Gold Coast Girls Blog

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Istanbul in a Day

Istanbul in a Day

With less than 2 days to spend in Istanbul, I felt overwhelmed with what to put on my itinerary. There’s so much to see and do in the city and I wanted to see it all. So with careful planning and lots of walking (I’m talking OVER 13 miles), I managed to see all the highlights of Istanbul in just one day.

Here are some of the highlights from Istanbul in a day!

Solo Female Traveling in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque

One of the most famous and iconic destinations for tourists in Istanbul is commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque. It was built in 1616 and there are over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles!

Turkish Lamp Market in Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar

One of my favorite stops was the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world – built in 1461, stretching 61 streets and consisting of over 3,000 shops!

Overlook of Istanbul

Istanbul by Rooftop

The best way to see Istanbul is from a rooftop and there is no shortage of epic opportunities in the city. Most rooftop locations are safely guarded by locals, so it was an amazing experience to have one all to myself.

Chandeliers in Istanbul

Hagia Sofia

Hagia Sophia has been standing for more than 1400 years. It served as an Orthodox Cathedral until 1453 until Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (who conquered Istanbul) converted it into a mosque.

During the conversion, the Sultan covered the religious symbols rather than removing them, so today visitors can witness a unique monument that straddles time and religion.

Turkish Coffee Stand

Turkish Coffee Stop

A trip to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete a pit stop for a cup of Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is the rocket fuel of caffeinated concoctions. It’s a bit thicker in consistency than espresso and has a distinct flavor of cardamom.

The grounds left after drinking Turkish coffee can also be used for fortune-telling!

 

Be sure to read my The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Istanbul for more tips and recommendations! And if you’re looking to visit Istanbul, be sure to check out my guide on The Best Time to Travel to Turkey!

 

Shop My Favorite Istanbul Outfit Inspiration!

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    1. ebru

      Hi Kiki , one thing wrong that İstanbul is not meant to categorized in Middle East , fyi, and thanks for visiting our city , comeback to see the other marvellous places soon, thanks and have a nice life honey 😉 Ebru

      June 11, 2019 at 6:21 am · Reply
      • Gold Coast Girls Blog

        Hi Ebru! Thank you for the tip—I actually decided to put it both in Europe and the Middle East for user sake as many people view it as an in-between kind of country. Wanted to make sure it could be found either way! 🙂

        June 11, 2019 at 10:33 pm · Reply
    2. rick

      Hey Ebru,has Erdogan allowed Americans back in?

      June 12, 2019 at 11:16 am · Reply
      • ebru

        ask him if you want old looser 😉

        June 13, 2019 at 12:09 am · Reply

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    Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
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    We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

    We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

    The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

    And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

    411 24
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424
    Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun. We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite). The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet. And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

    Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

    This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

    I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

    Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

    @onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
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    Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

    223 33
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531
    Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️ This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials. I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag. Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb @onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner #travelessentials #packingtips #luggage Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

    Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

    There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

    It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

    If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

    NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

    It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

    This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

    571 47
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480
    Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance. It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it! If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special. NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit. It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary. This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

    The Okavango Delta is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype… and then somehow exceeds it. 🦒🇧🇼
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    A lush, water-filled oasis in the middle of the Kalahari, where the seasons quite literally shape the entire experience.

    Floodwaters arrive months after the rains fall in Angola, transforming the landscape into a maze of channels, islands, and wildlife-rich plains.

    We stayed at @aksanctuary Sanctuary Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island — known as the predator capital of Botswana. Because it’s one of the only areas of permanent dry land, animals naturally gather here… which means some of the most incredible game viewing you can experience.

    What makes this place so special is the contrast. Early mornings tracking predators on game drives, and afternoons drifting through quiet waterways in a mokoro, surrounded by birds, reeds, and the kind of stillness you rarely find anymore.

    And the timing completely changes the experience.
    ✨ Dry season (May–October): peak flood levels + unbelievable wildlife concentrations
    🌿 Green season (November–April): lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds

    No matter when you go, it’s one of the most unique safari destinations in the world, and one that feels wild, untouched, and unforgettable.
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #OkavangoDelta #BotswanaSafari #LuxurySafari #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience

    562 19
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18103021357746846
    The Okavango Delta is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype… and then somehow exceeds it. 🦒🇧🇼 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A lush, water-filled oasis in the middle of the Kalahari, where the seasons quite literally shape the entire experience. Floodwaters arrive months after the rains fall in Angola, transforming the landscape into a maze of channels, islands, and wildlife-rich plains. We stayed at @aksanctuary Sanctuary Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island — known as the predator capital of Botswana. Because it’s one of the only areas of permanent dry land, animals naturally gather here… which means some of the most incredible game viewing you can experience. What makes this place so special is the contrast. Early mornings tracking predators on game drives, and afternoons drifting through quiet waterways in a mokoro, surrounded by birds, reeds, and the kind of stillness you rarely find anymore. And the timing completely changes the experience. ✨ Dry season (May–October): peak flood levels + unbelievable wildlife concentrations 🌿 Green season (November–April): lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds No matter when you go, it’s one of the most unique safari destinations in the world, and one that feels wild, untouched, and unforgettable. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #OkavangoDelta #BotswanaSafari #LuxurySafari #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience
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