There are many ways to describe Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, once hailed as “the capital of the world” and the seat of three great empires. I had always been curious about Turkey but never had the chance to visit. Thanks to Turkish Airlines, I finally saw Istanbul, even if it was just for a day.

My original trip was for the Camino, and Turkey was not part of the plan. When our travel agent told us about the complimentary Istanbul city tour offered to international travelers with a layover, we immediately said yes. In that short visit, I fell in love with Turkey.

The complimentary Istanbul city tour is available exclusively to international travelers with a layover at Istanbul Airport. Passengers with Turkish Airlines tickets, a transfer time of 6 to 24 hours, and flight schedules that match the tour can take advantage of this service. Economy passengers may even get a free overnight stay, though we did not have time after traveling almost a month from Portugal, across Spain, to Morocco. 

We met up with the group at the Tour Istanbul desk at the airport. We registered and received our IDs, then waited for the tour guide, who led us to the bus. Our group tour was conducted in English.

Our first stop was Tepe Restaurant Lounge, perched above the Bosphorus in the Baltalimanı and Sarıyer area. The main attraction was the panoramic view. From the terrace or patio, we could see sweeping views of the Bosphorus and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. 

We enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast with cheeses, a selection of olives, fresh bread such as simit or pita, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and butter or cream with honey or jam.

After breakfast, we visited the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, in the Eminönü district near the New Mosque and the Golden Horn. Built in the 1600s, it is one of Istanbul’s most famous and historic markets. 

Inside, the market was lively, busy, and full of energy. Stalls overflowed with bright spices, dried fruits, roasted nuts, and Turkish Delight. And I had my first authentic Turkish Delight.

Next, we went to Hagia Sophia, the famous historic church turned mosque turned museum, now a mosque again. I have always wanted to see inside, but that was not on our agenda. Instead, we explored the castle beside it, Topkapi Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur. 

Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, it served as the administrative center and royal residence for nearly 400 years. The palace spreads across four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings, featuring ornate pavilions, lush gardens, and stunning views of the Bosphorus. It combines Ottoman architecture, Islamic art, and opulent decoration, with intricate tilework, gilded rooms, and delicate fountains. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s top attractions. 

I wanted to explore the Imperial Harem and the Treasury with priceless jewels and artifacts, but the line was too long. 

From the palace, our tour guide led the group to Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel for a complimentary buffet lunch.

After lunch, we walked to Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district. This area was once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the chariot-racing stadium of the Byzantine era. 

Here we saw the Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian obelisk originally erected for Pharaoh Thutmose III and later moved to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD. It stands on a marble pedestal with carved reliefs and remains one of the most prominent monuments at the Hippodrome site. 

Nearby, the Serpentine Column, originally a bronze tripod dedicated at Delphi after the Greek victory at the Battle of Plataea, was brought to Constantinople by Constantine the Great around 324 AD. Today only the intertwining serpents remain, while the original serpent heads and golden bowl are lost. 

We also saw the Walled Obelisk, a late-antique monument repaired by Constantine VII in the 10th century. Its original bronze cladding is gone, but the stone core still marks the southern end of the Hippodrome.

Our final stop was the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I to rival Hagia Sophia, it is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is famous for its six slender minarets, large central dome, and interior adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles, which give it its popular nickname. 

After visiting the Blue Mosque, we returned to Istanbul Airport and waited for our flight back to Manila. Even in just a day, Istanbul left a lasting impression, and I am grateful to Turkish Airlines for making this unexpected stop possible.