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ISTANBUL Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Eat, Party, Tour, & Shop!



ISTANBUL Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Eat, Party, Tour, & Shop!

Hey guys, welcome back to my channel. I’m Lauren Sarasua. I’m here in Istanbul, Turkey. I came here yesterday in the morning, it’s a 10 hour direct flight from Miami. Suat picked me up from the airport and then we went to go have an amazing Turkish breakfast. Here in Turkey people love their tea.

Everybody thinks that Turkish people are crazy about coffee but they love, love tea. They have it all the time. I never knew that. But it’s very very delicious and very healthy. So, cheers. Then we went back to his house so that we could take a quick nap. I’m staying in one of his guest rooms.

Then we went out to a wonderful dinner on the Bosphorus. The restaurant we went to is named Uskumru. It’s a seafood restaurant which it’s very hard to find me in a seafood restaurant since I’m a spearfisher woman.   But it’s always great to explore the different Seafoods that are available in different countries and different cities.

So we went to this place and I got to tell you it’s amazing. Look at this beautiful view. We were right on the Bosphorus strait and they served such incredible salads the best melon I’ve ever had in my entire life, and they had this amazing fried fish that you eat whole

Which is one of my favorite things to eat. I didn’t get footage of all the food cuz I just dug right in. But after enjoying a beautiful dinner and an amazing view, we jumped on a cruise that was gonna take us to our next destination.

So guys, we just finished an incredible dinner on the strait. And now we are taking our boat, it’s gonna take us to a club called Oligark. While we enjoy some champagne on our way to the nightclub, I’m gonna share with you the things that I learned about the Bosphorus Strait.

This strait divides Istanbul into 2 continents. Europe and Asia. It stretches about 20 miles long with its narrowest point being just around 1800 ft wide. As you can imagine, the Bosphorus has been a crucial Maritime route. Connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and then to the Mediterranean

Which was amazing for facilitating trade and cultural exchanges. Today it remains one of the busiest waterways in the world. The bosphorus features unique Marine currents where the surface water flows from north to south while the strong undercurrent moves in the opposite direction. It has three major bridges that connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

And as you can imagine it’s lined with historic luxurious Waterfront Houses that reflect a blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles. So much fun. And now we’re just doing a city tour. So I’m going to take you guys along with me show you guys Istanbul with Berk and Suat. Suat Yiğit!

It’s always a great time with these two. And we have Jose here too, one of my dive buddies from Miami. Where is he? You okay? No. We partied last night. We had a great time. We’re suffering a little bit today but we’re going to make it through.

We’re just doing a quick tour of Istanbul. We’re going to eat a lot of really good food, so I’m going to take you guys along with me. Stay tuned. Our first stop is Basilica Cistern. This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. If you buy your ticket online you can avoid this super long line.

Look at that. Oh my god. Goes on forever. When you first walk in you have this beautiful view of the top of the columns. But then you have to go down two flights of stairs to reach the main floor. The first thing you notice is the sheer size of this place.

It’s approximately the size of two football fields. They’re roughly 459 ft in length and 230 ft wide. This Cistern is enormous. It has a whopping 336 columns, each 30 ft high. It’s like a force of pillars down here. it looks like it goes on forever. Oh my God, look at that.

And when you look at these columns, you’ll see that they’re not uniform. They’re a mix and match from various ruins. Kind of like like ancient recycling. Some of them have these beautiful carvings. check out this Medusa head. Apparently, there’s two. One is upside down and the other is sideways.   Why? No one really knows.

Maybe it was to negate the power of Medusa’s gaze or maybe the builders just wanted to have some fun. The force of columns support the ceiling in the city above it. Showcasing the impressive engineering skills of the Byzantine Empire. The next thing you notice is that the floor is covered in water.

What you walk on is an elevated graded pathway so that you can see the water below.  Now the water’s not there by accident. In the 6th century when Istanbul was still known as Constantinople, the city needed water.

Especially during sieges when enemies would cut off supplies so Emperor Justinian I built this massive system to store and supply water for the city. This place has survived for over 1,500 years. It’s witnessed Empire’s rise and fall. If these columns could talk, can’t imagine the stories they’d tell.

Here you can see the water dripping down the wall. After visiting the sistern we stopped into a little cafe where we had some Turkish coffee and sweets. This is a dessert called baklava. It’s so delicious. it’s sweet, it has different kind of nuts in it, it’s made with phyllo dough

And honey, and you can make it with pistachio, with walnuts. All different kind of nuts. It’s really really delicious. I highly suggest you try it when you come to Turkey. All right, now we’re going to enter the first Mall in history. We’re entering Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

It’s one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and you can buy just about anything you can thing of. A bazaar is what you call a market in a Middle Eastern or Asian country. It’s so large that it covers 61 streets and includes over 4,000 shops.

You guys know I love cooking, so I stocked up on spices. So many spices. It smells amazing in here. And surprisingly which I didn’t know, you can find incredible deals for leather goods in the Grand Bazaar.  And they are super high quality, and they rival any luxury brands here in the United States and in Europe.

