ahoyne9After wrapping up our chaotic Cairo adventure, we hopped on a short flight to Istanbul—our final stop before heading home. I booked this leg using 7,500 Aeroplan points and $80, flying Turkish Airlines in economy. I skipped business class here since I wasn’t excited about the typical European-style setup (blocked middle seat). Turns out, even Turkish’s short-haul business class looked more like domestic first class in the U.S., so I didn’t feel like I missed much.
We landed in the early afternoon at Istanbul Airport, which is far from the city center. I couldn’t quite figure out the Uber pick-up location, but a taxi driver matched the Uber price and let us pay with a credit card, so that worked out well.
🏨 Hyatt Regency Istanbul: A Spa-Lover’s Dream 12.05.24
We stayed three nights at the Hyatt Regency—a great deal at just $96.16 a night. It’s not the most central location for sightseeing, but it’s close to the metro, and the hotel itself is fantastic. The spa, pool, sauna, steam room, and gym were top-tier and worth every penny. Highly recommend it if you’re okay being a short ride from the city center.
🕌 Exploring Istanbul: Palaces, Mosques & Kebabs 12.06.24
The next day we hit the ground running. We took the metro to Dolmabahçe Palace, an opulent waterfront estate that blends European and Ottoman design. From there, we jumped on the light rail and crossed the Bosphorus Bridge into the heart of Istanbul.
I made it a mission to eat a proper döner kebap, and Hafız Usta Döner Kebap delivered—juicy, flavorful, and exactly what I needed after hours of sightseeing.
Our final full day in Istanbul was packed. We visited Sultanahmet Square, home to both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, we didn’t go inside either—Hagia Sophia had a long queue, and the Blue Mosque was closed for prayer hours when we arrived. Still, walking the square was impressive, and I did get to step inside my first mosque—Beyazıt Mosque, near Istanbul University. The intricate architecture and quiet reverence inside were unforgettable.
Of course, no trip to Istanbul is complete without being made a fool by a Turkish ice cream vendor—it’s a rite of passage. Afterward, we spent our last few hours wandering the legendary Grand Bazaar, which is less about shopping and more about haggling over tea with local vendors. It’s chaotic, colorful, and an experience all on its own.
🛫 The Final Flight: Turkish Business Class Back to the U.S. 12.07.24
On December 7, we left the hotel at 4:30 AM for our 7 AM flight to Chicago. This time, we were flying business class with Turkish Airlines, which I booked directly with 45,000 Turkish Miles & Smiles points and $250—an absolute steal at the time (now it’s about 65,000 points, still worth it). The long-haul experience was fantastic: delicious food, attentive crew, and lie-flat seats that made the early departure a lot more bearable.
Final Thoughts
Istanbul hit the perfect balance between history, food, and charm. The mix of ancient tradition and modern hustle gives the city a pulse that’s hard to forget. I’d absolutely go back—maybe next time I’ll actually make it inside the Blue Mosque.
Cheers!