With plenty of direct flights between Luxembourg and Istanbul, Turkey has become a popular holiday destination. It also boasts glorious summer sunshine and pleasant temperatures all year round.
But the best thing about Turkey, according to Pinar Geçmen who grew up in Istanbul and who now works in Luxembourg’s finance industry, is its combination of history and modern life.
She recommends regions to visit around the country, her favourite restaurants in Istanbul, and day trips from the capital.
Which regions of Turkey should I visit?
I can highly recommend the Aegean region in the summer. Compared to the Mediterranean, the air is not humid and the sea is colder. Alacati, Bodrum, Marmaris have the most beautiful coastlines in Turkey, in my opinion. During the winter, I would recommend visiting Erzurum if you want to go skiing and during the spring you can visit Kapadokya, famous for its sharp pointed rocks known as fairy chimneys.
In which parts of Istanbul would you recommend staying?
I recommend staying in the European side of Istanbul since all palaces and museums are in the European side of the city. I would recommend Karaköy, Nişantaşı,Ortaköy and Besiktaş.
Which are your favourite restaurants and bars in Istanbul?
Meyhane is like a tapas restaurant where you can match your Turkish mezes or kebab with Turkish wines and, of course, the traditional Turkish alcoholic drink, raki.
Meyhane- Karakoy lokantasi is an elegant place which serves fresh meze and other dishes.
Duble meze bar for music and nibbles.
For cocktail bars, I would suggest Alexandra Cocktail Bar and Ulus 29.
In terms of nightclubs, 360 Istanbul and Ruby are very popular.
Which local delicacies must I try before leaving?
I absolutely recommend local fish at the restaurants in the Bosphorus. Also people should try a real kebab which is Adana Kebab, Döner, Manti, and of course Baklava.
What is so special about Istanbul?
Istanbul is one of the oldest metropoles, starting first with Romans and then continues with Ottoman Turks, so each street is full of history and life. You can see modern and antient life together in the city. While visiting historical sites during the day, you may find yourself feeling the life in the Ottoman Empire, and nightlife may take you to Ibiza. So the perfect combination of history and modern life.
What would you suggest people do while they are there?
Go on a boat tour on the Bosphorus. Visit Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. They are all close to each other. Go to Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar to buy diamonds or gilds and spices. Book yourself a historical Turkish Hamam. Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan hamam is one of the best.
Which nearby regions would you recommend visiting?
I can recommend the fourth biggest city in Turkey, Bursa, which is 2 hours away from Istanbul. Bursa is known for many things – its historical significance as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Mosque, Iskender Kebab, silk production, and its natural hot springs and thermal baths.
What’s the best way to get around?
Metro and metrobus are the best and fastest ways to travel because in Istanbul there is constant traffic since the population is around 16 million people.
If you’re an expat living in Luxembourg and would like to share tips from your home country, get in touch by emailing heledd.pritchard@luxtimes.lu