Istanbul

Baklavaassignment in Gaziantep

Day trip for pistachio baklava at the source. Worth the detour.

Balat color walk

Painted stairs and laundry lines in the old quarter.

Balık ekmek by the Bosphorus

Mackerel sandwich off the boat in Eminönü. Pickles extra.

Basilica Cistern columns

Medusa heads, carp in water, James Bond lighting.

Bosphorus ferry commute

Karaköy to Kadıköy with tea and simit.

Galata Tower sunset climb

The Genoese tower over the Golden Horn.

Grand Bazaar treasure hunt

Sixty-one streets; get lost on purpose.

Hagia Sophia dome gaze

1,500 years of empires overhead. Visit both levels slowly.

Hamam ritual in Istanbul

Self-service camekan, kese scrub, tea after. Skip the tourist package.

Istiklal dawn run

Empty boulevard from Taksim to the tower.

Princes' Islands bike day

Car-free Büyükada loop and a swim stop.

Rooftop Bosphorus dinner

Meze above the strait as the ferries cross.

Topkapi harem rooms

Tile overload, Bosphorus terraces, extra ticket worth it.

Turkish breakfast spread

Menemen, kaymak and endless çay in Kadıköy.

Whirling dervish ceremony

Sema ritual in the Hodjapasha hall.

Baklavaassignment in Gaziantep

Day trip for pistachio baklava at the source. Worth the detour.

Balık ekmek by the Bosphorus

Mackerel sandwich off the boat in Eminönü. Pickles extra.

Basilica Cistern columns

Medusa heads, carp in water, James Bond lighting.

Galata Tower sunset climb

The Genoese tower over the Golden Horn.