Returning from a 10-day trip to Türkiye with Amazing Tour, hot travel blogger Ly Thanh Co has compiled a list of the most ideal locations for taking stunning photos for social media. In the article below, Ly Thanh Co will reveal many interesting places to readers as well as guide you on how to take the right photos.
For me, travel has three essential elements: delicious food, culture, and beautiful scenery. Istanbul is a city that embodies both of these, and on my third visit, I decided to focus on photography, as I'd already experienced the culture and cuisine on previous trips. So this time, my focus will be on discovering the most beautiful photo spots in Istanbul.
Lighting Shops at the Grand Bazaar
It's no exaggeration to say this is my favorite place in Istanbul. The meticulously crafted, intricately carved lamps, always illuminated by electricity, make each shop incredibly dazzling, and even a quick glance at the photos is enough to know this is Turkey. The hardest thing about taking good photos here is that the shop owners forbid photography, but they soften their stance when customers make purchases. I chose a shop with lovely lamps and an impressive carpet to photograph, since I also needed to buy some souvenirs, so it was killing two birds with one stone.
Lady Diana Hotel's Rooftop View of Hagia Sofia
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are two of Istanbul's most spectacular sights. But simply standing in front of the mosque's entrance will make you look like hundreds of other photos. Having visited both of these magnificent Turkish architectural wonders on two previous trips, I longed to capture a unique photo angle of my own. And that spot is at the Diana Hotel's rooftop; just go upstairs, buy a drink for 7 lira, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning Hagia Sofia or Blue Mosque. A tip: due to the direction of the light, Hagia Sofia is more beautiful at sunset, while the Blue Mosque is most breathtaking at sunrise.
The Bosporus is where you can sail between the Asian and European shores, offering you the most breathtaking views of Istanbul's immense size. It also allows you to capture unique and stunning photographs from the sea looking inland.
The Gate of the Dolmabahçe Palace
This most opulent palace of the Ottoman dynasty would be a fantastic backdrop, but once inside, while just as beautiful as the palaces in France, you won't get any photos. Why? Photography is prohibited inside the palace. But that doesn't mean you can't find some memorable pictures. The royal gardens, situated near the Bosporus Strait with their magnificent archways, are a great option for taking photos.
Colorful Old Town of Balat & Unique Cafes
It was a strange place because I didn't expect to find a pace of life so different from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Balat's old town is tranquil, with many cafes of various styles clustered together, and the colorful and interestingly decorated street corners are enough to make you marvel. Just a stroll here is enough to give you dozens of beautiful photos for Instagram.
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
I've always loved contemporary art, and although I haven't had the chance to visit in person, my research online suggests this museum is worth a visit. It offers a contrasting perspective to the ancient architecture of Istanbul.
Opening hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Entrance fee: The basic fee is 60 lira, but student discounts are available.
About the author Ly Thanh Co:
- Current job: Copywriter and manager of Ly Thanh Co Travel Blog.
- 2018: Traveled through 14 European countries and 2 Asian countries; launched the book "Youth in Your Wallet, What Can You Buy?"
- 2019 Plan: Launch my second travelogue about my journeys through Northern Europe, Western Europe, and Japan; and continue exploring Africa.
At Travel Fest 2019 held in Hanoi recently, he was one of the special guests in a talk show sharing his experiences on various types of travel. He is also one of the "7 impressive travel bloggers of 2018" that Travellive previously introduced to its readers.
After each trip, Ly Thanh Co always feels that he learns a lot of new knowledge, satisfies his curiosity about the world around him, and that is also the source of inspiration for his current writing work.
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