Solo trip to Istanbul

A solo woman traveller, travelling over 2500 km to a nation that speak a different language and follow a different culture - fascinating much? Well it wasn't to me when I had decided to travel solo. However, it later turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever taken.

How was the experience?

A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. - something that everyone should experience at lease once. I obviously had to be very careful and alert all the time. I did not even sleep in the buses or metros (which was quite an achievement). I also had to be really patient in places where people did not understand or speak English. However, at the end the feeling of self accomplishment was inexplicable. Especially for someone who keeps losing her phone, passport, wallet (basically everything but the camera), it was quite big a deal. Also, the city is well connected via public transports and you will find many people speaking English in the major tourist spots.

Speaking about experience, how can I miss the lovely surprise I got in one of the jutti shops at the Grand Bazaar. The  shopkeeper, after coming to know that I was from India, asked me (in Hindi) if I knew how to speak Hindi. When I asked him where he had learnt Hindi from, he gave the credits to the Bollywood movies (Can you imagine!). Therefore, if you also face the language problem in Istanbul, try Hindi and you might also get a pleasant surprise like I did.

More than anything, do it for the responsible yet carefree you, the independent yet a little crazy you. You are on your own and can do whatever you want. You can finally enjoy your well-deserved "me" time. So put on your earphones and get lost in the crowd.

Things to do:

I visited Istanbul from London. Generally you get a good deal, unless it is a long weekend. The Ataturk airport is connected to the city centre by metro.

I had booked a one room apartment for myself. It was a little far from the major tourist spots. However, Istanbul is really well connected by public transport. Therefore stay a bit far did not cause me any problem. You can get single or multiple journey tickets based on your travel itinerary. Also, please ensure that you know at least the basic Turkish words/phrases.

1. Sultanahmet (nearest metro station: Sultanahmet) is the most touristy neighbourhood in Istanbul. From the iconic Blue Mosque to the ancient Basilica Cistern, you can cover most of the major tourist spots here. Other points of attraction are Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Efsunlu Dünya, Şehzadeler Türbesi etc. These places look as majestic from outside, as it is from inside. Please ensure that you are well-covered and carry a scarf to cover your head if you wish to enter the mosques (which you must).

2. Shop from the famous markets of Istanbul - Grand bazaar and Spice bazaar. Grand bazaar is the ideal place to shop Turkish souvenirs. From antics to authentic Turkish accessories, the options are countless. A bit of bargaining can get you a good deal. Spice bazaar, on the other hand, offers thousands of spices and handmade cosmetics. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

3. Bosphorus: No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia. Taking a cruise is a nice way to see the mosques, Bosphorus bridges and other tourist spots. Istanbul has some amazing skylines and enjoying them at sunset on a cruise is a great idea.

4. There are other mosques beyond the Blue Mosque (A.K.A Sulhan Ahmed Mosque). New Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Hagia Sophia are the other mosques that are equally gorgeous.

5. Pamper yourself in one of the Turkish hamam spas in Istanbul. This is one great experience and must not be missed.

6. Taksim Square is a neighbourhood in Istanbul, famous for shopping and its nightlife. Take a stroll in the Istiklal Street, next to the square. To the local people it is no less than Oxford Street or Time Square. This is another good place for shopping.

7. Istanbul is a paradise for foodies and coffee lovers. Turkish coffee is till date the best coffee I have ever had. Turkish delight and baklava are other two favourites of mine. Hafiz Mustafa is one good place to have Turkish Coffee with some Turkish snacks and sweets. Raki is a famous Turkish (alcoholic) drink and you can definitely give it a try.

8. Spend an evening enjoying some Sufi performances or the famous Belly Dancing.

Istanbul will always be one of my favourite places in the world. The food, the places, the sunset views, the weather, the people - there's nothing you cannot love. The self contentment I had by the end of this trip was unexplainable. Journey back to London has never been so satisfying.