Six Hours in Istanbul: A Little Time, A Lot of Magic

They say one day in Istanbul isn’t enough—but what if you only had six hours? Yep, you read that right. Just six hours to explore, eat, soak in the energy, and squeeze in a little shopping. Challenge accepted.

My plane landed at 2:00 PM. By the time I checked into my hotel, it was 5:00 PM. Quick freshen-up, a deep breath, and off I went.

At 5:30 PM, I headed straight to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, which was conveniently next to my hotel. It’s a total sensory overload in the best way—bright colours, stacked spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight in every flavour, teas, oils, soaps. And the smell? Incredible. I’d done my research and knew that many people said the Grand Bazaar was more touristy and a bit overpriced these days, and since the Spice Bazaar is a smaller version, I decided to save the Grand Bazaar for my next visit.

By 6:00 PM, I was on foot, heading toward the Blue Mosque. On the way, I passed by the New Mosque (Yeni Camii). It’s right by the water in Eminönü, grand and peaceful. I didn’t go in—not because I didn’t want to, but because I was saving my quiet moment for the Blue Mosque.

From 7:00 to 8:00 PM, I was exactly where I needed to be: between the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Sultanahmet Square. I visited the Blue Mosque first—it was still, solemn, and I just sat there, letting the moment settle in. I must have stayed for longer than I thought, just watching people come and go, barely noticing the time.

Then I wandered over to Hagia Sophia. I didn’t go inside—the queue was long and time was ticking—but standing between those two architectural giants was something I’ll never forget. On one side, the calm strength of the Blue Mosque. On the other, the layered beauty of Hagia Sophia, which has been a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again. Over 1,500 years of history right there in front of me.

Spring had just sprung, and the gardens around Sultanahmet Square were in full bloom. Tulips—bright, delicate, and in every colour—lined the garden beds, complimenting the view and softening the edges of all that grand stone and history. It was like the whole place was celebrating the season, and I was lucky enough to catch it at just the right time.

At 9:15 PM, I made it to the Galata Bridge, the sky already turning dark. People were fishing, boats were floating, and the Bosphorus shimmered like it had secrets to keep.

By 10:00 PM, I was standing near the Galata Tower—built in the 1300s, once the tallest thing in Istanbul. I didn’t go up, just stood nearby, soaking it all in. After that hectic, nonstop afternoon, I found a little café nearby, sat down, and finally took a breath. That cup of coffee? Exactly what I needed. Just me, my thoughts, and the soft buzz of the city around me.

Somehow, in between all that walking and sightseeing, I still managed to fit in some seriously good food. My first bite in Istanbul was Simit (like a Turkish bagel, but lighter, crispier, and covered in sesame). I had Doner, stuffed mussels, and Balik (grilled fish under the bridge)—all eaten on the go or in stolen moments between sights.

I even managed to shop a little—some thoughtful gifts, and a few small items I could carry easily. Because who am I kidding? Even with 6 hours, I’m still going to find a reason to shop.

While walking back to the hotel, I was tired but completely content. Istanbul gave me everything it could in the time I had. It’s busy, bold, and full of contrasts—but even in the rush, it found a way to slow me down.

Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, but it’s modern, vibrant, and full of different ways of living. You’ll see people in headscarves walking next to people in crop tops—and that’s Istanbul. It’s a mix. You don’t need to be fully covered, but if you’re visiting mosques, it’s respectful to bring a scarf to cover your hair and dress modestly. Like any big city, you’ll meet all sorts of people. But here’s the thing: most people will be kind back if you’re kind and respectful. Even just learning to say "Merhaba" (hi in Turkish) will earn you a smile.

So thank you, Istanbul—for giving me a glimpse of your soul, even in just six hours. I’ll be back.