there were so many beautiful sculptures and breathtaking architecture. The atmosphere is what makes it such a unique and surprising activity! My mom and I loved taking photos down here and watching as the lights changed color on the columns and water reflection. The highlight is definitely the Medusa sculptures in two of the columns – be sure not to miss this!

The ancient cisterns are just 150 meters from the Hagia Sophia, making it an easy pitstop while sightseeing and should only take an hour or less to explore. Be sure to book here if you’re interested in a tour and fast-tracked entry.

4. Taksim Square

While Taksim Square is a bit touristy, it’s a central hub that offers a segue into some of the beautiful shopping streets in Istanbul, including İstiklal Street. You can grab a Simit (Turkish bagel-like treat) or Pide (Turkish flatbread) from a food stand or find one of the famous ice cream performers.

I also recommend popping into Hafiz Mustafa which is a famous cafe known for its Turkish coffee and desserts, including its baklava (pictured above). This is a great stop for souvenirs 🙂

5. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is an iconic landmark in the city that is in a bustling corner of Istanbul. It’s beautiful for photos and exploring. You can also climb atop it and explore the small museum inside. It’s a picturesque tower with much to see and do nearby! If you would like to skip-the-line and pre-book with an audio guide, I recommend this entry with an audio guided tour.

6. Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace is truly a must-visit when in Istanbul. I would compare it to seeing Versailles when visiting Paris. It’s a large palace complex with so much history to unpack. It has beautiful and well-maintained grounds with stunning views of the city and water below. It’s also close to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, but note that visiting all three in one day may be a bit tiresome. There is a lot to see at the palace, and I recommend having a tour guide like we did. This really helps bring the history to life and understand the past. Again, there are so many beautiful photo opportunities in and around the palace. This two-hour tour: Topkapi Palace & Harem, Skip-the-Line Small Group tour is similar to the one we had booked that included the Harem as well.

7. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

If this is your first time in Istanbul, I highly recommend planning to visit both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque together – they are both absolute must-sees! They are next to each other, with a beautiful square sitting between the two mosques. Be mindful of prayer times, and also be sure to bring a headscarf and to cover up appropriately. As is custom for all mosques, you must remove your shoes upon entering.

If you prefer to travel with a tour guide and learning more about the history and architecture, you can book the GetYourGuide Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Tour w/Entry Tickets
here. And if you want to combine multiple excursions, this combination tour offers a tour of the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia (you would need to enter the Blue Mosque on your own).

8. Sahaflar Bazaar (Book Market) and the Grand Bazaar

For great souvenirs, I always love to get vintage maps, stamps, postcards, or paintings. I love anything I can hang up in my house or use to scrapbook and journal my adventures. Right outside the Grand Bazaar, are winding pathways filled with antique books, paintings, maps, and anything you can imagine. We managed to snag some really great items that are hanging on my walls now. There are so many beautiful items here and I find it less overwhelming than the Grand Bazaar and is more my cup of tea (literally because we sat inside a store and had tea with one of the vendors!).

If you’re curious, like we were, to at least see and explore the Grand Bazaar, I recommend it. Be wary that the vendors can be aggressive, but we did end up buying a few lamps we love!

9. Attend a Whirling Dervish Show

We had arranged to see a Whirling Dervish show on our last night, but I got an awful cold that I couldn’t shake and had to stay in my room for the night. The shows are put on by Sufi groups that perform an active meditation. Whenever I am back in Istanbul, I am going to make sure I see a Whirling Dervish show, it seems like a once in a lifetime experience!

10. Indulge in the food!

While we didn’t have time to arrange a food tour, I really wish we had! There are just so many delicacies to try in the city. GetYourGuide has a few offerings for food tours that look fun to try. If I could book one, I would choose this Istanbul: Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings. The tour takes you to a few different locations around Istanbul and looks like a fun day of city exploration tied into yummy food experiences!

A few of the restaurants we really enjoyed were Divan Brasserie (which had spectacular rooftop views), RestoHan (had live music), Seven Hills Restaurant (mainly just for the view!), and Arada Cafe.

11. Bonus – Find alllll the cats!

Istanbul is known for its friendly street cats – be sure to keep an eye out, they are all so cute!

❤ Natalie Anne

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour by Viator – Review – NYC Travel Tips & Ideas

Published on July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

There’s a LOT to see in New York City and it’s not always easy to navigate the city, especially if you’ve never been there. I still remember my very first trip to NYC when I was about 13, and the stress on my dad’s face as we tried to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B. If only we had known about this New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour by Viator. At this point, I feel fairly confident getting around the city since I’ve been there quite a few times. But on my latest visit, I was only going to be there for two days, but I still wanted to see all of the famous sites and landmarks. Is it really a trip to NYC if you don’t visit Times Square and Central Park?!

