Istanbul From the Water: Bazaars, Ferries & Island Life
After Cappadocia, we returned to Istanbul for the final part of our Turkey trip.
By this point, we had already experienced so many different sides of the city, but somehow Istanbul still had more to show us.
One Last Stay in Istanbul
For our final stay, we checked into Stayso Hotel and were given the penthouse terrace room.
The room itself was massive and beautiful, but the terrace was almost a whole other living space. It was huge, with rocking chairs where we could sit outside and look across the city. After spending so much of the trip out exploring, having that much private outdoor space to come back to felt like such a luxury.
The hotel also had a rooftop restaurant, where we enjoyed a five-course dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. Course after course came out while we sat above Istanbul, making the dinner feel like an experience of its own.
It was a little bit of luxury toward the end of a trip that had already given us so many completely different experiences.
One More Day at the Bazaar
Before heading to the islands, we spent another day wandering through the bazaar.
We walked through rows of shops, tried different teas and picked up saffron to bring home to family.
By this point, we weren't rushing to check things off a list. We could wander, taste things, shop and enjoy being back in the energy of Istanbul.
And then, for our final adventure, we headed for the water.
Faith, Prayer & Galata at Night
While back in Istanbul, we also stopped at an Orthodox church, something that was especially meaningful for Pishoi because of his Coptic Orthodox faith.
After experiencing so many beautiful mosques throughout our time in Turkey, it was special to step into another sacred space that connected more closely to his own faith. We lit a candle together and said a prayer for our families before continuing through the city.
Later, we walked to Galata Tower.
By then it was nighttime and the tower was completely lit up. We found a spot nearby for cake and coffee and sat with Galata glowing above us.
It was such a simple night, but one of those moments I remember clearly. A candle and prayer for our families, followed by cake, coffee and Istanbul glowing around us.
Seeing Istanbul by Ferry
One thing I was so glad we experienced in Turkey was just how easy and comfortable ferry travel could be.
For us, the ferry wasn't just transportation. The ride itself became part of the experience.
We started with Kınalıada, continued to Burgazada and eventually made our way to Heybeliada.
Moving between the islands by ferry gave us a completely different view of this part of Istanbul. We could sit back, watch the coastline change and experience just how easy it was to move from one island community to another.
Island Life in Heybeliada
Heybeliada ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.
There was something about getting away from the pace of Istanbul and experiencing island life that felt completely different from everything we had done so far.
We explored, enjoyed fresh seafood and watched the sunset over the water.
But one of the best moments was something we hadn't planned at all.
There was a community performance happening in the square with cultural music and dancing. Eventually, a huge outdoor bonfire was lit and people gathered around it, holding hands and dancing together while traditional music played.
Families, friends and strangers all seemed to become part of the same celebration.
And we got to experience it with them.
Those are the moments I love most about traveling. You can plan the hotels, restaurants and places you want to see, but you can't always plan the moments that actually make you feel connected to where you are.
Ending Turkey on the Water
Eventually, we boarded the ferry back to Istanbul as the day came to an end.
Looking back, the islands were one of the best parts of our time in Turkey.
We got to experience a completely different pace of life, move between Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada, eat fresh seafood by the water, watch the sunset and unexpectedly find ourselves surrounded by a community sharing its music, dancing and traditions.
Our Turkey trip started with us trying to see everything.
Somewhere along the way, my favorite moments became the ones where we simply got to experience what was already happening around us.
And ending our time in Istanbul on a ferry, watching the islands disappear behind us, felt like the perfect way to say goodbye.
QUICK GUIDE · ISTANBUL + THE PRINCES’ ISLANDS
Stay: Stayso The House Hotel · Sütlüce
Explore: Galata · Beyoğlu · Eminönü · Kınalıada · Burgazada · Heybeliada
Go for: Markets · rooftop views · ferry rides · island towns · seafood · sunsets
Don’t miss: Galata at night · the bazaars · island hopping by ferry
Best for: Ending the trip with city energy and slower days on the water
TRIP DETAILS
14 days · 3 stays · 2 sides of Istanbul · Cappadocia · 3 islands: Kınalıada · Burgazada · Heybeliada
Our route: Istanbul European Side → Istanbul Asian Side → Cappadocia → Istanbul + Princes’ Islands
Neighborhoods + towns: Ortaköy · Beylerbeyi · Çengelköy · Kuzguncuk · Çamlıca · Kadıköy · Uçhisar · Galata · Sütlüce
Our stays: Bosphorus Palace Hotel · Moonstone Cappadocia · Stayso The House Hotel
THE TURKEY JOURNAL
← Previous: Cappadocia: A Place That Doesn't Feel Real
EXPLORE DIFFERENTLY
If this way of traveling speaks to you, join the Sanuday Escape List for future retreats, intentional travel experiences and gatherings rooted in culture, nature and connection.
JOIN THE ESCAPE LIST ↓
