Day 1: Arrival and Shopping at Zorlu Centre

We arrived in Istanbul late Friday afternoon and checked into our hotel, conveniently located near the Zorlu Centre. Without wasting any time, we headed straight to the Zorlu Centre for some retail therapy and a delicious lunch.

Our first stop was Eataly, an Italian eatery that did not disappoint. I indulged in a Diavola pizza, which was absolutely amazing with its thin, crispy crust and perfectly spiced toppings. My mum opted for a pesto chicken salad, which was equally amazing.

After our meal, we wandered around the Zorlu Centre, exploring the variety of shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. We returned to the hotel later to freshen up and get ready for the highlight of our trip – the Dimash concert.

Evening: Dimash Concert at Tüpraş Stadyumu

The concert was held at Tüpraş Stadyumu, home to the Turkish football team Beşiktaş. Before the concert, we grabbed a quick dinner at the stadium, consisting of a tasty chicken dürüm and a bag of crisps!

Dimash delivered a performance that exceeded all expectations. Known for his extraordinary vocal range that spans six octaves, Dimash wowed with his versatility, performing everything from operatic arias to contemporary pop songs. His ability to sing (and speak) in multiple languages and genres was truly impressive. The nearly three-hour concert included several surprise guest appearances, adding to the excitement of the evening.

After the concert, we took a taxi back to our hotel. The ride was quite an adventure, as our taxi driver navigated the streets with a level of enthusiasm that reminded me of a wild taxi ride I once experienced in Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2: More Shopping and Culinary Delights

The next morning, we returned to Zorlu Centre for more shopping and culinary experiences. Our day began at the Godiva Café, where I enjoyed a refreshing ginger, cinnamon and herb tea, while my mum savoured a rich coffee. Each drink was accompanied by two delicious Godiva dark chocolates, setting a delightful tone for the day. We then headed to Zara, where we spent a solid couple of hours indulging in retail therapy.

For lunch, we chose Parlé, a charming French restaurant. We started with a tomato soup that featured a breaded mozzarella cheese ball and was served from individual jugs – a nice touch. For the main course, I had the tagliatelle bolognese, while my mum enjoyed the baked beetroot and goat cheese salad. Both dishes were exceptional.

In the afternoon, we met a friend at Cantinery, where we had a relaxing tea and a good chat. Afterwards, we couldn’t resist returning to Eataly for dessert. My mum had an éclair and I indulged in a millefeuille, both of which were delicious. Feeling thoroughly stuffed and content, we returned to our hotel to rest before our flight the next day.

Day 3: Departure and Relaxation at Istanbul Airport

On our final day, we made our way to Istanbul Airport. After checking in and claiming our VAT refunds, we headed to the iGA lounge. We spent a few hours relaxing, enjoying glasses of rosé and sampling a variety of tasty foods. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on our whirlwind 48-hour adventure before our flight back to North Cyprus!

Stay curious, stay wandering — The Wanderpreneurs Diary