You guys like it? Comment below. Tell them where your shop is. You guys gotta check this place out. The leather is incredible, super high quality. Everything… Beautiful. I’m getting this jacket for sure. We know where to go. Now its free.

After a little shopping, we stopped for a snack. We decided to try the classic döner. Döner consists of seasoned meat that’s shaped into a log and slow roasted for hours on a vertical spit.

And to top it off, they added some french fries which were honestly perfect for the state that we were in after partying the night before Let’s try it. I’m getting fat this trip. It’s so good. Perfect for a hangover. Definitely give it a try when you’re in Istanbul.

After exploring a few more sections of the bazaar, we decided to make our way across the city so that we could go to a super special restaurant to have a very unique meal. A lot of fishing going on over here. The name of the bridge is Galata and it’s a really famous fishing spot for the locals.

Very cool. Check out this view. Look at this. Wow. Beautiful.  So, I think we’re on the Asian side of Turkey right now. This waterway separates the Asian from the European side, beautiful. So, this is the first metro ever built… ever… the first one ever.

It used to be pulled with like chains and robes. Obviously, now it’s electric. But, wow. Oldest one in the world. Obviously everything is updated now, but… Incredible. Alright, apparently this is the best spot to try… What is it that we’re trying here? Sheep intestines. Okay.

This dish is called kokoreç. It normally consists of lamb or goat intestines wrapped around and seasoned. Which are the entrails and internal organs of an animal including sweet breads, hearths, lungs, kidneys and typically this is grilled.

I know it doesn’t sound very appetizing but you you guys know how adventurous I am with food and I love to try everything. And this restaurant is known for its cocoa ditch and it’s apparently the best in Istanbul. So we got to give it a try. Take it with the whole… like whole chunk. Okay.

That looks really good. Feels hot. I took a big bite. That’s good. It’s really seasoned with a lot of spices. It’s nice and salty… and fatty. Delicious. After discovering how delicious sheep intestins are we continued to walk through the beautiful city of Istanbul.

And we found this spot with restaurants and little shops and made our way into this little store that sold premium honey. One of the best. This has 5,000 different flowers. We just started. He said we just started. Look at all of these honeys. This is #2 in the world. This is the #1.

7,000 different flowers. The second thing is 2,800 M elevation. So it’s pure, wild honey. It’s about the taste. Delicious. Wow. Amazing. Check that tower out. Looks like a princess is in there. This is the Galata Tower that was built as a watchtower, now it’s just a museum. No princesses.

However, here in the middle of the Bosphorus Strait, you see the Maiden’s Tower. Legend has it that there was an emperor who loved his daughter very much and an Oracle predicted that she would die by snake bite on her 18th birthday. So to try to prevent the prophecy from coming true

The Emperor built this Tower in the middle of the Bosphorus to keep his daughter away from snakes. However, as they were celebrating her 18th birthday, he gave his daughter a basket   of exotic fruits to celebrate the fact that they  were able to break the prophecy.

However, when she reached into the basket for a fruit, a small  snake had been hiding among the fruit and bit her. And she ended up dying in her father’s arms. So tragic. Alright, we just walked for what seemed like an eternity, but the sun’s down now. We’re going to this restaurant called Affan. So… Let’s see.

It’s nice. Yeah. As I said it earlier in this video, I’m definitely getting fat on this trip. Look at all this amazing food. I’ve accepted my fate. I don’t even care cuz Turkish food is delicious. Hey guys, I died last night. I had to pass out after that dinner.

I was so exhausted after being hung over and we walked like over 25,000 steps throughout the city. But I hope you enjoyed our little tour. It was really fun. Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to do. Berk. We’re on our way south and we stopped at this place for lamb.

We came here last year and it was incredible. The lamb here is delicious. It’s roasted over holes and then cut fresh for you. We’re going to go inside and get some grub. I told Suat I’m not going to fit in any of my bikinis anymore. I’m getting so fat here. We’ve been eating non-stop.

It’s so crazy. These guys can eat. Alright guys, going to dig in. Alright, we arrived to Izmir. Look at my room. We’re staying in this cute little boutique hotel. This is the bathroom. Cute spot, right? Now we’re walking to the boat so that we can go prepare our gear for tomorrow.  

Apparently, the marina is within walking distance from our hotel, so… that’s awesome. We’re here at the store to get some snacks for the boat tomorrow. And there’s a dog just laying in the the middle of the store.  Turkey take very good care of their strays. They have a really good program for it.

In Turkey there’s a no kill, no capture policy. So whenever you see a dog with a tag on its ear, that means that it’s already been vaccinated and sterilized. So we’re here on this guy’s boat. We’re watching him today fight a tuna for like… 5 hours he was fighting it? 6 hours.

6 and a half, 7. 6 and a half, 7 hour fight. How is he still standing? But now we have the caravan coming with our gear. So we’re going to set that up and prepare for tomorrow. Where we’re all going to go out together and we’re going  to have a great time.