This tour was perfect because it’s only from about 9:00 am to 3:30pm, so you still have plenty of daylight left afterwards to continue exploring on your own. And the tour starts and ends right next to Times Square, so you can spend the rest of your day visiting all of the fun shops and restaurants in the area.

Our tour guide, Don, was incredible. He grew up in the city and knew everything about every single building we drove by. He had so many entertaining stories and truly brought the city to life. It was amazing to hear about how the city has changed over the last few decades.

Some of the highlights of the tour included Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Staten Island Ferry, the 9/11 Memorial and so many others. I can’t imagine trying to do all of this in one day on our own. It was so nice to have a bus driver who kept us on track and got us everywhere in a timely fashion. Plus, the fact that this tour also included a two-way trip on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty truly made it a full, classic NYC day. It was pretty rainy on the day of our tour, but we were given rain ponchos from our tour guide which we were very grateful for, considering we totally forgot to bring an umbrella.

When we were near Rockefeller Center we got to see some of the famous TV filming locations, and we got lucky and saw Jenna Bush and Leslie Bibb filming live on the Today Show! If you’re a White Lotus fan, then you know Leslie Bibb. That totally made my day!

This tour is perfect for families with kids of all ages because it takes the guess work out of the day. I’m sure my dad would have felt much more relaxed back in the day if we’d had a guided bus tour to drag us all around the city. He also would have loved our tour guide, an NYC native with that classic New York accent and personality that you’ve seen in the movies. This tour is also great because it doesn’t involve too much walking, and you’re always welcome to stay on the bus at any point and skip one of the visits. The bus was super nice and fully air-conditioned, which I’m sure makes a big difference on those hot summer days in NYC. I feel like this tour would be perfect around the holidays too, since it gets so crowded in the city near Rockefeller center. Our tour guide knew the best ways in and out of everything to avoid crowds, so I think it would really help make your holiday trip to NYC more relaxing and easygoing. Not to mention, you’ll get to see the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree and ice skating rink!

If you’re interested in reading more about this tour and seeing more photos from our day, make sure to check out my photography blog here! And if you’d like to book this exact same tour, you can find it on Viator here. And make sure to check out my Viator Shop for all of my recommended tours all around the world. Take it from me, tours are the best way to see everything without the hassle of figuring out transportation yourself. And if you’re traveling with your parents, grandparents, or children, these tours are a game changer. If you’re looking for a hotel in the Times Square/Hell’s Kitchen area, I highly recommend the StayPineapple Hotel in Midtown. It’s great for couples and super affordable. The rooms are somewhat small so I’m not sure I’d recommend it for larger families, but it’s super cute and quirky! We loved it.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy travels!

❤ Myles Katherine

20 Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life | C’est Le Brie 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Jetsetters

Published on July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

We love a good gift guide, especially when it’s all about traveling! We’ve definitely done our fair share of globetrotting over the years and we wanted to share our absolute favorite necessities that we never leave home without.

But before we get into our personal recommendations, we have to mention Try the World. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a subscription gift box that’s perfect for travelers and foodies alike! In every box, you’ll get snacks and gourmet treats from around the world. It’s a great way to get excited for new travels and to expand your palette. We’ve been obsessed with Try the World since they first started and it’s such a nice treat whenever we get a new box in the mail.

Without further ado, here are a few gift ideas for the traveler in your life!

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Myles Katherine’s Recommendations

1. Canon Powershot G7x Mark II Powershot

As a photographer, I have to start off by sharing one of my favorite digital cameras for travel. I have a full review of the Canon Powershot G7X Mark II on my photography blog here if you want to read about it in more detail. It’s a small point-and-shoot camera but takes beautiful photos, and is perfect for beginner and professional photographers alike. You can shoot in a full automatic mode, or you can get creative with full manual mode. It has an f/1.8 lens, so it’s great in low-light settings and for taking beautiful portraits and food photographs. It’s a little difficult to get your hands on these days because they are so popular, but you can usually find them on Amazon or eBay!

2. Noise-cancelling Airpods Pro 2

Apple Airpods now have full noise-cancelling with the Airpods Pro 2. My husband bought them before I did and I kept stealing his whenever we were traveling on a plane. They seriously block out all sound and are a game-changer when it comes to sleeping on the plane. I also use mine as earplugs when I’m staying in a hotel that might be a little too noisy. Not to mention, music sounds incredible with these!

