Istanbul is a city defined by its fascinating layers, a historic metropolis shaped over millennia by diverse civilisations, yet vibrant and fiercely modern in its contemporary cultural output.
This week, The Plum Edit team spent a captivating 72 hours exploring Turkey’s cultural capital, gathering the ultimate insider recommendations for your next long-weekend itinerary.
We spent the majority of our 72-hour escape immersed in the Old City (Sultanahmet). This historic district feels undeniably grand, nostalgic, and deeply spiritual. While the wider metropolis rushes enthusiastically toward the future, the Old City remains peacefully anchored in the architectural echoes of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
From sailing historic waterways to descending into ancient underground marvels, an itinerary focused on the heart of the peninsula provides an unforgettable glimpse into how centuries of heritage continue to shape daily Turkish life.
Over the weekend, we were welcomed aboard the historic vessel Halas for an unforgettable lunch while floating along the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus Strait. Originally constructed as a public steam ferry, Halas carried passengers across these famous waterways for over 65 years.
The vessel carries immense historical significance, having operated through pivotal moments in 20th-century history: Originally serving during the Gallipoli Campaign and later remained active during the Allied occupation of Istanbul. Following her wartime service, the boat was returned to Turkey and officially renamed Halas, which translates fittingly to "liberation."
In 1984, Turkish publisher Haldun Simavi converted the historic ferry into a luxury motor yacht. Later refined through extensive restoration by Mustafa and Caroline Koç, she operates today as an exclusive coastal cruiser.
Stepping inside Halas reveals an opulent interior featuring a spacious main lounge, a formal dining room, and a quiet library. The design masterfully balances period architectural elegance with state-of-the-art modern luxury, offering guests an exquisite, high-end way to experience the historic charm of the Bosphorus.
Watch our full 72-hour Istanbul travel video below:
No itinerary in the Old City is complete without exploring the subterranean world beneath its cobblestone streets. During our trip, we took an unforgettable tour down into the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), an underground water reservoir dating back over 1,500 years that stands as one of the oldest surviving structures from the Byzantine period.
Constructed during the 6th century under the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this engineering marvel was designed to store and supply clean water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and surrounding royal estates.
In 2020, a major, sensitive restoration transformed how visitors interact with the ancient site. Heavy concrete walkways were replaced with an elegant floating metal path suspended just above the water line. Combined with ambient, dynamic light installations, the space now feels akin to a contemporary immersive art gallery.
As you wander through the softly lit water columns, you can marvel at famous architectural details, such as the Medusa Head Bases, located in the northwest corner of the cistern, the two massive carved Medusa heads serve as the bases for dual support columns. Placed sideways and upside down, their origins remain shrouded in myth and ancient structural repurposing.
There's also the Weeping Column, Adorned with carved teardrop patterns and peacock eyes, this famous damp pillar is said to honour the hundreds of slaves who lost their lives during the original construction of the reservoir.
This historical site is a wonderful opportunity to immersive yourself, quite literally, into the city. The cistern’s atmospheric beauty has captured the imagination of filmmakers for decades, most famously serving as a dramatic filming location for the 1963 James Bond classic From Russia with Love.
Beyond historical explorations, a weekend in Istanbul is inherently tied to rich culinary traditions. During our trip, we sat down for an exceptional meal at Hamdi, one of the Old City’s most celebrated dining institutions.
Founded by Chef Hamdi Arpacı, a legendary figure widely regarded as a master of traditional Turkish meat preparation, the restaurant started as a modest street stall before growing into a multi-storey culinary destination.
Hamdi serves over 30 varieties of meticulously spiced, flame-grilled kebabs alongside authentic meze platters. Paired with sweeping, panoramic views overlooking Golden Horn Bay, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Strait, dining here provides the ultimate culinary conclusion to a weekend of sightseeing.
Whether you are navigating the historic pathways of the Basilica Cistern, enjoying freshly prepared culinary classics overlooking the water, or floating past grand Ottoman palaces aboard a historic yacht, Istanbul promises an invigorating blend of romance, luxury, and history.
