Exploring Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 | Mosques, Food, Bazaar & Hidden Gems!

I spent several days exploring Istanbul, Turkey, and it turned out to be nothing like I expected. From the moment we arrived, I realized this city is massive, organized, and full of energy — with some of the most welcoming people I’ve experienced while traveling. In this video, we explore some of the best things to do in Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, the historic Grand Bazaar, and the underground Basilica Cistern. We also visit Topkapı Palace, walk down the famous Istiklal Street, explore colorful neighborhoods like Balat, and try some incredible Turkish food — including kebabs, baklava, and local street eats. We stayed at Louis Rooms, a boutique hotel with a private rooftop and amazing views of the city, and got to experience the culture, hospitality, and daily life of Istanbul firsthand. If you’re planning a trip and wondering: • Is Istanbul worth visiting? • What are the best things to do in Istanbul? • Where to stay in Istanbul? • What food to try in Turkey? This video gives you a real look at what it’s like to explore one of the most unique cities in the world. ⸻ 🗞 Join the Community HERE! 🌐 Website: www.craiglou.com 📄 Media Kit: https://www.craiglou.com/mediakit ⸻ 🔗 Stay Connected With Me: 📸 Instagram: @craiglou_ 🎥 TikTok: @craiglou_ 🌍 Website: www.craiglou.com ⸻ Host: Craig Lou Founder of This Is Somewhere Visual Storyteller | Drone Pilot | Culture Curator. ⸻ 🔑 SEO KEYWORDS • Istanbul Turkey travel vlog • Istanbul travel guide 2026 • things to do in Istanbul • Istanbul food tour • Turkish food Istanbul • Grand Bazaar Istanbul • Blue Mosque Istanbul • Basilica Cistern Istanbul • Topkapi Palace Istanbul • Istiklal Street Istanbul • Balat Istanbul • Istanbul rooftop hotel • Istanbul itinerary • is Istanbul worth visiting • travel Turkey vlog