3. GoPro Hero 13

I’ve had at least 4 different versions of the GoPro over the years, because I usually upgrade once they come out with a newer version! It’s always on my packing list. There are so many reasons why I love the GoPro. It’s super teeny tiny and is so easy to travel with. It has a wide view option that is great for capturing cityscapes and tall buildings. It can capture both photo and video and it has a waterproof case. The GoPro Hero 13 is the latest version and is capable of capturing 5.3K video at 60 fps and 27 MP photos. It’s perfect for swimming, snowboarding, hiking and so many other activities. I usually have a GorillaPod with me at all times too so that it’s easy to set up in any location and take photos or video. Honestly, the GoPro is great for anyone at any age. My husband loves to steal mine from me when we’re traveling. 🙂

4. Allbirds Tree Pipers

Allbirds Tree Pipers have become my go-to sneaker for my travels. They are incredibly lightweight and easy to pack and they are crazy comfortable! I usually bring two pairs with me for color variation, typically a black pair and a white pair. They match everything and they look cute in photos! I just finished up a 103-mile hike in the Cotswolds and whenever my hiking boots started hurting my feet, I’d switch to the Allbirds because they are so light and comfy!

5. Universal Travel Adapter

Photo by Evan Mahmud Shuvo on Pexels.com

You can’t leave home without one of these! I usually bring a few of these with me on every trip to plug in my cameras, computers, phone, etc. My husband and I always have a million things to charge every night. Just make sure you’re getting the right one for the country you’re visiting. They might be considered “universal” but each country is different. So just check the description before officially ordering it, just to make 100% sure you’re covered! It’s much cheaper to buy these in advance on Amazon than to pick one up at the airport or a gift shop when you’re already at your destination.

6. Heatless Curl Set

You’ve probably seen the Kitsch Heatless Hair Curler Set on Tiktok, but it’s a great way to get cute, stylized curls while you’re sleeping. It helps save time in the mornings when you’re rushing out of your hotel room to get to a tour bus or an early entrance to a museum. It takes a few times to get it right, so I’d recommend practicing at home before you go. But it weighs nothing and saves so much time! Plus, they are way cheaper than a fancy curling iron!

7. SuperGoop Glow Screen Tinted Sunscreen

It took me a while to figure out which tinted sunscreen I like the best, but the SuperGoop Glow Screen has a nice, subtle sheen and a lovely dewy finish. It doesn’t dry my skin out at all, and it’s basically like a light layer of foundation. Except better really, because it’s protecting your skin! I find it to brighten up my face on days when I didn’t get enough sleep too. It’s a little pricey but a little bit goes a long way. My tubes always last me much longer than I think they’re going to!

8. Cute Crossbody Sling Bag

Photo by Richard Cascaes Figueiredo on Pexels.com

I never leave on an international trip without a cute crossbody sling bag. It’s perfect for easy access to your passport, phone, and wallet when you’re at the airport. And also great for avoiding pickpockets because you can wear it on the front of your body. It’s also just less bulky than carrying a purse around and leaves your hands free to carry cameras, shopping bags, etc.

9. All-in-one lip & cheek stain

I never leave home without one. Personally, I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so anything that saves me time and energy is a necessity. I love having different color options on hand to match my outfits too. Having a lip and cheek stain that is all-in-one is also nice because your makeup just automatically matches. No need to dig through your makeup bag to find a lipstick that doesn’t clash with your blush. Milk Makeup has one in tons of different color options, so make sure to pick up a few for your next adventure!

10. Women’s Waterproof Trench Coats

Photo by Mike Gonzu00e1lez on Pexels.com

I’ve spent many many years trying to figure out what the ultimate jacket is to travel with that is stylish, practical, and matches everything. I’m telling you, getting a light brown or tan waterproof trench coat is the answer. It looks cute over dresses and pants, it’s not too bulky to travel with, and it automatically dresses up an outfit. It can go from day to night easily and is full coverage in bad weather. I recommend browsing on Amazon because they have tons of affordable options. I usually order a few to choose from, but that can be a dangerous game. Sometimes I end up keeping all of them!

Natalie Anne’s Recommendations

11. Nintendo Switch

We love our Nintendo Switch and are so excited about the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and some new games that will be coming out soon! My sister, Millie, has the adorable Animal Crossings version of the Switch and it’s so cute. It’s the perfect distraction to bring along for long trips and get lost in the world of Animal Crossings or Super Mario Bros.!

12. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera in Lilac Purple OR Fujifilm INSTAX Wide Evo Instant Film Camera

I can’t deny that instant cameras are my very favorite. There is something so exciting about waiting a few minutes to see how a photo magically develops. I take an Instax Mini camera with me everywhere I go! This is perfect for keepsakes, sharing memories, and scrapbooking. Plus, they’re so cute! Don’t forget to pick up some Instax Mini film too!

13. Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Link 3 Smartphone Printer

If you don’t want to bother carrying around another camera, but love having Polaroids, I highly recommend the Instax smartphone printer. This way you can print out any photo you take on your phone and not have to worry about the hassle of any polaroid camera settings or missing our on any moments!

14. UnHide Lil’ Marsh – Faux Fur Blanket

Photo by SlipcoverKAS .COM on Pexels.com

I love to stay cozy in the winter. If you are planning a long road trip or need something snuggly when you travel, the UnHide blankets are my very favorite! They also have small, squishy pillows to match! The color Rosy Baby is my favorite.

15. 10 Set/8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

Packing cubes have really become a lifesaver for me. I struggle with staying organized, especially when I’m traveling, but packing cubes help me with my outfit planning and giving some order to the chaos. They also help save room in your luggage.

16. Beats by Dre Headphones – Beats Studio Pro

I cannot travel without noise-cancelling headphones. They help me relax on airplanes and other public areas so I can feel like I’m in my own little world. Beats by Dre have never failed me and they’re always comfortable.

17. Laniege Overnight Lip Mask

Traveling, especially in the winter, makes skin super dry. I always opt for a lip mask on long flights and during nighttime to help re-hydrate and keep soft lips. Laneige has been my latest go-to brand!

18. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment Mask

Glow Recipe is one of my favorite skincare brands. Their packaging is chic and fresh plus their products always smell divine. The Overnight Watermelon Mask helps cool and soothe extra dry skin. It has a subtle, fresh scent that I just adore.

19. UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Boot

Winter calls for Uggs, and I just love wearing mine anywhere, any day. The UGG Ultra Mini Boot is my favorite. I prefer the classic camel color for an easy look.

20. Apple Watch Series 10 Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case

My Apple Watch has been such a great way to track my steps and exercise, especially when traveling and alll the walking it entails. It provides an accurate measurement of everything you’re doing. I also like the “find my iPhone” feature, which really comes in handy. I got mine last year for Christmas in Rose Gold Aluminum.

We hope this gift guide has given you some ideas for the travel lover in your life!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy holidays!

❤ Myles Katherine & Natalie Anne

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London with Viator Review – Best London, England Tours & Travel Tips

Published on June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 by C'est le Brie1 Comment

Oh my goodness, this tour! I just got home from our trip to England last week and I’ve been itching to write a post about the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We almost didn’t even go on the tour because we’d already spent 10 days hiking through the Cotswolds on the 103-mile Cotswold Way Trail (don’t worry, I’ll be sharing posts about that whole experience soon too). We ended up booking it for our very last day in London and it was 100% worth it.

While my husband and I both enjoy watching the Harry Potter films about once a year in the fall, we’re not super fans by any means. We weren’t sure if it was going to be a fun experience for us or if the whole thing was really meant for true Harry Potter fans only. But it is honestly an experience that anyone of any age could enjoy.

The bus ride from London was about an hour long and then we were given from 9:30am to 2:00pm to enjoy the Harry Potter experience on our own. There is no designated tour guide for the day but you have the option to purchase digital headsets to listen to key facts as you’re moving along. However, we didn’t opt for the headsets and we still thoroughly enjoyed everything and didn’t feel like we missed out on anything. There are plenty of signs, videos, and plaques along the way so you’ll get tons of information from those.

You start off in the Great Hall where you get to see the actual set that they used for the movie, including the magical floating candles and long tables! It was stunning. After the Great Hall, you enter a much larger room filled with props, videos, outfits, entire sets, and so much more. It was insane how much there was to see! We were lucky enough to be there for the “Tri-Wizard Tournament” so there were actors and dancers adding even more magic to the day. I don’t want to spoil too much so I’ll just include a few photos of my favorite moments from throughout the day. I will say that it’s important not to spend too much time on any one thing. There’s so much to see and do and you don’t want to run out of time!

