Istanbul doesn’t seem to be the first destination that comes to mind when talking about a relaxing getaway as a mother-daughter duo.
It’s a shame because this gorgeous city has SO much to offer….. and 23 Travels are going to show you why as we delve into our latest trip with our mum to Istanbul.
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1. Traditional Turkish Hammam
This is the ULTIMATE pampering experience, not to be compared to your typical spa. Our personal favourite hammam is Kilic Ali Pasa in Beyoglu, it’s easily the top-rated hammam in Istanbul.
What’s a hammam you ask? It’s a bathing experience that forms an important tradition in North African and Middle Eastern culture; it tends to take place in beautiful old bathing houses. The two most common types of baths are the Moroccan hammam and the Turkish bath.
It is advised that you book online, walk ins are not recommended. Also, they offer separate visiting hours for women and men which was a really nice touch.
Once you walk into the gorgeous domed building, you’ll be transformed into a world of relaxation, tranquillity and serenity. Mum and I were greeted by the incredible women and seated with a complimentary apple sherbert (we’ve never had anything like this, it was delicious!!)
We were given keys to our own lockers to undress down to our bikini bottoms and traditional towels (complimentary). I had actually forgotten my bikini bottoms (facepalm) but I was surprised to find out they have disposable bottoms that they can give you, phew! Now, comfort levels need to be beyond 100% with whoever you go with, mum and I were led inside to begin our bathing ritual. Our traditional towel was taken away and let’s just say we were very exposed, having quite an eyeful laid bare!! We found this part childishly funny.
The lovely attendants rinsed us both side by side with warm water and, motioned for us to lay down on a heated marble slab with other women where you feel everyone is glancing at your breasts (they really aren’t, don’t worry)!!
Now for my favourite part, they lathered us in soapy, foamy goodness using a large foam bag. Subsequently, you are scrubbed like you have never been scrubbed before, any dead skins cells you might have had are now gone and your body is left feeling ultra silky smooth. Our mum LOVED this experience from beginning to end, I mean who wouldn’t?! We are already planning our next trip back.
There is no doubt you will leave here feeling the cleanest you have EVER been. If you are questioning whether you should undergo this body cleansing ritual at one of Istanbul’s oldest hammams, the answer is ABSOLUTELY!
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam – Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (8am-11:30pm)
2. A sharing traditional breakfast
Now hear me out, it’s a bizarre one to add to the list but trust me, it is the ultimate bonding experience.
We came across Yigit Sofram, a highly-rated breakfast spot near our apartment in Beyoglu. After reading all the incredible reviews, we wanted to see what it was all about. Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint.
My mum & I got our eggs done two different ways, both with sucuk (a traditional Turkish sausage) so we could try each others. I ordered the Turkish eggs whilst she ordered the omelette and both were executed phenomenally.
The halloumi was perfect but a notable mention has to be a new traditional foodie find, Gözleme (picture 4). This is a savoury Turkish stuffed turnover which we are sure you’ll want to eat every single day of your trip! Yigit Sofram offers many different tasty fillings, we chose cheese and spinach which was delicious.
If you don’t order anything we have mentioned, you MUST get the Pomegranate juice! You’ll be asking for refill after refill, guaranteed!
Yiğit Sofram – Kılıçalipaşa Mahallesi Sıraselviler Caddesi, Yeni Yuva Sk. 31 A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening Hours: Mon (Closed), Tue-Fri (8am-5pm), Sat-Sun (8am-6pm)
3. Shopping, shopping, shopping
What is a mother/daughter trip if shopping is not involved?! We swerved the malls as we wanted a Turkish shopping experience so, we headed to the Grand Bazaar which also has the infamous spice market.
Whilst it seemed to be an inconvenience to others, I loved the fact we walked through a metal detector, it just made us feel that much safer whilst inside the bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar offers a truly immersive experience that showcases the vibrant heart of the Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. As one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a wonderland of over 4,000 shops and stalls, each one brimming with handcrafted goods to antiques, spices to textiles, and so much more. Be warned, visiting this iconic location will trigger sensory overload, there is so much going on which makes it a truly unforgettable experience! Be sure to not lose sight of any of your belongings.
Mum & I tried to figure out a logical way to tackle this maze of a bazaar but it’s almost impossible. There are numbered entrances but we still didn’t find this particularly helpful. We said if we lost each other, we’d meet at an agreed restaurant outside. The bazaar offers up the biggest selection of replica designer goods I have EVER seen! Bags, shoes, sunglasses even perfume. It isn’t unheard of that visitors travel from afar just to stock up on these very convincing looking items.
It truly is an unparrelled shopping experience making it the ideal mother/daughter treat if you are in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar – Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat (8:30am-7pm), Sun (Closed)
Spice Bazaar – Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (8:00am-7:30pm)
That’s All 23 Travellers! Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoyed reading through ‘Why Istanbul should be your next mother-daughter holiday.’
23 Travels are Personal Travel Planners who have been creating bespoke travel itineraries for many years. If you would like us to plan your trip to Istanbul, or any other worldwide destination for you, please visit 23 Travels Itinerary Services.
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