Shoot some tuna. The plan is to wake up tomorrow super early. We have to be  here at 4:00 in the morning. We really want to be in the water… Actually, before light, so… It’s gonna be a very, very early morning. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight.

Alright, I’ll see you on the boat tomorrow.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Istanbul with Me and my host @SuatYigit  as we explore the city’s vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, bustling nightlife, and shopping paradises—all within 48 hours! From the historic grandeur of the Basilica Cistern to the endless shops in the Grand Bazaar, this guide is your key to experiencing the very best of Istanbul, no matter how short your stay.

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:17 – Turkish Breakfast
00:53 – Dinner on the Bosphorus Straight
01:32 – Cruise Down the Bosphorus Straight
02:35 – Party at the Nightclub Oligark
04:06 – The Basilica Cistern
05:59 – Traditional Turkish Sweets
06:25 – The Grand Bazaar
07:55 – Tasting Döner Kebab
09:35 – Riding on the World’s 1st Metro
09:53 – Eating Kokorec at Ozzie’s Famous Restaurant
11:23 – Tasting Turkey’s World-Renowned Honeys
12:50 – The Maiden’s Tower Legend
13:29 – Dinner at Affan
14:17 – Roasted Lamb for Lunch
15:00 – Arriving to Izmir
15:31 – Turkey’s Stray Dog Tagging System

🍽 Eat: Dive into Istanbul’s culinary scene with recommendations for the city’s best kebabs, mezes, and traditional Turkish sweets, from hidden gems to luxurious dining experiences.

🎉 Party: Discover the pulsating nightlife of Istanbul, from yacht cruises with breathtaking views to electrifying nightclubs that promise unforgettable nights.

👁 Tourist: Get insider tips on navigating Istanbul’s rich tapestry of history and culture. Visit iconic landmarks and uncover hidden treasures.

🛍 Shop: From the grand bazaars to chic boutiques, learn where to find unique souvenirs, luxury items, and everything in between.

✈️ Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide ensures you’ll make the most of your 24 hours in Istanbul. Join us as we reveal the secrets to enjoying Istanbul’s endless delights without missing a beat.

👍 Like this video? Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated on our travel guides and tips for your next adventure!

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TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@laurensarasua

47 Comments

  7. @josealejandrosirokesteve4487

    Hi Lauren!!! How are you doing? Enjoy your travel in Istanbul so much!!!😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 I invite you to watch my videos of Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel next.

  13. @cagdaskucukpehlivan9517

    Welcome lauren :)) Really nice to see you here in İzmir…I hope to see you in İzmir like other followers 🙂 Meet with us 👋🏻 👋🏻 Suat abi misafirperverlikte mükemmel temsil ediyorsunuz bizi çok teşekkürler selamlar 👏🏻👋🏻

  15. @auglazeallday5335

    You're such a beautiful and articulate host! I like these formats much better than the ones where you spend the majority of the video underwater.

    Very well done! It was a pleasure to watch and learn a little about Turkish history/culture.

    I almost forgot…I flew through Istanbul on a return flight to Qatar. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go explore, but I really liked their airport. That sounds weird to say, but it was very nice.

  16. @neosam4163

    Hello my favorite YouTuber! Fab vlog as usual. I'm glad you got to tour Istanbul. I'm fortunate to have met few people from there and gosh, they are super nice people. Have fun,

  24. @kevind1555

    Sheep intestines ❓oh yummy… 🐑…🥴…😵‍💫… 😬… delicious…🥺…
    really it's delicious… 🤢… really… would I lie…? …🤮… that was so good…😖… go on… try some…😁

  25. @js7127

    Hey Lauren, good to see you checking in. That melon is a favorite of mine and has a very short season, I find them in So California grocery stores for 3wks to a month, labeled Santa Clause melon or Mexican friends call them "Piel de Sapo" or frog skin.

  27. @turkishskyhawk

    Herşey süper ama balcı kardeş inanılmaz sallamış.5000 farklı çiçek….Doğaya aykırı.Olmaz. .

  28. @turkishskyhawk

    OOO..Atmasyonun dozajı pik yapmış.7800 farklı çiçek olmuş.Balcı kardeşi bulup ikaz etmek gerekli.

  35. @alfredosalas2693

    Me encantan tus videos eres hermosa muy guapa saludos para todo tu equipo y a ti te mando un abrazote 😘 🤗 😊 😉 🙂 💕

  39. @ED-nj3uu

    Welcome Lauren, it's nice to see you and your friends in Turkey again. Thank you very much for introducing our country sincerely and lovingly. Take care of yourself. Actually, you don't need to take care of yourself because Suat Abi is with you and he will take good care of you anyway. Good luck in the hunt. Greetings, love.

  41. @ertanuca5463

    You have been all tourist traps in Istanbul! I don’t know who is helping you to find these destinations but it seems like you enjoyed it as well

  43. @zelko

    Serbian or Slavic people build Konstantinopol fisrt and the history is just amazing !

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