Istanbul: Where Two Continents Meet History (and My New Kebab Obsession)

Istanbul is simply incredible. Stepping off the plane, I immediately felt the energy of a place that has been a crucial center of civilization for millennia. We came to see the iconic sights, and let me tell you, they absolutely delivered.

The Crown Jewels: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Our first stops were two architectural titans facing each other across a historic square: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.

The Blue Mosque (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is instantly recognizable by its cascading domes and striking silhouette. Inside, the name makes perfect sense. The light filters through stained glass, illuminating thousands upon thousands of hand-painted blue tiles that line the walls and ceiling. It wasn't just beautiful; it was incredibly serene. You can feel the weight of history and devotion in that vast, carpeted space.

Directly across the plaza is the Hagia Sophia. This place is a living history lesson, having served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again. The sheer scale of the interior is breathtaking. Seeing the massive dome soaring overhead, with Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy sharing the same ceiling, tells the story of empires shifting and blending over centuries. It’s a powerful, slightly dizzying experience to stand where so many pivotal moments in history took place.

Down Below: The Basilica Cistern
After walking through buildings that scrape the sky, we went subterranean to explore the Basilica Cistern. Built by the Romans to store water for the city, this is easily one of Istanbul’s coolest hidden gems.

The atmosphere down there is pure mood. It’s dimly lit, cool, and silent, with water gently dripping. We walked along raised paths between rows of ancient, illuminated columns, making the whole place feel like a forgotten temple. Of course, the must-see feature is finding the two columns supported by the famous Medusa heads—they are huge, carved stone faces placed upside down and sideways, adding to the eerie, mysterious vibe.

The Fuel: Dining on Incredible Kebabs
You can't spend a day absorbing that much history without working up a serious appetite, and Istanbul's food scene is the perfect reward.

Forget any mediocre takeaway version you've had; dining on authentic kebabs here is an event. Our guide took us to a lovely charcoal-grilled spot, Baran, and the meat was smoky, tender, and seasoned perfectly. Served with piles of fresh flatbread, grilled peppers, it was the definition of satisfying comfort food. Most every meal came with a few pieces of yummy baklava and tea.   It was a great way to end the meal.  The meals weren't just delicious; they were the perfect end to our busy, history-packed days.

Istanbul truly stole a piece of my heart. If you're looking for a city where the past is intensely present and the food is next-level, put it at the top of your list!