Your guide to Istanbul and Antalya: Travel tips, hotels, and local food

There’s something poetic about turning a year older in a place that has witnessed centuries. For my 26th birthday, I decided to swap the desert heat of Dubai for the historic warmth of Turkey — a spontaneous nine-day escape split between two coastal cities that couldn't be more different, yet equally unforgettable: Istanbul and Antalya.

Chapter 1: Istanbul — Where East marries West

The trip began with chaos — the kind that becomes a funny story later. I missed my flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Hungry, mildly frustrated, and already behind schedule, I arrived in the city far later than planned and checked into Rixos Tersane Istanbul, a stunning new property perched beside the Bosphorus. That first night was all about indulging in room service and sinking into the luxury I’d badly craved.

The next morning, Istanbul welcomed me with open arms, clear skies, and a climate I'd yearn for long after leaving. Rixos, as I’d come to learn, offers more than just opulence — its location is prime, and the breakfast spread? Impeccable. I boarded a boat transfer and drifted across the Bosphorus, that mystical strait that slices the city between two continents. My destination: Fener-Balat, Istanbul’s colorful soul. Wandering through its cobbled streets felt like stepping into a living museum — churches, mosques, Ottoman homes with peeling paint, and the scent of fresh gozleme mingling with the salty air. I even sampled stuffed mussels from a street cart, a surprisingly delicious adventure.

That Saturday night, the city called out for exploration. I found myself next to the Bosphorus, sipping tea and enjoying shisha outdoors, surrounded by Istanbul’s fashionable crowd. The street outside pulsed with life, though the traffic reminded me: in this city, walking is often the fastest (and most scenic) option. A word of caution — taxis here can be tricky; scammers are not unheard of.

Sunday brought serenity with a cruise across the Bosphorus, followed by an afternoon at Galataport — Istanbul’s answer to Dubai’s City Walk, but with ships docking in the backdrop and seagulls for company. We explored the Istanbul Modern Museum, and later that evening, I wandered through the neon-splashed energy of Taksim Square. It's vibrant even after dark, teeming with food, shops, and a rhythm that’s hard to resist.

Istanbul and I weren't done, but it was goodbye for now.

Chapter 2: Antalya — A sun-drenched detour

A short, inexpensive flight took me south to Antalya, Turkey’s Mediterranean darling. Here, I met a new friend who helped me navigate the city, and I was grateful for their local knowledge. My hotel, Adalya Port Hotel, overlooked the marina in Kaleiçi, the Old Town — a beautifully preserved pocket of Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman architecture. Narrow streets wind like poetry here, each corner offering a view more cinematic than the last.

Day and night, Kaleiçi never slept. The cafes were lively, the sea breeze was constant, and the cobbled paths were made for long walks — which I did, clocking more than 30,000 steps a day. I hadn’t used public transport in years, but in Antalya, hopping on a tram to Lara Beach felt like a nostalgic return to simpler ways of moving.

Although I’m not much of a beach person, Konyaaltı Beach changed my mind. Imagine JBR in Dubai, but with the Mediterranean’s rugged charm. Coffee shops and cafes lined the promenade, and on one magical night, I watched the Champions League semifinals under the stars, with good food and even better vibes. The latter, though, is debatable on a personal level as FC Barcelona bottled the trophy, yet again.

Chapter 3: Istanbul (redux) — With purpose and a plan

Returning to Istanbul for the final leg, I checked into Barceló Istanbul — a modern haven tucked close to Taksim Square. My room came with a mini private hammam, the kind of detail that makes a solo trip feel indulgently personal.

I curated a list of must-visits, beginning with the Galata Tower at sunset, its silhouette piercing the sky like a fairytale turret. Postcard-perfect and panoramic. I treated myself to a San Sebastian cheesecake, one of many available around the tower, and it was everything the Instagram posts had promised. Afterwards, I took a dreamy evening walk across the Galata Bridge, the wind in my hair, the city glittering on both sides. Istanbul, in that moment, felt timeless.

One breakfast that deserves its own paragraph: Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı in Nişantaşı. Next morning, I treated myself to an epic Turkish breakfast. Known for its endless refills of warm gözleme, cheeses, and jams, it’s as much a cultural experience as a culinary one. The interiors felt like a rustic farmhouse, and being solo worked to my advantage — no wait time, just a table piled high with deliciousness.

Fueled and happy, I set off to explore two of Istanbul’s architectural gems. First, the Dolmabahçe Palace, a jaw-dropping blend of Ottoman drama and European grandeur. Every chandelier sparkled like a constellation. Then came Ortaköy Mosque, nestled between the bridge and the water — at sunset, it felt like a painting that had come to life.

That night, as fate would have it, Adam Port of Keinemusik was playing in the city. I danced into the early hours — a fitting celebration to wrap up what had already been a dream birthday trip.

The following day, just before my flight at night, I made my way through Istanbul’s time-honoured treasures:

• Hagia Sophia is less a building and more a sacred encounter — domes upon domes, mosaics that whisper, and the weight of empires past.

• Just opposite, the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque stuns with its perfect symmetry and intricate İznik tilework. Even with crowds, there’s peace in its presence.

• At Topkapi Palace, I roamed the courtyards where sultans once schemed and poets once walked. Fascinating, right?

• And finally, I lost myself in the swirling chaos of the Grand Bazaar — a sensory riot of spices, carpets, and silver across 4,000 shops where you can try the ancient art of bargaining.

Where to stay? Hotels recommendations

Whether you’re after Bosphorus-side luxury or old-town charm, these three hotels shaped my journey across Turkey:

Rixos Tersane Istanbul

A glamorous new waterfront property with excellent service and food, right by the Bosphorus. Built within a restored 600-year-old Ottoman shipyard, this urban resort blends Ottoman-inspired elegance with modern luxury. There 432 artfully designed rooms including a presidential suite. The property's private boat tours of Fener-Balat help explore local art through in-house exhibitions. You can also dine at exceptional venues, and take part in fitness activities. There's also padel. Sold, right?

Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya

A character-filled boutique stay in the heart of Kaleiçi, overlooking the marina. It is tucked into the winding lanes of Antalya’s charming Old Town and offers a warm, character-rich stay just steps from the historic marina. Set in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-style building, the hotel combines classic architecture with modern comforts. Rooms are cosy and thoughtfully appointed, ideal for both short getaways and longer stays. The highlight? Its unbeatable location, making it a perfect base for exploring Antalya’s historic core.

Barceló Istanbul

Located just steps from Taksim Square Barceló Istanbul offers a stylish and modern base for exploring the city's vibrant European side. This sleek 5-star hotel features 273 spacious rooms, with select suites and Deluxe rooms offering private in-room hammams — a luxurious nod to Turkish tradition. After a long day, or night, you can unwind at the 1200 sqm Fitness & Wellness Center or take in panoramic city views from the rooftop B.Heaven Restaurant. With multiple dining venues, including a lively sports bar and elegant buffet, and a location close to shopping hotspots like Nişantaşı and İstiklal Street, Barceló is where modern comfort meets Turkish indulgence

Epilogue: A birthday worth remembering

Nine days. Two cities. One solo traveler chasing something intangible — a feeling, maybe. And I found it, somewhere between the call to prayer echoing at sunset and the aroma of fresh gozleme in the morning.

Turkey was a mood; now, a memory, a good one. It gave me a break from routine, a deeper appreciation for culture, and a delicious overdose of Turkish hospitality.

Would I go back? Yes, but not as a solo adventurer.