Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that forgets to be efficient because it is too busy being interesting. Mosques, markets, ferries, fish sandwiches, Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman tiles, cats everywhere. You cross the Bosphorus twice a day and it feels like travel each time.

Four days minimum. Stay in Karaköy or Cihangir, not Sultanahmet. Walk more than you plan to. Take the ferry to Kadıköy for dinner at least once. Our local contacts know the rooftop bars without Instagram queues.