I have visited Türkiye a number of times as a kid, but Istanbul just once and it was a while back. It is a massive city! Just the ride from the airport into downtown take about 50 min. This was 2024.

Back in 2007 was my first visit. Back then, I entered the city via train and then too it surprised me how widespread the city is and the time it takes before you get into the center. 

I recognised the Sultanamet area (where I stayed in a hostel way back when), but Galeta (where I stayed this time) was completely new to me. A nice neighbourhood.

The city itself is crowded with tourists. And that is okay. It is big enough not to feel overwhelmed (apart from Sultanamet). An interesting people, the Turkish. A nice blend of European on the one hand and Middle Eastern on the other end.