Once you reach the cafeteria, you’re about halfway through the experience. We finally got to try Butterbeer and even got a Butterbeer cupcake and doughnut too! There are burgers, hotdogs, burritos and all sorts of food options for lunch. They have vegan options as well! I tried the vegan burrito and it was pretty good. Not amazing or anything, but decently yummy! The Butterbeer cupcake was delish though. 🙂

Throughout the day you’ll wander through the Forbidden Forest, stroll through Diagon Alley and board the Hogwarts Express. You’ll see thousands of props, hundreds of outfits worn by the cast, and dozens of different activities and interactive experiences. It was truly such a fun day and so incredibly memorable. I’d even go back and do the whole thing again next time I’m in London!

There’s a section of the tour that is outside so just make sure to bring an umbrella if it’s a rainy day! Though you could easily view those sections from inside the cafeteria and some of them are walk-through or have indoor portions, so even if you don’t have an umbrella, you’d be perfectly fine.

We didn’t have much time in the gift shop but we ended up visiting the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London and we were able to buy most of the same products there.

If you’re interested in booking the same tour, you can find it on Viator here! I’d 100,000% recommend this tour, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It’s amazing to see the sets they used to film the movies and we learned so much about how much time, money, energy and work went into their creation. We both came home wanting to watch documentaries about the making of the Harry Potter films because the lengths they went to to make these movies magical is truly epic. I’ve been raving about this tour ever since we got home. The only downside was that I would have liked a little more time to look at everything, but it also left me wanting more which is probably better than being “over it” by the end of the day. I’d gladly go back on this tour again if any of my friends or family members want to go next time we’re in London. We absolutely loved every second of it.

Thanks so much for reading! You can find out more about this tour on my photography blog here. If you’d like to see more of my recommended tours around the world, check out my Viator shop here! Happy travels!

❤ Myles Katherine

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)

Review of the GetYourGuide Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch in Istanbul, Turkiye

Published on April 15, 2025April 16, 2025 by C'est le Brie6 Comments

I had the privilege of traveling to Istanbul for a conference for work. It was my first time visiting this gorgeous city, and I was so lucky that my mom decided to join me for a long weekend exploring together! I had heard marvelous things about the food, culture, and atmosphere and was so excited to experience it. To prep for my trip, I read a non-fiction book about the city called Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World, to brush up on its history. One undeniable theme in this book, is the significance and glory of the Bosphorus Strait. Its beautiful sparkling turquoise waters carry so much history, and I knew I wanted to spend time on the water for at least one day. Taking a boat tour would also be an opportunity to leave the big city and take in the timeless views from the water.

While I couldn’t find the exact link to our cruise, GetYourGuide offers its Istanbul: Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch. The cruise covers the same area with lunch, a stop in Anadolu Kavagi, and swimming in the Black Sea (a bonus that my tour did not have)! It’s a five-hour leisurely cruise that passes by major Istanbul landmarks, beautiful houses, and bridges along the Bosphorus, plus it offers free time to explore a quaint fishing village, Anadolu Kavagi.

I’m really happy we booked a lunch tour because we were able to breakaway from the city and also have time to explore a small Turkish town on the water. Once we boarded the boat, our first hour was filled with SO many beautiful views and photo opportunities.

Since I was in Istanbul for work, I was staying at the Sheraton Istanbul City Center. It was a great venue for a conference, had comfortable rooms, and a lovely breakfast buffet with so many wonderful Turkish dishes. The hotel offered a free shuttle that took us straight to Taksim Square for sightseeing, people-watching, and plenty of shopping!

My favorite site to see from the water was the Ortaköy Mosque – it’s truly stunning. We had visited this mosque and surrounding neighborhood the night before, and it’s one of my favorite spots in the city.

We enjoyed a relaxing cruise up the Strait and once the major sights were passed, and we were fatigued from snapping photos, lunch was served! We had delicious dips and bread with a choice of type of meat (or vegetarian option) for our main course. After lunch, we went back out to the deck, enjoyed the breeze, and cruised.

Before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination. When we stopped in Anadolu Kavagi, we meandered the winding streets, popping into a few stores, taking photos, and of course grabbing some ice cream! It was a nice opportunity to see a local town outside the bustling Istanbul. We got to see the fishing boats and fishermen prepping their catches of the day. We had about an hour to explore the town, and then it was back on the boat for watermelon and post-lunch relaxing as we glided back to Istanbul.

The Bosphorus lunch cruise was one of my favorite day tours I’ve ever taken. The boat ride was smooth, lunch was great, and I loved that we had free time off the boat to explore an area in Turkiye that I never would have scouted out on my own. If you’re interested in a relaxing afternoon, witnessing views of Istanbul from the water, and enjoying Turkish food, this tour is for you! The link to the tour is here!

❤ Natalie Anne

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links.)