The unique city that straddles two continents and is a must-visit for shopping, food and culture
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ISTANBUL...just the name evokes intoxicating images of incense-filled mosques, historic palaces and bustling bazaars, air filled with exotic aromas.
I've been desperate to visit the city for years to experience everything it has to offer, including its fabulous food, and here I was finally - smack-bang in the middle of it all.
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The streets of Istanbul are a colourful delight
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Gerry was captivated by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
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The landmarks are a true Turkish delight
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Istanbul is a place like no other, the only city in the world to straddle two continents. But it's unique for many reasons.
Not long after my Turkish Airlines flight had landed, I was checking in at the Marmara Pera in the vibrant Beyoglu district where I found streets packed with bars, cafes and kebab shops to investigate.
My hotel was a stone's throw from the Istiklal Street, the city's shopping hub, a one-mile stretch from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, rammed with retail giants and independent stores, and thronged with tourists and local families.
But it was the Historical Peninsula I made a bee-line for. It hosts some of Istanbul's most beautiful and ancient buildings, rich in culture.
The stunning Topkapi Palace, offers an interesting glimpse into the country's colourful history. The welcoming courtyard and manicured gardens lead into the museum, packed with artefacts from the Ottoman empire and beyond.
I'd heard so much about the beauty of The Blue Mosque, one of the world's most recognisable buildings, but nothing prepared me for just how beautiful it actually is. It's one of those places you really do need to see with your own eyes.
Built in 1609, it's stunning blue interior tiles, six minarets, and impressive size left me literally open-mouthed.
To this day the Ottoman-era mosque is place of worship from Muslims and a draw for tourists.
The nearby Hagia Sophia grand mosque is equally as stunning.
Built in 360AD, it was the largest cathedral in all of Christendom before it was converted to an Islamic holy base by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.
One in three travellers admit they have no idea how to pack a suitcase efficiently
It was turned into a museum in 1934 before reverting back to a mosque in 2020 and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1985.
The incredible structure includes columns brought in from the Temple of Artemis in Ephessus used in the naves, as well as eight columns brought from Egypt that support the domes.
No matter what religion you are, or if you're not interested in any faith, it's absolutely worth visiting.
After a morning and afternoon of visiting the various attractions, it was time to sample Istanbul's famous gastronomy and where better than at Galeyan restaurant.
As soon as the Turkish 'balloon' bread was dished out with salads, I knew that I wasn't going to be hungry.
The table was soon heaving with dishes of hot and cold meze, and I devoured the delicacies. Eggplant dip and pitta breads packed with cheese soon vanished, followed by various lamb dishes and the freshest veg possible.
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Gerry soaked up all the culture, food and shopping that Istanbul had to offer
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Gerry stayed at the Marmara Pera hotel
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The hotel is smack bang in the middle of Istanbul
Needing to walk off my over-indulgence, my pals and I took a stroll through a few of the many neighbourhoods in the vast city, stopping off to taste Boza, a fermented drink loved by Turks at the Vefa Bozacisi shop.
Then it was time to hit shopping heaven (if you like shopping, that is!) at the city's famous 600-year-old Grand Bazaar, below — the oldest covered market in the world.
It was every bit as big and crazy as I'd expected but I absolutely loved the experience. There's just about everything you could possibly think of for sale here, from Turkish Delight to tea and decorative tiles.
My nose was quickly hit by the aroma of spices, soaps and leather items and my eyes literally popped out of my head at the crazy amount of jewellery stores.
It was crazy, chaotic and totally sensational but boy, was I glad to get a bit of peace and quiet back in my lovely, cool and comfortable room at the Marmara Pera hotel.
GO: INSTANBUL
GETTING THERE: Turkish Airlines flies from Edinburgh to Istanbul twice daily with baggage-inclusive round trip fares starting from £265. See turkishairlines.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the The Marmara Pera start from around £130 per night. See themarmarahotels.com/pera.
MORE INFO: For more on visiting Turkey see goturkiye.com.
Rested and revived, it was time to experience Istanbul after dark and what better way then cruising along the Bosphorus as the sun set.
Our luxurious yacht dropped us directly in front of the Ruby restaurant which even has its own mooring spot.
It's definitely one of the THE places to be, loved by the great and good of Istanbul.
With locally produced red wine flowing, we were soon sampling the tastiest kebabs, sensational seafood and endless side plates, laden with delicious local delicacies.
Although Istanbul is renowned for stunning past, the city has many contemporary attractions and many can be found in the trendy Galataport area.
The nearby Istanbul Modern Museum has art displays over several floors, including wacky interactive exhibitions.
But it was the cool vibe of the nearby Karakoy district I loved most. It's got tonnes of bars and cafes all nestled in packed little streets, bustling with local life.
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Istanbul draws visitors back again and again to explore its magical historical sites
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The shopping quarter is a true highlight
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The fancy Octo restaurant there was an ideal place to have lunch. Its slow-cooked beef rib was just sensational, as were the views over the port and the Bosphorus.
Next on the menu was a look at Istanbul's food but from the perspective of various artists.
The Is Sanat museum was showcasing an exhibition called 'Taste and Art: Delicious Paintings', which went down a treat with everyone.
And looking at all those fabulous food paintings and pictures made us hungry for the real thing and we were lucky enough to bag ourselves a table at the acclaimed Michelin-starred Neolokal — a fitting place to have our last meal.
It's set in a former bank building and the food is fancy — very fancy — but it doesn't compromise on taste.
There's everything from seafood to vegetarian and meat dishes, as well as stunning deserts which wouldn't look out of place in that 'Taste And Art' show back at the Is Sanat museum or one of the city's many art galleries.
My first visit to Istanbul was a real Turkish delight — and I'm already planning a return.
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