How To Maximize 3 Days In Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey

Puffing, panting and sweating. This was the first memories I have of Istanbul as I adventurously walked up the hilly and winding streets of Beyoglu, a somewhat quiet neighborhood that seems to wake up only after breakfast-time.

I dreaded taking long-haul flights so after a 10-hour sit-fest from Kuala Lumpur, a trek along the shores of the Bosphorus and a hike up to Taksim Square provides a welcome relief for my numbing legs and behind.

This was my first time in the great city of Istanbul, where I spent a three full days at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

I began the day with a hearty brunch of lamb and rice, both cooked to fluffy perfection, before taking the crowded tram to Tophane on the other side of the Golden Horn.

My first stop was the Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum birthed from the demise of a shipping warehouse. Giant metallic sculptures adorn the grounds of the museum while the exhibitions inside are mutually impressive - expressionist and postmodern art occupied the top floor while photography works were displayed along a long corridor at the ground floor.

I was attracted to the photography collection because pictures have a more realistic way of telling me a story than a painting or sculpture - it’s a good way to gain a bit of an insight into the lives of Turks and how they see the world through their lenses. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).