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Istanbul: Damp Socks & Questionable Street Food (Worth It)

@Alex Rivera2/13/2026blog
Istanbul: Damp Socks & Questionable Street Food (Worth It)

okay, so istanbul. it’s…a lot. i landed with absolutely zero expectations, mostly because i booked this trip on a whim after a particularly brutal gig in *berlin. my ears were still ringing, and i needed somewhere cheap with good tea.


let’s be real, the flight was rough. i think i slept maybe two hours, and the guy next to me kept trying to explain the intricacies of turkish football. i understood approximately zero percent of it. but hey, free entertainment, right?

i just checked and it’s…a persistent drizzle, apparently. feels like someone’s constantly misting the city with a lukewarm spray bottle. not ideal for my leather jacket, but whatever. i’m a drummer, i’ve played in worse.

brown brick building near green grass field under blue sky during daytime


so, the weather. it’s not bad, exactly. it’s just…present. constantly. the humidity is insane - 82% they said. my hair has officially declared independence. and the temperature? hovering around 12 degrees. feels like 11 though, because of the damp. i’m pretty sure my socks are permanently moist.

but the city itself…wow. it’s chaotic, beautiful, and smells like a mix of spices, exhaust fumes, and something vaguely floral. i spent yesterday wandering around the grand bazaar, which is basically a sensory overload in the best possible way. i bargained for a ridiculously overpriced rug (i’m terrible at bargaining) and drank way too much apple tea.

someone told me that the best baklava is hidden in a tiny shop near the spice market, but you have to know the owner’s cousin to get in. sounds legit.

man wearing black shirt walking on brown bridge


food-wise, it’s a minefield. i’ve had some incredible things - the kebabs are obviously amazing, and i found this little place that does the most incredible lentil soup. but i also ate something from a street vendor that i strongly regret. let’s just say i spent a significant portion of the night acquainted with the bathroom. TripAdvisor reviews are your friend here, seriously.

my hotel is…interesting. it’s above a hammam, which means i’m constantly hearing the sound of people getting scrubbed. it’s oddly soothing, actually. the owner, a lovely old man named ahmet, keeps trying to set me up with his niece. i think she’s a dentist. i’m politely declining.

if you get bored, bursa and edirne are just a short ferry ride away. i haven't made it there yet, but i'm thinking about it.

white car on road during daytime

i overheard a couple arguing about the best place to get simit. apparently, it’s a very serious matter.


people keep warning me about pickpockets, especially around sultanahmet square. i’m keeping my wallet close, but honestly, i’m more worried about tripping over a cat. there are so many* cats here. they’re everywhere. they own the place. Yelp has some local tips.

and the call to prayer…it’s beautiful, haunting, and completely disorienting when it happens five times a day. i’m still trying to adjust. i found this cool blog about istanbul history Istanbul Historical Society.

overall? istanbul is exhausting, overwhelming, and utterly captivating. i’m pretty sure i’m going to need another week just to process everything. and maybe a new pair of socks. Lonely Planet Istanbul is a good resource if you're planning a trip.

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About the author: Alex Rivera

Trying to make sense of the world, one article at a time.

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