When it comes to Turkey, most people's first reaction is "hot air balloons" and "Pamukkale", but in fact, as long as you have enough curiosity and foot strength, the exotic straits and historical sites scattered throughout the city will be a fascinating presence outside of popular attractions or attractions.
01
Stroll through "Cat Stamble"
Feel the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures
Istanbul's attractions are mainly located in the Old City and the New City. The well-known historical and cultural attractions such as the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar are all in the old city, and it can be said that every time you look back, it is a reenactment of history. In the new town, it is the main business district of the local area, with modern shopping malls and unique street shops, which is a great place to explore the unique scenery of the city on foot.
From the bustling Nisantasi neighborhood, the neoclassical-style old-fashioned apartment buildings impress with their grand entrances and facades, while the backstreets of these old-fashioned apartment buildings bring a charming blend of local designer boutiques, upscale cafes and restaurants, and fine bookstores and art galleries.
■ Numerous shops and restaurants create a vibrant city rhythm.
Along the way, you will also find that Istanbul is really not too friendly to cats, you can see cat food everywhere, you can often see "cat store manager" in front of the store, cats will be attracted by the dazzling display windows like us, and artists also use these cats as inspiration to create their hearts of "cat Stamble".
■ Artists use cats as inspiration to create their "cat Stamble" in their hearts.
As you head towards the Galata Tower, you will see buildings that resemble Shanghai's Wukang Building, a neighborhood park full of greenery, a story-telling Taksim Square, and the adjacent Independence Avenue. The nostalgic red tram passes through the square, making a "ding-ding" sound all the way, becoming a big "conspicuous bag". This 3-kilometre-long pedestrian street is home to a vibrant city rhythm with its many shops and restaurants. Climb to the top of Galata Tower around 5 p.m. and you can overlook the old town in the sunset.
Sandwiched between the land, the Bosphorus Strait has always been one of the most popular waterways for domestic and foreign tourists. Many tourists will choose to take the ferry to experience the Bosphorus, but in fact, you can also choose a restaurant with a view by the sea, such as the popular local Michelin-recommended restaurant Feriye, through the transparent main building of the restaurant, while tasting authentic Turkish food, while enjoying the magnificent view of the Bosphorus, the turbulent blue water, the bridge connecting Europe and Asia, witnessing the prosperity and busyness of Istanbul, the "crossroads of the world".
■Choose a restaurant with a view by the sea and enjoy the magnificent view of the Bosphorus while tasting authentic Turkish cuisine.
02
Rush to the Aegean coast
Immerse yourself in the magic of sight and taste
If you're a gourmet, don't miss the city of Izmir. Less than an hour's flight from Istanbul is Turkey's third largest city, a romantic city nestled in the embrace of the Aegean Sea.
There are four Michelin-starred restaurants in Urla, a small town near Izmir, and you might be able to eat in any unexpected place – like a house made of stone or among an olive tree. OD Urla is a new Michelin-starred restaurant this year, where the chef has inherited a piece of the estate from his grandparents, where he cooks a variety of creative dishes fused with his own olive oil. You can taste seafood from the Aegean Sea under the olive trees and seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices grown on the estate. You can also move to the indoor island dining area and watch the culinary team work their delicious "magic" while dining.
■ The local estate grows seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
■A creative menu at the one-Michelin-starred restaurant ODUrla.
The romance of Izmir is not only on the stunning coastline, but also in the charming town. Alacati is one of the characteristic towns full of Mediterranean style, with a history of more than 150 years, stone houses and narrow streets, providing unique conditions for all kinds of small shops along the street. The whole town is filled with small houses of all colors and decorations, perfect for a leisurely afternoon or evening.
If you want to soak up the small-town vibe more thoroughly, stay nearby, The Stay Warehouse is a design resort tucked away nearby. After check-in, you need to walk through the path surrounded by shady greenery to reach the guest room area. This adults-only resort is full of art and books. All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden or pool, and some have private courtyards that allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome the sun and greenery. The Turkish breakfast, which has always been known for its variety and luxurious style, can be called "atmosphere food", which is full of satiety and ritual.
■ Turkish breakfast is a "delicious atmosphere" with a full sense of satiety and ceremony.
Located on the shores of the Aegean Sea at the western end of the Anatolian plateau, Izmir is also a historical and cultural city with many places of interest. Once you've had your fill of food and drink, don't miss out on these precious historical sites. Ephesus is currently the world's largest and best-preserved Roman ruins, and restaurants, libraries, theaters, and baths can be seen in the ruins.
03
Visit the airport's museums and art exhibitions
Don't waste a second of your journey
Because the cities in Turkey are far apart, flying will save you more time than taking a car, and the trip will be more comfortable. In particular, in addition to the comfortable lounges of Turkish Airlines, the business class of domestic flights still maintains the characteristic service of "in-flight chef", providing passengers with a full sense of ceremonial meals. If you have a connecting flight with Turkish Airlines for more than six hours, you can take a free city tour.
In addition to duty-free shops and a food court, you can also visit the airport museum at the airport. The final corridor to the museum is flanked by high-resolution images of Turkey's World Heritage Sites, immersing you in history and art. After entering the exhibition hall, you will find that there are exhibits borrowed from many museums in Turkey, and most of the display cabinets are equipped with electronic screens under the dynamic display of the corresponding cultural relics. The museum showcases thousands of years of history from the Neolithic period to the Ottoman Empire, with examples of limestone heads, statues of Alexander the Great, statues of Roman Emperor Augustus, gold griffin bracelets and more.
There are also art exhibitions at the airport with a regularly changing theme, and recently there are sketches of people waiting for passengers at the airport, and each gesture is full of a story.
■ Exhibits borrowed from many museums in Turkey at the Airport Museum.
[Travel Tips]
1. Exchange dollars or euros before departure, there are many foreign currency exchange shops in Istanbul's business districts, but most of them do not accept RMB exchange. When exchanging local currency, it is not recommended to exchange too much at once, it is recommended to take it as you go.
2. Turkey has strong ultraviolet rays all year round, so you must take sun protection measures when you go out.
3. Turkey has a large undulating terrain, so it is recommended to wear flat shoes or sneakers that are easy to walk on.
4. Visitors to the mosque are required to wear a headscarf, no shorts or sleeveless clothing.
5. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in Turkey, so it is recommended to prepare a light jacket.
6. It is recommended to charter a car or rent a car by yourself to get around Izmir.
■New Express reporter Liang Yu text/picture (some of them are provided by the interviewee)